Shotgun IZH-27 or Tula TOZ-34: which is better

History of creation

The development of the TOZ-34 double-barreled shotgun began in 1964 by a young design engineer N.I. Koryakov, who until that moment had not headed any serious projects. Surprisingly, the model, released in 1965, was able to immediately win the attention of hunters, and also received a gold medal while participating in competitions in Lipetsk. The success was so stunning that the Tula plant decided not to delay the production of individual and collector's versions, so already in 1968 the rich were able to treat themselves to the first guns with engraving and inserts made of precious metals.

In parallel with the development of souvenir weapons, Tula engineers were also modernizing the existing model. The first upgrade for a successful project was the TOZ-34E model, in which cartridges were ejected using a special mechanism - an ejector. The size of the barrels has also undergone modernization. Until 1969, the thirty-four was produced only in 12 gauge - the most universal option for most commercial hunters. However, highly specialized guns (from 16 to 32 caliber) soon began to appear on the market.

History and design of the TOZ-34 gun

The gun was developed in 1964 by gunsmith Nikolai Ivanovich Korovyakov, and almost immediately won a gold medal at the international arms fair in Leipzig. The key to such popularity was the original sideflint design, which was not similar to the traditional Browning design. The characteristic “crocodile” profile of the TOZ-34 is associated with the low landing of the barrels, which provides a direct recoil vector and reduces barrel flip.

Another great solution is to seat the barrel block not on a transverse bolt, but on ring hinges. This significantly reduced barrel looseness and increased the durability of the assembly.

In addition, the design uses a whole host of various minor design findings, which makes it quite modern even now, 60 years after its creation.

Design

One of the main prides of PJSC Tula Arms Plant is the design of the TOZ-34 shotgun, which is distinguished by its simplicity and reliability. The model turned out to be not only high-quality, but also incredibly practical. Compared to competitors (with the same IZH-27), the weapon was much lighter, but at the same time had less windage and recoil. These and many other qualities were achieved through the following parts.

Trunks

The barrels of the TOZ-34 shotgun are fastened together using an inter-barrel breech strip, as well as a coupling. In the upper part there is a sighting bar with a ventilated mesh, which reduces the windage of the weapon significantly. The channels of the barrels and the chamber are chrome-plated, which increases the durability of the weapon when using cartridges with an increased amount of gunpowder. The outside is coated with nickel to protect the model from corrosion. Well, to make the trunks look beautiful, blackening is used. A steel front sight is used as a standard sighting device, which in new versions is equipped with a fiber-optic thread (improves the aiming process in twilight).

TOZ-34 barrel and block with engraving

Locking system

The design of the TOZ-34 model uses a unique barrel locking system consisting of ring hinges. The main purpose of the mechanism is to reduce to zero the probability of an accidental shot when the weapon is not completely closed. Unlike the system used in IZHMEKHA models (hook + hinges), the ring structure is considered more reliable, although expensive. The gun is also equipped with a special switch flag, which allows the owner to disable the locking mechanism if necessary (for example, if it is necessary to release only one spent cartridge case from the chamber).

USM

The trigger mechanism of the TOZ-34 double-barreled shotgun is made in a traditional (for vertical) character. Its main feature is that it is placed on a separate base, distant from the triggers. Thanks to this system, a weapon with the safety on will not fire, even if the trigger is hit with a heavy hammer.

A distinctive feature of USM TOZ-34 is considered to be unusual springs, which most closely resemble horseshoes. Many hunters agree that this is one of the weakest gun systems. Over time, the springs begin to stretch too much and fail. However, it should be noted that it is precisely this system that gives the trigger mechanism smooth operation.

Butt

Depending on which version of the TOZ-34 the hunter purchased, the butt of the weapon can be made of birch, beech or walnut. But in all cases the neck has a pistol shape, which is distinguished not only by good ergonomics, but also by beauty. The back of the butt can be equipped with a rubber or plastic butt plate, which serves to absorb recoil. In the piece and collector's versions, the stock is made of more expensive types of wood.

Another weakness of the TOZ-34 gun is the junction of the stock and the block. Most hunters had the same problem when using the model - a crack appeared at the junction of the wooden part and the metal part, which over time led to the butt splitting. Although in fairness it is worth noting that hunters do not always use cartridges with a standard load of gunpowder, which leads to an increase in shot power.

