IZH-27 - the pride of domestic gunsmiths
The IZH-27 double-barreled shotgun produced by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, which went into production in 1973, became a significantly modified previous version of the IZH-12 - and as a result became the best-selling gun for amateur and commercial hunting in the vastness of the USSR, and then Russia - in the entire history of the production of domestic hunting rifles. guns. Taking into account all the modifications (in 2008, the IZH-27 also became the MP-27), over 1.6 million copies of these double-barreled guns were sold.
The IZH-27 double-barreled shotgun produced by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, which went into production in 1973, became a significantly modified previous version of the IZH-12 - and as a result became the best-selling gun for amateur and commercial hunting in the vastness of the USSR, and then Russia - in the entire history of the production of domestic hunting rifles. guns. Taking into account all the modifications (in 2008, the IZH-27 also became the MP-27), over 1.6 million copies of these double-barreled guns were sold.
IZH-27
The design features of this “Izhevka” were the vertical arrangement of the detachable barrels and the presence of interceptors (interceptors of the trigger in the event of not pressing them with a finger, but for example, an accidental fall), which do not allow hitting the firing pin in such situations. Another distinctive feature of the IM-27 was the firing pins with a sufficiently large (up to 2.2 mm) output, which made it possible to free the gun from such an unpleasant event as misfire in cases of a deep-set primer.
Technical characteristics of IZH-27
Today, the Izhevsk plant produces 4 serial modifications of this most popular gun.
- MR-27M (modification IZH-27M ) - with a missing ejector.
- MP-27EM (modified IZH-27EM ) - with an ejector that ejects exclusively spent cartridges;
- MR-27M-1S (updated version of IZH-27M-1S ) - with one trigger. The intended change in the sequence of shots in this modification is achieved by slightly pressing the trigger forward, which occurs with a slight click. This turned out to be convenient for recording the action, but in calm weather in ambush hunts the animal sometimes hears this sound;
- MR-27EM-1S (replacing IZH-27EM-1s ) - has both an ejector and a single trigger.
IZH-27 models with different types of ejectors
The history of the Izh 27
In the early 70s of the 20th century, the famous designer of hunting and sporting weapons Anatoly Andreevich Klimov received a request to create a simple and reliable double-barreled hunting rifle with a vertical barrel arrangement. The new model was initially developed to replace the then existing Izh 12 double-barreled shotgun, which had a large number of shortcomings. The design bureau under the leadership of Klimov coped with its task more than well - in 1971 the first pre-production sample of the future double-barreled gun was presented.
Unlike its predecessor, the Izh 27 weapon is omnivorous - it is capable of firing cartridges with any type of cartridge case - cardboard, plastic or metal - without consequences.
The presented gun has not undergone any significant changes in appearance – it looks like an ordinary “over-and-under”, with very similar shapes of the fore-end and butt. The changes affected mostly the internal part - the barrels received high-quality processing and chrome plating, the mechanical safety was replaced by an automatic one. Some changes have been made to the stock and stock - they have become more ergonomic and comfortable to grip. The sight was left mechanical, but the aiming bar was made ventilated - this made aiming easier in hot weather (a cast bar can “lead” a little in the heat, which reduces the accuracy of the shot). The gun was also equipped with a cartridge ejector (extractor), making it easier to reload the gun.
Description
Izh-27 (since 1992 MP 27) is a classic sideflint designed for commercial and amateur hunting. It is produced in 12, 16, 20 calibers, but the most common is 12. The gun honestly “earned” flattering reviews from hunters for its unpretentiousness, reliability, low recoil and accurate combat. The stock and forend of the gun are made of wood, usually birch, but in some cases beech and walnut are used (usually in expensive versions). The butt neck is usually pistol type, but it can also be of any shape if it is necessary to make the gun to order.
The barrels are made from weapons-grade steel and are connected to each other by soldering. The bore is chrome-plated and can have a fixed or replaceable narrowing of the internal diameter. External metal elements - barrels, receiver, trigger guard and triggers - are anodized to prevent the metal from shining. The hinge axis is locked using a hinge hook. Cocking occurs when the barrel is “broken.”
The trigger mechanism is hammer-operated and equipped with a disconnector to prevent unintentional release of the triggers. There are two triggers in the basic model; since 1977, a model with one trigger has been produced - to fire from two barrels it is necessary to press it twice. First, the shot was fired from the lower barrel, then from the upper - the sequence can be changed by pressing the trigger forward. However, this model did not gain popularity - during the “switching” the click was too loud, which could scare away the animal.
