The MP-153 shotgun is very well known in our country and abroad . It was the world's first automatic reloading hunting weapon, reliably working with cartridges of various cartridge lengths, from 70 mm to 89 mm . At the time of its creation in 2000, it satisfied the demands of hunters in all technical parameters, appearance and ergonomics.
The weapon has received many awards, both domestic and international. Over more than 10 years of production, about 600 thousand copies . At its price, it was the cheapest in the world among its classmates.
But the world does not stand still. Time required updates. In 2010, work began on a new product of a similar type. As a result of this work, a new generation of weapons was released in the form of the MP-155 , which replaced the legendary “Murka” MP-153 on the market. The fact that a new model appeared has given rise to a lot of controversy among hunters about which gun is better. These debates continue to this day.
Replaces MP-153. Part I
People who have at least some connection to hunting and sports shooting are well aware of the MP-153 shotgun. It can be safely called a weapons bestseller. At the time of its creation (2000), it was one of the first shotguns in the world that worked flawlessly with any cartridges with a case length from 70 to 89 mm. At that time it was a very beautiful and convenient gun. At the same time, it is extremely reliable. It won many awards, was produced for more than 10 years and sold around the world with a circulation of more than 600 thousand pieces. And, importantly, it was significantly cheaper than all competitors. All this became the reason for the particular popularity of the MP-153 in Russia.
Modifications
Over the 12 years of production of the gun, it had a large number of modifications for different conditions of use:
- Hunting modifications - the largest number of design options: can be with a chamber of 76 or 89 mm, the butt can be made of wood or plastic, the barrel length can be: 610, 660, 710, 750 mm, choke constrictions can be either replaceable or permanent .
- MP-153S is a service model, produced in 2005-2006 and intended for use in private security companies. The MP-153S has a shortened barrel with a length of 510 mm, a constant muzzle constriction, like a cylinder. Chambered for 12/76 cartridge. The buttstock of this model is folding, the frame has a shoulder rest, the buttstock is removable. The model has a pistol grip made of black plastic. A special feature of this model is the ability to fire with the stock removed.
- Remington Spartan 453 - the MP-153 shotgun under this brand was produced at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant in 2006-2008 for export to the USA. MP-153 for practical shooting is a modification of the MP-153 shotgun, manufactured in accordance with IPSC rules and intended for sports use. It has a magazine for 9 rounds of 12/70, the receiver has a Picatinny rail for mounting a sight, large safety and interceptor buttons, the butt and fore-end are made of impact-resistant plastic.
- 18.5 KS-P modification of the MP-153, which has been in service with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation since 2006. Part of SSK-18.5 - Special Rifle Complex of 18.5 mm caliber. The carbine has a 6-round magazine, a folding stock, a plastic fore-end and a pistol grip. The receiver has a Picatinny rail designed for mounting various types of sights. The carbine allows you to fire both different types of bullets (lead, armor-piercing, rubber) and special grenades (flash-noise, tear gas). Not intended for free sale.
MP-155. History of appearance and design features
But in the modern world of technology, even in such a seemingly established industry as weapons production, 10 years is a very long time. Over such a period of time, progress quickly moves forward and the manufacturer needs to update the model range. The same thing happened with the MP-153 - by the end of the first decade of the 21st century, it began to become obsolete and lag behind global competitors in the following parameters:
— the options in calibers 12x76 and 12x89 were completely unified (i.e., they differed only in the chambers, but the dimensions were the same). The weight of the MP-153 is on average 3.45...3.5 kg, which was a lot even for the 12x89 caliber. Competitors' models weigh 3.1...3.4 kg, and among samples with an automatic inertial motor there are samples weighing 3 kg or even less;
— the “balance” parameter (the distance from the trigger to the center of mass of the gun), which affects the ease of holding and turning ability of the gun, is large in the MP-153 compared to its competitors;
— there were few additional options, for example, there was no possibility of adjusting the butt retraction vertically and horizontally, along the length, and in the basic configuration there was no seat for installing optics or an adapter bar for it;
— the gun simply became familiar to the buyer, which, in the face of a large number of competitors with new products in a wide variety of price ranges, in our time becomes a big drawback.
