- August 29, 2018
- Weapons and ammunition
- Dmitry Averkin
The IZH-27 hunting rifle (photos of various modifications are presented in the article) is a respected rarity among other smooth-bore domestic weapons. The first models appeared back in 1973. But, despite its considerable age, this series is still in enviable demand among novice hunters. Due to such popularity, the IZH-27 gun is still produced, and in considerable quantities. It is also worth noting that this model is used not only for fishing purposes, but also to protect property.
So, the subject of today’s review is the legendary IZH-27 gun. Let's consider the main characteristics of the models from this series, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the advisability of purchasing in a particular case. Let's take into account the opinion of experts in this field and the reviews of ordinary gun owners.
A little history
The IZH-27 shotgun is one of dozens of other modifications of smooth-bore weapons made by Izhevsk gunsmiths. Until the end of the 20th century, models had only one abbreviation - IZH. But when consumers from abroad became interested in weapons, the management of the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant decided to designate the products with the Latin letters MP (Mechanical Plant).
So if you see products under the MP-27 brand on the shelves of specialized stores, know that this is the brainchild of the Izhevsk plant - the IZH-27 gun. To avoid confusion, some sellers label the weapon as IZH-27 MR.
This modification was developed on the basis of the old Soviet “vertical” – IZH-12. The latter was highly respected by hunters due to its reliability and reliability. That is, the modern version of the IZH-27 gun is an improved version of the IZH-12.
The new model has been improved in ergonomics due to a well-thought-out fore-end and a comfortable stock. Also included in the equipment were an aiming bar, interceptors, an ejector and an automatic fuse. Moreover, for convenience, the butt of the weapon was equipped with a rubberized butt pad.
As a result, the designers came up with a, so to speak, paradoxical product. On the one hand, the new modification of the IZH gun was noticeably simplified and became more affordable in terms of cost, and on the other hand, it turned out to be even more reliable than its predecessor. That is why this series has earned the respect of domestic consumers.
Calibers
The barrels of the IZH-27 gun are positioned vertically. Three main calibers come off the factory assembly line: 12, 16 and 20. Ammunition can be found in any specialized store; it cannot be called scarce.
Nevertheless, the most common version is the IZH-27 12-gauge shotgun. This is, so to speak, a universal, and at the same time the most popular option. Moreover, it costs less.
Judging by the reviews, of all three listed calibers, the 16th is considered the most controversial. Some hunters continue to call it “folk” and widely in demand, while the other half is confident that the future belongs to the European standard 12 gauge. IZH-27 is produced in approximately equal proportions for these cartridges: 40% - 12, 40% - 16 and 20% - 20. Disputes on this issue still do not subside, although experts say that there is no critical difference between 12 and 16 gauge No.
Piece shotgun IZH 27
In addition to a wide range of modifications, a special version is available for connoisseurs of the model - a one-piece modification of the IZH 27 Rus.
This version of the IZH 27 piece gun has silver engraving, 2 pairs of barrels, as well as improved build quality, fit and overall operation of the mechanism. A kind of factory tuning. The only drawback of the IZH 27 Rus is the price tag, which is more than twice the cost of a regular double-barreled shotgun. For this money you can buy a foreign gun (the quality of manufacture and fit of which is completely different), so the choice of a domestic version can only be justified by an attack of patriotism and the exclusivity of the product itself.
In addition to this exclusive, limited editions are also produced with special engraving (at the customer’s request), special materials for making the stock and butt and their individual fit - of course, for an additional fee.
Weapon characteristics
Depending on the specific modification, the dimensions of the IZH-27 also change. The length of the gun can range from 660 to 750 mm with a chamber of up to 70 mm. The weight of the weapon also varies and depends on the specific version - from 3.1 to 3.6 kg. The length of the IZH-27 also depends on the caliber. The larger it is, the longer the trunk.
Initially, the gun had two triggers, but later models with one universal hook began to be produced. In this case, the order of shots depended on a special switch. By default, the lower barrel was triggered first, then the upper one.
It is also worth noting that there are modifications without any switches. Judging by the reviews, hunting with the IZH-27 for a timid animal is much more productive without extraneous clicks, and this mechanism is quite noisy: the sound of operation can be compared to the breaking of a dry branch. Which, naturally, is extremely unwelcome in an ambush.
