MP-18M-M, hunting rifle modifications: 12/76, EM-M and Sporting, sighting bar and magazine, description, performance characteristics and caliber

The single-barrel MP-18M-M is the lightest gun produced by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, part of the Kalashnikov Concern. Its history began at the end of the 19th century. Over the decades of its existence, the gun has undergone repeated modernizations.

Currently, a wide range of MP-18M-M is being produced, which are a slightly modernized modification of the IZH-18 gun, known to all Soviet hunters. Now the single-barrel MP-18M-M or one of its modifications, for example MP-18EM-M, is the most affordable smooth-bore weapon of the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant.

History of the appearance of MR-18M-M

The first single-shot “perelokki”, which is the MP-18M-M, appeared at the end of the 19th century. These were special hunting rifles designed for hunting pigeons and other small birds.

After the First World War, hunting weapons began to be made from unnecessary and obsolete military weapons. In Russia, these were conversions from Berdan rifles, which were stored in abundance in military warehouses.

After the civil war, all military weapons kept by the civilian population of the USSR were subject to immediate surrender. Hunting berdanks were equated to military weapons, and everyone had to hand them over without fail.

Later, in Izhevsk and Tula, starting in the 20s of the 20th century, they began to produce simple single-barreled hunting rifles intended for Soviet hunters.

The gun, called IZH-5, was produced until the beginning of the Great Patriotic War. After the end of the Second World War, the Izhevsk plant developed modern models of single-barreled light guns for its time:

IZHK, which was a traditional single-barreled trigger gun;
IZHB is a hammerless gun, where the hammers were cocked when the gun was closed.

In the 50s, production at the Izhevsk plant received modernized equipment, after which IZHK was modernized into IZH-17. In the early 60s, a new hammerless single-barrel gun was created, which combined the advantages of IZH-17 and IZHB in one model. This model was called IZH-18 and is still produced today under the name MR-18.

Work on improving this gun is ongoing, although there have been no major design changes since the 1960s. In the modern MP-18 line, there are even modifications in plastic, which have a modern appearance and are lighter in weight compared to the basic model, which is only available in wood. It is worth noting that hunters do not like modifications with a plastic stock, since such a gun immediately loses the charm inherent in a single-shot elegant gun.

What to choose for a beginner

The MP-18 is often purchased as a first gun, and earlier, when gun laws were softer, the IZH-17 and ZK were bought for children to learn hunting. This makes sense - a single-barreled gun disciplines, teaches restraint and accuracy, and punishes mistakes. Many hunters who started their careers with these guns will confirm that the single-barreled gun gave them a lot of skill; after this school you will easily cope with any semi-automatic and double-barreled guns.

If you decide to take the MP-18 as your very first gun, then choose a modification in caliber 12x76, in plastic, with a barrel length of 710 mm, with an aiming rib and choke constrictions of 0.5 - payday. This option allows you to try almost all hunting options, shoot with a bullet, gain initial skills and decide on further development. The 20x76 caliber is also very interesting, but unfortunately the choice of ammunition for it is much poorer, and it costs significantly more.

How to choose the right gun? There are some old proven tips:

Chamber transition cone. When viewed from both sides there should be no sharp distortions or deviations; the shadow ring should be round and symmetrical;
Checking with a sleeve without a primer. Concentric rings will help identify irregularities in the trunk, if any;
Sighting bar. Check the soldering points, they should be smooth, without voids or drips. The bar should be visually level;

General description of MR-18M-M

The MP-18M-M single-shot hunting rifle is a direct descendant of the IZH-18, which appeared back in 1964 and works stably in any conditions. Most models are equipped with an aiming bar, which makes shooting more convenient for a novice hunter. For experienced shooters who can shoot offhand, the presence of an aiming bar is an optional condition.

The MP-18M-M should not be considered as the first gun, which is only suitable for teaching initial shooting skills. This model is considered a sniper among smooth-bore weapons and has unsurpassed accuracy. Even experienced hunters often use the MP-18M-M to hone their sniper shooting skills. Naturally, any rifled carbine is superior in accuracy to a smoothbore gun, but if a hunter does not have access to a rifled weapon, the MP-18M-M is the best option for training.

