MC 19-09. TsKIB large-caliber carbine chambered for 9.3x64

A little history about the creation of MTs-9.

The MTs-9 double-barreled hunting rifle was produced for a very short period of time - only 6 years, from 1954 to 1960.
For the first two years, MTs-9 was manufactured manually, then using automated processes. Neither the MTs-9 nor its numerous modifications went into mass production, that is, this gun remained at the experimental level, but approximately 700 units were still produced. This gun was never supplied to the retail chain, and the manufactured samples were piecemeal, and were always made to order for a specific owner as an expensive gift. There was practically no other way to obtain MTs-9 at that time. Currently, the MTs-9 is quite rare, although if you wish and have a certain amount of luck, you can get it as your own

MC 19-09. TsKIB large-caliber carbine chambered for 9.3x64

Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev loved hunting and, being an expert, valued high-quality weapons. And it was on his initiative that in the USSR, in the 1970s, the development of high-quality hunting rifles began. Initially these were two self-loading models MTs 125, MTs 126 and one carbine with manual reloading - MTs 19-07, which is one of two representatives of the MTs 19 family.

MTs 19-07 is produced under the 7.62x51 cartridge, while the “nine” uses a powerful 9.3x64 cartridge, which covers all conceivable tasks when hunting the “Russian troika”, but is most suitable for hunting the largest animals in Russia - the giant elk and Far Eastern bear.

When I first picked up this weapon, at first it didn’t make much of an impression on me: it was somehow “sleek,” outwardly similar to the “trade” MTs 20-01 made in Tula. But what caught my attention was the solidity of the design, as well as the excellent processing of the metal, its excellent bluing and the precisely adjusted joint between the barrel breech and the receiver. That's all. Everything seemed too simple then – steel and walnut. And - no external shine and gloss characteristic of modern imported hunting weapons.

Several years passed, during which I developed a practical interest in TsKIB weapons in general and in classic large-caliber weapons in particular. Much was realized anew, something was rethought. And most importantly, it was a good opportunity to carefully study and try out that same carbine in practice.

There is only one way to obtain the most complete and reliable information - turning to the original source. In this case, I turned for help to the designer of the SOO TsKIB Arkady Konstantinovich Zakharyan, who was at the origins of the appearance of MTs 19.

A.K. Zakharyan was born in 1950 in Baku. In 1967, his family moved to Tula. In the same year, Arkady entered TsKIB SOO as a draftsman-designer, then the army, institute and again TsKIB SOO. Currently, Arkady Konstantinovich works as deputy head of the department for the development of sporting and hunting weapons. Developed carbines MTs 19-07, MTs 19-09, MTs 20-07. In recent years, he has been developing new models MTs-555 and MTs-557.

Design features of MC 19

It is often claimed that the MC 19 rifles are copied from the Mannlicher system. At first glance, it is so – the same smooth lines of the bolt group, the same rotary magazine and the pronounced “classic” weapon. And only upon closer examination and comparison does it become clear that there is good reason to talk about the originality of any weapon model of the MC brand. And it doesn’t matter that the external design of the MTs 19 is somewhat reminiscent of an Austrian rifle. And let the rotary magazine have been the calling card of the same Mannlicher for more than 100 years.

The time has come to understand that any modern small arms system is a more or less successful compilation of long-known and proven technical solutions, combined by the designer to most effectively complete the task. In any case, there will be original developments here, which allows us to talk about truly new designs.

In the case of the MTs 19, as with any TsKIB weapon, the developers pursued the goal of obtaining a reliable, accurate and beautiful high-class weapon. This is what was implemented in practice.

Let's start by trying to determine what it is - a high-class weapon. According to A. Zakharyan, such a weapon should have all the signs of “thoroughbred” and be impeccable, like a beautiful woman, when looking at whom you don’t want to take away or add anything.

Style defines the silhouette. And it’s hard to disagree with this. And the creators of high-quality weapons in any country in the world strive for these ideals.

Reliability

A high-quality hunting weapon, in the opinion of TsKIB designers, should not be inferior in reliability to domestic army models. Let's not forget that the Central Design Research Bureau is part of an elite defense unit, and its main activity is work in the field of army weapons. Hence the requirements and test conditions: MC brand hunting carbines are tested according to the same scheme as military developments. This determines their high reliability.

As a clear example: the MTs 19 bolt (which traces its history back to the MTs 20-01 gun bolt and is a completely original TsKIB design) can be completely disassembled by hand for its maintenance. For field conditions this is a very important point. Anything can happen on a hunt. And a dusty or over-lubricated bolt can cause misfires or delays when firing. Plus, the design of the bolt group itself is quite simple. All gunsmiths know that the most difficult thing is to create a simple, but most efficient design. European manufacturers do not always adhere to the axiom that says: the more intermediaries, the greater the likelihood of refusal. TsKIB honors old traditions.

Accuracy

Of course, a high-quality weapon must be accurate and have appropriate combat accuracy. MC carabiners also meet these parameters. Here I would like to cite one fact: when testing the first copy of the MTs 19, carried out in 1978, all five shooters received an accuracy of fire from 18 to 26 mm, firing a series of five shots. Agree – even by today’s standards, this is a very good result. All TsKIB weapon barrels are made from very well-proven special steel (30HN2MFA GOST V 5160-89). The rifling in rifle barrels is produced by electrochemistry, which, together with a correctly calculated barrel contour, ensures the absence of stress in the metal and good thermal stability. The barrel length of the MC 19-09 is 650 mm, with a total length of the weapon of 1160 mm.

The combination of unconditional design “thoroughbredness”, originality of design, high reliability and excellent accuracy are the very criteria that determine the high class of hunting weapons. Let's add a limited edition here and pay attention to the characteristics of the materials used.