Thanks to the long firing pins, the Izh-27 can work with cartridges with a recessed primer bottom.
To facilitate reloading, the Izh-27E is equipped with ejectors that make it easier to remove cartridges from the barrels, and the Izh-27EM model already has a full-fledged selective-type cartridge ejector - it ejects only spent cartridges.
Options and packaging
The standard package of the MP-27 (Mechanical Plant is the result of a more acceptable transcription of the Izh-27 gun brand for the foreign market) includes the gun itself and cardboard packaging. This “poor” configuration was achieved due to the fact that the gun can be serviced using improvised means. The modification equipped with the letter “M” includes an additional barrel block with a drill for the Lancaster cartridge and a gun maintenance key.
History of creation
This gun is a modernized IZH-12, one of the first vertical models. Many elements have undergone changes: the stock and forearm have become different; The aiming bar has become ventilated; a separate fuse that intercepts the triggers; spent cartridge ejector; the designers also changed the shape of the receiver; installed a rubber shock absorber at the end of the butt. The updated double-barreled shotgun IZH 27 began mass production in 1973 and is still in production today.
When expanding the sales market to foreign countries, it became necessary to change the name of the gun, since the word IZH is inconvenient to write in Latin. Therefore, an abbreviation was developed that was suitable in meaning. Therefore, since the 90s, IZH hunting rifles began to be designated with MP (Mechanical Plant) symbols. Thus, since 2008, all products of the plant have been released under this sign.
Performance characteristics of Izh-27
Caliber | 12 | 16 | 20 | 12 Magnum | 20 Magnum | |
Length, mm | Trunk | 675, 725 | 725 | 675 | 675, 725 | 675 |
Chamber | 70, 2 | 76,2 | ||||
Barrel diameter, mm | 18,4 | 17 | 15,7 | 18,4 | 15,7 | |
Barrel narrowing, mm | upper | 1,0 | ||||
lower | 0,5 | |||||
Maximum value of powder gas pressure in MPa (kgf/cm2) | 65 (663) | 68 (694) | 72 (734) | 90 (918) | ||
Weight Izh 27, kg | 3,4 | 3,2 | 3,1 | 3,6 | 3,3 |
About bullets for IZH-27
The diameter of round ones should be less than the diameter of the trunk by about 0.2-0.3 mm. For bullets with a belt, the difference should be greater - about 0.8-1.0 mm. At the same time, the belts themselves can exceed the diameter of the muzzle by the same amount. If you don't carry a caliper or micrometer, you can evaluate this sizing by simply lowering such a bullet into a vertical barrel. If it stops at a distance of about 1.5 cm from the muzzle, the dimensions are correct.
Bullets for IZH-27
Also, you should not shoot with old cartridges or cartridges with powder loads that far exceed the standard specified by the manufacturer. This will not add speed to the bullet, but it can easily damage the barrel.
Hunting with IZH-27
Design features of Izh-27 (MP-27)
- Effective anti-corrosion coating of barrels and bores;
- Built-in disconnector to prevent accidental shots;
- The trigger allows you to safely release the triggers even if there are cartridges in the barrels (only in models with two triggers);
Operating principle
The gun is a breech-loading, break-action shotgun - when the barrels are “broken”, their muzzle part goes down, opening the breech, intended for loading with cartridges. After inserting the cartridges, the barrels must be raised and closed (the mechanical lock on the top of the receiver), then prepared to fire and pull the trigger. In guns with two triggers, the first is responsible for the lower barrel, the second (rear) for the upper. Shotguns with a single trigger will require you to pull the trigger twice, and the default barrel sequence is lower, then upper.
By pulling the trigger forward in the direction of the muzzle of the barrels, you can change the sequence of shots, setting the first shot to the upper barrel. After reloading, the sequence will reset.
Ejector operation
The ejector is designed to remove spent cartridges from the chamber. When the barrel is opened, a spring-loaded element engages the edge of the cartridge case and lifts it above the barrel. The ejector in basic models is primitive (the edges of the cartridge case are caught by a spring-loaded metal hook), and modified models are equipped with a selective type ejector - such an ejector ejects only spent cartridges.
Despite the fact that the selective type ejector is more complicated than a regular one, it is not recommended to turn it off - it saves a lot of time when reloading the gun.
Sighting bar and solder quality
When purchasing an Izh-27, be sure to check the sighting bar for distortions - to do this, carefully inspect the sighting line, aiming at the horizon. If in doubt, you can pull the thread from the front sight to the aiming bar and check the bar for bending.
