MP-155 or MC-21-12. What's better to buy?
Any hunter, and especially a beginner in this matter, needs a hunting rifle that would never let you down, would be accurate and accurate, and at the same time would be comfortable to make long walks while hunting. Of course, there are many other equally important factors, such as the supply of ammunition or the presence of the possibility of additional upgrades to the gun. In this article we will try to compare two domestic semi-automatic smoothbore guns: the legendary MP-155 and the no less famous MC-21-12.
Shotgun MTs-21-12: characteristics
The Tula self-loading, smooth-bore hunting rifle MTs-21-12 was published in 1958. Over such a long period of time, this hunting semi-automatic has proven itself exclusively on the positive side. The time-tested hunting rifle MTs-21-12 is produced in 12 gauge, chambered for 70 mm, with a barrel length of 750 mm. The under-barrel magazine holds four rounds, plus one more round can be added to the chamber. The automatics of the Tula self-loading hunting rifle MTs-21-12 are simple and reliable, using the Browning principle, that is, recoil and partial recoil of the barrel after a shot.
The stock and forend of the MTs-21-12 are made of walnut or beech and impregnated with a special compound (for piece execution).
MTs-21-12 – owner reviews
One of the most important advantages is the extremely high reliability of this semi-automatic Tula shotgun: according to technical documents, the MTs-21-12 smoothbore shotgun is designed to fire at least 10 thousand shots. However, in practice, even with mediocre care for the MTs-21-12, you can fire at least 15 thousand shots from it, and even more with proper and careful care.
The MTs-21-12 has an accurate and precise shot: at the usual distance for a smooth-bore weapon of 50 meters, this gun confidently hits a target with a diameter of 50 cm, while the spread of the shot charge is very low.
The MTs-21-12 smoothbore shotgun has several modifications. Thus, the MTs-21-12 R modification has a rubber butt pad on the butt, which reduces the already small recoil. There is also a variant MTs-21-12 RM, which also has a rubber butt pad to soften recoil, and is equipped with interchangeable barrel attachments that increase the quality of combat. The next advantage of the Tula semi-automatic gun can be considered its perfectly balanced weight distribution, that is, this gun fits perfectly in the hands and is convenient to shoot offhand.
Among the disadvantages of the MTs-21-12 hunting rifle, it should be noted that it does not allow you to carry out an upgrade yourself: for example, you cannot install an optical sight on this gun, since there are no special grooves on the receiver cover. The chamber is designed for use with ammunition with a case length of 70 mm, that is, for a conventional cartridge. The gun itself is very demanding when it comes to the choice of ammunition: it can operate reliably only when using factory-made 12-gauge cartridges in a plastic or paper case. Using any other cartridges that are not factory-made will lead to jamming, which cannot be eliminated without disassembling the gun.
Gas venting mechanism
The bore of the gun is equipped with a hole through which part of the powder gases is diverted, safely entering the working chamber. It contains a piston. The influence of gas pressure solves two problems at once: the piston moves back, opening the shutter. The cartridge ejection mechanism is immediately activated, cocking the mainspring.
The advantages include three main points that significantly influence the choice:
- reliable operation with different ammunition;
- good interaction with any body kit;
- You can adjust the automation to the cartridge without bothering with replacing various parts of the mechanism.
There are also disadvantages. The gun turns out to be heavier and bulkier (large fore-end). But the biggest problems can be caused by untimely cleaning, which even leads to complete failure of work.
Characteristics of the MP-155 shotgun
The Izhevsk smoothbore semi-automatic shotgun MP-155 is significantly “younger” than the MTs-21-12, since it appeared only in 2014. year. The MP-155 shotgun itself is an improved version of the MP-153 semi-automatic weapon, which has long been discontinued. The automation of the MP-155 smooth-bore self-loading shotgun is based on the use of the energy of powder gases. When fired, the gases push the piston, which is rigidly coupled to the bolt, which leads to reloading of the gun. The MP-155 automation itself has automatic adjustment, that is, when using a regular 70 mm. cartridge, part of the powder gases is released through special valves.