Bullets
Round bullets for IZH -27 should always be slightly, 0.2-0.3 mm smaller than the diameter of the muzzle, as for bullets with a belt - they should be 1 mm smaller. The belts must exceed the diameter of the muzzle by 1mm. To check the correct fit of such a bullet, it must be lowered into vertically standing barrels - the bullet should drop 1-2 cm inside the barrel.
It is also not recommended to shoot cartridges with a large charge, so as not to damage the barrels. The lethal force will be added slightly, but damage to the barrels during such shooting is more likely. It is not recommended to shoot with old cartridges (loaded in the last hunting season); it is better to reload them again.
Thus, the model under consideration is a reliable example of a double-barreled weapon, tested by time and entire generations of hunters. Unfortunately, truly high-quality samples are already decades old and, as practice shows, the younger the gun, the worse the workmanship. However, there are also quite decent specimens that, if properly maintained, can last a very long time.
MR-27M
This modification lacks an ejector, but together with it there are two full-fledged triggers installed. The model comes with interchangeable barrels and is considered universal. This modification has proven itself excellent in hunting big game.
The bullet begins to rotate at the exit thanks to an oval-screw type drill. This allows you to hit targets at a distance of up to 100 meters with high accuracy. It is also worth noting that the MP-27M can fire regular shot.
The sight here is of an open type, and it can be adjusted in both vertical and horizontal positions. There are also special grooves for installing optics, which makes hunting in ambush much easier.
Weapon model MP-27EM-1S
Hunting rifles are becoming increasingly popular due to people's desire to be active and release negative emotions. Some prefer shooting at a shooting range or on a clay pigeon range, but hunting shooting also has many fans due to its dynamism and the presence of a target. If the main goal of hitting a target at a shooting range or stand seems quite dull to you, then hunting is something that every man should try. Not everyone can hunt an animal, but this is fair to nature - you shoot the animal yourself in order to eat it. Meat companies don't do this for you. Those who are against it, think about what could be more honest than hunting. Everything is fair in this process: animals and humans have equal chances of success. One of the most effective, convenient and popular models of hunting rifles is the MP 27em Sporting. This will be discussed further.
MP-27 "Sporting"
As the name suggests, the main purpose of this modification is the sports field. Of course, you can go hunting with this gun, but it fully reveals itself only in sports bullet shooting.
The weapon received appropriate equipment in the form of various muzzle attachments. The latter are easily replaced, and their choice depends on the specific direction of sports shooting.
Features of MP-27EM-1S
This type of weapon has many significant features. The main ones:
- The trigger mechanism allows you to change the order of shots.
- The trigger allows you to switch the firing order quickly and conveniently.
- Excellent value for money, not inferior to other, more expensive models.
- The bores are chrome-plated, which adds durability to the gun. It doesn't rust.
- There is the possibility of releasing the triggers (stressless).
MP-27M "Junior"
Here we have a kind of “female” modification, which is intended for the fair sex and teenagers. Corresponding changes were made to the design: a simplified receiver, a shortened barrel, and a softer stock with a fore-end.
Despite the noticeably simplified design, the cost of this modification can be significantly higher than others. The main expense item is the stock with the fore-end, or rather their processing. High-quality soft rubber or other similar material costs a lot of money. So you have to pay extra for additional convenience.
Exclusive modifications
In addition to the serial models described, there are also custom IZH-27s, developed to individual orders by local gunsmiths. Naturally, the price tag for such products increases significantly, but it is worth it, especially if you are a pretentious person who does not accept compromises.
Here we are talking about guns of very high quality, which do not have the disadvantages of conveyor models. As a rule, only one master gunsmith, of the highest qualifications, works on a product. The patent for the latter is not simply handed out - only those who have devoted a significant part of their lives to this matter receive it.
During the manufacturing process, the craftsman improves standard mechanisms, blued the barrels, ensures smooth running of all moving parts, polishes and decorates the butt, adjusts the fore-end with the stock, etc. If required, individual elements are embossed, engraved or gilded. Both noble metals and alloys and precious stones are used. It all depends on the client’s wishes and how much money he is willing to invest in an exclusive product.