The quality of soldering is checked in the following way - you need to remove the forend (in this model it is removable, but care will be required so as not to damage the wood) and carefully inspect the jumper between the barrels on both sides of the receiver block. Then you need to take a small hammer or sleeve and tap along the entire length of the jumper - the sound should be clear, even, without any changes in tone - only such a sound characterizes high quality.
Do not buy a gun secondhand with defects in soldering or the sighting rib - repairing these two elements is very difficult; it is easier to buy a new block of barrels.
What to look for when buying an Izh-27
If you decide to purchase a hunting rifle for the first time, then the Izh MP 27 will be a good choice for a novice hunter. However, when purchasing either a second hand or a new gun, it is necessary to check all the mechanisms and sights.
- Check the trunks for bends. This defect can occur in both new and used versions. Determined visually or using a thread stretched along the trunks.
- Check the quality of the soldering of the barrels - ask the seller to remove the forend and disconnect the barrel block from the gun stock. Tap along the soldering line with a hammer and listen to the sound - it should be smooth and clean. If you notice whitish streaks or stains on the jumper, do not purchase this item.
- The muzzles of the barrels should be round and have a straight cut line. If the seller starts using the concepts of “choke” and “pay” when detecting curvature of the barrel walls, or detecting an uneven cut of the barrel wall, refuse the purchase.
- Inspect the inner surface of the barrels through the light by removing the barrel block - the chrome plating should be smooth, without chips or damage, and there should be no dark spots on the chrome.
- Check the sighting bar for bending.
- Pick up the complete gun and shake it vigorously several times. If you feel vibration or hear any sounds coming from the gun, this is a sign that the gun is malfunctioning.
- Inspect the fit of the wood parts to the metal components of the gun.
- Disassembling and assembling the gun should be effortless. Also, the gun should break without unnecessary effort or jamming.
If you purchase weapons on the secondary market, pay attention to models marked Izh-27. Old models were assembled with better quality.
Characteristics and modifications of folk guns
Many modifications were produced, these were 16-gauge, 20-gauge, 32-gauge, 410-gauge guns, although at present these models are not produced and are extremely rare.
More popular are the classic 12-gauge hunting rifles MP-27 M with a conventional cartridge extractor or with an ejector mechanism MP-27ME and with two triggers, or MP-27E-1C, also ejector, but with one hook and a switch with which you can choose which barrel to fire the first shot from. A gun with one hook, but without an ejector mechanism, is also still produced. The barrel selection switching device is the same.
A sports version of the IZH-27 has also been developed, lightweight, “export”, with combined barrels, that is, one smoothbore barrel and the other rifled. There are ordinary, piece and artistic designs.
Catalog of manufactured models
- MP-27M is a classic shotgun with a conventional cartridge case extractor (extractor) and 2 triggers.
- MP-27EM is a gun with an automatic cartridge ejector (ejector) and 2 triggers.
- MP-27EM-1S is a gun with an ejector and one trigger.
- MP-27EM-1S “Sporting” – features an ergonomic stock with a protrusion on the right side of the pistol grip, a rubber butt pad with a plastic heel and a wide sports-type fore-end. Wider aiming rib, holes in the muzzle of the barrels.
- MP-27M-1S – with a conventional extractor and one trigger.
- MP-27 “Baikal” is an export version with higher quality finishes and materials.
Modifications of guns with the “E” index have a mechanism that automatically ejects spent cartridges when the barrels are opened. The cartridge case is ejected only from the barrel from which the shot was fired.
In the MP-27 M and MP-27 EM shotguns, the front trigger is responsible for the lower barrel, and the rear trigger is responsible for the upper barrel.
The barrel lengths for all IZH-27 12 gauge models are 660, 710, 725 and 750 mm. Chamber length 70 and 76 mm. The weight of the gun is no more than 3.6 kg. The weapon is produced with barrel choke constrictions of 0.5 and 1.0 mm (half and choke), the constrictions can be permanent or replaceable.
There are a lot of competitors in the Russian hunting weapons market, and in particular double-barreled shotguns, but the MP-27 (IZH-27) has an undoubted advantage: with the same quality, the price is much lower than its analogues. And those competitors that are comparable in price cannot in any way be comparable in quality and reliability.