It is precisely here that it should be noted that now many well-known manufacturers of hunting weapons are guilty of striving to reduce the cost of products by using plastic and light alloys. The capabilities of modern CNC machines make it possible to assemble weapons without the use of a file, in other words, with a minimal investment of expensive manual labor of highly qualified specialists. As a result, the conveyor produces a huge number of absolutely identical machine-made weapons, which, together with the content of a large amount of composite materials and duralumin in the design, classifies it as a serial hunting weapon, nothing more.

Of course, the use of compromise materials and technologies makes it possible to obtain lighter and cheaper weapons. But TsKIB deliberately uses expensive and labor-intensive technologies, according to a long-established tradition. And, you see, 3.6 kg is not that much weight for a carbine made of steel and walnut, using a 9.3x64 mm cartridge.

Shop

Another example: let’s take the same modern Mannlicher, which, with its excellent action (barrels for these rifles were made in Izhevsk not so long ago) and the beauty of its design, has a plastic magazine and a safety lever. But in the MC 19 there is no plastic and cannot be in principle, and the magazine is made by milling from aluminum alloy B95, which in its characteristics is very close to steel and is widely used in the manufacture of highly loaded parts. One interesting point is that both magazines that come with each MC magazine are individually adjusted to the weapon in such a way that when feeding, contact between the cartridge and the receiver is completely eliminated. This is one of the factors that has a positive effect on the stability of the battle. The MTs 19 magazine has a double-sided latch and reliable fixation, is convenient in equipment and compact in itself.

The choice of this particular rare design of the carbine was determined by the desire to obtain a gain in the height of the middle part of the carbine, with a magazine capacity of five rounds, which is above average. At the same time, the weapon, in the area of ​​the fore-end, became more “graspy” and acquired pronounced recognition.

Open sights are represented by a classic open front sight and a rear sight with two lifting flaps, allowing shooting at 100 and 300 m.

Bracket for optical sight

All MC brand weapon mounts are distinguished by their ease of use, reliability and original design, which ensures the precision installation of the sight necessary for weapons with high accuracy.

An optical sight on an MC weapon is usually installed domestically, but the installation of any optics is possible, as well as the design of any bracket that meets customer requirements.

Trigger mechanism

The MTs 19 trigger mechanism has a trigger that is automatically turned off when the bolt approaches the rearmost position and when the carbine is put on safety. The trigger characteristics are excellent and are equally good for both offhand shooting with open sights and precision shooting with optics.

Cartridge 9.3x64

Little-known pages of the history of colonial Germany are associated with this cartridge. After WWI, the Germans lost almost all their colonies. But, which is understandable, even in the devastated country there were people who had the desire and opportunity to hunt outside Germany, incl. – on large and dangerous animals. Demand creates supply. And the German hunters received “their” cartridge, loudly called in the Brenneke catalogs the cartridge “for any animal on Earth.” This is how the difficult and not very well-known history of the German “African Nine” began, initially intended to become a competitor to one of the best cartridges in this class, the 375 H&H, and the popular 9.3x62.

The Germans had a long tradition of developing large bore cartridges, but these were primarily chambered and had a case flange. To use the Mauser rifle mod. 1898, a wafer chuck was needed. And in 1905, the 9.3x62 cartridge became such, with a case diameter equal to that of the 8x57 army rifle cartridge. But its power was not always sufficient. It's time for 9.3x64.

The goal of this development was to obtain the maximum power cartridge that could be used in the standard M98, without significant modification. Indeed, the 9.3x64 only required a re-barrel and minor processing of the bolt cup and magazine window, but was at the same time 15% more powerful than the 9.3x62. The author of the new cartridge was Wilhelm Brenneke.

in the photo below, the domestically produced 9.3x64 cartridge is located second from the left

Usually the creation of this cartridge dates back to 1927. But there is mention that 9.3x64 was developed back in 1910. Considering the fact that Germany lost colonies after WWII and the terrible devastation after Versailles, this version has a right to exist.

If we take the development date of 9.3x64 in 1927 as the main version, then it is worth considering that the scope of application of this cartridge sharply narrowed after the war. However, small quantities of the cartridge and weapon appeared commercially. They gained some popularity and are still produced in Germany: these are RWS cartridges, with a 19-gram UNI bullet (formerly called TUG) and a 14.6-gram DK high-speed bullet. Recently, “original Brennekes” have appeared with the same 19-gram TUG bullet.

In the USA, this cartridge is produced by A-Square, with “triad” bullets - monolithic bronze, semi-expansive and expansive.

In those African countries where 9.3 caliber is permitted, these cartridges are successfully used to shoot the largest animals, up to and including elephants.

In Russia, the patron found a “second homeland”. Perhaps the main factor was that it was accepted by the Russian military. Modern armies are strengthening the armor protection of the ordinary soldier, and our army cartridges - rifle-machine gun 7.62x54R and machine gun 5.45x39 are becoming ineffective. For example, the ceramic panels of modern US body armor “hold” the SVD armor-piercing bullet, and our soldiers find themselves almost unarmed against Western-style heavy infantry. The 9.3x64 cartridge, with its energy, is dangerous for the enemy even at long distances, and weapons for it can be obtained by altering existing samples.

According to Western data, the Russian army is armed with SVDK rifles and 9SN (?) cartridges with bullets weighing 16.6 g and a steel core, which can destroy body armor at distances of up to 600 meters.

Civilian versions of the cartridge - half-shell and shell - are produced in Novosibirsk and Barnaul. They have similar passport data (bullet weight 17.4 g), but differ slightly in ballistics and require separate shooting. TsKIB weapons are zeroed with a Novosibirsk half-shell.