The MP-18M-M is available in various calibers, but the most popular caliber among Russian hunters is 12/76 mm. MR-18M-M is available in both standard and junior versions. In addition, there is a special sports modification called MP-18M-M “Sporting”.

MR-18MK-M

There are hunters for whom classics always come first. They like to hunt with guns that have external hammers.

It was for such connoisseurs that this model was released. The impact mechanism includes an external hammer, a safety cock and a hammer with a release. With this mechanism, the gun opens easily.

Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the barrel length of almost all models is 710 mm, but for a 76 mm cartridge the barrel can be 750 mm. The weight of the gun is 2.8 kg.

Purpose of MR-18M-M

Since the MP-18M-M is offered in various calibers, each hunter can choose the most suitable gun for his purposes. If we take the most popular modification of the 12/70 or 76 mm caliber, then you can hunt almost any game:

Bird hunting;
Hunting for small animals, including fur-bearing animals;
Hunting a large animal, although in this case you need to be 100% sure that you will be able to hit it with the first shot.

In addition, the single-barrel MP-18 is excellent for sport shooting. The special sports modification is especially good for this.

MP 18 Sporting - are there any disadvantages?

Almost every experienced hunter knows that every weapon has some design features or disadvantages. Practice shows that MP 18 has become a pleasant exception. This gun combines optimal size, lethal power and convenience.

However, the equipment may cause some negativity among more experienced hunters. Representatives of the older generation note that hunting with such weapons cannot be fun, since shooting animals turns into some kind of shooting gallery, and not real hunting.

Reviews like the MP 18 Sporting are due to the fact that the updated barrel, gun stock and sights make shooting much easier. Using the same shock absorber head significantly reduces recoil, so you may not even feel the moment of the shot with your shoulder.

Design MR-18M-M

The design of the MP-18 is incredibly reliable, as it consists of two main components and simple mechanisms. The receiver and stock are connected to a removable barrel, which is removed along with the forend. The barrel locking mechanism is very reliable, as it is a conventional system with a swinging lever. To open the gun you need to move the lever up. After this, the lever is set to a special delay, which is automatically removed when the MP-18M-M barrel is closed.

The trigger mechanism of the gun is mounted in the receiver. The trigger is of a return type, and the separately made firing pin is spring-loaded. When the barrel is opened, the hammer is cocked, and a special cocking indicator extends.

In order to avoid an accidental shot, the MP-18M-M uses a non-automatic safety lock and a safety lug on the trigger. When the fuse is turned on, a red mark becomes visible on the left side.

The MR-18M-M stock is made of high-quality wood. As a rule, these are birch walnut or beech, which are impregnated with special oil for gun stocks. There is also a modification with a plastic butt. This is the most budget model, which nevertheless has an advantage in weight.

What is the MP-18 shotgun suitable for?

Traditional hunting is becoming more and more fashionable; hunters are gradually returning to their roots and beginning to value one precise, decisive shot. And there is much more excitement from such a hunt, because there is no room for error, and adrenaline interferes with aiming and waiting.

The MP-18 is best suited for walking hunts, this is facilitated by its light weight, balance and adaptability - you can deploy and raise the gun even from the approach. It works best on birds, and the barrel with a choke allows you to confidently take a hare at a decent distance.

Also, the MP-18 shoots a bullet well, and it can be used against ungulates and sometimes even against wild boar.

Operating principle of MR-18M-M

Since the MP-18M-M is a direct descendant of the IZH-18, this gun is designed to fire hunting cartridges with both smoke and smokeless powder. The sleeves can be either metal, plastic or paper. Any single-barreled hunting rifle in this model range is designed for shooting with lead shot. Steel shot can only be fired from special models MP-18M-M, which are marked accordingly.

The most popular models, which have a chamber length of 76 mm, can be loaded with cartridges of the corresponding caliber having a case length of up to 76 mm. In models that have a 70 mm chamber, you cannot load cartridges whose length exceeds 70 mm.

When shooting with bullet charges, you need to remember that the maximum diameter of the bullet should be less than 0.2 mm than the muzzle constriction of the barrel. Moreover, it is prohibited to use bullets made of steel or brass.