The MP-155 is produced in 12 gauge, with a chamber length of 76 mm, that is, for a reinforced cartridge. The barrel length, depending on the modification, can be 540 mm, 610 mm, 640 mm, 710 mm. and 750 mm. The capacity of the under-barrel magazine is 4 rounds, plus an additional one in the barrel. The butt and fore-end of the MP-155 hunting rifle are made of birch (for the ordinary version), beech or walnut (for export or piece version).
MP-155 – owner reviews
The undoubted advantages of the MP-155 include the simplicity and reliability of the automation: with proper care and timely maintenance, this gun can last for several decades. The accuracy and accuracy of the shot of this gun is very high: a target with a diameter of 50 cm is confidently and accurately hit from a distance of 50 meters, while the spread of the shot is minimal, which guarantees a successful and accurate shot during the hunt.
The MP-155 has a ventilated rear sight and a clearly visible front sight, which makes aiming easier. Moreover, the gun is equipped with a dovetail rail, which makes it possible to install an optical or collimator sight, which makes shooting much more effective.
The MP-155 has many modifications, so choosing the appropriate option will not be difficult. The Izhevsk semi-automatic machine has incorporated all the technical innovations.
Among the shortcomings, it can be noted that the build quality, especially in ordinary models, is not very good. There are unnecessary gaps, the wooden parts do not fit well with the metal ones. When using non-factory-made ammunition, it will inevitably lead to jamming of the gun, which will be very difficult to eliminate.
What is important to remember when operating
Craftsmen who want to customize and adjust the gun themselves are not recommended to do this. This is especially true for a load that acts as an inert body. This part is adjusted at the factory and adjusted to a specific position. Then it sits on the sealant. It cannot unwind on its own. External intervention is fraught with a change in the free movement on which the reloading principle is based.
Sometimes you can find very interesting reviews from owners of the MP-156 shotgun. The following situation is described: when firing, ammunition with the recommended load is used, but for some reason there is a delay. Everything is very simple here. It is necessary to pay attention to the grip when working with this weapon. It needs to be easy to throw up and easy to hold, without hard support on the shoulder. Concentrating on the goal, do not interfere with his work. Then the brainchild of the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant will do everything itself, without being upset by the result.
Leaning onto the gun with a strong grip will certainly cause a delay in shooting. In addition, it is necessary to note the fact (and this is confirmed by reviews of the MP-156): its recoil is softer than that of the 155.
MP-155 shotgun: pros and cons, review of modifications, buying tips
The MP-155 is an ideological development of the legendary MP-153 gun, which, in turn, was a creative rethinking of Beretta’s reliable gas-operated automatics on the successful chassis of another popular gun - the IZH-81 pump.
It was originally designed for the American market with its dominance of supermagnums, and was very much loved by Americans for its price and reliability. The gun has found great popularity in hunting, sports, and even appeared in several computer games.
MP-153 has become one of the most popular shotguns for IPSC in the “standard” class due to the low cost of spare parts and ease of maintenance
.
Well, in its homeland it became the most popular “goose” and the most widespread semi-automatic among hunters.
The design is based on a wedge-locking bolt and an annular gas piston located around the magazine tube. The system was extremely simple, reliable and had an excessive resource, for which you had to pay with weight - the gun in plastic weighed 3.5 kg. The gas block is equipped with an automatic valve, so it accepts all weights from supermagnum to sports 24 grams, although on the latter the automation can be capricious and will need to be adjusted.
Of course, the MP-153 also had its drawbacks, taking into account which Izhmekh created the current iteration of this gun - the MP-155.
Differences between MP-153 and MP-155
The most serious changes affected the size and weight of the receiver: the chamber was reduced to 76mm (in the basic version) and the removal of metal in non-critical places made it possible to lighten and shorten the receiver.
The next important feature is the transfer of gas exhaust mechanisms to the gas chamber, changing the piston and thrust. This significantly affected the weight and balance of the gun, now the weight did not exceed 3.25 kg. Due to the change in the recoil vector, the gun began to kick less, and the accuracy during tempo shooting increased.
What is the MP-155 shotgun suitable for?
As we mentioned above, first of all, the gun attracted the attention of goose hunters. The long barrel and cartridges with large loads are perfect for catching a goose on the fly: a good, dense sheaf reliably hits a goose that is tough to wound, even at a relatively high altitude. Of course, the gun is good not only for him, but also for all other flight hunting.
