One of the leaders in popularity among guns from the times of the Soviet Union was the horizontal smoothbore gun IZH-43. It was manufactured by Izhevsk gunsmiths, using the classic IZH-58 gun as a basis. The new model was so popular that entire batches were often exported. True, the abbreviation was modified: instead of “IZH” they put “MR”. The best qualities of the new horizontal plane were considered to be its reliability, simplicity of design and relatively good budget.
About the history of creation
The development of the IZH-43 hunting rifle began in 1980 and continued for 6 years. The IZH-54 - IZH-58 MA - a model with automatic barrel locking was chosen as a prototype for the new weapon. Engineers had to improve the weapon in such a way as to preserve the present automation, but at the same time improve the technical characteristics of the old double-barreled shotgun, and also get rid of all the shortcomings present.
Smoothbore shotguns with horizontal barrels
The first thing that buyers noticed after the release of the IZH-43 was the improved weapon safety indicator. Previously, it consisted of three systems - a locking mechanism, as well as automatic and mechanical fuses. In the new model, each element was modified in such a way that it began to work much more efficiently. For example, the automatic safety no longer turned on by itself, and the barrels were locked with a characteristic click.
Also in the new model of the smoothbore gun, the problem with attaching the barrels to each other was eliminated. Previously, this was done using an under-barrel rail, but now the old technology has been replaced by a metal coupling, which significantly increased the strength of the connection, but reduced the weight of the weapon. Thanks to the coupling, it was finally possible to install an under-barrel body kit - you just had to attach a mounting strip to it.
The technical characteristics of the weapon were improved due to a new firing mechanism (trigger mechanism). In older versions, it was in contact with the barrel lock, which caused the sharpness of the combat to suffer. In the new model, the trigger is in no way connected to the fuses, so the severity of the battle has increased. Accuracy is increased due to the use of a longer barrel with chrome coating. Thanks to this, the weapon could be used to fire shotguns at distances of up to 80 meters.
Trigger mechanism IZH-43
Thus, the new model of the double-barreled shotgun was superior to the old model in all respects - safety, reliability and performance. So it is not surprising that weapons have gained popularity not only among hunting enthusiasts, but also among athletes. Although the gun still gained its greatest popularity after the release of the first modifications, tailored for specific purposes.
Trigger mechanism of the IZH-43 shotgun
The trigger mechanism is mounted on a separate cylinder with two independent triggers, which have a hole for the axle and windows for the springs. A safety bracket is screwed on the bottom. Spring-loading the triggers to the heels of the sear eliminates backlash. The front trigger is also spring-loaded in order to protect the index finger from being hit when firing from the left barrel, that is, when pressing the rear trigger.
The front upper protrusions on the triggers do not allow firing when the barrels are not completely closed, thereby increasing the degree of safety of the gun. The safety is automatic and locks the sear and triggers. It is possible to shocklessly (smoothly) release the triggers from combat cocks to safety cocks, for which it is necessary, with the barrels fully open, to move the safety button to the forward position, press both triggers with your index and middle fingers and smoothly close the gun.
The fuse itself is a flat part, mounted on the shank of the box with an axle and spring-loaded clockwise. The axis of the button runs in the figured groove of the fuse. A pin is attached to the holes below.
Specifications
Technical characteristics are what tell about any weapon better than any words. In the IZH-43 weapons passport you can find a table with the following indicators:
| Characteristic | Parameter |
| Caliber | 20, 16, 12 |
| Cartridge | 18.4 mm |
| Barrel length | 750 mm |
| Power | 80 J |
| Bullet speed | 360 m/s |
| Weapon weight | 3.6 kg |
Due to the fact that the weapon has become more powerful and lighter than its prototype, many hunters have decided to switch to the IZH-43. In addition, the new gun is much better suited for modifications due to the presence of an 11 mm dovetail rib.
Passport for IZH-43
Two concepts
When a person realized that two barrels are better than one and implemented the idea of “two guns on one stock” in metal, the first horizontal line appeared. The history of the appearance of the first guns with horizontally paired barrels is lost in the mists of time, but the surviving flint horizontal guns date back to the late 17th - early 18th centuries, and the very first double-barreled guns - to the 16th-17th centuries.
Probably, several centuries of hunting by our ancestors with double-barreled shotguns with horizontally paired barrels left their mark on our genetic memory. And a true “classic” for the modern hunter is the horizontal gun, albeit without external triggers.
Izh-27 or Izh-43?
But a double-barreled shotgun with vertically paired barrels is a relatively recent invention. The idea was in the air and individually implemented by progressive gunsmiths back in the 19th century, but they were able to create a structurally flawless and easy-to-use vertical gun design only in the second half of the 20th century. To be more precise, not only were they able to create, but they were able to introduce to the masses the idea that the vertical is modern, progressive, prestigious and more sporty.