Appearance of MP-153 and MP-155
Based on the situation, it was decided to create a new model of a self-loading rifle. In December 2010, an order was issued to develop a new product, and work began. The development and development work was supervised by Chief Designer Alexander Usherovich Dorf.
But work on a new self-loading rifle did not begin immediately. A number of experimental works were previously carried out, during which various design solutions were tested and studied. For example, samples with different types of locking were developed and tested: with a rotating bolt, various options with a skewed locking element - a wedge. Various designs of gas engine pulse control units were tested. All this work was carried out at a time when the position of the MP-153 gun on the market was still quite stable. By the way, it should be noted that such research work in all areas of products to find and evaluate new solutions is constantly being carried out at the enterprise. As a result, at the time the work began, the layout and structural solution of the main components had already been determined.
Appearance of MP-153 and MP-155
It was necessary not only to create a new and more modern product, but also not to lose the advantages of the MP-153, namely:
- reliability, reliability and durability
- ability to reliably work with the entire range of ammunition
- possibility of increasing the magazine capacity by installing an extension cord
- Possibility of installing a pistol grip or folding stock
Therefore, they created a new product, starting from the proven design of the MP-153. The development was directly carried out by the head of the group for the production of repeating shotguns, Marat Shamilevich Sabirzyanov, and the young designer Vladimir Preobrazhentsev. At the development stage, a girl (!) joined the work - yesterday’s university graduate Ekaterina Shishkina. Significant assistance was provided by design engineer Oleg Yurievich Zayats. The work was supervised by Deputy Chief Designer Alexander Igorevich Kalugin, who also participated in the development and production of the MP-153.
The new gun was made in various calibers: 12x76 and 12x89. The caliber version with a chamber length of 76 mm became shorter by 11 mm and due to this it was approximately 90 g lighter. The bolt, box, frame and a number of other parts became shorter.
A new firing mechanism was developed. Compared to the MP-153, there are fewer parts in it, and the USM base is made of high-strength polyamide. Many people express doubts about the use of polymer for such a critical part, but polyamide with similar properties is used to make magazines for the Kalashnikov assault rifle, and they do not raise any doubts about the reliability and durability of anyone.
Further, the travel of the trigger was reduced, the nature of the trigger became drier. The safety has become more convenient due to its large size, the right position is “Safety” (covers the trigger), the left position is “Fire”. It became possible to change the sequence of its work. The retainer button, which is used to unload the magazine and place the gun on the slide stop when the magazine is empty, is made larger and more convenient than on the MP-153. The front part of the tray is fork-shaped for better direction of the cartridge into the chamber when the tray is raised. The trigger ensures safety when the bolt is not completely locked.
The sighting bar is arched, which makes it possible to obtain (in comparison with a ventilated bar) less weight and a more attractive appearance. For the new design of the rail, it was necessary to develop a new technology for mounting it on the barrel. The tin-lead solder used to attach traditional ventilated strips did not provide a strong connection due to the small contact area between the arch struts and the barrel.
Initially, a unique technology was developed for attaching the strap to the barrel using the welding method: studs were attached to the barrel by contact welding, holes were drilled in the strap, the strap was installed with holes on the studs and welded. The first batch was produced with this type of plank fastening. But due to the difficulties encountered when debugging the technical process, they switched to a more traditional soldering technology using silver-containing solder. But there were difficulties here too. The high temperature of soldering with this solder causes deformation of parts and the appearance of marks in the barrel bore at the soldering points.
To remove marks for MP-155 barrels, a more advanced technology for finishing mechanical processing of channels has been introduced - honing, which also improves the geometry of the channel. For the arched plank, we even had to develop a new guilloche technology (a pattern on the upper surface of the plank). With the traditional technology used on other models, the arches were pushed through. By the way, instead of a rib, an adjustable rear sight and front sight can be installed on the gun barrel. For some consumers this may be relevant.
MP-155 barrels can have lengths of 610, 650, 710 and 750 mm. The barrel can be with a seat for replaceable choke constrictions or with a cylindrical channel. Of course, the seat and the choke themselves are the same as in the MP-153.