When purchasing a weapon that is sold disassembled, it must be carefully inspected for external defects. After the weapon is purchased, it will need to be assembled, having first cleaned all parts of preservative grease. After thorough cleaning, all parts are lubricated with gun oil.

When firing from the MP-18M-M, you must strictly observe safety precautions. The cartridges must be of high quality, otherwise a so-called “lingering” shot may occur. This is when the primer does not fire immediately after breaking. In such cases, you need to wait about 30 seconds without moving the gun barrel away from the target. Only after this can the weapon be unloaded.

MR-18M-M has the ability to install various choke constrictions. Before you use choke constrictions, you need to learn how to properly screw them into the barrel of a gun.

Advantages and disadvantages of MR-18M-M

The MP-18M-M is a very reliable and popular gun. It is not for nothing that it has been produced with minimal changes since 1964, so this model has many more advantages than disadvantages. Among the main advantages are the following parameters:

High accuracy when shooting. Although this indicator depends not only on the technical features of the gun, but also on the skills of the shooter as a whole. If you compare the MP-18 with double-barreled guns, it doesn’t matter whether they are vertical or horizontal, the accuracy and accuracy of a single-barreled gun will always be higher;
The quality of the MP-18M-M barrels is traditionally high. The thickness of the barrel walls can be measured at the muzzle, and it will be about 2.5 mm. The MP-18M-M barrel bore is chrome-plated, which also has a positive effect on the weapon’s service life, makes it easier to clean the barrel and promotes higher accuracy;
Lightweight single-barreled guns. For teenagers and women there is a lightweight modification;
The trigger mechanism is located in the receiver, which greatly simplifies the design of the gun. In addition, this leads to increased reliability of the weapon. The use of a swinging lever to lock the barrel also leads to increased reliability parameters;
A non-automatic safety and a special protrusion on the trigger reliably protect the MP-18M-M from accidental shots;
Modifications of the MP-18M-M, which are produced in different calibers and can additionally be equipped with choke constrictions, allow the hunter to select a weapon specifically for his tasks;
The gun is very easy to use and has good balancing;
The low cost of the weapon allows us to recommend this gun for purchase to hunters on a limited budget.

The MP-18M-M also has several disadvantages:

It is impossible to equip standard MP-18M-M models with an optical or collimator sight. Although for domestic craftsmen choosing a suitable bracket for the MP-18M-M is not a big problem;
It can be very problematic to purchase MP-18M-M in rare calibers. They are produced only to order.

If desired, the disadvantages of the MP-18M-M include its single-shot nature, although this feature makes the gun so easy to operate and convenient to use.

Smoothbore multi-shot shotgun with fore-end reloading. A reliable and convenient weapon for hunting, law enforcement and self-defense. The MP-133 shotgun is designed for the 12/89 cartridge and functions reliably with the entire range of 12-gauge cartridges - from 12/70 to 12/89. The model is also available in a version with a 76 mm chamber length. The coupling of the bolt directly to the barrel ensures the strength and durability of the locking, as well as unloading the receiver at the moment of firing. The receiver is made of aluminum alloy. The hammer-type trigger mechanism is made in the form of a detachable unit and is equipped with a safety system:

from a shot when the bolt is not fully locked;
a lock that prevents involuntary unlocking of the bolt before firing;
non-automatic safety blocking the trigger.

The design provides an anti-kickback switch, which allows you to remove a cartridge chambered into the chamber. Barrels with a length of 610, 660, 710 and 750 mm are manufactured with a ventilated rib, the bores are chrome-plated. By special order, short barrels can also be manufactured with a ventilated rib. The magazine is tubular under-barrel, with an improved system for cutting off cartridges during feeding. Capacity can be increased with an extension cord.