The first 9x64 with a half-flange based on 8.2x66 was made by M.N. Blum in 1956, and 9x64 of the Brenneke type was made by M.M. Blum in 1970, who was involved in adapting 9.3x64 for domestic production.

Summary

MTs 19-09 is that very prestigious “classic” that is now talked about so much in the world weapons periodicals. This is a beautiful, reliable and well-made weapon, into which a large amount of manual labor has been invested by our craftsmen. By purchasing a carbine or gun under the MC brand, no matter whether it is Soviet or modern, a hunter becomes the owner of a truly unique weapon, which by all criteria is a high-class weapon.

People famous in the fields of politics and art hunt with MTs 19-09 carbines. This article illustrates the carbine of Andrei Parshev, a connoisseur of TsKIB weapons, an expert in the field of small arms and the author of the acclaimed book “Why Russia is not America.”

And now, interesting facts, usually inaccessible and therefore of concern to all owners of MC weapons: the production of MTs 19-09 was 105 units, and MTs 19-07 – 280 units. As you can see, these are more than modest numbers, but they determine the rarity of the “nineteenth” MC model.

The price for carbines in 2008 was determined: MTs 19-07 - 83,000 rubles, MTs 19-09 - 92,000 rubles. The price range, as usual, is determined by the market. Pay attention to the design of the quick-release swivels. If the swivel is removed, the place where it is attached becomes almost invisible, and the appearance of the weapon becomes more noble.

The MTs-19-09 carbine is equipped with a travel kit for weapon care, where you can also place a spare magazine and ammunition.

Yuri Maksimov Master gun 07 - 2012

Trigger MTs-9 - characteristics

In appearance, the MTs-9 is a classic double-barreled horizontal gun, a turning point. Consists of three main parts: fore-end, dual barrels and butt.

The barrels were made by hand from high-quality steel, with chrome-plated chambers and the inside of the barrels themselves. The manufacturing process was quite labor-intensive, but the resulting barrels were simply excellent.

The triggers on the MTs-9 are external, so there is no safety lock, which overall makes this gun more reliable and easier to use. The barrel locking mechanism is simple and reliable: two under-barrel hooks and an upper transverse bolt. A simple but still effective locking system.

MTs-9 has two main modifications: sports and hunting. The difference is in the length of the barrels: the sports version has 760 mm, and the hunting version has 730 mm.

But the hunting version of the MTs-9 has a wide variety of calibers: 10, 16, 20, 32 and 410. Not a single MTs-9 gun with the above calibers went into mass production, that is, they remained experimental.

There was a version in production, with vertically positioned barrels, also under the symbol MTs-9 and also with 12 gauge

The MTs-9 had a 70 mm chamber, since until 1964 the gunpowder was smoky and black, unlike the green smokeless one that is currently used. The cartridges were used only in a paper sleeve.

A Gun for Life (Part II)

(Ends. Beginning in the article “A Gun for Life (Part I)

)»)

After the release of the 1st part of the material “A Gun for Life” (“MR” No. 159), some readers had questions that I consider necessary to answer before moving on to the further narrative.

First question. The reader noticed an inaccuracy in the description of the TS-1 gun. Yes, indeed, the receivers of “TS” shotguns could not be nickel-plated, since this process was not used at TOZ in the late 40s. Colored tracing paper was used, which very quickly lost its decorative (but not protective) properties during use, especially for sporting shotguns. For the manufacture of receivers, TsKIB used different types of steel: from 20 to 50A. The higher the grade of steel, the stronger it is, but the less beautiful the color range is obtained in the process of color hardening. Therefore, most likely, 50A steel was not used in the manufacture of TS shotgun receivers. The TS-1 shotgun, presented in Part 1, was restored in the 70s. Hence the nickel on the box and the sports stock. Initially, “TS” guns had a straight line or, as D.M. calls it. Kochetov, “rifle” stock. Unfortunately, today in Russia no one deals with colored tubs and no one knows how to restore them.

Second question. Not everyone liked the version of why the hammerless MTs-9 received the same number as the hammerless one. The prerogative to give model numbers belonged to I.M. Mikhalev. The version was voiced by a person who knew Ivan Mikhailovich well.

The third question concerned the relationship between the hammer-operated MTs-9 and the MTs-11 shotgun.
Here the story is as follows. In the early 50s, shooting sports began to actively develop in the country. In particular, skeet guns were required in large quantities. The main sports car at that time, the MTs-11, was expensive to produce and difficult to set up. Therefore, it was decided to develop a cheaper gun with external hammers. The “progenitor” of all Tula “triggers” is the TOZ model “B”. TsKIB has been working on this model since the first day of its existence. SHOM graduates knew her thoroughly. Therefore, the hammer-operated MC-9 in different calibers and versions for sports and hunting was developed very quickly and differed from the MTs-11, in principle, only in the locks. TsKIB began assembling MTs-9 in 1954. Since 1956, MTs-9 began to be mass-produced at TOZ by workshop No. 12. All TsKIB “patriots” who defend the honor of their favorite brand in heated debates need to understand that until 1958 TsKIB and TOZ were one. "Gladiators".
Engraver: Shurinov Andrey Vladimirovich The production tasks of TsKIB were solved by workshop No. 22 - an experimental TOZ workshop, which in the early 50s was transferred to TsKIB. Barrel blanks were made by workshop No. 14. The assembly of barrel blocks was carried out by workshop No. 18. I think this is why the TOZ mark is found on the upper part of the barrels of the TS-2 and MTs-11 shotguns. TsKIB acquired its own barrel section in the late 50s. In fact, the issues of organizational and technological interaction between TOZ and TsKIB are still waiting for their researchers. As for the quality and, accordingly, the price, they depended on one thing: under what production conditions (piece or serial) the gun was produced. For example: the price of a piece MTs-9 was more than three times higher than the serial one.

