Soviet smoothbore shotgun IZH-27: double-barreled over-and-under shotgun, history of creation, design and technical characteristics, advantages and disadvantages

The IZH-27 smoothbore shotgun is an updated modification of the IZH-12 model, which is practically never seen nowadays. Unlike IZH-12, IZH-27 is still very popular in the CIS. The new weapon appeared in 1973 and after some time became the best-selling double-barreled shotgun in the USSR. The IZH-27 vertical gun is loved by many hunters for its technical characteristics and incredible reliability. In those years, hunting weapons produced by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant were assembled with very high quality, unlike weapons that are currently produced.

Calibers

The IZH-27 smoothbore shotgun is produced in mass-produced, piece, and even souvenir versions.
The most common are the twelfth and sixteenth gauges. In addition, the gun is produced for Magnum cartridges with 12, 20 and 410 barrel diameters. IZH-27, a 12-gauge shotgun, is equipped with an ejector mechanism, with the help of which only spent cartridges are ejected when the barrels are opened. The thickness of the muzzle walls allows the use of reinforced ammunition when shooting. Many even use cartridges such as Sunar-Magnum, although, of course, the recoil from shots with them is somewhat greater. However, when hunting migratory geese in the fields in a raid, this factor can be ignored.

The design features of the IZH-27M shotgun became the basis for the development of such modern shotguns as “Sever”, IZH-39E, MP-251. Their production is now widely established. They are used for both hunting and sporting purposes.

IZH-27 or TOZ-34 – which double-barreled shotgun to choose?

If a Russian hunter wants to purchase a high-quality, domestically produced horizontal double-barreled shotgun, he has only two models to choose from:

• IZH-27;
• TOZ-34.

These two brands have been competing with each other for a long time, and each of them has a whole army of its supporters. Let's consider the main advantages and disadvantages of these models:

• The barrel quality of the TOZ-34 is traditionally better. If a gun is chosen for a professional hunter who hunts throughout the year, then the life of the barrels will be of decisive importance for him. For most lifelong lovers, IZH-27 barrels will be more than enough;
• The quality of table soldering in TOZ-34 is also higher than in IZH-27. In Izhevsk double-barreled shotguns, the side strap is often unsoldered;
• The barrel locking mechanism of both models works flawlessly and is very reliable;
• The mainsprings of the IZH-27 are of the spiral type, so they rarely fail, but the TOZ-34 cannot boast of this. The figured mainsprings of the Tula double-barreled shotgun are very delicate, so their failure is much more common. The TOZ-34 also has problems associated with the failure of the striker cocking levers;
• The handguard of the IZH-27 often breaks or cracks. The TOZ-34 handguard is much more reliable;
• The Izh-27 is significantly heavier than the elegant double-barreled TOZ-34. The difference in the weight of weapons is especially important during long running hunts;
• TOZ-34 is more practical.

As for the reliability of mechanisms, IZH-27 is the undisputed leader in this matter. As a result, it turns out that in terms of the quality of the barrels and overall assembly, the TOZ-34 is much better. But in terms of reliability of the mechanisms, the IZH-27 is beyond competition. Based on this, TOZ-34 can be recommended to more careful hunters who carefully monitor their weapons. IZH-27 is much easier to maintain and will forgive its owner for negligence in operation, so the choice must be made depending on personal preferences.

In any case, regardless of which model the hunter chooses for himself, do not forget that any weapon needs care. Do not neglect cleaning the gun after each shooting, as well as lubricating its mechanisms. If you neglect the cleaning procedure, a so-called “rash” will soon appear inside the trunks. This is especially true in relation to IZH-27.

IZH-27 or its more modern modification MP-27 is an excellent weapon, the reliability of which has been tested for decades. But the build quality of Izhevsk ordinary guns does not please the buyer. Often in a store you have to choose from several dozen MP-27s one gun with normal build quality. If there is an opportunity to purchase an IZH-27, which was produced back in the USSR, and it is in good working condition, it is better to take it. It will last for many more decades.

Trigger double-barreled shotguns

The Tulka or Tula trigger TOZ-BM has been the most popular gun in Russia for many years. Unpretentious, comfortable, very durable, with a good fight. It served flawlessly in all weather conditions: in frost and heat, in blizzards and rain. It was used for both amateur and commercial hunting of all types of game. From Tulka they killed elk and wild boar, wolf and bear, fox and squirrel, duck, goose and partridge. Since 1964, Tulka was produced under the TOZ-63 brand. It differs from the TOZ-BM with chrome-plated barrels and better finishing.