MP-135 smoothbore repeating shotgun

MP-135 smoothbore multi-shot shotgun with an under-barrel tubular magazine, reloadable by moving the fore-end back and forth. An effective weapon for hunting, law enforcement and self-defense. The model is available in a version with a 76 mm chamber length and functions reliably when using 12/70 and 12/76 cartridges. The coupling of the bolt directly to the barrel ensures locking strength, as well as unloading of the receiver at the moment of firing. The receiver is made of aluminum alloy. Sighting device: arched sighting bar or open rear sight and front sight. There is a cut-off mechanism. When it is turned on, the supply of cartridges from the under-barrel magazine stops. This makes it easier to change the cartridge in the chamber to a cartridge of other equipment. Or you can fire with the cartridge being fed directly by the shooter through the window to eject the spent cartridge case. This is useful if you have cartridges in your magazine with equipment other than what is needed at that moment. It is possible to manufacture a gun with the bolt delayed in the rearmost position after the cartridges from the magazine are used up. The butt plate is a new shock absorber design that more effectively reduces the impact of shot recoil on the shooter. The gun is equipped with a set of replaceable inserts installed between the butt and the receiver. By replacing them, you can adjust the vertical and horizontal bends of the butt. The box has a seat for a bracket on which you can place various sighting devices. The hammer-type trigger mechanism is made of high-strength polyamide in the form of a detachable unit, equipped with a safety system:

from a shot with the barrel not fully locked;
a lock that prevents involuntary unlocking of the bolt before firing;
non-automatic safety blocking the trigger.

The interchangeability of barrels is ensured, which allows you to change barrels or retrofit the gun with an additional replacement barrel without fitting tests in repair shops. The material of the butt and fore-end is walnut, beech, plastic.

Self-loading shotgun MP-153, MP-153S

A popular self-loading smoothbore shotgun with a wide range of applications: from various types of hunting and sports shooting to law enforcement and self-defense. Currently, the MP-153 is the only domestic model of a self-loading shotgun that is designed for the 12/89 cartridge and functions reliably with the entire range of 12-gauge cartridges - from 12/70 to 12/89 in any combinations without additional adjustments and switching. A version with a 76 mm chamber is also available. The design diagram of the MP-153 is a removal of powder gases with an automatic control of the impulse of the automation engine. The coupling of the bolt directly to the barrel ensures the strength and durability of the locking, as well as unloading the receiver at the moment of firing. The receiver is made of aluminum alloy. Parts exposed to powder gases (barrel bore, chamber, piston, gas chamber, outer surface of the magazine tube) are chrome-plated. The valve and piston rings are made of stainless steel. The hammer-type trigger mechanism is made in the form of a detachable unit and is equipped with a safety system:

from a shot when the bolt is not fully locked;
non-automatic safety blocking the trigger.

The magazine is tubular under-barrel, with an improved system for cutting off cartridges during feeding. Capacity can be increased with an extension cord. The recoil action reduces the rubber butt pad. MP-153 is a high reliability, rate of fire, reliability and versatility in the choice of ammunition. It is produced in the following modifications: MP-153S - a service modification of the gun, intended for private security companies. With interchangeable choke tubes for firing lead and steel shot. Without an aiming bar with a rear sight and front sight. With various options for the butt and forearm: - made of walnut or beech, with a rubber shock absorber; — made of plastic, with a rubber shock absorber; — with a folding butt. For the development of the MP-153 self-loading shotgun, the company was awarded a gold medal at the International Competition NATIONAL SECURITY and a competition diploma. The product is a Laureate of the 100 Best Products of Russia 2001 competition.

Self-loading shotgun MP-153 for practical shooting

Shotgun for competitions in practical shooting from smoothbore weapons, modification MP-153. While maintaining the advantages of the base model: high rate of fire, reliability and versatility in the choice of ammunition, the new modification acquired service elements that the weapon needs for practical shooting:

impact-resistant plastic stock with a notch in the grip area;
seat for installing a universal Picatinny rail;
enlarged safety and interceptor buttons, which greatly facilitate the control of the gun, especially in extreme situations;
new design of the feed tray, making it easier to equip the magazine.

The butt and fore-end are made of high-strength plastic.

The greatest popularity of Izhevsk guns is explained by their simplicity and low cost combined with acceptable reliability. New hunting weapons often have defects in the processing of parts and therefore require fine-tuning by specialists.

Semi-automatic smoothbore shotgun MP-155. The new product is a logical continuation of the previous model MP-153

Questionnaire MP-155

The MP-155 is available with barrel lengths of 610, 660, 710 and 750 mm and chambered for 12/76 and 12/89 cartridges.

According to the creators: compared to the MP-153, the new model has reduced weight by placing a mechanism for adjusting the impulse of the automation engine in the gas piston and using a lightweight arch-type sighting bar.

