Izh-18e single-shot hunting rifle: characteristics and disassembly procedure

History of IZH-18

The history of the creation of IZH-18 dates back to the post-war years. At that time, IZHMASH engineers were faced with the task of developing a single-barreled breaking gun by crossing IZHB and ZKB samples with each other. The new model was created and improved for almost 20 years, so the first gun came off the assembly line only in 1970. Structurally, it was not much different from its prototypes, but it had improved technical characteristics, which hunters immediately noticed.

Lightweight and accurate single-barrel IZH-18

In subsequent years, the Izhevsk plant was developing modifications for the MP-18. For example, models with reduced weight, improved balance, and new design solutions were released onto the market. The engineers paid special attention to the trigger mechanism, since it had the most complaints among buyers. Over time, the 1970 model gun became almost ideal and received its well-deserved legendary status.

Specifications

Tactical and technical characteristics (TTX) are what describe a weapon better than any story from the owner. You can find them in the gun passport that comes with the gun. This information is presented in the table:

Due to its light weight and high power, the weapon does not have the best ergonomics, but is suitable for shooting by men and women. Well, the variety of caliber choices is something that hunting enthusiasts will especially like.

IZH-18 is in demand by hunters due to its light weight and high power

Smoothbore weapons

Depending on the number of barrels, it can be single-barrel, double-barrel, for example, “vertical” or “horizontal”, three-barrel - tees, and multi-barrel. The latter option is extremely rare among hunters. Most often, hunters use smoothbore shotguns, designed not only for shooting prey, but also for military purposes - for close combat. They mainly use twelve-gauge cartridges. The value of a smoothbore shotgun as a type of military weapon lies in the fact that it can cover a wide area with one shot. This compensates for inaccuracy when aiming. Shots are fired at distances from fifty to seventy meters.

Design

Structurally, the IZH-18 is not much different from the smooth-bore weapons produced in the pre-war years. However, the engineers still managed to introduce several features characteristic of a certain part of the weapon.

Trunk

The barrel of the MP-18 shotgun is connected to the block using a special under-barrel hinge and trigger. Most modifications are produced without a sighting rib, but in any case there is a metal front sight at the end of the barrel. Depending on the caliber, the length of the muzzle channel varies from 620 to 750 millimeters. And the greater the distance inside the barrel a ballistic projectile travels, the greater the accuracy of the hit it has.

Most IZH-18 models have a constant choke, which ranges from 0.5 to 1 millimeter. Such guns are marked "Var" on the breech and do not have the ability to modify the barrel. If the muzzle constriction is removable, then at the end of the cut there will certainly be a recessed flush section intended for tightening the constriction. With this feature, the hunter can check the locking of the muzzle attachment directly during the hunt after each shot.

IZH-18 barrel markings

Another feature of the barrel is that it is chrome plated, as is the chamber. This is done in order to increase the service life of the weapon. Models that use shot as a ballistic projectile have a larger layer of chrome than those that fire bullets. These varieties can be distinguished by the “STEEL” marking at the muzzle. If such letters are carved there, it means that the gun is suitable for shooting using pellets.

Locking mechanism

A distinctive feature of the MP-18 is the single barrel locking using an under-barrel hook and hinge. The system has a special trigger lock that will prevent the shooter from firing until the barrel is completely locked. To unlock the weapon and release a whole cartridge, you will have to press a special lever located at the rear of the receiver. This function will seem especially useful if the cartridge misfires.

Underbarrel hook and locking mechanism

Trigger mechanism

The USM (trigger mechanism) of the IZH-18 shotgun is completely located in the receiver - only the trigger sticks out. The mechanism of action of the striker is almost no different from the standard used during the manufacture of smooth-bore guns. The shot is fired under the action of a spring, after which the trigger rebounds and moves backward.

The main distinguishing feature of the MP-18 trigger is the smooth release of the trigger, which can be set to safety after cocking the release lever to the “Fire” mode. There is also a “petal” cocking indicator on the block, so the hunter can see whether the weapon is loaded. In the dark, this “indicator” can be easily felt with a finger.

USM MP-18 circuit diagram

Fuse

The non-automatic push-button safety of the IZH-18 shotgun is a small flag that can take two positions: ON and OFF. When the weapon is in fire mode, a red mark becomes visible on the left side of the safety, signaling that you should be careful when handling a loaded MP-18. If the model is discharged, then the fuse will cover this very mark.

