Review of the semi-automatic shotgun MTs-21-12

History of creation

The history of the development of the semi-automatic MTs-21-12 dates back to 1958. At that time, a group of young enthusiastic engineers under the leadership of V. A. Nikolaev, a former designer of TsKIB (central bureau for the creation of sports and hunting weapons), began to develop fundamentally new models of hunting weapons with unique systems. One of the most successful projects was the MTs-21-12 shotgun, which uses a powder gas exhaust system to release the spent cartridge case from the chamber and also feed new ammunition into the barrel.

The appearance of such a unique weapon on the Soviet market did not leave the public indifferent. Professional hunters and gunsmith experts compared the new gun from TOZ with the legendary German Browning. However, the first batch did not receive good reviews, since the MTs-21-12 had several flaws. For example, many owners complained that the model is incompatible with folder sleeves. Therefore, for the next few years the company was diligently modernizing the existing model. Only in 1965 the final version was released, devoid of most of the shortcomings. Subsequently, TOZ began developing the MTs-22-12.

Advantages of MTs-21-12:

• The gun has a good service life; with proper care and consideration, it will serve the hunter for many years.
• The gun is fairly easy to care for. The gun is easy to disassemble, easy to clean and easy to assemble.
• Compared to other semi-automatic shotguns, the MTs-21-12 reloads well, even when using fairly powerful cartridges.
• Due to reloading by moving the barrel, as well as its large mass, the MTs-21-12 gun has a very comfortable recoil.
• The MTs-21-12 shotgun, like many other domestic shotguns, can always be modified and changed to suit your needs.
• Low price of the gun.

Design and principle of operation

The design and the entire operating principle of the MTs-21-12 is based on a powder gas recoil system, as well as a long barrel stroke. The process is supported by several hinges and springs, and pins and couplings are used to secure the parts. To understand exactly how this complex system works, it is necessary to study in detail what happens during a shot:

1. The shooter pulls the trigger. The firing pin hits the cartridge primer. The combustible mixture in the cartridge case ignites, resulting in a strong energy that acts on the bullet and pushes it out of the barrel.
2. Part of the energy enters the barrel branch. As a result, the springs are compressed and the bolt frame moves. The shutter window opens and the spent cartridge case is ejected from the chamber under the action of the extractor.
3. A new chamber is fed from the magazine. This happens because the ammunition in the container is constantly under the action of a spring. Once the chamber becomes empty and it opens, the top cartridge falls into the barrel.
4. The shutter closes. After the new ammunition enters the barrel, the bolt spring will relax again and the cover will return to its original position. This will trigger the barrel locking mechanism and activate the safety.

Now that the basics are understood, and the principle of operation of semi-automatic weapons is clear, we can talk about other parts of the weapon design. Here is a list of just those systems and mechanisms that distinguish the MTs-21-12 from other smoothbore guns:

1. The presence of a non-automatic flag-type fuse. It is directly connected to the trigger, so the shooter will not be able to fire a shot until he moves the lever to the firing position.
2. Wooden stock and pistol grip. Both parts are made of beech or walnut. The stock is lightweight, but has a cheek rest for greater ergonomics, as well as a thick rubber butt pad to absorb recoil.

Stock and fore-end for MTs-21-12, walnut

1. Movable barrel with quick release system. If desired, the owner of the MTs-21-12 can very quickly remove the metal part by simply unscrewing it from the thread in a counterclockwise direction. The chamber remains in place.

As for the trigger, in general its design is standard, but it has improved build quality, since the powder energy can lead to instability of parts. As an addition, we can consider an extractor, which serves to eject the spent cartridge case at the moment when the bolt is in the forward position.

Hunting rifle MTs-22-12

HUNTING RIFLE MTs-22-12

The MTs22-12 single-barreled self-loading hunting shotgun with a fixed barrel was created at the Central Design Research Bureau of Sports and Hunting Weapons (TsKIB SOO) in 1989. The development of this model was caused by an acute shortage of guns of this class in the USSR. The sample was developed by a creative team of TsKIB SOO employees - Yu.V. Dyablov, A.K. Tatarinov, V.N. Nikolaev, L.A. Bykov, M.V. Zotov. The lead designer was Yuri Valeryanovich Dyablov, assembly and debugging was carried out by Yuri Viktorovich Cherenkov. During its creation, the main attention was paid to unification with the MTs21-12 gun, which was mass-produced at that time, also developed at TsKIB SOO. The original parts retained the design and technological bases and the sizing system.