Izh-27 or Izh-43?
It can be said with fairly great confidence that the “vertical” of J. Browning, which appeared in the 20s. 20th century, and was the very starting point in the popularization of double-barreled shotguns with vertically paired barrels and their mass distribution among hunters and shotgunners.
Design
The real pride of the engineers of the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant is the design of the IZH-43 smoothbore hunting rifle. It was partially copied from the German Sauer-8, but Pugachev (one of the chief engineers of IZHMASH) made significant additions and improvements to it. This is what happened in the end.
Trunk
IZH-43 is a double-barreled shotgun with a horizontal barrel arrangement. Despite the fact that the metal parts are connected to each other by a coupling in the breech, they are removable. Barrels can be either permanent or have choke constrictions. A muzzle attachment with a constriction diameter of 0.5 mm is installed on the right side. On the left choke the narrowing is slightly wider - 1 millimeter.
The maximum barrel length is 750 millimeters (only for 12 gauge), which increases the accuracy of combat at long distances. The inside of the breech is coated with a layer of chromium, which increases service life and reduces friction. The outside is nickel plated with a black finish to make the barrel resistant to corrosion.
The inner surface of the barrel is chrome plated
The chamber of 12-gauge shotguns has a length of 70 to 76 millimeters (depending on the modification). On top of the barrel there is an 11mm rib with a rib to eliminate glare. At the end of the barrel there is a standard bronze front sight that is not adjustable.
Locking system
In order to prevent an accidental shot when the barrels are not completely locked, a special mechanism is used, made of a locking frame and an under-barrel hook. If the gun is in the open position, the mechanism will simply block the movement of the firing pin, making it impossible to pull the trigger.
Although the system is completely self-contained, it can be turned off using a lever located on the top of the receiver. This small flag is attached with a screw to the locking bar, so that by moving it to the right, the barrel locking mechanism will be disabled, and the hunter will be able to remove unfired cartridges.
IZH-43 is equipped with a reliable barrel locking system
Trigger mechanism
Depending on which modification of the MP-43 was chosen, the gun's trigger may have a different design. For example, the original is equipped with two internal triggers, each of which is responsible for the movement of the striker in a certain position (choke or kick). However, some models, for example, IZH-43KH, have one trigger - external. Switching between barrels occurs using a release mechanism. If the flag is in the right position, a pay shot is fired, if it is in the left position, a choke is fired.
The new trigger springs, which are presented in the form of a block attached to the trigger with a pin, deserve special mention. The rigidity of the cylindrical parts is ensured by special rods that “release” the springs when the trigger is pressed. This system has shown high reliability, durability, and resistance to heavy loads. Compression of the mainsprings occurs at the moment the barrels are cocked.
Trigger diagram for a hunting rifle
Fuse
Despite the fact that the old security system caused few complaints from the owners, IZHMASH engineers decided to modernize it anyway, replacing the locking trigger with a part made of carbon steel, and also making the sears wider.
The automatic fuse is located in the lower part of the shank and has an additional fixation with a ball in the upper position. When you press a special button, the trigger is unlocked.
The gun is equipped with an automatic safety
Butt
The forend and butt of the IZH-43 model can be made of different wood species: walnut, beech or birch (depending on the purpose of the modification). The stock also has two shapes - pistol and straight. There are models with a short stock, designed for hunters who prioritize the weight of the weapon over ergonomics. In general, these parts have become a little more convenient than on the IZH-58 prototype.
The butt is attached to the receiver using a special rear screw, which is screwed into the center located between the cylinder and the receiver. On the back side of the wooden part there is also a shock absorber back, fixed with two screws. This part serves to soften the recoil, as well as make aiming more convenient - indispensable when shooting cartridges with a large amount of gunpowder.
Monte Carlo stock and forend for IZH-43
As for the forend, it has not undergone any major changes compared to the IZH-58 model. However, the metal part is attached to the wooden part not using a lever chute, as was usual, but through hinges. This feature provides a more secure hold and also improves the appearance of the weapon.
Versions
Today the gun is produced under the name MP-43 in the following calibers:
- 12th (70 or 76 mm).
- 16th (70 mm).
- 20th (76 mm).
- 410th (76 mm).
The length of the chamber is indicated in parentheses.
The 410-caliber version of the shotgun is produced with drilled barrels in two versions: a cylinder with pressure and a choke, or a cylinder with pressure and a choke. The barrel of the IZH-43 model (12 gauge) has a length of 750 mm. For smaller caliber versions, the length ranges from 510 to 710 mm. Now let's look separately at all the additional modifications of the gun.
Advantages and disadvantages
To form an objective opinion about what a particular weapon is, it is necessary to study its main advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the positive aspects:
- Price. One of the main reasons why many hunters prefer this model. Despite the fact that the guns are made of good quality, they will not cost the owner a fortune - the average price for a used model is around 7 thousand rubles. All this is due to the fact that the IZH-43 model is not equipped with expensive engraving and was produced in a large batch.