But the most significant difference between the new model’s barrel is its interchangeability. Those. without finishing operations, you can change or install an additional barrel. Of course - after receiving the appropriate permission.
Description of the gun IZH-27 (MR-27)
IZH-27 shotguns are commercially produced in 12, 16, 20 and 28 calibers. The weight of the guns ranges from 3 to 3.6 kg and depends on the caliber of the gun and the length of the barrels.
A gun can have both permanent and replaceable choke constrictions, permanent choke constrictions: as a rule, a choke in the upper barrel and a choke in the lower. Replaceable choke tubes are preferable as they give the gun greater versatility.
The barrels have a ventilated rib, the bores and chambers are chrome-plated, and the outer surfaces of the gun are anodized or oxidized.
The connection of the barrels with the block is carried out due to the under-barrel hooks and the hinge axis. The barrels are connected to the block by means of under-barrel hooks and a hinge.
Locking occurs using a locking bar that fits into the groove of the rear grenade hook. The barrels are locked by a movable locking bar on the rear hook of the barrel coupling.
When the barrels are opened, the hammers are cocked. The hammers are cocked when the barrels are opened.
The trigger mechanism allows for a smooth release of the hammers from cocking when closing the barrels. The trigger mechanism smoothly releases the triggers when the receiver is closed.
The cartridges are removed from the chamber using an extractor. Technical characteristics of IZH-27E: it is distinguished by the fact that it is equipped with a spent cartridge ejector and is switchable. In the gun, the cartridges are pulled out by a common extractor, and in the IZH-27E model, an ejector mechanism is introduced, which can be turned off by the owner in a simple way, without the use of any special tool (only a screwdriver is required).
USM
The trigger mechanism of the gun has internal triggers, mounted partly in the gun box, partly on a separate lower base. The mechanism of the gun has interceptors that intercept the triggers in the event of an accidental fall of the gun; this feature makes the IZH-27 safer compared to other guns. The mainsprings are twisted cylindrical. The gun also has an inertial disconnector in the design of its mechanism, which eliminates the possibility of a double shot, which also makes using the gun safer.
Since 1972, the gun has been produced with two triggers; in 1977, a mechanism with one trigger was developed, which has the ability to switch the shot order. Initially, the trigger mechanism of the IZH-27-1S (IZH-27E-1S) shotgun with one trigger was developed for the IZH-25 sporting shotgun; it is also used in the IZH-39 shotgun. After loading the gun, the order of shots is standard: lower-upper barrel; to switch the order, you need to pull the trigger forward; after the next reloading, the previous order of shots will be restored. The gun's firing pins are made separate from the hammers, have a fairly large output (up to 2.2 mm), and have return springs. In general, the IZH-27 USM is very reliable and, as a rule, does not raise any questions among hunters.
Butt
The stock on IZH-27 guns can be made of either walnut or beech; on serial guns the butt has a pistol-type neck; on piece guns and guns made to order it can be of any shape. The forend is detachable; when using the gun, especially when assembling and disassembling, you need to be careful and careful to avoid cracks on it.
Design Features
The MP-155 automation is driven by a side-mounted gas engine. The unit for regulating the pressure of powder gases in the engine, which ensures reliable operation of the gun with a wide range of ammunition, is located in the piston. Moving the adjustment unit from the barrel post (as was the case in its predecessor) to the piston made it possible to reduce the weight of the barrel, while the weight of the piston remained the same. Here it must be clarified that in the MP-153 the piston was made massive in order to ensure a good supply of kinetic energy in the moving parts. This is necessary for trouble-free operation in difficult conditions (dirt, frost, ice).
The piston has an adjusting nut that tightens the valve spring. The valve spring presses on the valve, which, when a certain gas pressure is reached, moves, compressing the valve spring, and releases some of the gases from the engine into the atmosphere. It is technologically difficult and expensive to produce valve springs that are exactly the same, so their parameters may differ slightly. Depending on the performance of the spring, they are marked in different colors. When assembling the piston in accordance with the color marking, rotating the adjusting nut achieves the same spring preload force. After running in the gun, which takes 100-200 shots, it is recommended to unscrew the nut 1-2 turns (to loosen the spring preload and thereby reduce the rollback speed of the moving parts).