MTs22-12 is a single-barreled self-loading hunting shotgun chambered for a 12-gauge cartridge, intended for commercial and amateur hunting in all geographical regions. For shooting, standard hunting cartridges with a non-metallic sleeve no longer than 70 mm are used. The cartridges can be loaded with shot, buckshot or bullets weighing 32-35 g. The length of the loaded cartridge is no more than 58 mm. To ensure effective hunting, the gun is equipped with replaceable choke tubes: index MTs22-03 DS-1.0 with a choke constriction of 1 mm (installed on the barrel), MTs22-03 DS-0.5 - choke constriction 0.5 mm, MTs22-03 " Cylinder" - with an internal diameter equal to the diameter of the bore.

The barrel of the gun is fixed and detachable, connected to the barrel through the guide lugs of the breech and the barrel coupling, in the upper part of which there are gas chambers. The bore is chrome plated. The locking mechanism is placed longitudinally in the box, and the cartridge is locked by a lug that fits into the groove of the breech shank. The single fire trigger is mounted on a separate base. Tubular under-barrel magazine. The removable forend and stock are made of walnut wood. The gun has a non-automatic flag-type safety locking the trigger when the flag is positioned vertically. The cartridges are fed from the magazine into the chamber automatically when the locking mechanism moves forward. The operating principle of the automation is the removal of powder gases from the barrel into the gas chamber. The “highlight” of the gun’s design is a pulse-type gas propulsion device, which has two cavities with two pistons placed in them. This design kept the overall dimensions of the MTs22-12 gun within the dimensions of the MTs21-12. In addition, the gas propulsion unit is equipped with an automatic gas regulator, which allows the use of cartridges of different power and at the same time obtaining the same speed of impact of the locking mechanism into the box.

The second highlight is the presence of a magazine extension.
To increase the stability of shooting from a gun, the design incorporates special technical solutions: the sighting bar is made with a groove in which a spring-loaded front sight equipped with a locking element is installed. This element interacts with one of the longitudinal holes made along the perimeter of the muzzle device and a pin (in the groove of the front sight) - a limiter of longitudinal movement. Increased survivability and reliability of the gun is ensured by a pressure stabilizer in the gas chambers. The MTs22-12 shotgun has the following characteristics: gun weight no more than 3.5 kg, barrel length - 700 mm, magazine capacity - 4 or 7 rounds (with extension), trigger force - 2-2.5 kgf, operating pressure of powder gases in the barrel bore no more than 663 kg/cm2. TsKIB SOO specialists continue to work to improve the design of the MTs22-12 shotgun, to improve technical characteristics, ergonomic and aesthetic indicators. SHOTGUN CHARACTERISTICS Caliber - 12x70
Year of creation - 1989

Total length—1225 mm

Barrel length - 700-750 mm

Weight - 3.5 kg

Magazine capacity - 4 -7 rounds

Specifications

Despite the fact that the main feature of the MTs-21-12 is the design of the weapon, its technical characteristics will also please any owner who values ​​tight and powerful combat. You can get acquainted with the indicators using the table, which can be found in the model’s weapons passport:

Thus, a semi-automatic shotgun can be used for hunting large game birds, hunting medium- and large-sized animals, and shooting predators. The most important thing is to choose the optimal ammunition - and the MTs-21-12 has practically no problems with this, because the gun can use both standard ammunition and magnum cartridges.

The gun also has a dovetail rail (11 millimeters), which allows the installation of most sighting devices available on the Russian arms market. If desired, the weapon can be equipped with optics, a collimator, a night vision device or even a thermal imager.

The most important pride regarding the performance characteristics of weapons is the high accuracy rate. Even without modification, it is in the region of 55% when shooting with shot from a distance of 40 meters. And if you carry out additional polishing of the chamber and muzzle, then this number will increase to 65%. This is why many hunters value an old but high-quality gun so much.

Advantages

The MTs-21-12 weapon has a number of positive aspects that force not only amateurs, but also professionals to choose this semi-automatic model. Here are just the features that most owners respond positively to:

1. High firing range - ensured by a fairly long barrel and chamber, as well as the possibility of installing additional choke constrictions. And in general, the combat sharpness of a 12-gauge shotgun is quite high.
2. Easy trigger movement is an advantage of a high-quality trigger mechanism. Unfortunately, the MTs-21-12 does not have the ability to adjust the trigger stiffness. However, the smooth action will clearly appeal to novice shooters, as well as many professionals.

Hunting rifle MTs-21-12

1. Well crafted design. Despite the fact that almost 70 years have passed since the release of the first version, it still looks very beautiful even in comparison with modern guns. The unusual, but ergonomic and brutal stock with a butt looks especially nice.
2. Excellent reload speed. The number of shots per minute fluctuates around 50-55 - a very high figure for a smoothbore gun. This was achieved thanks to the gas exhaust system, as well as a spacious chamber.
3. High reliability. The barrel of the weapon is coated with chromium on the inside and nickel on the outside - this increases its resistance to corrosion, as well as the negative effects when using cartridges with an increased amount of gunpowder.