Hunting rifle safety

The trigger is locked using a standard sear. Even if the weapon falls to the ground at the moment of combat readiness, the shot will not fire, since the protrusion of the trigger will not hit the firing pin. Also, additional safety is provided by the safety locking mechanism, which does not allow the hunter to fire a shot if the barrel is not completely locked - the firing pin simply will not reach the firing pin.

Butt

Typically, the IZH-18 stock is made of walnut or beech, but there are rarer modifications, for example, from birch. The neck of the stock is almost always pistol. The direct version is used only in those models that are intended for shooting with bullets and darts. The butt end is often equipped with a rubber butt pad, which slightly reduces recoil and improves ergonomics. Some modifications can also be equipped with a plastic stock, which is lighter in weight and is not susceptible to excess moisture.

Stock and handguard for MP-18

Options

The barrel length of the IZH-18 (caliber 12 and 16) is 725 or 735 millimeters. The rest of the guns have 675-680 mm. The barrel is chrome plated. It does not have an aiming bar, but it does have a front sight. Models of the twelfth and sixteenth calibers weigh no more than 2.8 kilograms, and the rest are smaller - no more than 2.6 kg. The IZH-18 gun is equipped with a reliable safety lock, ensuring a high degree of safety during operation. The weapon cannot be fired until the barrel is completely closed. This happens thanks to a locking mechanism. When a rifle is dropped with the hammer cocked or from an impact, no shot is fired, since the trigger, when released from the combat cock, becomes automatically on the safety cock, without hitting the firing pin.

Modifications

A large number of modifications is what allows the MP-18 to remain popular among buyers even 50 years after its release. Most models are available in a smoothbore version with some modifications. However, there are also more exotic guns that have received several rifling in the barrel.

Smoothbore

Smoothbore modifications of the IZH-18 began to be produced in 1970 - almost from the very moment when the first basic gun rolled off the assembly line. This weapon is popular among hunting enthusiasts, athletes, and collectors. Here are some examples of models and their brief descriptions:

1. IZH-18E is one of the first modifications of the classic gun, which was born in 1970. A distinctive feature of this weapon is the presence of an ejector - a special mechanism that ejects used cartridges from the barrel.
2. IZH-18M (MP-18M) is perhaps the most popular modification at the moment. It incorporated many design changes that improved the technical characteristics of the weapon and also reduced its weight.
3. IZH-18EM is a modified version of the weapon with an ejector. Considering that many hunters do not like the mechanism for ejecting cartridges, engineers decided to install this system only in certain samples.
4. IZH-18MA is a modified shotgun with automatic safety. Unlike the basic version, weapons no longer need to be put into safe mode manually. The flag is switched at the moment the trigger is cocked.
5. IZH-18MAE is a modification with an automatic fuse, as well as a dual-mode ejector that can be switched directly during hunting. If the owner wants to turn off the ejection of cartridges, he only needs to move the slide.

Smoothbore shotgun MP-18EM-M Sporting walnut L-750

1. IZH-18 MAX is a model for true connoisseurs and collectors, differing from the standard model in improved finishing and metal engraving. It is supplied mainly to the international market.
2. IZH-18M-M is the most modern version of the weapon, which has the ability to change choke constrictions. Moreover, the rifle is available in various calibers, so the potential buyer has a truly wide choice.
3. IZH-18EM-M (MP-18EM-M) is a new version of a modified gun with an ejector. The ejection mechanism differs from the previous model in being more reliable (sometimes the cartridges got stuck in the barrel after firing).
4. IZH-18MK is an “amateur” modification, characterized by the presence of external triggers with safety cocking and release. It was developed mainly for those who like to independently install the USM in safe mode.
5. MP-18M-M “Junior” is the lightest modification of all existing ones. The model was developed for teenagers and women, so the dimensions of the stock and fore-end were slightly reduced. Available only in 20 and 410 calibers.
6. MP-18EM-M “Sporting” is a new model of the legendary weapon, which has an aiming rib and a spare front sight included. The standard stock was replaced with a Monte Carlo model.

These are all smoothbore modifications of MP-18 weapons produced by IZHMASH until 2022.

Rifled

The Izhevsk Mechanical Plant produced only one modification with a rifled barrel - the MP-18MH. The gun is designed for the following calibers:

• 30-06 Spring;
• 7.62*54R;
• 7.62*51 (308Win);
• 7,62*39;
• 243Win;
• 223Rem.

IZH-18MN fitting with a rifled barrel

The main purpose of the model is hunting. And due to the fact that the weapon has a simple design, it is suitable even for a novice shooter.

Shortcomings

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Despite all the advantages, IZH-5 single-barreled shotguns had certain disadvantages. Having one barrel causes some inconvenience during hunting. They tried to eliminate this defect by building a magazine similar to a rifle model, but the modification did not catch on in widespread use.