Tulka 12 gauge from 1968 to 1974. was produced under the symbol TOZ-66. It had a reinforced receiver and chrome-plated barrels. TOZ-66 is considered the best of the Tula triggers. In 1978, the production of triggers was stopped, but in 1986 they resumed, only under the symbol TOZ-80. They were produced until 1990. The technical characteristics and shape of the gun are similar to TOZ-BM and TOZ-66. The Izhevsk plant produced its own version of hammer-fired double-barreled guns. These are IZH43K and IZH43KN. The only difference is that one has internal hammers and external cockers in the form of hammers, while the other has weapons with external hammers. Now trigger guns are no longer produced.

Comparison of IZH-27 and MZ-27. Similarities and differences

Comparing these two, at first glance, identical guns, as it may seem by looking at the table, one can detect a clear difference in the design of the butt. If the old model gun, IZH-27, (manufactured before 1988) has a bottle-shaped slot, then in the new models, MP-27, (manufactured since 1988 inclusive) the slot is smooth. This can be seen in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.

Figure 2. IZH-27

Figure 3. MP-27

This is the main difference between the old and new double-barrel models.

However, the huge difference lies in something completely different. The fact is that the production of old weapons was of much higher quality than now. In this regard, the quality of the Soviet IZH-27 gun and the modified MP-27 cannot be considered the same. Caring for a new type of gun must be very painstaking and thorough. It's no secret that MP-27 is prone to rapid corrosion damage.

Sometimes rust appears on a gun even after a single encounter with rain or dampness, while with the IZH-27 you can go through “fire, water and copper pipes.” This directly depends on the quality of the chrome plating, which leaves much to be desired. It is also necessary to ensure that all parts are lubricated, otherwise the service life will decrease exponentially. You should not use old cartridges; it is better to use those recommended by the manufacturer.

However, there is also a big advantage of the MP-27 - the mechanics are excellent, the adaptability is at a high level.

Shotgun selection

Whether you are buying a gun secondhand or choosing a new gun in a gun store, you need to know what to look for when inspecting the IZH-27 gun

Pay attention to the quality of the connection between the barrels; the bar must be tightly soldered, there should be no gap or white coating between it and the barrel. The muzzle ends of the barrels should be perfectly round, no ovality, and the thickness of the barrel wall should be the same thickness. No differences in thickness should be visible. When inspecting the inner surface of the barrels, when examining the chrome plating of the barrels, no spots or gaps should be visible, the quality of chrome plating on the IZH-27 is not of very high quality anyway, you don’t need problems with chrome plating. The aiming rib of the gun must be smooth, without bends or any bulges, the front sight must be strictly in the middle of the rib, defects in the aiming rib indicate damage to the barrels themselves. The gun barrels must be perfectly straight, inspect the barrel rings and the barrels themselves from the outside, usually any deviation of the barrels is visible by eye. When shaking the gun, no play or rattling of mechanisms should be heard or visible.

The gun should be easy to disassemble and assemble without effort. Pay special attention to the quality of fit of wooden and metal parts. There should be no gaps in the mating of these parts. On the wooden parts: butt and fore-end, there should be no cracks, burrs or chips, and the presence of knots is also undesirable.

What nuances should you pay attention to when purchasing IZH-27?

When purchasing an IZH-27 (if this is a modern version, then the MP-27), you can buy both a new weapon in a store and a used weapon on the secondary market. If you buy an old gun, then the main attention should be paid to the condition of the weapon and the performance of its mechanisms. Often, for a small price, it is possible to purchase one-piece specimens with minimal firing.