There are a lot of other technical and artistic intricacies that each individual master is capable of. The gunsmith is personally responsible for all innovations and additional attachments. The cost of such products starts from about 100 thousand and can reach up to a million rubles.
Maintenance of IZH-27
The IZH 27 hunting rifle, like ammunition, must be stored in a dry place, away from getting wet and moisture. In this case, the triggers must be in a deflated state, the barrels must be separated from the box. The locking lock is also in the lowered state - to do this, you need to press the protrusion in the barrel landing socket. All main rubbing parts must always be lubricated: the connection of the barrels with the box, the hinge axis and the forend.
As already mentioned, the barrels are chrome-plated, and this is done to make their surface easier to care for. However, in practice, the low quality of the coating leads to the fact that the chrome plating can fly off after the first shots, so during further use there is, alas, no point in paying attention to the chrome plating - faded barrels and stains on them are part of the norm for these guns.
How to clean a gun
Now let's figure out how to clean the IZH 27 gun. The barrels should be cleaned after every hunt. If a large amount of soot appears, the trunks are washed with water and then wiped with a rag. The lead shine in the trunks is removed with a copper brush. At the end of the hunting season, all mechanisms must be thoroughly lubricated.
To prevent damage, it is necessary to periodically tighten the tension screw located inside the butt. To get to it, you need to remove the rubber shock absorber at the end of the butt. If, after the gun falls, the firing pins are secured with an interceptor safety, they can be removed from the firing position in the usual way, as on all smooth-bore guns - by completely opening and closing the barrels.
Disassembling the IZH-27 is quite simple - removing the forend and then separating the barrels and the box with the stock and butt. Just as with all single-shot shotguns, the firing pins must not be fired dry without any cartridges. When firing pins are released without cartridges, the mechanism experiences significant overloads. The firing pins must be released with spent cartridges. You should always open the gun with both hands, and not on your knee - this is a sure way to loosen the mechanism.
Disadvantages
Reviews about the products of the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant in general and about the MP-27 gun in particular have accumulated more than enough over the years. Experts in this field analyzed the feedback from owners and compiled a list of the most common problems that may arise with production models.
It’s worth noting right away that exclusive, that is, one-piece products made by master gunsmiths, are free from all the disadvantages listed below.
The first and most common problem is poor-quality soldering of barrels. If one of them has a whitish coating, then it is better to refuse the purchase and look for another option - without it. Also, owners note that the roundness of the trunks is not always correct. When cut, it should be perfect with the same thickness.
The chrome plating of the barrel must be smooth and also extremely even. It is not allowed to have any stains or random “scars” inside. The trunk itself must be perfectly straight, since even the slightest curvature can negate all performance qualities.
It is also a good idea to shake the weapon thoroughly before purchasing, and it is best to do this several times. If at the same time you hear that the mechanisms are clinking or that something is loose inside, move such a gun to the side, because it may fail after a dozen or two shots.
Be sure to disassemble and reassemble the weapon in the presence of the seller. If this is not allowed, ask him to do it himself. All parts should be easy to remove and put in place. If not, you risk not being able to reassemble the gun after cleaning.
Also pay attention to the forend with the butt. Both the first and second must be perfectly matched. There should be no backlash, dents, cracks, scratches, etc. If they are present, they will have a very negative impact during shooting.
If you do not pay attention to the described shortcomings, you risk becoming a regular at repair shops, and you will have to correct all these errors at your own expense. But that's not so bad. It’s worse if the gun explodes in your hands due to a jammed and fired cartridge.
MP27EM-1S
Good day to all, dear comrades!
In my blog I will tell you about purchasing my first gun. After a long search on forums and gun store windows, my choice settled on the MP27. On the Internet I found the coordinates of a highly artistic weapons workshop (CWO), which produces civilian sporting and hunting weapons with enhanced consumer properties, produced by IMZ OJSC.
An application for production was drawn up and faxed to the secretary. The next day, I made a call to the head of workshop VO No. 90, Mikhail Ivanovich Kiselev, and discussed all the details for the manufacture of the gun according to the application I had drawn up. The application specified the following parameters: two pairs of 12-gauge barrels with a 76 chamber, barrel length L=750/675 with choke constrictions 0.5-1/0-0, respectively, the stock should be made of dark-colored walnut in the “Monte Carlo” shape, “ Bavarian cheek” with a fold according to my anthropometric measurements. The butt plate is a combined “sporting”, the forend is “tulip”, the receiver is nickel-plated, the trigger is covered with nitrite-titanium coating. The preliminary manufacturing price for MP27EM-1S is 34t.r.