Thus, the MTs-21-12 is a unique and reliable gun that combines an unusual design and good tactical and technical characteristics. However, in any barrel of honey there must be a fly in the ointment.

Flaws

It cannot be said that the MTs-21-12 gun is a complete flaw, but it does have some negative aspects. Here are just the points that most owners of this model complain about:

1. Shooting can only be done with sub-caliber bullets. If you choose a 12-gauge analogue, the barrel may simply swell. However, in fairness it is worth noting that most of the cartridges sold in the store are sub-caliber.

1. The hole in the buttstock often becomes a point of condensation, especially if the weapon is used in heavy fog or in areas with high humidity. After a “wet” hunt, it is recommended to dry the weapon thoroughly.
2. Not the best build quality. Unfortunately, this applies to many shotguns produced by TOZ between 1950 and 1970. Buyers often come across models that they have to modify themselves with a file and sandpaper.
3. Complex design. Because of this, disassembling the weapon, cleaning it, and installing spare parts is significantly more complicated. Although for a professional hunter this should not be a big problem.

A very common problem with the barrel and bolt of a gun deserves special mention, due to which it is not always possible to unload the weapon. For stable operation of the locking mechanism, the parts must have a perfectly even shape, which is extremely rare. Most often, the system refuses to work due to the misalignment of the groove in relation to the combat stop. This problem can be solved by careful grinding with a file or replacing the groove with a new one.

Buy a high-class sports shotgun MTs 11

State Unitary Enterprise KBP - “TsKIB SOO”
Central Design Bureau of Sporting and Hunting Weapons

The single-piece MTs 11 double-barreled shotgun is designed for shooting at fast-moving targets in sports shooting conditions. 12 gauge cartridges are used for shooting.

The gun is available with one or two pairs of barrels. Barrels 750 mm long have special muzzle constrictions, and barrels 675 mm long have pre-muzzle extensions, providing more effective target engagement at short distances.

The detachable trunks are located in a horizontal plane. The connection to the box and locking of the barrels is carried out by barrel hooks, a hinge axis, a forend, a transverse pin and a locking frame.

Impact mechanisms with internal triggers and a trigger mechanism with two regular or universal triggers are mounted on separate bases. The cartridges are removed from the chamber and ejected by separate ejectors mounted in the forend.

The gun has hammer interceptors and an automatic safety that rigidly locks the triggers, which ensures complete safety during operation. The outer surfaces of the metal parts are decorated with highly artistic engraving and chasing. The stock is English or with a pistol grip. The weight of the gun is 3.5 – 3.7 kg.

The MTs 11 shotgun was successfully used by leading sports shooters of the USSR at international shooting competitions. The gun is available in four varieties: MC 11-1, MC 11-2, MC 11-3 and MC 11-4.

The MTs-11 shotgun is a real luxury item, and its acquisition is prestigious for any hunter. This is a wonderful example of traditional weapons craftsmanship, made by skilled Tula craftsmen who have been making magnificent weapons for the Russian Tsars for hundreds of years. When we call the MTs-11 a “Russian Purde,” we mean a well-made English-style gun with full F. Beesley locks. This system, the patent for the production of which was then sold to the James Purde company, is still considered one of the best in the world.

This system is sometimes called “self-opening” because when the top locking key is turned, the barrels themselves lower down under the influence of the mainspring, which pushes them through the cockers.

Opening the system does not require any effort, and the compression of the mainsprings is achieved after cocking the internal hammers into the firing position during the process of closing the barrels and requires the application of some force.

The most unusual feature of the mechanism is that when disassembling the weapon, the mainspring automatically relaxes even when the hammer is cocked.

The design of the gun is made in a strict English style, the keyplates are covered with bouquet engraving, classic for Perde guns. Parts of the internal mechanism and triggers are gold plated to prevent corrosion. But there is one significant difference between the MTs-11 and the English analogue of 12 gauge: “Russian Purde” is almost 800 grams heavier than its English “relative”. There are good reasons for this - the gun was made in Russia, and here, as you know, it is made more and more thoroughly.

At the moment, the MTs 11 gun is a source of pride for the owner. It is extremely rare in private collections.

“I consider this gun to be a very good buy and the gun itself is a superb example of traditional gunsmithing made by some of the best gunsmiths left in the world today.”

Assistant to President Kennedy Roger Barlow

MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY

The manufacturer guarantees the reliable operation of the gun's mechanisms, subject to the storage and operation rules established by this passport. The warranty period is 10 years from the date of purchase of the gun by the consumer, while the operating time should not exceed 30,000 shots.