The gun is also suitable for driving: thanks to the omnivorous nature of the automation and reliable reloading, it allows you not to miss the animal’s exit to the number.
For running hunting, the gun may seem a little heavy, although there are quite a lot of fans of this use.
In addition to hunting, the MP-155 is also used in sports, including practical shooting in the standard class. Cheap spare parts and ease of maintenance during colossal sports shootings are a very significant argument.
New is well forgotten old
What else is worth saying about the MP-156? The first reviews and sensations at a quick glance are a high degree of identity with the previous gas exhaust model. The trigger mechanism, the triangular safety button, the interceptor, the slide release button - everything remains in its place. It's a good news. Therefore, the mechanics of the movements remain the same. There is no need to relearn or adapt.
The strap on the barrel and forend received special praise in reviews of the MP-156. The strip is soldered smoothly and well sealed. This important detail was treated in good faith. The forend has become sleeker due to the lack of loads, like the gas-operated MP-155 model. The forend nut is threaded and comfortable. Replaceable choke constrictions are cut in evenly.
Advantages and disadvantages of the MP-155 shotgun
Now the gun has to compete with Turkish manufacturers, who have filled the market with similar semi-automatic guns at a comparable price. But still, the MP-155 has advantages over imported guns:
Simple design of automation and shutter with wedge locking. The simpler the better, especially when it comes to weapons that must be reliable;
A huge number of cheap and accessible spare parts, simple and quick repairs. For those who shoot often and a lot, this is important;
Excess resource. With careful care, the gun will most likely go to your children, and maybe even grandchildren;
Simplicity and accessibility of modifications. A huge number of accessories, additional equipment and body kits have been produced for the gun. If desired, you can use it to assemble both a sports “blaster” and a menacing-looking tactical shotgun.
Of course, there are also disadvantages, but they are rather typical for all domestic weapons in general.
Low quality of finishing and fitting of parts. The jokes about the “file included” didn’t just appear out of the box; the gun needed some work out of the box;
The need for “break-in” for the normal development of automation components; the gun begins to reliably reload after 150-200 shots;
Poor coating of metal parts; oxidized steel quickly becomes covered with saffron milk caps, especially if care is neglected.
Interaction with various ammunition
After the inspector at the factory has inspected the product and found no flaws, it is sent to the shooting range to the shooters. This is the moment of truth - the final acceptance. It is necessary to pass a series of tests for final approval and entry into the retail chain.
The first test is a series of five shots fired in a row. Magnum 12x76 ammunition is used. The condition for successfully passing the test is that there are no delays. If at least one fact of its presence is detected during the process, then the product is rejected and sent back to the assembly shop for troubleshooting. On forums and various Youtube channels, reviews of the MP-156 (12x76) positively confirm its good performance with this type of ammunition.
Versions of the MP-155 shotgun
What do the abbreviations in the name of the gun mean?
Since 2011, a huge number of modifications have been released; we will try to list the most common options and their differences.
The names use a code of nomenclature abbreviations, which allows you to understand what configuration the weapon comes with; here is its decoding:
d/n
— choke tubes, the quantity included in the set is indicated, one tube is installed in the barrel;
der./pls
. — material of the forend and butt — wood and plastic. Plastic is practical, wood looks and feels nice and warm;
op. /b. /ber
. — type of wood: walnut, beech, birch. The varieties are distinguished by their hardness and appearance, birch is the softest and cheapest, walnut is expensive and beautiful;
nickel
— nickel-plated trigger, silver color;
nitrate tit.
— trigger coating with titanium nitride, gold color;
colorm
. — modification with a colored front sight on the sighting bar, provides quick aiming and convenience when shooting bullets;
cut-off/cut-off/ShRM
— cutoff for supplying cartridges to the tray from the magazine. Allows you to quickly load the required ammunition without emptying the magazine;
Monte Carlo
— version with anatomical butt;
exp
. — export version, characterized by improved processing and fitting of parts;
MP-156. The second act of the Merlezon ballet.