Design flaws

We can conclude that the design of the TOZ-34 as a whole is very good, but it has two significant drawbacks:

• weak springs of the trigger mechanism;
• poor-quality connection of the butt to the metal.

It is almost impossible to cope with these shortcomings at home. So you will have to change the springs from time to time and monitor the amount of gunpowder in the cartridges.

Tuning

Quite often, after purchasing a TOZ-34 gun, owners resort to the tuning procedure in order to improve the existing tactical and technical characteristics, get rid of some shortcomings, and also minimize the likelihood of problems occurring in the future. Here is a small list of modifications that are worth adopting:

1. Grinding the barrel coupling eliminates the possibility of lateral wobble.
2. By dulling the sharp edges of the receiver, the coupling will no longer leave scratches.
3. Grinding the trigger mechanism - the trigger becomes smooth and even.
4. Sawing out the cheek pads in the buttstock improves the ergonomics of the weapon.
5. The small factory front sight is replaced with a large one for easier aiming.
6. Wooden parts are impregnated with stain to increase service life.

You can also modify the TOZ-34 using various “body kits” that are installed on the sighting bar or receiver. However, it is worth remembering that although such devices simplify the process of using a gun, they also increase its weight. And the cost of collimators and under-barrel flashlights can hardly be called low.

Shotgun IZH-27 or Tula TOZ-34: which is better

The blogger of the Okhotniki.ru , Semyon Morozov, posted a review-comparison of two brands of shotguns - the Izhevsk IZH-27 or MR-27, similar in design to the IZH-43 or MR-43, and the TOZ-34 from the Tula Arms Plant. He ponders what weapon would be best for the young hunter.

The Tula arms factory, which produced very good models, has completely left the race and does not produce high-quality and inexpensive double-barreled guns.

That is why, just like thirty years ago, the question of which gun to choose for a young hunter remains relevant today. To answer it, you first need to understand what tasks any person faces when choosing a gun.

Firstly, this is the price . If we are talking about a domestic gun, then of course we would like it, especially a working one, not to be prohibitively expensive.

Modern double-barreled shotguns (and in fact they are made today only at Izhmekh), if we talk about mass and budget models, do not spoil us with variety; in fact, these are MP-27s in various versions.

And then the thought arises: shouldn’t we turn our attention to commission weapons? At this stage, we can already choose among well-proven models such as IZH-12, IZH-27 and TOZ-34. And in terms of price, the second-hand gun will give a head start to modern guns.

Secondly, you should never forget about quality . It's no secret that weapons from the USSR times are noticeably different in workmanship from modern products, and for the better, and if you take into account the price-quality ratio, then they only benefit from this.

TOZ-34 is suitable for any hunting - from feather to large game.

Separately, it must be said that now is the most favorable time to buy consignment weapons. Older hunters began to sell their arsenals, and there are several explanations for this.

Owning a gun has become a real burden due to the increasingly complicated procedure for renewing permits. All these certificates, analyses, and increased fees for renewals of the license have led to the fact that it is easier to sell a gun than to deal with its renewal.

True, there are few buyers and prices for weapons, even in excellent condition, are very moderate. Thus, an IZH-27 or TOZ-34 gun can be found in perfect condition for 15–20 thousand rubles.

And a weapon in shabby condition or with an average round will cost even less. So I advise young hunters to take a closer look at the guns in thrift stores, maybe they will find a real gem, and if not, they will still get a great working gun.

The main question is which model to choose? If a hunter wants to buy a sideflint, a gun with vertically positioned barrels, then the choice is small. Actually, there are only two options: either TOZ-34 or IZH-27, the rest are significantly more expensive.

It is impossible to say unequivocally which gun is better, both have their own advantages and disadvantages. A hunter quickly becomes accustomed to his gun and often becomes an apologist for the model he bought, so it can be difficult to weigh the value of advice from the owner of a particular gun.

At one time I had both TOZ and IZH, and it seems to me that I can give them a fairly objective assessment, which I want to share with you.

Appearance

I like TOZ-34 better. Its exterior is beautiful and laconic. The smooth lines of the gun's contours are in harmony with the sharp lines of the box; the chrome-plated box gives the weapon elegance.