Additionally, the adjusting nut can be used for troubleshooting or additional adjustment. For example, athletes use cartridges for shooting exclusively with small loads of shot and can tighten the nut all the way and tighten the spring, which maximizes the shutter speed. When using powerful ammunition, due to significantly increased speeds, delays may occur, for example, a cartridge not leaving the magazine. In this case, on the contrary, it may be necessary to weaken the valve spring preload, which will reduce the gas pressure in the chamber and the rollback speed. It is not recommended to disassemble the piston at home, since the valve spring has a very high preload force, and the front nut is tightened with a retaining sealant. To twist it, it is necessary to heat the nut to the depolymerization temperature of the sealant.
The receiver is made of high-strength aircraft grade B95 aluminum. Analogues of this material are used by most manufacturers in the world. There are grooves on the top of the box for installing optics or adapter strips. Initially, these were two pairs of grooves, one on one with the one in some versions of the MP-153. But later, to increase versatility and simplify the selection of a bracket or optics, a flat was introduced on the top of the box, this made it possible to reduce the required height of the bracket supports, and the separate grooves were combined into single ones.
The shutter is generally similar to that of the MP-153. Longitudinal valleys have appeared that serve a decorative function; the gun number and brand are placed on them, and they also help reduce weight. The extractor is different; to simplify it, it has become axleless. Sometimes the question arises: what is the extractor for, since most models do without it? The gun can work without an extractor, but only if it has a high-quality cartridge with a rigid edge of ideal shape. Cartridges of poor quality sometimes have a sloping rim. It can also swell greatly and change its shape during the firing process. Then the ejector simply slides off it. The extractor allows you to increase the reliability of the gun.
The MP-155 has new functions. The first is a mechanism for cutting off the supply of cartridges from the magazine, located on the left side of the receiver and designed for the convenience of replacing a cartridge from the chamber. For example, you have cartridges with a certain shot number in the chamber and magazine. It was necessary to fire a cartridge from another equipment. The procedure will be as follows: turn on the cut-off by turning the cut-off flag back, press the holder button, jerk the bolt, and the cartridge will be thrown out of the box, and the bolt will engage the bolt stop. The required cartridge is inserted into the window for ejecting the spent cartridge case, press the interceptor button - the bolt will send the cartridge into the chamber and block the barrel. You can shoot.
At first glance, the procedure is not much simpler than on guns without a cut-off mechanism. The benefit becomes noticeable when you need to fire several shots in a row with other cartridges: after each shot, the bolt will engage in a slide stop. You need to insert another cartridge, press the interceptor button - and you can shoot. If there is no longer a need to cut off cartridges in the magazine, you just need to push the cut-off flag forward with your thumb. In this case, the cartridge will automatically come out of the magazine, the bolt will send it into the chamber and block the barrel. The gun is ready to fire. Only when turning off, you should never hold down the cut-off flag - this can lead to a cartridge not being released from the magazine. You just need to slightly move the flag and it will return to the off state on its own. It is not recommended to disassemble the cut-off mechanism, since the screw securing the cut-off spring is tightened with a sealant lock and there is a risk of tearing off the screw slot.
The MP-155 now has the ability to adjust the retraction of the buttstock in both the vertical and horizontal planes. The butt itself does not have a horizontal outlet, it is symmetrical. As delivered, the gun is equipped with an insert between the butt and the receiver that allows the butt to move to the right. You can turn this insert over, and then the outlet will be to the left - this is convenient for left-handed shooters. Two inserts are supplied with the gun, one increases the vertical offset by approximately 7 mm, the second reduces it by the same amount. Initially, the earbuds were made of metal, then they switched to plastic. The inserts can be installed together or separately. The gun is equipped with a butt plate of a new design, which can effectively dampen the recoil of a lightweight gun. There are 2 sizes of butt pads, differing in length by 1 cm. Thus, by replacing the butt pad, you can adjust the length of the butt.
The forend of the new gun has also undergone transformations. It became conical in shape, tapering towards the muzzle. Now, in the hand-grip area, the fore-end has a thin cross-section, which makes it easier to hold. And to ensure strength, the fore-end thickens toward the rear.