When purchasing a new gun, it is advisable to have several items to choose from. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:

• Curvature of trunks. Sometimes a manufacturer produces guns with crooked barrels. In addition, crooked front sights are also not uncommon when purchasing Izhevsk weapons;
• Soldering of trunks. The connection of the barrels is a very important detail; carefully inspect the quality of the soldering along the entire length of the connection. White plaque from under the connecting strip is a reason to abandon this specimen;
• The muzzle ends of the barrels should be round and their thickness should be the same. Often, unscrupulous sellers, taking advantage of the inexperience of young hunters, sell such guns, claiming that uneven muzzles are the norm. As a rule, sellers begin to operate with such concepts as choke and pay, claiming that this is evidence of different chokes;
• Particular attention should be paid to the chrome plating of the barrel channels of the gun. In new MP-27 models, it is sometimes uneven and has spots;
• The aiming bar must be level. Any distortions, bulges or depressions on it are a reason to refuse the purchase. If the bar is smooth, but there are burrs on it, then this can be quickly eliminated with your own hands;
• Before a closer inspection, you just need to pick up the gun and shake it vigorously. Any rattling indicates a malfunction of the weapon;
• A new gun should open and close easily. Its disassembly should be easy, no jamming is allowed. The seller’s assurances that everything will work out over time should be ignored;
• Particular attention should be paid to the quality of fit of the forend and stock of the IZH-27 to the metal parts of the weapon.

If you compare the build quality, you will notice that older modifications are assembled of much higher quality than the latest ones, and even more so the MP-27, so if you encounter an IZH-27 in perfect condition on the secondary market, it is better to purchase it instead of a new MP-27 double-barreled shotgun.

general characteristics

IZH-27 shotguns are produced both serially and in piece and souvenir versions. Depending on the caliber, their weight ranges from 3.3 to 3.4 kilograms. The length of the barrels ranges from 720 to 730 millimeters, the chamber length is 70 mm. The connection between the barrels and the block of the IZH-27 gun is made through hinges and under-barrel hooks. The choke constrictions are 0.5 and 1 millimeter for the lower choke and upper choke, respectively.

The barrels are equipped with a front sight and a regular or ventilated rib. The channels are chrome plated, their outer surface is coated with black chrome or oxidized. Locking is carried out using a frame that fits into the groove of the rear barrel hook. As a result of opening the barrels, the hammers are cocked.

The butt and fore-end of the IZH-27 shotgun are made of wood. Depending on the design, the stock can be straight or semi-pistol. The butt, depending on the modification, is equipped with a rubber shock absorber or a plastic butt pad.

The barrels of the IZH-27 shotgun are made detachable. They are located in a vertical plane and pressed into the coupling. The connection between the barrels is made by soldering on the side strips.

Main technical characteristics of IZH-27

The list of main characteristics is as follows:

• The barrel length of a double-barreled shotgun can be either 750 or 675 mm;
• The weapon is available in 12, 16 and 20 calibers. A modification chambered for the 410 caliber cartridge is extremely rare;
• The IZH-27 chamber can be either 70 or 76 mm. It would be preferable to purchase a gun with a longer chamber, since it allows the use of cartridges with a reinforced charge of gunpowder;
• The weight of a double-barreled shotgun ranges from 3.2 to 3.4 kg, and depends on the length of the barrel.

The stock and forend are made from high-quality walnut or beech; traditionally, walnut specimens are more expensive. Some modifications come with interchangeable barrels.

Care and storage

The IZH-27 shotgun, like any other, must be kept in a dry place. During storage, the barrels are separated, and the triggers and locking lock are lowered. This is done by pressing on a small dog located inside the muzzle landing socket. All parts - fore-end, barrels, block, hinge axes - must be pre-lubricated.

According to the designers' idea, the chrome plating is designed to make it easier to care for the barrels, but it often comes off after the first shots. Therefore, it is necessary to clean them after every hunt, even if only one shot was fired. This procedure will help the owner protect his gun from rash inside the barrels.

If there is a large amount of carbon deposits, the muzzle channels must first be washed in warm water and then wiped dry, for example, with a rag.

If lead shine appears in the trunks, it can be removed using a soft brush. If the owner feels the appearance of a shackle, then he needs to periodically tighten the tightening screw located in the butt. To do this, you first need to unscrew two screws and remove the shock absorber pad.

You should not fire the gun dry when there are no cartridges in the barrels, since this reduces the life of the springs, firing pins and pins.

Tips for choosing cartridges

Many years of experience in shooting with the IZH-12 gun gives food for thought in terms of selecting shells for shooting. Initially, it was believed that only bullets for 12-gauge smoothbore shotguns could be used for the IZH-12. However, today it is known that any consistent fraction that is selected from the fraction selection tables is perfect. If we take the value of the bore diameter - 18.2 mm, then with a narrowing of the barrel of 0.9-1 mm for this gun you can use fractions numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 7.