The gun can be either with a rubber or bakelite shock absorber. The designers considered this element so important that the model with a rubber shock absorber has the P index stamped directly on the weapon number.

The semi-pistol-shaped stock can be either with or without a cheekpiece. Surprisingly, the gun is suitable for almost all hunters; converted stocks on the TOZ-34 are rare. The neck of the stock is thin and very grippy.

IZH-27 looks neat, but somehow rough. It seems as if its designer did not care what the gun would look like. Unlike the TOZ-34, the stock neck of the IZH-27 is thick, so when you take the gun in your hands, you feel its massiveness and weight.

The gun is actually 300 g heavier than the TOZ-34, although it seems that it is much more. The box is also massive and thick, but this did not affect the survivability. As for the shots, there is not much difference between the TOZ-34 and IZH-27.

Equipment

A thrift store won’t offer you much choice, but TOZ-34 has never been known for its variety.

Yes, there were options for individual and even souvenir guns, yes, you could order them according to your own parameters, but the serial TOZ was mostly with 710 mm barrels, 12 gauge, chokes - choke/polochok and extractors.

It was a mass-produced gun, extremely reliable and inexpensive. Shotguns of 16, 20 and even 32 calibers were made in small series. It was possible to order a version with an ejector.

IZH-27, which, it should be noted, is still produced today, had greater variety. Here you have different constrictions, and even replaceable chokes, and the opportunity to purchase a gun with two or one trigger.

In the 90s, options appeared with 76 mm magnum chambers. All this, of course, increases the consumer properties of the gun.

Device

Perhaps this point is the most important when choosing a weapon, because... responsible for reliable operation and durability. In a debate about which is better - IL or TOZ, it is this criterion that becomes a stumbling block.

Many hunters who initially liked the TOZ-34 chose the IZH-27 only because they were told about the mythical failures of the TOZ leaf springs.

Theoretically, leaf springs are more prone to failure, but here’s what’s interesting: I’ve never encountered a TOZ-34 with broken springs, although I read and hear about it all the time.

I've seen TOZ-26s, and two of them, but I've never heard of bad springs on them.

It is difficult to say who launched this information and why, but it spread very quickly, and now every time it comes to TOZ-34, there is a person who assures that the springs there are “weak and constantly break.”

I don’t understand the hunters’ fear of the spring breaking on the TOZ-34, because... This breakdown, I repeat, is rare, so I advise you not to pay attention to this “urban legend” and choose a gun without taking this criterion into account.

It’s worth paying attention to the buttstocks of both the TOZ-34 and IZH-27; they break often, cost more, and repair is no more difficult than replacing a spring.

The choice is all the more interesting because the guns under discussion have different designs, which determine different operating conditions. The trunks are similar, soldered along the entire length, have a ventilated strap; TOZ's quality is better, they are straighter and cleaner processed.

The barrels are attached to the block in different ways. The TOZ-34 has two wide semicircles, they are milled on the box: there are two protruding “rails” on the barrel block. This sometimes causes problems during assembly, but only for inexperienced users.

I once observed how in a store a salesman taught a customer how to assemble a gun; it took him no more than three minutes to do this, after which the man did it himself and decided to buy a gun.

Everything is usual on the IZH-27: a hook and an axle, assembly is quick and intuitive. Here it should be noted that the contact area of ​​the hinges on TOZ and IZH is noticeably different (in TOZ it is much larger).

In both guns, locking occurs on a wide plate that fits into a groove under the barrels. On the left is IZH-27, on the right is TOZ-34. Photo by Semyon Morozov

The IZH-27 is locked using two narrow under-barrel hooks, while the TOZ-34 is locked using one wide hook. I think the locking reliability of both guns is sufficient, which is confirmed by practice.

The TOZ's mainsprings are plate-shaped, while the IZh's are twisted. Theoretically, this is important: twisted ones are considered less capricious and less likely to break. In practice, both are quite reliable.

Almost all IZH-27s have an automatic safety, that is, when the key is removed, the gun goes into safety, and before firing it must be removed. This is inconvenient, but you quickly get used to this feature.

In addition, inconvenience arises only when switching from one system with an automatic fuse to another, with a conventional one, then confusion can arise.