- Design. It is difficult to find another smoothbore weapon that boasts such a simple device. It will not be difficult for even a novice hunter to understand it. Thanks to this, the maintenance procedure will not cause any problems, and if it is necessary to repair a particular system, you will not have to contact the workshop for help.
- Tactical and technical characteristics. With correctly selected ammunition, the gun shows excellent accuracy and combat power. The IZH-43 model is often used by professional hunters for shooting bears, moose, wild boars and other large game. At the same time, shooting can be carried out at a fairly large distance from the game (up to 80 meters), which is important when hunting predators.
Of course, every weapon also has negative sides, and the IZH-43 was no exception in this regard. Here are the main disadvantages that users complain about:
- Unstable production quality. This feature is typical for almost the entire model range from IZHMEKHA. The buyer may receive either an excellent quality gun or a defective gun that simply refuses to fire. Yes, the manufacturer provides a guarantee for its product and will certainly replace the unsuccessful sample upon presentation of the receipt and box. However, there will no longer be much pleasure from the purchase.
- The quality of processing of wooden parts. The IZH-58 shotgun, although expensive, looked almost perfect. Particularly pleasing were the forend and butt, which fit tightly with the metal parts and were manually processed to remove burrs. This is not observed with the IZH-43 model. Gun owners very often have to eliminate all the irregularities themselves, using available tools.
- Low quality barrel bluing. Due to the fact that the nickel layer on the metal is quite thin, it fights rust very poorly. Therefore, owners recommend regularly wiping the gun with a dry cloth after use, and also from time to time covering the surface with a thin layer of oil. Ideally, it is recommended to carry out re-bluing yourself at home.
Principle of operation
The design of the gun is simple and very unpretentious, so the main thing when handling a double-barreled shotgun is not to use excessive force. If the instructions are followed correctly, no effort is needed.
Charging the carbine is done as follows:
- turn the unlocking lever to the right as far as possible;
- turn the trunks down all the way;
- insert cartridges sequentially into the chamber;
- return the trunks to their original position. In this case, the unlocking lever should take a central position, if you focus on the shank. If this is not the case, the lever is adjusted by hand.
Particular attention should be paid to manipulations with replaceable choke constrictions. During this procedure, a number of requirements must be met:
- all manipulations are allowed to be carried out only with an unloaded rifle;
- Before each shooting and after changing the restriction, check how well the restriction is tightened. To tighten, use the special wrench included in the kit. If the tightening is insufficient, powder gases break into the gap between the constriction and the barrel, which leads to deformation of parts and even the constriction flying out;
- the replaceable choke should be flush with respect to the muzzle or slightly recessed;
- the muzzle constriction is screwed until the end stops into the protrusion on the barrel bore, but a gap remains between the barrel and the constriction;
- After installation, the channel is inspected: a ring should be visible at the point of contact between the end of the narrowing and the protrusion of the channel. If the integrity of the ring is broken, this means deformation of the narrowing or seat. Shooting in this case is prohibited.
The choke tightness should be checked after 50–100 shots.
This video talks about the features of using the MP-43KN:
Options and modifications
Over the almost 30 years of existence of the IZH-43 gun, quite a lot of interesting modifications have come out, making some changes to the design or appearance of the weapon. Here are just the most common of them:
- The IZH-43E is an ejector model of a standard 12-gauge smoothbore shotgun that ejects the used cartridge when the barrel is opened—an extremely useful system for those who hunt in the cold.
- IZH-43-1S - instead of two triggers, this model uses one “petal”, and switching between barrels is carried out using a mechanism located in the upper part of the receiver.
- IZH-43K is a standard 12-gauge shotgun with two false skins. The weapon was developed for export to the States, but Russian hunters also became interested in it due to the fact that the model is characterized by quick removal of barrels.
- IZH-43KN is a version of the gun with full external triggers. Available only in 12 gauge and used for hunting large game. Both “petals” are protected from an accidental shot by an automatic safety device.
IZH-43KN with external triggers
There are still many modifications: IZH-43M, IZH-43EM - however, they are not much different from the original, so they are not as popular as the four above. You can also give preference to 20 or 16 gauge models. There are also individual samples that have a unique appearance.
Service
In order for a weapon to serve you faithfully for several decades, it must be carefully looked after. To do this, it is recommended to regularly clean the gun from powder deposits and lubricate it with gun oil. This procedure should be carried out no later than one day after hunting or training shots. The tools you will need are a regular cleaning rod (included in the kit), a clean cloth and gun oil, which can be purchased at any gun store.