As for the mass of shot for a cartridge, 33 grams of numbers 0, 1 and 2 are usually placed in a plastic sleeve. The third and higher numbers are best placed in paper cartridges with a diameter of 18.5 mm. It is better to put no more than 2.5 grams of gunpowder in the cartridge.

MP-27. Description and technical characteristics

MP-27 is a real rarity of Izhevsk gunsmiths. It is a descendant of IZH-12, as well as IZH-27. Many, comparing these two double-barreled guns, talk about their identity, believing that the MP-27 is the IZH-27. They are partly right.

Since the 1990s, the Izhevsk plant changed the marking of its weapons to MP (Mechanical Plant), and all new models came with this marking and no fundamental changes in the design of weapons occurred. However, over several pairs of production of the MP-27 weapon, it has undergone various modifications more than once. It is on its basis that a large number of models have been produced: combination shotguns, double-barreled rifled shotguns, sports shotguns, and so on.

MP-27 shotguns are quite often made in single copies, to order, as well as souvenir double-barreled shotguns. Such models can rightfully be considered ideal, because they are practically free of flaws and imperfections. This is achieved due to the fact that manufacturing, assembly, and adjustments are carried out by one highly qualified master. Of course, the cost of such a gun is much higher than a serial weapon.

Shotgun Izh-27M and MP-27M "Junker"

The IZH-27M modification (now produced as MP-27M) is a double-barreled shotgun with two hooks and without an ejector. This modification is a universal hunting rifle, suitable for hunting any animal. The IZH-27 barrel block has a caliber of 12/76 mm. Due to the fact that an oval-screw drill is used in manufacturing, this gun can fire a bullet at a distance of up to 100 meters. The Lancaster drill gives the bullet additional stabilization in flight due to rotation. For best results, it is recommended to use Brenneke or Gualandi bullets.

When shooting with buckshot or shot, the IZH-27M provides good scree. To achieve the best performance when shooting shotguns, it is recommended to install a replaceable barrel unit. It has an open sight that can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically.

The MP-27M "Junker" model is a lightweight and compact modification of the IZH-27M. This double-barreled shotgun was produced specifically for women and teenagers. That is why the dimensions of its stock were changed. Since in Russia few hunters would buy a gun for a teenager, and women traditionally do not like sports shooting and hunting, few copies of the MP-27M “Junker” are used by experienced hunters for running hunts.

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.

Piece shotgun IZH-27 “Rus”

For connoisseurs of the IZH brand and the IZH-27 model in particular, there is an interesting custom modification - the IZH-27 Rus. This modification has two pairs of additional barrels, silver engraving and is distinguished by improved hand-made quality. In addition, the fit of the weapon components is at the highest level. The price for this product is appropriate: more than twice the cost of the regular IZH-27 model. For this price you can buy a foreign double-barreled shotgun, the quality of which will be much higher than that of the IZH-27 “Rus”.

Those same hunters who, in spite of everything, purchased this gun, note significant differences between this modification and the standard model. It is almost flawlessly made and surpasses a standard double-barreled shotgun in all respects.

In addition to this model, you can order the IZH-27 directly from the factory with inlays, the use of exotic wood for the manufacture of the stock and forend, and the gun can be completely assembled by hand. Naturally, you will have to pay well for all these delights.

Hammerless double-barreled horizontal shotguns

Trigger guns have a significant drawback. This is one extra operation - cocking the hammers, which means a lot during hunting, especially when shooting at moving targets. Therefore, triggerless horizontal guns have become the most convenient and more common in this regard.

We also produce them at the Izhevsk and Tula factories. The most popular, regardless of the year of manufacture, were the Izhevsk IZH-58 and IZH-43 and their further modifications, produced under various indices: IZHB-36, IZHB-36M, IZHB-46 and IZHB-47, IZH-49, IZH-54, IZH-57, IZH-58 and IZH-58M, IZH-58MA, IZH-58MAE and IZH-58MA-20M, IZH-26 and IZH-26E, IZH-41, IZH-43, IZH-43M, IZH-43EM.

Less common, but preferred by a certain category of hunters, are Tula double-barreled shotguns, often made in small batches or to order. TOZ-25, TOZ-39, as well as MC-10, MC-110, MC-11, MC-111. The most popular, even in our time, is the 12-gauge double-barreled shotgun MTs 111.