The gun can be made for left-handed shooters. Its difference: the operating order of the safety is reversed, the butt release is on the left, the window for ejecting the cartridge case and the handle are also located on the left.
During the design process, every detail, every element of the gun was worked out for manufacturability and weight minimization, without losing strength. The gun turned out to be light, comfortable, with an original and recognizable design. The weight of a gun with a wood barrel and 12x76 caliber is on average 3.05 kg, and 3.15 kg in 12x89 caliber. In plastic the mass is 100 g higher.
Even during the production of the MP-153, the question arose about the possibility of creating a 20-caliber self-loading shotgun based on it. But this idea was quickly abandoned, since in order to make the gun of acceptable weight and dimensions, it would have to be completely redesigned. The technical specifications for the MP-155 immediately stipulated a modification in 20 caliber. Today, work on debugging the MP-155 version of 20x76 caliber is already in its final stage. The weight of this modification will be no more than 2.9 kg.
On the basis of the MP-155 self-loading shotgun, the MP-135 pump-action shotgun was created. The main difference between the MP-135 and the MP-133 pump-action shotgun is its unification with the MP-155. As a result, the weight of the new pump has become significantly lower, approximately 2.9 kg per tree. The versions of the MP-135 shotgun can be the same as the MP-155 with the following differences. Options with barrel lengths of 510 and 540 mm have been added. The MP-133 shotgun had a bolt stop, i.e. After the cartridges were used up, the bolt and fore-end were locked in the rear position; to unlock it, you had to press the interceptor button. Some consumers expressed a desire to have a gun without a bolt stop, and the MP-135 has the possibility of manufacturing it in this version.
Currently, development of a pistol grip and a new folding stock are underway. The folding stock used on the MP-153 was reliable and functional, using elements from the AK-74M. But for a smooth-bore gun, with significantly greater recoil than on a machine gun, it turned out to be not very convenient. It is planned that the new stock will become more convenient and suitable for use in a left-handed version.
Work is also underway to create a modification of the gun for practical shooting. It turned out that the enlarged holder button, more convenient for hunter shooters, does not suit sports shooters at all: when quickly loading the button, you can accidentally press the button, which will cause a hitch and loss of time in the exercise. These and other requirements will be taken into account in the new modification.
When creating a new gun, it was not possible to avoid some childhood diseases, but work to eliminate shortcomings and improve the model is carried out constantly and promptly. Models of self-loading shotguns from other manufacturers create serious competition, especially Turkish ones in the lower price range. But the undeniable advantage of our weapons remains: reliability, reliability and durability, ensured by a proven design and high-quality materials.
Summary
Surely the reader, especially the potential owner of the MP-155, will have a question about the comparative characteristics of the “murka”. If you try to compare the MP-155 with its main Western-made competitors, you get the following. Shotguns from Italian manufacturers, who today are called trendsetters in gun fashion, have excellent ergonomics, excellent performance characteristics, and a high level of finishing. This is the result of an advanced design school, the most advanced technologies, and the powerful economy of weapons companies (which did not have a devastating period like our “troubled 90s”). When compared with Italian shotguns, the MP-155 is inferior primarily in the level of finishing and quality of surface treatment.
But in terms of technical excellence, performance characteristics, reliability and options offered, the weapons of the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant look very worthy. But the price of any gun made in Italy starts at about 50 and can exceed 100 thousand rubles. The MP-155 is several times cheaper, that is, it is in a completely different price category, and it is not entirely correct to consider these “Italians” as competitors.
The situation is more complicated (for the MP-155) when compared with guns made in Turkey. The prices for them are already comparable to the price of MP-155. The level of finishing is very high, the quality is constantly improving. Again, the objective advantages of the MP-155 are high-quality materials, reliability and durability. Here our product is in conditions of fierce competition.
Of course, time and the market will show who is better and what best meets the needs of customers. But the new domestic “Murka” has every chance of becoming as popular a gun as the previous MP-153 model.
Tags: choice of hunting rifle Smoothbore hunting weapon weapons