Storage and care of Izh-27
Like any firearm, the over/under discussed above must be stored in a gun cabinet. The cabinet must be in a dry place. The gun can only be stored in a disassembled state and with the triggers pulled to avoid wear on the mainsprings. In addition, it is highly recommended to coat the mechanisms with a thin layer of gun oil before storing. If the storage is long-term, you will need to additionally coat all parts of the gun with a thin layer of grease.
Disassembly
The Izh-27 is a gun that is not only easy to use, but also easy to maintain. But it also requires constant maintenance, preferably after each shooting. The disassembly process is as follows:
- Push the forend latch towards you and remove the forend from the barrels.
- Turn the locking lever to the right, opening the lock and releasing the barrels.
- Lower the barrels down and lift them at an angle to the receiver, separate the barrel block from the gun.
- Remove the buttplate by removing the mounting screws using a screwdriver.
- Remove the screw holding the stock and receiver together and separate the stock and receiver.
Further actions are carried out only to preserve the gun for a long time or to clean the gun from heavy contamination:
- Disassemble the trigger mechanism:
- Cock the hammers and look for holes on the mainspring rods. Insert pieces of wire into the holes, securing them.
- Release both triggers and remove the spring rods from their mounting positions.
- Using a drift, remove the trigger axles and remove them together with the sear from the box.
- Using a drift, remove the pin holding the spring and remove the fuse.
- Unscrew the bottom screw holding the cylinder and do the same with the tail rotor. Remove the larva using a metal rod and lightly tapping it with a hammer.
- Disassemble the locking mechanism:
- Using a hammer to gently strike the metal rod, remove the pins of the strikers, remove the strikers with shock springs
- Unscrew the bolt securing the locking lever and its axis
- Remove the locking lever by lightly tapping the axis of the locking lever, remove the bolt bar
Reassembling the gun after cleaning and lubrication occurs in the reverse order. At the same time, it is important to remember that you cannot swap the upper and lower combat parts - strikers, springs.
Do not allow any swings or joining elements - the parts must fit tightly to each other and avoid swings and backlashes.
How to clean a gun
The gun must be cleaned after each use, even if only one shot is fired. Otherwise, this threatens the appearance of chrome plating in the barrels, the appearance of shells on the inner surface of the barrels, and, consequently, a deterioration in the combat qualities of the gun. Therefore, these actions cannot be neglected.
You can clean your gun using a barrel cleaning solution, which is sold in every hunting store. Do not use hard metal meshes; they can damage the chrome plating of the bore. Lead plaque is best removed with a soft copper brush, and if this does not work, supplement the brush with special lead removers (sold in hunting stores).
Copious powder deposits can also be removed using a nylon brush, after first rinsing the barrel block under running warm water. At the same time, it is prohibited to make any physical efforts to remove carbon deposits - this is fraught with the appearance of shells on the inner surface of the barrel bore. The shells lead to rusting of the barrels, as well as to scattering of shot when fired.
Care and storage
Before using the double-barreled shotgun, you should wash all metal parts with kerosene to remove possible dirt and shavings, which, unfortunately, are not uncommon. Then you should coat all metal parts with a thin layer of gun oil and wipe dry with a soft cloth. In this form, it is recommended to store it under lock and key, in an iron box, in a dry place.
Open and close the gun smoothly. Sharp opening and locking of the barrels loosens their connection to the box.
It is advisable to clean the weapon once every three to four months, and every day if used intensively.
The most important tips from the manufacturer
- If the gun falls, the hammers may be decocked, but the shot will not fire. The triggers are intercepted by interceptors. In this case, the triggers are blocked. Therefore, after the gun is dropped, it is necessary to re-cock the hammers by opening and closing the gun.
- It is strictly forbidden to load a weapon with cartridges with a cartridge case length greater than the length of the chamber; this can lead to rupture of the barrel. The chamber length is indicated on the barrel.
The hunting rifle IZH-27, MR-27 is structurally more advanced than many foreign analogues. Simple and unpretentious, like a Kalashnikov assault rifle. If you are looking for a gun for hunting, this is a great option in my opinion.
Choice between TOZ-34 and Izh MP 27
In fact, the choice between these two guns is not easy - they have the same characteristics, cost approximately the same, and both have been tested by hunters of more than one generation. However, there are still some differences:
- TOZ-34 has better soldering of the barrels - there have been cases when the Izh’s side strip came off to the side;
- TOZ-34 has less weight, which will be an undeniable advantage for mobile hunting;
- TOZ-34 has a non-removable wooden plate on the fore-end, which means it will not crumble or become wasted during frequent dismantling;
- The twisted mainsprings of the Izh-27 are more durable than the figured ones of the TOZ-34;
- Shooting using powerful cartridges will be more comfortable with Izh - the reason for this is the greater weight of the gun;
- Izh-27 uses stronger metal for the production of firing pins (important when purchasing a gun on the secondary market).