If this feature greatly interferes, then the fuse can be turned off by removing the rod connecting the key and the fuse.

The TOZ-34 has a fuse “with a fuse” - with a small button: if you don’t press it, the fuse cannot be moved. On other issues the systems are similar.

Service

The most common questions arise when disassembling TOZ-34. The first versions of the gun had their own characteristics. So, before disassembling, it was necessary to press the front trigger and move the locking key all the way, after which the barrels were folded back and the gun was disassembled.

This feature turned out to be so difficult for hunters that the designers had to change the design of the gun and introduce a flag into it. On later copies it appears on the right side of the block. With its advent, it became easier to assemble and disassemble the gun.

With the IZH-27, everything is banal and traditional: you need to separate the forend, and then the gun can be disassembled without effort. In other matters, servicing both guns is no different from servicing any double-barreled shotgun.

Conclusions from all that has been said

In my opinion, both guns, although they have some features in design and appearance, are equivalent in terms of performance data and the main attention should be paid to the condition and quality of their manufacture.

Whichever of these models you choose, provided it is in good working order and in good condition, the gun will perform its functions equally reliably.

You can go the other way: buy both guns and decide for yourself which of the products of the distant USSR suits you best.

Advantages and disadvantages

The TOZ-34 shotgun has many advantages, thanks to which many Russian hunters purchase it. The list of undeniable advantages is headed by the following parameters:

1. High accuracy of combat. This is ensured by a smooth transition of the chamber to the barrel channel (from 18.7 to 18.5 mm). However, this feature will only be effective if you use a cartridge with a small or standard load of shot.
2. Light weight. The weight of the TOZ-34 weapon when unloaded is from 3.1 to 3.2 kg (depending on the caliber). This is almost 1 kg less than its main competitor IZH-27. Thanks to this, the hunter can make more movements with a weapon on his back.
3. Good balance. After a shot, the weapon does not deviate to the side, like the same horizontal guns, and at the moment of aiming the barrel is practically stationary. This increases the effectiveness of combat, especially at long distances.
4. Two triggers. This system allows you to fire a shot from the second barrel much faster, because there is no need to switch the firing pin using a special flag. At the same time, different ammunition can be loaded in different barrels.
5. Appearance. No matter what anyone says, hunting with a beautiful gun is much more enjoyable. In this regard, the TOZ-34 has practically no competitors, because its barrels are chrome-plated and blackened, and the butt is made of expensive wood.

But still, every gun has not only positive aspects, but also negative ones. And, despite the fact that many hunters consider the TOZ-34 a legendary double-barreled shotgun, they also continue to complain about some shortcomings:

1. The gun cannot withstand shooting with powerful cartridges. This quickly causes the barrels to wear out, and cracks begin to appear on the stock, which eventually lead to splitting. So if a hunter values ​​the health of his gun, he will have to give up experimenting with powder loads, especially in magnum-type cartridges.
2. Sooner or later you will have to replace the USM springs. The reliability of these elements is approximately two times lower than that of a standard trigger mechanism with twisted parts. And given that it is not always possible to notice stretching with the naked eye, the springs simply burst at the most inopportune moment.
3. Low build quality for samples produced between 1990 and 2000. Earlier versions developed in the USSR, although they are older, still do not have such a high percentage of defects. Everything is also fine with the new versions, but still, when buying a gun (especially a used one), you should pay attention not to the condition of the main elements.

Double-barreled shotgun TOZ-34 and a hunting trophy
Is TOZ-34 worth the money (from 18 to 22 thousand rubles)? Without a doubt. After all, despite the fact that the model is not without its shortcomings, they are all designed taking into account what competing companies can offer. Three minuses against at least five pluses is a good result, especially for a gun that has a 7,000-shot warranty.

Advantages and disadvantages of TOZ-34

It has long been noted that hunters are very demanding and picky when choosing weapons. Therefore, it cannot be said that TOZ-34 is suitable for everyone.

Shooting from a TOZ-34 gun, additionally equipped with a collimator sight

Nevertheless, in most cases, this weapon completely satisfies its owners, which is primarily due to its following properties:

1. Outstanding accuracy and accuracy of fire. Even a novice hunter armed with a TOZ-34 usually hits the target;
2. Internal placement of triggers. Thanks to this design feature, with a gun in your hands you can literally “push through the thickets” without fear of the triggers getting caught on a branch;
3. Low weight of the gun. This promotes speed of movement when shooting offhand;
4. Excellent “survivability” of trunks. The gun does not lose its characteristics even after 20 thousand shots, which is almost twice the lifespan stated in the passport.