Before lubrication, it is necessary to partially disassemble the gun, but this must be done with special care, since even the slightest damage to a part can lead to disruption of the entire mechanism. In addition, it is necessary to carefully lubricate all systems that may be exposed to powder gases, not just the muzzle channel. Then you can significantly increase the service life of the gun.
MP-43 should be stored in a dry room, but the temperature regime is not so important. The guns must be placed in a vertical position so that oil does not leak out of the muzzle channel. Of course, you should first unload the weapon before storing it in the safe, and store the cartridges separately.
Tuning at home
One of the main advantages of the IZH-43 over its competitors is that the weapon can be easily modified at home. Tuning is usually divided into three categories:
- Technical - modifications that make changes to the performance characteristics of the weapon or correct manufacturer defects. For example, a common problem is the failure of the ejector to work. You can solve the problem using a file - you just need to slightly trim the barrel channel in which the cartridges are located. Well, to increase the power of the shot, you can cut the barrel by 150 millimeters (reduces the accuracy of the fire).
- Operational - installation of various body kits, which simplifies the process of using the weapon. For example, hunters often install a collimator sight or an open rear sight with a fiber-optic thread on a dovetail sighting bar. Also included in this category is the attachment of an under-barrel “body kit” - a laser pointer (laser designator), a bayonet-knife or an under-barrel flashlight.
- Visual - an upgrade that affects only the appearance of the weapon and does not make any changes to its operation. Most often, owners sand wooden parts with medium-grain sandpaper or cover the stock with a layer of varnish. Connoisseurs can ask craftsmen to put personalized engravings on the metal or even make silver or gold inserts in the weapon.
The MP-43 with the IZH-43 collimator sight
is one of the most successful smoothbore guns produced by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant. In terms of its characteristics, the model is not inferior to foreign analogues, and high reliability and an excellent security system force potential buyers to give preference to the domestic manufacturer.
Analogs
- The predecessor of the MP-43 KN is IZH-43. In design it is close to the new model, but is classified as hammerless. The TOZ-80 was an analogue, but the latter has been discontinued.
- Among the foreign ones we can name the Huglu Hammergun with a 3-inch chamber. Its cost, however, is noticeably higher - about $1000.
MP-43 KN is a hammer-fired smoothbore rifle with the ability to change the choke. This is an excellent option for hunting small animals and birds, especially since the Izhevsk plant produces versions with different barrel lengths.
This video contains a review of the MP-43KN shotgun:
Description of the MP-43 shotgun
Hunting weapon with horizontal barrels. Double locking - with lower latches. In the basic version with internal triggers. There is a model MP-43KN, equipped with a trigger with external triggers. From the moment of release, it had two triggers, working according to the classical scheme - the front one for the right barrel, the rear one for the left one. Moreover, there was an option in which the first time the front hook was pressed, the right barrel would fire, and the second time, the left barrel would fire.
The same thing, but in reverse order, happened with the rear trigger. Now single-trigger models are produced, with a button for selecting the first firing barrel located on the trigger. Between the barrels there is a classic sighting rib with a groove and non-glare corrugation, which is attached to the barrels by soldering using silver. The stock is semi-pistol, made of walnut or beech. However, there is a model with an English (straight) stock.
Photo of the rifle MP-43 12/70
Advantages and disadvantages
The workmanship is decent for a domestic weapon.
- It is impossible to imagine a case or reason why it would not be able to fire.
- Uses any ammunition - factory-made, self-rolled, and types of cartridges - cardboard, plastic, brass.
- Reliable locking of the barrel block with two latches allows you to use reinforced ammunition without fear.
- Barrels are available (optional) from which you can shoot steel shot.
- It is possible to install replaceable choke constrictions.
- We offer a full range of well-known hunting and sporting calibers, including the less common 28, 32 and .410. Unfortunately for magnum lovers, there are no models with a chamber length of 89 mm.
Among the disadvantages (which is also an advantage), it is worth noting that the gun was created with a fair amount of safety margin. Therefore, the stock is far from elegant; if necessary, it can finish off a boar without breaking the neck. As a result, the gun has a decent weight. Some iron-rich semi-automatics weigh less.
- The model with external triggers has an increased degree of safety in use.
- The butt plate of weapons supplied to the domestic market is not equipped with a shock absorber. In general, this is a weapon for tough Russian men who can, if desired, crush a bear with their bare hands.
An overview of the MP-43 shotgun is presented in this video:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ERerGe-OXa8
Varieties
- MP-43 is a basic model with a semi-pistol or straight English stock, internal hammers and two triggers. Removal of spent cartridges is carried out using an extractor.
- MP-43E - differs from the basic one in the complete ejection of the spent cartridge case (ejection).
- MP-43-1S is a model with one trigger and extraction of spent cartridges.
- MP-43E-1C - the same thing, but the cartridges are thrown into the shooter's face.
- MP-43KN is a model with external hammers, its receiver is decorated with engraving, and the triggers are gold-plated.