It is impossible not to recall foreign-made guns, although not in large quantities, but which were constantly available in the arsenal of our hunters. These were mainly SAUER guns, captured, with Krupp steel barrels, or produced in the GDR. SAUER hunting and sporting weapons, which are manufactured in Suhl in Germany, are now world famous and very popular in Russia.

Description

Characteristics of the IZH 27 (MR 27) shotgun – available in 20, 16 or 12 gauge versions. The IZH 27 shotgun weighs from 3.1 to 3.6 kg, the chamber length is 7 cm, the barrel length is 66-73 cm. Barrels are traditionally not cylinders: the upper one is 1mm (choke), and the lower one is 0.5mm (poluchok).

The design of the IZH 27 shotgun is as follows: the barrel has an aiming front sight. The barrel channels are chrome-plated, the outer surface is anodized. The barrels are connected to the block by means of under-barrel hooks and a hinge. The hammers are cocked when the barrels are opened. The trigger mechanism smoothly releases the triggers when the receiver is closed. Technical characteristics of IZH-27E: it is distinguished by the fact that it is equipped with a spent cartridge ejector and is switchable.

Other popular models IZH-27

In addition to the IZH-27M, the line includes the following popular modifications:

• IZH-27EM - this modification has a selective type ejector. It only ejects spent cartridges, and only pushes whole cartridges out of the barrels. If necessary, this ejector can be turned off. This gun has two triggers and interchangeable barrels;
• Model IZH-27M-1S is a modification without an ejector. This modification has only one trigger. Shooting is carried out alternately, first from one barrel, then from the other;
• The MP-27E-1C model also has one trigger, but unlike the previous model, the barrel order is switched by pressing the trigger forward, not back. This movement is more natural, which is why the MP-27E-1S is slightly more popular than the IZH-27M-1S.

Russian hunters, accustomed to the presence of two triggers on double-barreled guns, prefer the double-trigger modifications of the IZH (MR)-27.

TOZ 34 and IZH 27 – what to choose?

TOZ 34 is the main competitor of IZH-27. Tula guns are just as common, and there are also many of them on sale. The characteristics of TOZ 34 are almost the same. The cost is almost the same, and they are produced around the same time. These guns are almost the same. However, despite the external similarities, there are also differences, primarily purely technological. So what is better to choose - TOZ 34 or IZH 27?

To do this, let's look at the features and differences of these models.

• The main and most important thing is the trunks. TOZ barrels and their manufacture are of higher quality compared to IZH-27. The very design of the IZH barrel is such that the side rail is unreliable and comes off more easily over time, i.e. the technology itself is initially less developed.
• Secondly, there are differences in the mainsprings. In TOZ they are figured and break more often. Also, TOZ cocking levers wear out more often.
• The advantage of the TOZ gun is the forend, which is made non-removable, while on Izhevsk models the forend often cracks.
• Judging by the quality of the gun itself as a mechanism, we can say that the TOZ guns have better quality barrels, while the Izhevsk models have a better cocking and release mechanism.
• The Izhevsk double-barreled gun weighs more, and this is not in their favor: on mobile hunts, a light gun is more preferable, when you have to walk many kilometers and by the evening it seems too heavy to lift. However, the advantage of a heavy gun is that it can shoot more powerful loads, as well as less recoil due to its own weight.

Thus, the guns have approximate parity. Both have both advantages and disadvantages. None of them have an optimal set of advantages, and it is no coincidence that they are so popular among domestic hunters. You need to choose based on personal preferences, hunting style and applicability.

Design features of IZH-27

The vertical double-barreled shotgun is available in different calibers and has the following design features:

• The sighting device consists of a sighting bar and a front sight;
• Choke constrictions can be either permanent or replaceable;
• The chambers and barrel channels are covered with high-quality chrome plating. The outside of the trunks is oxidized;
• The barrels are connected to the receiver due to under-barrel hooks and a hinge axis;
• The barrels are locked using a locking bar, which fits into a special groove in the rear under-barrel hook;
• The guns are cocked when the barrels are opened;
• The trigger mechanism has the ability to release the hammers from the cocking position at the moment the barrels are closed;
• The cartridges are removed from the chambers using an extractor;
• The automatic fuse IZH-27 simultaneously intercepts the triggers and locks the sear.

Compared to IZH-12, the new model has become more technologically advanced and modern.