The manufacturing process took a month, during which I underwent training in order to study the rules of safe handling of weapons, and waited for the production of a purchase license from the OLRR. Upon completion of the production of the gun, I was sent a fax with a contract, details for payment for the product and special communications services. I filled out the contract, put it in an envelope with the original license, and sent a copy of my passport by registered mail to TsVO90. The price that was in the agreement for payment of the bank account was 29,661 rubles. and 1949r. special communication services to Yekaterinburg.
The gun was shipped from the factory on December 27, 2012. to the special communications department of Izhevsk and then the hassle began with various permits and transfers to special communications departments. As a result, the gun arrived at the special communications departments of Yekaterinburg on January 22, 2013. and it was delivered to my door.
I brought the box home and began to unwrap the long-awaited parcel.
Opening the box. Passport and license stub in a white envelope.
The product was placed on the coffee table.
After an external inspection, I carried out partial disassembly for re-preservation, removal of factory grease and lubrication of all components and mechanisms with oil. And lo and behold, there is no lubrication at all in the trigger assembly and there are not even traces that it was ever there. All components of the trigger and ejector were lubricated with a thin layer of Ballistol oil from an aerosol can, and everything was assembled in the reverse order.
Engraving of the names of mechanic Kalabin and engraver Babanov on the USM.
I am pleased with the result of the gun being manufactured at TsVO90. If you have any questions, write in a personal message.
Summarizing
Despite the existing shortcomings, experts, as well as hunters, consider the IZH-27 (MR-27) gun to be a very good and worthy option, which is definitely worth considering for purchase. If you carefully check the weapon in the store, plus store and operate it correctly, then you will be pleased with it for a long time.
If you have savvy hands or you know smart craftsmen (preferably with a patent), you can modify the gun immediately after purchase: improve the basic mechanisms and tune them. The only thing is that it is worth clarifying that you need to be more careful with the last point, because excess canopies affect the performance of the weapon. Factory assembly is a process that has been thought out and worked on over the years, and the abuse of beauty and all kinds of “tricks” can only do harm. But gunsmiths, if they are truly masters, will not put on unnecessary things.
Experts and experienced hunters also recommend taking into account some of the nuances of serial models. Be sure to pay attention to the date of manufacture. IZH-27 shotguns produced before and at the turn of 1990 are frankly of high quality, without any critical defects. You can buy them without fear. They are most often sold secondhand, but after a small restoration, if necessary, you will not have any problems.
If the guns were produced after 1990, then the models need to be checked thoroughly and more than once. In this case, there are a lot of defective products. It’s better to spend a lot of time and overpay a certain amount for restoration, but find the first option.
In general, it is much more practical to choose a hunting rifle in the company of a knowledgeable person. These can be found on specialized forums. For a fee, they will give you a shopping consultation or go shopping with you.
Modifications
The double-barreled shotgun is already more than forty years old, and it has acquired a number of modifications and options for a wide variety of needs and requirements. These include: shotgun IZH 27 EM or MR 27EM, IZH 27M 1S, IZH 27 1S, MR 27M, MR 27EM 1S or IZH 27EM 1S, as well as “Junior” (gun IZH 27MM), a rifled version of the barrel, etc. This gun is also manufactured in piece versions.
Technical characteristics of the MP 27EM (IZH 27 EM) model: switchable ejector, two releases.
MP 27M 1S and MP 27 1S or IZH 27M 1S, IZH 27 1S - one trigger that can be used to switch the firing sequence (changes by pressing the trigger from behind), without an ejector. IZH 27M 1S can be called the most popular model.
MP 27EM 1S or IZH 27EM 1S - switchable ejector, one release.
The IZH 27M or MP-27M “Junior” shotgun is a lightweight version of the main model. As the name suggests, it is designed for women and teenagers, so the stock dimensions and barrel length are reduced.
IZH 27, MR 27 Silver is a special version of the IZH-27EM, which is distinguished by the presence of silver plates on the sides of the receiver with artistic engraving.