The TOZ-34 is also not without its disadvantages. True, a significant part of them is associated with poor workmanship, especially guns made between 1990 and 2000, but there are also some “congenital” defects:

1. Unsuccessful mainspring configuration and incorrectly selected steel grade for it. This part is the real “Achilles heel” of the TOZ-34 - it wears out first;
2. It is difficult to separate the barrels when disassembling the weapon. This drawback was most serious in early-release guns, up to 1978. Then a special flag was added to the design, which made disassembly easier, but a fundamental solution to the problem could not be achieved;
3. When using cartridges with an increased charge of gunpowder, the barrel mounts become loose;
4. There is a deterioration in shooting accuracy when loading a gun with cartridges with a metal sleeve.

TOZ-34 shotgun in gift version, placed in a special carrying case

In addition, some hunters, accustomed to large dispersion of shot when firing from other guns, consider the high accuracy of the TOZ-34 to be a disadvantage, however, such comments can be attributed rather to the curious.

Specifications

The combat characteristics of the TOZ-34 are not inferior to those that guns from competitors can boast of. In some respects, the Tula model is even superior to Izhevsk and foreign weapons. More detailed information about the performance characteristics can be found in the table below:

TOZ-34 shotgun disassembled
Thus, the TOZ-34 shotgun is superior to competitors in most parameters, with the exception of combat power, as well as accuracy using various cartridges. And this despite the fact that the model is over 50 years old!

Versions and modifications

The TOZ-34 shotgun has 5 main modification options, which are tailored to the individual needs of different categories of potential buyers. The list below provides a brief description for each:

1. TOZ-34-M is one of the first modifications produced by the Tula Arms Plant. At the request of many hunters, weapons began to be equipped with a special dovetail bracket designed for mounting optics.
2. TOZ-34-E is a modification with an automatic ejector for spent cartridges from the chamber. This mechanism will be useful for those hunters who live in regions with cold climates, because often the cartridges simply freeze to the chamber.
3. TOZ-34-R is a version of the standard shotgun that has a butt plate on the butt made of rubber. Such weapons absorb inertia much better at the moment of firing, which is why the recoil is practically not felt.
4. TOZ-34-1 is a single-barrel version of the gun, available in 12, 16 and 20 calibers. Suitable for connoisseurs of classics, as well as teenagers, women and hunters of thin build, because the weight of the gun has been reduced to 2.4 kilograms.
5. TOZ-34-SH (or “3SH”, “U”, “2U”, “S” and “O”) is a one-piece gun, distinguished by an increased warranty period, as well as the presence of an engraving in the form of animals and birds on the receiver. Souvenir samples may also contain silver and gold inserts.

Souvenir gun TOZ-34 with engraving
Well, don’t forget about mixed modifications, which include developments from different versions. For example, the TOZ-34ER model has a built-in ejector and also boasts a rubber backplate.

Main modifications based on the TOZ-34 gun

Since the design developed by Korovyakov turned out to be quite successful, it was used to create several versions of hunting weapons. It makes sense to consider some of them separately.

TOZ-34R

The very first modification of the original version of the gun arose as a result of its minor improvement. A rubber butt pad was installed on the butt, and for the convenience of removing spent cartridges, the design was supplemented with an extractor. This is how the TOZ-34R gun appeared. This version of the weapon was the first to go on general sale.

TOZ-34ER

The gun, sent to the international exhibition in Paris in 1972, was the result of another modernization. The design now included not only a rubber butt pad and an extractor, but also an ejector that ejected the cartridges. The resulting TOZ-34 ER gun was highly praised abroad, however, some Soviet hunters said that it was not entirely convenient for those who prefer to use reusable cartridges: they became difficult to assemble after shooting.