The fourth question is about the MTs-9-02 model. “Vertical guns” MTs-9-2 and MTs-9-02 are the same gun with a universal trigger mechanism.

Fifth question about the “Russian Boss”. Indeed, the history of the restoration of V.V. Zimenko would not be complete without mentioning the wonderful master from Zelenograd, Vladimir Ivanovich Gavrilov. It was he who ultimately “defeated” Robertson’s three-pressure mechanism, debugging it after the gun returned from TsKIB after restoration.

MTs-109

In 1971, a new MTs-109 gun appeared, which for some reason was called a “deep modernization” of the MTs-9 gun. Since then, the word “modernization” has been repeated constantly, despite the fact that the MTs-9 and MTs-109 are completely different guns. If we talk about “modernization,” it would most likely be the MTs-7 gun, from which the MTs-109 differs, perhaps, only in the locks. Therefore, I think it would be fair to name those who were directly involved in the development of the MTs-7 shotgun in 1965: N.S. Ryzhov, L.A. Bykov, Yu.V. Dyablov, I.P. Korneichev, M.V. Kostryukov, M.I. Skvortsov, V.A. Nikolaev, V.A. Pogozhev, A.K. Tatarinov, I.M. Khripunov. The first copy was assembled by assembler I.A. Sysoev.

MTs-109 was designed by Nikolai Sergeevich Ryzhov with the participation of Mikhail Ivanovich Skvortsov. Locking is carried out by two U-shaped locking frames. The lower one fits into the grooves of the front under-barrel hook, the upper one, with its rectangular pins in cross-section, contacts the ends of two protrusions on the breech section of the barrel block, which fit into the grooves of the block. This frame is not perpendicular to the plane of the block, but is slightly inclined downward, which provides a self-tightening effect in the locking units when firing. The hinge assembly consists of two axle shafts pressed into the walls of the receiver. The hinge is unloaded by protrusions on the sides of the barrel block and a rectangular protrusion at the bottom of the block, which fit into special recesses in the receiver. The contact area between the barrel block and the box is such that, taking into account the self-tightening effect, we can talk about one of the strongest and most durable locking systems in the world.

The solutions laid down by the designer are implemented by the assembler, achieving during the “adjustment” process the maximum mating of the parts of the gun, literally “rubbing” the block of barrels into the receiver. Careful “adjustment” is the “strong point”, which, together with draft, quality of materials and technical solutions, ensures the legendary survivability of TsKIB guns. The upper barrel of the MTs-109 is manufactured together with a coupling, into which the lower barrel is then pressed. False locks are mounted on the side bases and have interceptors. A certain number of MTs-109 were produced with locks that used a cantilever-mounted plate mainspring. It was abandoned in favor of a two-finned one. The hammers are cocked and the mainspring is charged when opening. The gun has ejectors and a non-automatic safety. It is intended for hunting and is available in a smooth-bore version of only 12 gauge with two (MTs-109-12) or one (MTs-109-01) trigger. Barrel length 750 mm. Choke/poluchok choke constrictions. Weight 3.4 kg. The gun can be equipped with a “fitted” pair of barrels of 7.62 mm caliber (MTs-109-07), or produced in a combined version with a barrel of 7.62 mm caliber (MC-109-17) or 9 mm (MTs-109-19).

MTs-109 is the most “gift” gun in the country. Over the years, its owners were leaders of “fraternal” parties, government officials, including V.V. Putin. Based on the MTs109-01 shotgun, the MTs109-01S “Sportint” sports shotgun was produced.

MC-111

This gun has been produced since 1971. It was developed by Mikhail Ivanovich Skvortsov with the participation of Nikolai Sergeevich Ryzhov and Anatoly Petrovich Glinsky. It should be noted that Ivan Mikhailovich Mikhalev took a direct part in the development of all TsKIB guns. He developed a harmonious system for constructing a barrel bore profile depending on the caliber. The designer did not need to waste time on this work, and the gun’s action remained consistently good.

But let's return to MTs-111. Many people perceive the refusal to use padlocks with the transition from MTs-11 to MTs-111 as “reverse modernization.” Indeed, backed “full” locks with two-leaf mainsprings represent the limit of grace and perfection. They are traditionally used in high-quality shotguns and have obvious advantages, providing unusually soft and pleasant operation of the entire mechanism. Their main disadvantage is the complexity of setup and adjustment. But in the case of MTs-111, as well as with MTs-109, according to N.S. Ryzhova, it was all about the geometric parameters of the box, the desire of the designer to make it lighter. The qualifications of TsKIB craftsmen allow them to produce mechanisms of any complexity.

MTs-111 is a classic 12-gauge shotgun with horizontally paired barrels and locks on the side bases with a mechanism similar to the MTs-109. The hammers are cocked and the mainspring is charged when opening. Locking is carried out by a frame on two under-barrel hooks and a “Purde bolt”. The gun has ejectors and a non-automatic safety. Available with two (MTs-111-12) or one (MTs-111-01) trigger. MTs-111-01 may have a selector located to the right of the trigger, or a selector combined with the safety button. In the forward position of the button, the first shot is fired from the right barrel, in the middle position the safety is turned on, in the rear position the first shot is fired from the left barrel. Barrel length 750 mm. Choke constrictions: left barrel 1 mm, right - 0.5 mm. Weight - 3.4 kg. The gun can be produced with a pair of rifled barrels of 7.62 mm (MTs-111-07) or 9 mm (MTs-111-09) caliber, or equipped with additional pairs of barrels of the specified caliber.