The weight reduction was also facilitated by the reduced length of the receiver of the modification chambered for the 12/76 cartridge. The ergonomics of the gun have been improved: a new design of the butt plate-shock absorber has been introduced, it has become possible to adjust the lowering of the butt comb due to replaceable inserts between the butt and the receiver, the design of the trigger has been improved - the travel of the trigger has been reduced, the size of the safety button has been increased. In addition, a version of the gun has appeared for left-handed shooters, and it is also possible to install optical or collimator sights on a dovetail rail and install an additional barrel without fitting in a repair shop.

Also, a cut-off mechanism has been introduced into the design of the gun, which allows you to turn off the feed from the magazine and quickly fire a shot with a different cartridge than those with which the magazine is equipped.

Performance characteristics: Caliber: 12/76 or 12/89 Barrel length: 610, 660, 710, 750 mm Magazine capacity: 4 (12/76) or 3 (12/89) rounds Weight: 3.15 (12/ 76) or 3.25 (12/89) kg
Previously on the topic of hunting rifles from Izhevsk factories:

Highly artistic guns of the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant: Collectible hunting guns.
Izh-43 - The cheapest Russian double-barreled shotgun.
Hunting rifle MP-153, MP-155, Maksimov - History of the creation of the gun.
Hunting rifles: MP-153, MC 21-12, which gun is better (VIDEO)
Hunting rifle MP-153: Features of operation of the semi-automatic MP-153
Our weapon: MP-155 - a continuation of the legendary MP-153 model of the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant
To the 40th anniversary of IZH-27: Hunting rifle IZH-27 - MR-27 - The most popular Russian sideflint of Izhevsk gunsmiths.
How to buy a weapon: List of documents required to obtain a weapons license and purchase weapons.
Hunting carbines SAIGA Izhmash: Rifled and smoothbore hunting carbines AKM-oids
Hunting carbines VEPR VPO and SOK: Rifled and smooth-bore hunting carbines AKM-oids

Varieties of MP-18M-M

There are many different modifications in the line of MP-18M-M hunting rifles and it is simply impossible to list them all. Here are the most popular models of MP-18M-M carbines:

MP-18M-M is the most basic model. The price for it is the most affordable. It comes with both a constant barrel and various choke constrictions. The gun may also include an aiming bar, the presence of which is highly desirable for novice shooters. The stock and forend of this gun are made of wood, usually walnut or beech. This modification is available in various calibers, but unfortunately, recently MP-18M-M has been found in hunting stores only in 12 and 16 calibers;
MP-18M-EM is an improved modification that has an ejector that automatically ejects the cartridge case when the barrel is opened. The ejector has a shutdown function, and this can be done even during a hunt, for which you only need to turn a special lever;
The MP-18MK-M is an interesting option for connoisseurs of vintage single-barreled weapons. There is a small percentage of hunters who believe that a single-barreled break should only be trigger-driven. This modification will fully correspond to their understanding of the ideal single-shot gun;
The small-caliber modification MP-18EM-M “Junior” is produced specifically for training women and children in shooting. It is a smaller copy of the standard modification MP-18M-M. The butt has a rubber butt pad that reduces recoil when shooting;
MP-18EM-M “Sporting” is the most expensive modification intended for sports shooting. It features improved build quality and barrel quality.

In addition, all of the above models can be purchased not only in an ordinary version, but also ordered from, which is distinguished by its build quality and has carvings and engravings.

When compared with other models of the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, the MP-18M-M is not much different from the guns that were produced in the USSR. Their build quality is consistently high, the barrels are straight, and so on. It is possible that this is due to the simplicity of the design, because this gun is very difficult to damage during assembly.

MR-18EM-M Sporting

If you want to practice your shooting skills, then this model of gun is best suited. It can confidently be called a modern single-barreled and sporting weapon, which is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to shoot.

The gun has a ventilated rib, a nickel plated gun block, and a gold plated trigger. The barrel has special compensating holes in the muzzle.

The front sight of the gun is fluorescent, and the stock is of the Monte Carlo type. The cartridges are ejected automatically when the barrel is opened, since there is an ejector. The choke constrictions can be changed.