Shotgun TOZ-34ER. The rubber butt plate is clearly visible

TOZ-34-5.6/20

The next modernization of the popular weapon has become much more serious. The former “vertical” was turned into the so-called byuksflint or double. The upper barrel of the gun was replaced with a rifled one, adapted for firing small-caliber .22LR cartridges (corresponding to 5.6 mm), and from the lower it was now necessary to fire not with the 12th, but with the smaller 20th caliber. TOZ-34-5,6-20 received the official name of the combined fishing gun.

TOZ-34-5.6/28

"Byuksflint" based on the original TOZ-34 was produced in two versions. At the same time, the only difference between the second of them, TOZ-34-5.6/28, was the use of even smaller cartridges for the lower barrel - 28 caliber. It should also be noted that fishing combination guns could be equipped with optical sights. The recoil of the TOZ 34 28 is practically not felt, which is very convenient for shooters of medium build.

TOZ-55

The most serious alteration to which the TOZ gun was subjected was its transformation into a powerful and long-range rifle for hunting large animals. This is no longer a partially smooth-bore, but a fully rifled version, designated TOZ-55 “Bison”. It was designed to use 9x53 mm R cartridges. The weight of the structure increased to 3.8 kilograms. This weapon is quite rare; its production was discontinued in the late 80s of the last century. The Zubr is additionally equipped with several interchangeable barrel options, which allow you to turn it into a byuksflint or into a conventional fully smooth-bore weapon.

“Bison” with two pairs of barrels – one combined, the other smooth

TOZ-34-1

One of the last attempts to modernize the TOZ-34 was made in 1995. This time the gun became single-barreled. This made it possible to simplify, lighten and reduce the cost of the design. Unfortunately, the appearance of the TOZ-34-1 occurred during the most unfavorable years both in the history of Russia and in the history of the Tula Arms Plant. Therefore, it is difficult to evaluate such weapons, and there is quite a bit of information about them.

Disassembly, assembly and maintenance

TOZ-34 requires regular cleaning and lubrication of the barrels. However, before you begin the maintenance procedure, you will first have to partially disassemble the model. For information on how to disassemble a weapon, read the instructions:

1. Set the safety button to its extreme position.
2. We release the triggers, after which we close the barrels.
3. Turn the locking flag all the way to the right.
4. Using the rotation method, we separate the barrel from the receiver.
5. Return the locking lever to the reverse position.

After this, you can begin the cleaning procedure. Beginners are advised to adhere to a certain algorithm of actions:

1. We clean the barrel from leaded deposits using a bronze brush.
2. We soak a piece of rags or cotton wool in kerosene and string it onto a cleaning rod.
3. We clean the barrel with a rag to remove old oil.
4. We thoroughly wash the metal channel with a soap solution.
5. Dry the barrel in a warm room or wipe it with a piece of cloth.
6. Lubricate the chrome surface with gun oil.

After this, all that remains is to assemble the weapon, following the algorithm already described, but in reverse order. The maintenance procedure must be repeated after each use of the gun, because even from 1 shot the oil barrel becomes covered with soot.

Features of hunting with TOZ-34

In the eyes of its owners, TOZ-34 is the embodiment of high accuracy and reliability. However, in order for the weapon to serve faithfully, and for the fishery to always bring greater production, the owner must adhere to certain recommendations:

1. Select the right ammunition for different types of game. Sub-caliber bullets, for example, 5.6 mm, are well suited for hunting fur-bearing animals. It is best to kill feathered and small game with shot numbers from 7 to 0. But a large predator can only be killed with magnum-type cartridges (recommended for 12 gauge).
2. Reload your weapon correctly, especially if it has an ejector. At the moment of breaking, the chamber should look up and slightly to the side. In this case, the gun must be kept away from the face, otherwise a spent cartridge case may cause injury. When closing the bolt, be sure to push the barrel all the way down.
3. Follow the basic rules for carrying weapons. Since the TOZ-34 is a fairly light model, many hunters sometimes forget that they have a loaded gun weighing on their back. Remember that every blow and knock slightly shortens the life of the weapon, even if the mechanical impact was applied to the metal part.

TOZ-34 is one of the best shotguns for most hunters. Despite the fact that the model is more than half a century old, and its cost is in the region of only 20 thousand, the weapon can give the potential buyer a lot that competitors cannot offer. And if the hunter treats his comrade with care (cleans and lubricates in a timely manner, changes spare parts), he will definitely serve him faithfully for many years.