After writing an article about the “inertia” project in Izhevsk, in which we talked about a semi-automatic shotgun operating on the recoil principle of all weapons in general and about the MP-156 in particular, time passed. At that time, the release of the MP-156 semi-automatic was just announced, there was little information about the new inertial self-loading, so in that article I mentioned it only in passing. And now, almost a year later, in November of this year 2022, I had the opportunity to inspect the long-promised new product from Izhmekhzavod, and not only inspect it, but also compare it with a similar “classic” gas vent self-loading MP-155. Now I want to continue the topic I started and share the results of comparing samples, move on, so to speak, to the second part of the Merlezon ballet.
By the way, the Merlezon ballet is directly related to the hunting theme - it is supposedly a ballet about hunting blackbirds, personally composed by one of Louis in honor of his favorite pastime. Here's how. A whole ballet of 16 acts about some blackbirds! Which nowadays almost no one looks at, so, occasionally, only due to the lack of other game, individual hunters sometimes pay attention...
So, there are two guns. Judging by the numbers, both were made around the same time and very recently.
First of all, let's weigh and measure. The MP-156 sample pulled out 3.22 kg, which is quite heavy by today’s standards. However, the compared MP-155 is almost not inferior to it in weight - 3.18 kg, by the way, this value turned out to be one hundred grams more than the first guns of this model, released by the plant in 2012.
The length of both samples is 1230mm. The length of the MP-155 barrel is 710 mm, and the weight is 1.02 kg, the MP-156 barrel is almost the same, 709 mm, its weight is 0.98 kg - the difference is almost imperceptible and is explained by the longer and more massive gas outlet strut of the MP-155 barrel. But the moving parts of the MP-156 weigh one and a half hundred grams more - 0.66 kg versus 0.5 kg for the gas outlet.
Already during disassembly, the difference in the return springs caught my eye - on the MP-156 spring the wire is thinner, the winding pitch is larger, and, as a result, there are fewer turns. This suggests that the MP-156 return spring is much weaker. This was confirmed when cocking the bolt - on the inertia, the retraction force at the beginning of the stroke is approximately 2-2.5 kg versus 4.5-5 kg for the MP-155. We can confidently say that the “inertial” principle of operation of the MP-156 automation uses much less energy from the moving parts than the gas outlet.
It follows that the MP-156 should be more sensitive to weak cartridges. If the MP-155 still has some hope of being able to adjust the gas engine by adding vented gases (more precisely, by reducing those released by the valve), then taking the same path and simply making the moving parts of the inertia engine heavier will most likely not work.
An “inertial” spring is mounted on the front part of the part, which in the gas outlet is a piston, and in the MP-156 passport is called a load. It rests against the weight at the back, and against the bushing at the front, which in turn rests against the barrel post. From the outside, the spring and bushing are covered by a glass connected to the load. When the spring is compressed against the mass of the recoil parts, which tend to remain in place when the gun recoils after a shot, energy is stored, which, after the pressure peak in the chamber subsides, moves the moving parts of the automation back. With such an interaction scheme, the mass of moving parts is significant. It is all the more surprising that the bolt locking wedge (and this is one of the recoil parts) is lightened to the limit. Probably, with the energy reduced relative to gas exhaust, even a small difference in the mass of the parts attached to the leading moving parts during their movement back in the receiver is important. Theoretically, everything is in accordance with the principle used in the Kalashnikov assault rifle - heavy frame and light bolt.
How to completely disassemble a gun
Disassembly is classic. The first necessary operation is to unscrew the forend nut. Then the fore-end itself is removed. By pressing the bolt tab, the moving parts are retracted 5–7 cm downwards, which allows you to remove the barrel. To remove the shutter tab, you need to hold the weight. The final stage is to remove the load along with the rods, bolt, and return spring. All. Complete disassembly completed.
Such ease of use is captivating, leaves a positive impression and is noted in favorable reviews of the MP-156. Next, you need to do a little comparative analysis and see how the 156 model differs from the 155.
New in the world of shotguns: what's good about the MP-156?
MP-156 is the first smooth-bore self-loading shotgun with an inertial operating principle in the Baikal line. The new product is being actively discussed. Here are a few examples of gun evaluation in our material.