During the warranty period, the manufacturer will eliminate free of charge any manufacturing defects discovered during operation. If it is impossible to eliminate the defect, the gun will be replaced free of charge.

Ammo selection

For the MTs-21-12 shotgun, sub-caliber cartridges are best suited, since they are ideally suited to the barrel diameter and chamber, and also do not have excessive power. However, such ammunition also has several varieties, so when choosing them you should be guided by the following principles:

1. Case material. The use of brass or folder cartridges is strictly prohibited, since they often get stuck in the bolt during reloading and lead to deformation of various parts. It is best to find plastic sleeves that will not damage the mechanisms even if they get stuck inside.
2. Choice of ballistic projectile. Of course, it all largely depends on the type of game the owner plans to hunt. However, a semi-automatic will show the best accuracy and sharpness of combat when using shot from number 7 to 000. Buckshot and bullets can behave unpredictably at long distances, so it is not recommended to shoot them.

1. A load of gunpowder. One of the disadvantages of the mechanism for removing powder gases is that it is designed only for a certain amount of combustible mixture. So you should forget about any experiments with the amount of gunpowder in the cartridge. Otherwise, it may cause the recharging system to break down due to too much sharpness.

There are no restrictions among ammunition manufacturers - the gun can use both imported and domestic cartridges. However, it is strongly not recommended to shoot “roll-your-own” cigarettes, since they are often of poor workmanship, which affects the health of the weapon.

Caring for MC 21-12

When you come home from hunting and need to clean your weapon, you must make sure that there is no carbon deposits in the bore. Cleaning needs to be done from the chamber side. For control, you can repeat the procedure on the second and third days after use.

When not using the gun, it needs to be cleaned once every two to three months to avoid damage during hunting.

You need to lubricate the weapon with a thin layer of lubricant; to do this, simply moisten a cloth with oil, squeeze it out, and wipe the parts

After working with a gun during humidity (snow, rain, fog, etc.), in addition to cleaning the barrel, mechanisms, parts, you also need to clean and lubricate the bolt return spring, rod, rod.

When hunting in the forest, pay more attention to the safety catch; when walking, it may turn off, so you need to play it safe and carry the gun on the side of the gun on which the safety is not located, that is, usually hang it on your left shoulder. Also, by wearing it on the left, you will take care of the integrity of the structure; most likely, if you wear it on the right, debris and environmental objects (snow, leaves, needles) may get into the mechanisms.

Carry out cleaning and maintenance strictly according to the instructions set out in the technical data sheet of the gun.

Modifications

Over the many years of its existence, the MTs-21-12 gun has received several official modifications, which differ from each other in some design features or appearance. Here is a brief description of only the most famous versions:

1. MC-21-12M. The first modification released, which acquired a muzzle constriction of two options: 0.75 and 1 mm. The weapon has increased accuracy and is used mainly for hunting ducks, geese and other game birds.
2. MC-21-12SH. A custom-made gun that has a unique appearance - artistic design is present throughout almost the entire area of ​​the weapon. This version is also distinguished by the best quality of system improvements.

1. MC-21-12S. A souvenir version, which has not only artistic chasing and engraving, but also silver or gold inserts. In terms of the quality of the mechanisms, the model is also at the highest level.

And these are just those models that are more popular among hunters than others. Do not forget that versions produced at different times may differ from each other. For example, the MTs-21-12M from 1964 is equipped with a dovetail sighting bar, while the modern analogue has a Picatinny mount, a more advanced version of the mounting system.

Tuning

There are a huge number of possibilities for upgrading the MTs-21-12 shotgun. You can install almost any sighting device on the model, while leaving a standard front sight. To do this, there are two grooves on the receiver, located at a distance of 11 millimeters from each other. Most Russian collimators, optical sights, diopters, and so on have exactly this mounting system.

You can also install a body kit under the barrel of a weapon. For example, hunters often attach lights or laser designators to their guns to provide more accurate aiming in twilight or at night. A bayonet-knife also looks great under the barrel, increasing the damage from the weapon in close combat several times. This body kit is attached using a special bracket, which will have to be mounted into the forend with screws.

In addition to installing something new, you can also try replacing old parts. For example, a boring wooden stock and butt can be easily removed by replacing them with a plastic analogue. In terms of weight, such parts are practically the same, but the polymer is much less subject to mechanical damage and is also not afraid of direct sunlight. There should not be any problems with the rubber butt plate, since stocks are often supplied with it.

Optical sight of the MTs-21-12 shotgun

MTs-21-12 is a very interesting example of a hunting weapon that will appeal to both professional hunters and amateurs. The weapon combines most of the positive aspects of 12 gauge and features a simple reloading system. The gun is also an excellent base for modification, which will certainly appeal to every owner.