Engravers

I would like to begin the story about engravers and craftsmen in the manufacture and artistic decoration of boxes with the words of I.A. Komarov and A.N. Chubinsky. In their work “Author's artistic weapons in Russia” they wrote: “an artistic weapon is... a person’s materialized idea of ​​an ideal weapon at the end of the second millennium...” And although these words refer to edged weapons, they, in my opinion, are quite suitable for firearms .

In the minds of most hunters, high-quality weapons are the ideal hunting weapon.
The artistic decoration of such weapons is quite appropriate and traditional; it harmonizes and refines the appearance, enhances aesthetic perception and, ultimately, turns a technically perfect mechanism into a work of weaponry art. How far one can move in this direction is a matter of taste. The question of motivation often remains unanswered. As a result, it happens that the completed “artistic design” work does not bring satisfaction to either the master or the customer. Naturally, there are certain canons for finishing a high-quality hunting rifle, this extremely conservative thing in its essence. But even with such canons, the question of motivation remains the main one: why am I doing this, and only then what am I doing and how. Fragments of finishing of fitting MTs-10-09, which belonged to L.I. Brezhnev.
Relief engraving, incision, colored tracing If we talk about the plot, then meeting the needs of the customer in the form of finished artistic images is the job of an artist-designer or an engraver-artist. Unfortunately, our engravers are more craftsmen than artists. This circumstance may have served as one of the reasons for the emergence of something that causes active rejection by the hunting community, the so-called “New Russian Khokhloma,” when everything is without measure and has special meaning: expensive and precious materials, wood carvings, grinning predators, and so on.

To be fair, it must be said that these “trends” affected TsKIB to a lesser extent. Here we have always strived for a balance of form and content, if such an expression is applicable to weapons. This is due to the merit of Mikhail Ivanovich Glagolev, an artist and expert on hunting. Many outstanding TsKIB guns are decorated with his scenes. During the Soviet period, high-status customers did not pay much attention to the finishing of weapons; real masterpieces began to appear in post-Soviet times and, naturally, not out of nowhere. As SHOM graduate O.S. writes in his book “Author’s Weapon”. Semenov, the term “Tula work” in our time, unfortunately, has become synonymous with something passable and uninteresting: “The aristocracy of guns superbly engraved and minted at TsKIB SOO... was replaced by a variety of notches and notches, a mass of precious metal used, first for “crimson jackets” “and then it just became a habit.” It is difficult to disagree with this statement. But “new times” also brought something else - freedom of creativity, when the artist had the opportunity, relying on centuries-old traditions and the experience of generations of masters, to break out of the captivity of conventions and rise to the heights of great art and craftsmanship.

The traditions underlying the “Tula style,” like many other things in Rus', were introduced by English, German and Austrian masters. It is interesting that after the war the experience of German craftsmen was again in demand. In 1946, not only guns and tools for engraving work were brought from Thuringia, but also boards with works by German masters. Using these boards, SHOM students learned the secrets of mastery. Knowing the works of modern German and Austrian engravers, comparing them with the best Tula ones, I can say with full responsibility that the students have caught up with the teachers, and some have surpassed them.

This statement is also true when we talk about generations of Tula engraving masters: each new generation surpassed the previous one in skill.
The school of weaponry, where old masters passed on their secrets, teaching and caring for the young, was the very fertile ground on which God-given talent could grow and develop. In the best years, an apprentice engraver studied for five years. The program included: drawing from life (plein air), modeling, artistic casting. At the engraving site, when it was located on the territory of the TOZ, all the stucco work was made by students. Even the cast bronze handles depicting oak branches and acorns were made by future engravers. Using the works of German masters, SOM students learned the secrets of craftsmanship.
“Zimson” 76E relief engraving, classic plot (repeated on many German guns) Traditions and style, carefully preserved by the oldest masters: I.S. Fedoseev, I.I. Nikolsky, M.I. Pochukaev, D.A. Bobkov, M.V. Shishova, were passed on to the next generation. Yuri Dmitrievich Bobkov, Vyacheslav Vasilyevich Golovanov, Arkady Vasilyevich Lyavykin, Mikhail Sergeevich Ignatov, Pavel Petrovich Polosminnikov, Alexander Sergeevich Chukanov, Grigory Fedorovich Kuleshov, Alexander Vasilyevich Zebnitsky - these masters could handle any work in any technique and any complexity. Time passed, and the recognized names were replaced by today’s “grandees”: Vladimir Sergeevich Levashov, Evgeniy Vasilyevich Generalov, the Ermak brothers - Stanislav Vasilievich and Yuri Vasilyevich. It is impossible not to mention Sergei Ivanovich Danilin, who, having moved away from the rifle theme, has been working for many years in the field of creating original edged weapons. A new generation of talented masters declared themselves in full force: Oleg Sergeevich Semenov, Alexander Alekseevich Salnikov, Dmitry Petrovich Kapelyukha.

O.S. Semenov created, in fact, the first engraving textbook in modern Russia, bringing together all the previous experience of generations of Tula engravers. Unfortunately, none of them works at TsKIB SOO today.

On this occasion O.S. Semyonov wrote the following: “... no creative personality can be kept against his will, ... unless conditions are created under which the master creator can freely engage in Creation.” I don’t want to discuss, delving into economic issues, what is needed to create such conditions. I will only say that at TsKIB, however, there is someone to support the traditions: Sergei Vladilenovich Leonov, Anton Vasilyevich Nikiforov, Anatoly Anatolyevich Tikhonov. There are entire dynasties of engravers. Bobkovs, for example. Son Yu.D. Bobkova Vladimir Yurievich works at TsKIB.

His grandfather Dmitry Andreevich once engraved a gun for V.I. Lenin.