At the beginning of last year, information appeared on the Internet about the development at Izhmekhzavod of the first sample of an inertial shotgun semi-automatic device, which received the index MP-156. According to information posted on the Kalashnikov Concern website, the MP-156 has a very high degree of unification (more than 90%) with the popular and well-proven MP-155 in terms of technology and reliability. The inertial-type automation engine is located in place of the MP-155 gas engine. Instead of a piston, a weight is installed, which, under the influence of inertial forces when fired, compresses the working spring. The MP-156 mechanism is designed to operate with all types of hunting cartridges 12/70 and 12/76 with a projectile weight of 32 grams or more. The magazine holds 4 rounds. The total length of the gun is 1245 mm, its weight is 3.1 kg.
According to the shooters, the new gun differs from the MP-155 mainly in the lower force of cocking the bolt, while the recoil turned out to be indistinguishable from the MP-155, notes the author of the article on the portal “Gunsmith Lane”. The weight of guns with the same configuration varies very slightly (the MP-156 is about 50 grams lighter than the 155). From the factory, the gun will be configured for standard 12-gauge loads - that is, with 28 grams or more, it should ideally work without problems; for “sporting” 24 grams, it may be necessary to adjust the preload of the working spring.
“Judging by the fact that not so long ago representatives of the plant spoke quite sharply for gas exhaust and against inertia, the idea and development of the gun was carried out mainly on the private initiative of one of the designers, without taking into account long-term production plans, and only then it was decided to make samples and conduct tests that gave quite successful results,” notes the author of the article.
Probably, after this, the plant management was faced with the problem of launching a new model into mass production, and the need to produce a second, almost similar, model is quite controversial - costs, the range of equipment and the complexity of organizing production, especially with our certification system, are growing, but will production and sales volumes increase? - quite difficult to predict. Problems with patent purity are also quite possible; costs may also be necessary for this.
Until now, the plant’s technical policy was quite clear: there are export orders - MP-153 has been developed. It sells well, but a lighter one would be needed for running hunting - the MP-155 appeared. The need for a transition from gas exhaust to inertia is, at a minimum, not so obvious. Of course, there is a demand for inertia. And having a choice between gas exhaust and inertia is also very good.
After the release of the new weapon, hunters began to actively share information about how the new gun behaves. Very useful information on this matter is provided by the Kalashnikov portal, whose editors conducted tests of the MP-156. As a result, it was experimentally possible to find out that when assembling a weapon in some positions, the return spring interferes with the installation of the barrel in the receiver. The problem can be easily resolved - you need to rotate the spring to an arbitrary angle. Owners of new items should be careful with this point. Another important point is the too low actuation force of the safety button. Measurements showed approximately 350 g. Based on this, the owners of the new gun came to the conclusion that such a fuse could not be considered safe.
As for the general impressions, the MP-156 was rated as a completely complete gun for its price category (the thoroughbred base - MP-155) affects it. According to information published on the Kalashnikov Concern website, such a weapon will cost 31,400 rubles. The adaptability is reasonable, loading and all other manipulations are convenient, the recoil with the used cartridge is expected and moderate, and does not provoke discussions about comparing the comfort of shooting from “gas vents” and “inertial guns”. The only significant ergonomic drawback, inherited, by the way, from the MP-155, according to the authors of the review, is the presence of a useless “tail” at the bottom of the proprietary rubber butt pad. It catches on clothing when moving the weapon down. It is also worth noting that per 100 shots, NRG cartridges produced two fist-sized bursts of flame from the receiver window. In both cases, the automation worked normally - recharging occurred.
Myths associated with various weapon automation systems
The shot at the gas outlet is softer and more comfortable. Many amateurs attribute this to the loss of energy due to the removal of part of the powder gases. But the loss is so insignificant (1-3%) that it cannot have a strong impact. The answer lies in the greater mass of guns of this type.
The second most popular opinion is that the “gas outlet” is more reliable. Just look at the fact that the armed forces of all countries prefer this system. It is unpretentious to the quality of the cartridge, has low recoil, and a number of other advantages. The only reason for preference in use is the universal ability to interact with devices. “Inertia” is more capricious in this regard. Hanging a night sight or under-barrel flashlight will not work. The answer again lies in the mass of the weapon itself. Because the inertial system of weapon automation perceives any change in weight very painfully. Reviews about the MP-156 gun are full of comments on various forums on this matter.
Morgenstern on Hardcore. Piraev vs Kovalev. Proud in the octagon. 1/16 grand prix
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- Published: Aug 13, 2021
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