Advantages and disadvantages

Vertical shotguns IZH-12 delight their owners with high quality production and trouble-free operation. At the same time, such samples will definitely not care about harsh conditions. Good accuracy, uniformity and balance, as well as convenience, make it an excellent choice for proven hunting masters.

When choosing a smoothbore gun, you should remember that the IZH-12 also has several undeniable disadvantages.

For example, many note the rather rough design of the gun. Due to its specific shape (it is “trough-shaped” and deep), the forend is quite brittle, which is not observed in “horizontal” or vertical models, but in which the forend is made up of two parts located longitudinally.

There is a slight bevel at the aiming bar; it goes slightly at an angle to the butt. This leads to frequent misses during shooting, however, you can get used to this disadvantage and, over time, take it into account when shooting offhand.

Finally, you need to remember the close relative position of the triggers. Such a placement can lead to the fact that it is not very convenient to move your finger to the adjacent hook the next time you shoot. In addition, due to the pull-up, the shot may occur late, so sometimes it may seem to an inexperienced hunter that the trigger mechanism is out of order. Perhaps this will influence the choice of a shotgun for hunting.

Review from the owner of IZH-27M (MR-27M)

• The sighting bar on the gun is ventilated; in summer, the phenomenon of mirage from the heat is less pronounced.
• The weight of the gun is generally greater than that of imported models, so the gun wobbles less, and because of this, recoil is compensated for more.
• The stock is quite thick, and thanks to this, when dropped on a weapon, it remains intact. Thin-skinned “foreigners” are more suitable for foreign “park” hunting.
• The quality of the chrome plating is terrible; after every hunt, when it’s wet, the gun becomes covered in rust before you even get home.
• The fit of wooden and metal parts to each other is, to put it mildly, weak. There are problems with the stock and the fact that it is wiped and begins to gain moisture. You can restore the stock yourself and apply water-repellent impregnation, after which the stock will look very good, and problems will no longer arise.
• The only thing there won't be any problems with is the mechanics. Everything works like clockwork, subject to minimal cleaning of the weapon after each hunt and complete cleaning of the smoothbore weapon after the end of the hunting season.
• After firing charges with an increased amount of shot, a stutter appears in the vertical plane. When you hold a gun by the butt and shake the barrels. It can be removed by simply tightening the screw in the butt. But it is written in the passport that it is necessary to tighten the fastening screw from time to time. It is still necessary to use a standard amount of gunpowder and shot.

Hunting rifles IZH in history

The arms factory in Izhevsk owes its appearance to the high activity of Napoleon in Europe at the beginning of the 19th century. When in 1805, the French emperor inflicted a crushing defeat on the Austrian state, it was decided to create a new weapons production away from the borders in order to prevent a possible seizure of the plant by the enemy.

In 1807, a decree of Emperor Alexander I gave birth to an arms factory near the Izh River, based on an ironworks opened more than half a century ago. By the beginning of the Patriotic War of 1812, the army received 10 thousand flint weapons a year from the new enterprise. The large concentration of production capacities made it possible by the 70s of the 19th century to overtake the Sestroretsk and Tula arms factories combined in terms of production rates.

Hunting tools began to be produced towards the end of the century - in 1885. At that time, a small workshop was born in the plant, in which craftsmen of hunting weapons worked, adopting the rich experience of foreign manufacturers. It was in 1885 that the first private orders for the production of hunting tools began to be accepted, and three years later guns for hunters were put into small-scale production.

After the Great Patriotic War, in 1949, it was decided to specialize the plant in Izhevsk specifically for the production of hunting rifles. Currently, the arms factory produces over half a million weapons per year; more than 50 countries import IZHMEX guns.

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.

The history of the appearance of IZH-27

The history of the IZH-27 hunting rifle began in the early 1970s. It was at this time that a group of designers from the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant was modernizing the IZH-12 double-barreled shotgun. The upgraded weapon model received the following design changes:

• The handguard and butt of the IZH-27 received a new shape. Hunters immediately noted that the gun had become more convenient;
• The sighting bar has become ventilated;
• Trigger interceptors appeared, which made hunting safer;
• The mechanical fuse that was installed on the IZH-12 was replaced with an automatic one;
• An ejector appeared;
• The receiver at the junction with the stock received a new shape;
• A rubber butt pad appeared on the butt.

The new model successfully passed all tests, and in 1973 the weapon was put into production under the name IZH-27.