Review from the owner of Izh-27M (MP 27 M)
Judging by the reviews, the gun is quite practical - due to its heavy weight, the gun “feels” more securely in the hands, and the thick wooden grips are comfortable for large hands. There is also an absolute absence of problems with the mechanics of the gun - everything inside the receiver works without any problems.
However, the reviews are not enthusiastic - in particular, they criticize the very poor quality of chrome plating and insufficient treatment of wood against moisture (this can be solved independently, but this is an unnecessary step). It is noted that when firing cartridges with a reinforced load, the connection between the stock and the body of the combat mechanism in the MP 27 M gun loosens faster - this is solved by tightening the screw located under the butt plate.
Barrels with permanent drilling without replaceable chokes
Depending on the model and configuration, the Izh-27 can have barrels with both permanent drilling and replaceable choke constrictions. Modifications with permanent drilling, as a rule, have a “chok” drilling of the upper barrel, and a “poluchok” drilling of the lower barrel. The taper values are usually indicated on the barrel block, under the forend.
Models with replaceable choke constrictions use replaceable universal attachments for shotguns from the Izhevsk plant - for example, the constriction from the MP-155 is also installed on the MP 27 M shotgun.
Izh 27 modifications
Over almost fifty years of production, any successful weapon model receives some modifications. The MP 27 hunting rifle was not without modernization - USM modifications, sporting models, and even exclusive handmade guns appeared.
MP 27M (Izh 27M)
The very first modification of the base model, devoid of an extractor, with two triggers and a replaceable barrel block. The second block is designed for bullet shooting and has an oval-screw drill, but does not exclude the possibility of shooting with shot. Also, the design of the additional block allows you to adjust the dispersion centers of both barrels. The gun supports the installation of optical sights.
Izh 27 shotgun "Junior"
The gun is intended for women and teenagers; accordingly, the sizes of the butts and receiver are reduced for comfortable holding by the target group of users. The length of the barrels was also slightly reduced, and a soft rubber butt pad was installed on the butt. The Izh 27 caliber .410 is produced.
Izh 27EM
A modification with two triggers, equipped with a selective ejector that ejects only the spent cartridge case. However, the ejector can be turned off - the procedure is simple and can be done at home using a screwdriver. However, this is not recommended - the selective ejector saves a lot of time when shooting.
MR 27 M 1S
A shotgun with one trigger, without an ejector. It has a trigger that fires shots sequentially from both barrels by pressing the trigger twice - first the lower barrel fires, then the upper. The firing pattern can be changed by pressing the trigger from the rear, but this will last until reloading - after which the gun will return to the basic firing pattern.
MP 27EM 1C
A shotgun with one trigger, with a selective-type ejector installed. It has a trigger that fires shots sequentially from both barrels by pressing the trigger twice - first the lower barrel fires, then the upper. The firing pattern can be changed by moving the trigger forward, but this will last until reloading - after which the gun will return to the basic firing pattern.
One-piece copy of MP 27 “Rus”
This option is a modification of the MP-27EM model. A custom-made gun can be made for a specific shooter, taking into account all anthropometric features - it is possible to make the handle and butt according to the customer’s sketches. In addition, the bolt box is additionally decorated with artistic carvings, and the same happens with the fore-end. Otherwise, there are no changes relative to the production model.
Single-piece specimens are usually supplied with an additional block of barrels - if the main ones are designed for the 12x76 mm Magnum caliber and have a “choke” and “poluchok” drilling, then the additional ones usually have a “cylinder” drilling with the same caliber.
Version with replaceable choke tubes (“d/n”)
This version can be found in almost all Izh-27 models. The “d/n” index on the packaging indicates that the barrel of this model has a “cylinder” drilling and the package includes several choke tubes for different conditions (usually there are three). Using a combination of choke tubes, you can achieve the required shot load when shooting, convenient for the shooter. In case of loss or damage of attachments, they can be purchased at any hunting store.
MP-27 piece shotguns
Along with serial products, factory craftsmen make guns according to individual orders of consumers, creating beautiful examples of highly artistic weapons: unique piece guns with artistic engraving of the “Classic”, “Prestige”, “De Luxe”, “Exclusive”, “Collectible” classes.