Masters of making and decorating boxes

Experienced hunters say: the barrel shoots, but the stock hits.
Initially, there were several different specialties associated with the manufacture and finishing of stocks. One of them is called by many names: “lozhevik”, and “lozhenik”, and even “lozhevik”. I prefer the definition of “stock maker.” His task is to manufacture and then “exit” the stock and forend. The fitter, or stock fitter, is engaged in connecting the wooden and metal parts of the gun. A box decorator decorates it using various techniques: wood carving, inlay using, for example, precious metals and mother-of-pearl. At TsKIB, experiments were carried out on the use of intarsia and marquetry to decorate boxes. Traditionally, these techniques are used in the manufacture of gift gun cases. Mediocre walnut, so stain and wood carving are used.
According to the recollections of the wonderful master Viktor Evgenievich Lyalin, the fashion for carved decoration of lodges came three times after the war. The last time was in the late 1980s. In between, woodcarvers became settlers, and settlers learned the profession of cabinetmaker. Ultimately, applying mesh, curing and drying—“nursing” the stock—became a special category of finishers. As a rule, these were women who, unlike men, had enough accuracy and patience to do this. Some grew into great masters, for example, Galina Aleksandrovna Lentyaeva.

Speaking about the settlers, we must remember the Chukov dynasty. Grandfather Pavel Andreevich was finishing the stock of I.V.’s gun. Stalin. Son Viktor Pavlovich, student of V.B. Sokolov, was considered the best precipitator of the TsKIB. Grandson Alexander Viktorovich works at TsKIB as a fitter. The durability of a gun largely depends on the quality of the draft. The best craftsmen provided standard quality, such as Vyacheslav Viktorovich Kiselev.

There were few outstanding wood craftsmen in the past history of TsKIB: Vasily Borisovich Sokolov, the list of his works includes chess for I.V. Stalin, Louise Alekseevna Gancheva (Starkova), Viktor Vasilyevich Avilov and, of course, Alexey Vlasovich Maslennikov.

Igor Serafimovich Shcherbakov (1932-2001) deserves a separate story. The son of the Deputy Minister of Meat and Dairy Industry, who was repressed in 1937 along with his wife, he was born and lived in Moscow. After the death of his parents, he was taken in by his grandmother, who lived in Tula. In 1945 I.S. Shcherbakov came to the 8th workshop of TOZ and at the age of 19 already had the 6th (!) category as a master cabinetmaker. In 1950-1953 he served in the army in Germany. There was a lot of interest in the work of German masters. I returned home with a set of tools, which I still have today. In 1959, at the invitation of I.M. Mikhaleva came to TsKIB. Outstanding master. Full Knight of the Order of Labor Glory. With him, cutting the stock was considered bad manners. He turned the finishers to the origins of the “Tula style” - to inlay on wood. According to the recollections of old masters, together with M.I. Glagolev “worked miracles.” Educated 39 students. Among them: Alexander Vyacheslavovich Kurganov, Nikolai Vsevolodovich Ivanov, Evgeniy Viktorovich Kunaev, the Gerasimov brothers - Andrey Yuryevich and Maxim Yuryevich, as well as outstanding masters - Oleg Viktorovich Davydov, Vladimir Evgenievich Dudarov, Alexander Valerievich Borodavkin, Eduard Anatolyevich Novikov and Alexander Nikolaevich who left us Nekrasov, Vladimir Fedorovich Korolev, Gennady Ivanovich Tvorogov and Sergey Ivanovich Tishin.

Shotgun “Russian Hunting”

As an example of the modern work of Tula craftsmen, I’ll tell you about the “Russian Hunt” gun. It was intended to be the flagship of a small collection of four TsKIB guns, dedicated to the classic types of Russian hunting.

The first problem that we had to face was that TsKIB, for obvious reasons, does not produce guns in the so-called “white” form, that is, without finishing. This problem had to be solved by a qualified mechanic Sergei Vladimirovich Sapozhkov, who filed the surfaces of the receiver, removing mainly the results of the old work.

What remained was minted and engraved. TsKIB shotgun receiver blanks are hardened in volume to a surface hardness of 29-34 units. In this case, the box turned out to be extremely hard throughout the entire depth of the engraving.

It was necessary to remount the gun. It was not intended to use exhibition quality walnut for this. The logic here is as follows. TsKIB shotguns are the standard of endurance and durability. Curled butt nut is not a very suitable material in this sense. Therefore, a less expensive light-colored walnut was used. All work on the manufacture of the stock and re-mounting was carried out by V.A. Guskov. The old masters of Vladimir Alekseevich call Paganini among themselves. They say that if you leave him without a tool, he can do the job with a pocketknife.

The second and main problem, which took a long time to solve, was the plot part. Initially, it was planned to use the classic technique of deep relief engraving (obron). One of the best in Russia, and perhaps in the world, who works in this technique is Evgeniy Vasilyevich Generalov, a graduate of SHOM, a student of Mikhail Sergeevich Ignatov. The role of this master for the Tula engraving school is exceptionally great. The plot was based on book illustrations by N.S. Samokisha. On the right board it was supposed to engrave a plot related to the hunting episode of Alexander II, which almost ended in tragedy: “The hunt took place in the forest near the Torbino station along the Nikolaev railway. The bear turned out to be very ferocious: it wounded two raiders before it reached the shooting line where the sovereign was standing. The hunting area was covered with bushes and a dense spruce forest, which was not cut down due to an oversight. The Emperor saw the bear a few steps away when he jumped out from behind a bush. The sovereign fired, wounded the beast, but did not kill it, and the bear quickly rushed at the sovereign. The emperor did not have time to fire another shot... Ivanov was not lost, shouting: “Sovereign to the left, slingshot forward!” and at the same moment he shoots, and the slingshot thrusts the spear into the chest of the beast, and the beast fell dead at the feet of the sovereign,” an eyewitness to the incident testified.