Quite often, the barrels of domestic single-barreled guns became loose in the block after two or three hundred shots. This happened due to an inaccurate fit of the pad's seating area. The American analogue was capable of sustaining five to ten times more shots. The locking mechanism of the Izhevsk model was also not particularly reliable. Another significant drawback that the IZH-5 hunting shotgun had was the use of a cartridge with a paper sleeve, which contributed to the deterioration of the quality of the shot. Nevertheless, experienced hunters achieved battle accuracy of at least 40 percent.

Complete and partial disassembly of the gun

Partial disassembly of the IZH-18 is carried out, as a rule, if necessary to carry out maintenance or transport the weapon. In this case, the owner must perform actions according to the following instructions:

1. Pull back and hold the latch, which is located at the bottom of the forend.
2. We turn the forend in the direction of the barrel and separate it without making much effort.
3. Move the locking lever to the top as far as it will go.
4. We turn the barrel down until it separates from the box.

IZH-18 M-M disassembled
Complete disassembly of the weapon is usually carried out if it is necessary to get rid of severe contamination or to repair some system. In this case, the following algorithm will help:

1. We unscrew all the screws and remove the back of the head.
2. We hit the box against a wooden object and remove it along with the butt.
3. Disconnect the ejector (if equipped) from the firing mechanism.
4. We disassemble the trigger, removing all existing grooves and pins.

Assembling the weapon is carried out strictly in the reverse order. It is also recommended that you handle small parts, such as pins, carefully, as they can be easily lost.

Read more about the design features of the weapon

As already mentioned, the gun has one barrel, and it is rifled. The barrel design is the so-called “free floating” (also suspended). Thanks to its design, the fitting has excellent accuracy. The weapon is loaded in the traditional way for most hunting rifles - by breaking the barrel. It is clear that with this design the gun is single-shot. There is no chrome plating in the muzzle channel, which is unusual for rifled fittings.

At this time, in addition to the MP-18MN 308 and MP-18MN 223 Rem, other modifications of this weapon are being developed. In particular, some versions will be equipped with barrels adapted for firing 12/76 and 20/76 charges. Such versions of the weapon will be produced with an additional barrel or with several additional barrels of different calibers (up to 4 barrels for one weapon). Additional barrels provide the opportunity to hunt small, medium, and large game.

The trigger of the fitting is hidden in the inside of the box, this makes its operation more reliable. The gun has a rebound trigger and a spring-loaded firing pin. The gun has an open sight and is made traditionally. The front sight is adjusted according to the “up-down” pattern, the rear sight according to the “right-left” pattern. The gun can be equipped with optics. To install an optical sight, the gun is equipped with a Picatinny rail. The butt and stock of the gun are wooden.

Advantages and disadvantages

Even legendary weapons have not only advantages, but also disadvantages. However, let's first start with the positive aspects, since there are many more of them:

• high accuracy of combat - ensured by a long barrel, as well as the possibility of installing additional choke constrictions on most models;
• quality - the barrels are made of high-strength weapon steel, which is coated on the inside with a layer of chrome;
• low weight - not only adult men, but also teenage girls can use the weapon, since its weight does not exceed 3.3 kilograms;
• convenient design - since the trigger is located in the receiver, complete disassembly of the weapon is easy;

• good safety system - the presence of a non-automatic safety and barrel lock reduces the likelihood of an accidental shot to almost nothing;
• choice - MP-18 shotguns are available in various calibers, so the buyer can choose something interesting for himself;
• good balancing and grip - the gun is quite comfortable to aim since it does not pull forward or backward;
• cost is one of the best features characteristic of most models produced by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant.

Among the shortcomings of weapons, only three points are usually noted:

• single-shot - the hunter will have no room for error;
• lack of an aiming bar - there is no possibility to install a collimator or optics;
• the uniqueness of some models - especially those produced for export.

In all other respects the gun is almost perfect. So, if the reader is looking for a reliable and inexpensive smoothbore weapon, you should definitely pay attention to this model.

Advantages of shotguns

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Fans of 16-gauge shotguns call it a universal shotgun, since a shotshell of this size is suitable for any hunting. It also has good muzzle energy and excellent combat sharpness

Compared to other, more powerful weapons, firearms of this caliber are lightweight, which is very important during long hikes. Experts also note the elegance and aesthetics of 16-gauge hunting rifles

Smoothbore guns were wildly popular among hunters in the past. The advantages of 16-gauge shotguns also include the fact that in the middle of the last century, shooters preferred them.