The quality of assembly and fit of the guns is very high. They are practically devoid of the disadvantages of serial models. Excellent barrel bluing, improved balance, improved locking mechanism with a carbide insert. Smoother fuse action. The stock and forend are perfectly fitted.
The assembly of each gun is carried out by one fitter, carefully and efficiently fitting all the parts, manually adjusting and fitting, which ensures high reliability of the mechanisms.
Adjustment of the stock to the anthropometric parameters of any person (left, right stock, protrusion under the cheek, different stock lengths, etc.) is done manually. It is possible to configure MP-27 shotguns with two pairs of barrels: - 1st pair - standard, length 720-750 mm, choke, half-barrel. Choke constrictions 0.5; 1.0 mm. — 2nd pair — length 675 mm; barrels cylinders.
Some MP-27 shotguns of 12x76 caliber are equipped with an additional block of barrels with a 20-gauge Lancaster drill with a chamber length of 76 mm. On guns, at the request of the customer, it is possible to carry out any decoration or inscription using hand engraving, precious metals, and artistic painting. Engraving compositions are made in a wide variety of techniques - armor engraving, notching and notching of precious metals and their alloys, creating a unique range characteristic of the style of weapons engraving of the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant.
The engraving is complemented by decorative carvings on the butt and fore-end. To coat metal parts, in addition to traditional oxidation, silver plating, nickel plating, and titanium nitride coating can be used. Guns made to order meet the requirements of the most sophisticated connoisseurs of fine weapons.
Advantages and disadvantages
Intuitive simplicity of the weapon - even a beginner can master it in the shortest possible time
The gun is omnivorous - it accepts any type of cartridge suitable in caliber. The MP-27 can fire cartridges with a flat bottom, with a deepened primer, with an increased or decreased load, and even “roll-your-own” cartridges.
Maintainability - thanks to a simple and reliable scheme, repairs can be carried out even by unqualified personnel
Low price and wide selection of available modifications
Poor quality chrome plating and anodizing of metal surfaces of weapons
Gun weight
Poor soldering quality of the inter-barrel jumper
Mediocre accuracy and sharpness of the shot
Ammo for Izh-27
As mentioned above, the gun is omnivorous for all types of shot cartridges. However, with bullets things are somewhat different:
- For barrels with a permanent cone drill, it is recommended to use a sub-caliber bullet. Considering that the bullet is in a kind of plastic container, it does not directly affect the barrel, reducing the risk of damage.
- For barrels with a cylindrical drill (0.00), a caliber bullet can also be used. The fact is that the pressure when firing such a bullet remains even along the entire length of the barrel, without creating the risk of rupture of the barrel.
Piece models of IZH-27 shotguns
As has already been said above, the overall quality of serial domestic shotguns (including Izhevka) leaves much to be desired.
However, the manufacturer provides lovers of this particular model with the opportunity to buy piece products created by the craftsmen of workshop No. 28 under the name IZH-27 M-M TK “Rus”.
IZH-27 M-M TK "Rus"
There is also silver engraving, and 2 pairs of barrels, and, accordingly, a 725 mm choke and a 620 mm cylinder. Add to this the amazing, almost flawless build quality, fabulous blueing of the barrels, improved locking mechanism using a carbide insert and balancing, as well as an almost perfectly matched forend and stock and a smooth action of the safety.
IZH piece Presidential, made as a gift to Vladimir Putin
In a word - an almost ideal gun for any type of hunting, with one single “drawback”. At a price 2-2.5 times higher than the cost of a serial Izhevka. Considering that for that kind of money you can buy a very good foreign one (the quality of which is a completely different matter), the choice in favor of the domestic version will be more likely due to habit, patriotism and the unique nature of the product.
Reviews from owners of such weapons completely coincide with everything described above and are briefly characterized as follows: IZH-27 (and its more modern modifications), provided they are properly stored and maintained, have an excellent mechanism that works almost like a clock, but are frankly weak in everything else.
Such different IZH-27
Conclusion
At first glance, an unsightly gun in skillful hands will be a good option for both an experienced hunter and a beginner. The comparatively greater weight compared to analogues suggests positional hunting, for example, bird hunting or ambush hunting of larger game. However, the difference in weight is not so noticeable as to completely abandon tracking game with a weapon in hand. But there is one important “but” - the low quality of the weapon. It is recommended to purchase weapons with a production date before 91, but if there is a “clause” on a new weapon, you will have to sort through at least a dozen units to choose one that is assembled with high quality.