A dynamic plot full of drama, but... not illustrated. And here the problem that I wrote about above came into full focus. A great master craftsman is not always a great artist. There are other points that need to be taken into account. For example, the location of the axles and screws on the side boards of the gun. The TsKIB tradition is to use them as an element of the image or bypass them. In this sense, our engravers differ for the better from their Western colleagues. As a result, after dozens of sketches were drawn, I had to look for another plot, and it was found by Vadim Nikolaevich Gorbatov, who kindly agreed to use it. It’s strange, but many people don’t know that they are contemporaries of this outstanding animal artist.

E.V. Generalov began the work, which continued intermittently for more than two years, from the bottom board. Its thickness allowed us to create something more than just an engraving on metal - a real bas-relief with stunning detail, maintaining integrity even at high magnification. The dynamic and fascinating plot on the left board of the fox chase with the bow of Russian greyhounds contrasts with the tragic doom in the episode of the bear hunt on the right board. Classic Russian ornament complements the overall picture.

All organizational and technical work related to the “Russian Hunt” gun was carried out by Mikhail Sergeevich Kazakov, director of the Tula arms company.

What is the result? Let experts judge this. But for me, something else is more important: to see for myself and tell others that the living spring of traditions of unique craftsmanship has not dried up. Yes, there is no longer a school of weapons mastery in Tula, but its spirit lives on as long as these Masters are alive and working.

Instead of a conclusion

There is much more that can be told: about the outstanding master gunsmiths Mikhail Alekseevich Dyachkov and his students - Vasily Konstantinovich Goltyakov and Viktor Ivanovich Starostin, about the “tula-chokes” of Ivan Mikhailovich Mikhalev, about research to improve the combat of Simon Matveevich Sheinin’s shotgun, about wonderful mechanics - assemblers, such as Yuri Viktorovich Cherenkov and Lev Vladimirovich Kudryavtsev, about many other craftsmen and specialists directly related to the production of high-quality weapons. Unfortunately, the scope of a journal article does not yet allow this to be done. So there may be a continuation to come...

The author expresses sincere gratitude to everyone who helped in writing the article: L.A. Bykov, N.S. Ryzhov, E.A. Shershov, K.I. Danilin, V.P. Pastukhov, Yu.P. Moiseev, E.V. Generalov, V.S. Levashov, O.S. Semenov, A.V. Borodavkin, V.E. Lyalin, V.K. Goltyakov, I.M. Khripunov, O.B., Ivleva, L.P. Budaeva, N.I. Gladkikh, M.S. Kazakov, Yu.V. Shokarev, SE. Plotnikov, K.E. Rachinsky, V.V. Zimenko, S.A. Kuznetsov, E.I. Glagoleva, V.V. Kuprikov. During the preparation, materials from the Tula State Weapons Museum, notes by D.M. were used. Kochetov and the book by V.I. Volkova “50 years of TsKIB SOO”.

Igor Karklinsh photo by the author and S. Pluzhnik Gun Master 07-2010

Advantages and disadvantages of the MTs-9 hunting rifle

Like any other gun, the MTs-9 has its advantages and, above all, its reliability. MTs-9 has a large margin of safety: it can easily withstand 38 - 42 thousand shots. Not every shotgun is capable of this. Handmade production is also a definite plus.

Also, its exclusivity can be noted as an advantage: no one will argue that 700 pieces of all MC-9s produced are a real rarity, which can only be acquired with great luck. The presence of external triggers guarantees safe operation: as long as the triggers are pulled, no accidental discharge will occur.

Among the disadvantages of the MTs-9, it can be noted that it is designed for cartridges with a paper sleeve 70 mm long, that is, for a regular cartridge. The weight of the MTs-9 is rather its disadvantage: with a weight of 3.8 kg. the gun is quite cumbersome when traveling during hunting. The rarity of the MTs-9 can also be considered a disadvantage, since it is practically impossible to purchase, not counting rarer models of other calibers.

MAKSIMOV.SU

The world of old weapons is filled with charming old myths and picturesque legends, forming a bizarre combination of the memories of older generation hunters and the enthusiastic perception of today’s youth who rarely hunt.

Cold pragmatism

modern soulless guns do not fit in with the images from the books of Russian “hunting” classics. But there are fewer and fewer good old guns, despite their increasing popularity...

Shotgun MTs-9

On hands

Russian hunters still have a huge number of trigger Tula “horizontal guns” - from the rarest pre-revolutionary “Model B” to the most common Soviet TOZ-BM and TOZ-63. These guns, which for many have become synonymous with classic hunting weapons, usually did not have a long service life or outstanding action. But they were inexpensive, were almost universally distributed, and were distinguished by their simplicity of design, maintainability and reliability.

But when

After the war, the question arose about the need to produce a large number of sporting double-barreled guns; it became obvious that the recently created TsKIB SOO did not have the ability to produce mass-produced and inexpensive weapons.

Almost

The MTs-11, not the only sports model at that time, was expensive and difficult to produce. The solution was seen in the development of a gun that would be maximally unified with the serial TOZ model and capable of satisfying entry-level and intermediate-level athletes. The MTs-9 became such a model.

Shotgun MTs-9,
side view

MC-9.
History and design features
Externally trigger MTs-9

very similar to a regular trigger “tuck” - with padlocks and triple locking. Sometimes the third locking element in the form of a Greener bolt was replaced with a locking bar - a continuation of the barrel breech, almost like on the Izh-58. Chambers – 70 mm. The barrels are not chrome plated.

Shotgun MTs-9

When comparing

pads TOZ-80 12 gauge and MTs-9, it becomes obvious that the safety margin of the latter, among other things, was created thanks to the larger amount of metal in the design. Due to the larger block, the locking plates of a sporting shotgun are also significantly larger than the locks of a regular "block". The triggers themselves are larger, but the locking mechanism remains the same.

Shotgun MTs-9

Similarities MTs-9

with the classic TOZ-BM model, it is not surprising - it was the well-known “horned gun” that was taken as the basis for the development of a new sports gun, which was born in the early 1950s. Any designer and mechanic at TsKIB was familiar with the TOZ-BM model down to the last screw, and the Bureau has been closely involved with this gun since its inception.

TOZ-BM are found

TsKIB assembly - apparently, diploma creations of graduates of the school of weapons mastery. By the way, there are interesting opinions that the MTs-9 differs from the rare and expensive MTs-11 only in the design of the locks. This is not entirely true, but in many ways there are obvious similarities between these guns.

Shotgun MTs-9

MC-9.

At first, these were literally single piece guns, for about two years, from 1954 to 1956, manufactured using a large amount of manual labor.
It was not possible to find unambiguous information about the transfer of production of MC-9 to TOZ, but a number of sources unanimously claim that the serial assembly of these guns began at the Tula Arms Plant in 1957 (which usually happens when the authors of articles simply copy information from each other). Shotgun MTs-9

It would seem that,

This is contradicted by the occurrence of MTs-9 with TOZ stamps of earlier issues, but there is an explanation for this: until 1958, TsKIB and TOZ were one structure.
Therefore, there are no contradictions regarding the brands. According to old data from open sources, serial production of MTs-9 began in 1956 and was produced by workshop N12. Shotgun MTs-9, top view

In total,

from 1956 to the early 1960s, TOZ produced about 30 thousand MTs-9 shotguns (however, there is some reason to believe that the number of models produced was much smaller). It was not possible to track the number of piece guns produced, but it is known that they cost approximately three times more than serial ones, featuring the highest build quality and richer finish.

MTs-9,
shotgun block

In the case of MTs-9,

TsKIB managed to implement the idea of ​​​​transferring production to TOZ, fortunately the office was more than related. By the way, much later, the Tula residents failed to establish production of the MTs-105-20, which was originally developed as a hunting rifle, at the arms factory in Zlatoust.

MTs-9,
barrel breech
Meanwhile,

The MTs-9 was initially planned to be manufactured in small commercial calibers - up to the 32nd, in which the gun weighed no more than 2.3 kg.

For release

A 10-gauge rifle was also being prepared, with barrels almost a meter long. The “fishing” ones were not produced in series, although they are occasionally found on sale and manufactured by TsKIB. Perhaps these are the same “thesis works” of young masters.

MTs-9, handguard

Shotgun MTs-9

It was produced in two versions - for a trench stand and as a hunting rifle. It is from here that the sports versions have long barrels (up to 760 mm), strong chokes (1.25 mm in both barrels) and a decent weight, reaching 3.8 kg.

Gun

it was distinguished by very high survivability: its resource reached 30-40 thousand shots (and then the athletes fired full-fledged 32-gram loads). For a gun with horizontal barrels, this is a very serious indicator.

MTs-9,
long tail trigger guard
Hunting version of MTs-9

had shorter barrels (up to 725 mm), weaker chokes (0.5-0.7 mm) and a smaller weight - no more than 3.7 kg. TsKIB also produced the “namesake” of the hammer-fired MTs-9: “vertical” with the same name, which sometimes causes confusion.

They say,

that in order to suppress such a disorder, the head and chief designer of the Central Design Bureau of Sporting and Hunting Weapons, Hero of Socialist Labor Ivan Mikhailovich Mikhalev, proposed to designate the “trigger” accessory of the gun in the name MTs-9 by adding the letter “K”.

Block of piece TOZ-80 12 gauge and MTs-9.
Compare the size difference.
Locks TOZ-63 and MC-9 (from bottom to top).
Pay attention to the difference in the sizes of the lock plates and triggers, with the other parts of the lock being identical.
From TsKIB employees

and from old stand shooters you can also hear a true story about how our Honored Master of Sports and Honored Trainer of the RSFSR N.D. Durnev in 1954, shooting from a trigger gun MTs-9, made an indelible impression on foreign athletes. In the same 1954, Durnev became the champion of the USSR. But thanks to the MTs-9 or another gun, no information could be found about this.

Durnev

Speaking about MTs-9

As one of the last sporting shotguns in the world with horizontal barrels, we should not forget about the very rare modification of the Izh-54, designed for a trench test bench with an increased safety margin - the Izh-54 “Sport”.

Gun

was carefully assembled and debugged, had a mass of up to 3.8 kg and specially selected 750 mm barrels with specific choke constrictions (right - DS 0.6 mm, left - DS 1.0 mm).

Gorgeous engraving

gave “Sport” a certain artistic value. Today this gun is a collector's item.

Two MTs-9,
1956 and 1957.
release Conclusion

Still

old guns have a downright magical effect on the subtle mental organization of those hunters for whom the word “hunting” is not a collective image of riotous drinking “in the wild” or the back of a village tractor filled with wild boars and elk.

Not once or twice

I have heard lyrical stories from owners of such guns about how their favorites are increasingly being removed from the safe only for preventive cleaning and lubrication, and that only modern “sticks” made of plastic and duralumin alloy are used for hunting.

Maybe,

It’s great that we are increasingly beginning to appreciate good old things that remind us of some kind and unknown events from the past, which were not so bad.

Trigger of the MTs-9 shotgun

The article was published in the magazine "HUNT" in September 2012