Simplicity and reliability: review of the best carabiners from the Baikal brand

Single-shot carbines MP-18MN and Baikal-121 “Fox”

In the mid-90s of the last century, the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant began developing a new single-shot rifle IZH-18MN (current designation MP-18MH), for which a modernized version of the IZH-18 gun was used as a prototype. This weapon was produced in a wide range of calibers, showed good results during hunting, and also cost relatively little. So it is not surprising that the new version of the MP-18MH turned out to be no worse than its predecessor, having inherited most of its positive qualities and acquired a number of useful improvements:

• new trigger mechanism with smooth release;
• integrated Picatinny sighting rail for mounting optics;
• a quick-release swivel that allows you to attach a tactical belt to a weapon;
• muzzle thread designed for installation of various devices (compensator, flash suppressor).

The gun also inherited from its progenitor a reliable locking system, a convenient location of the bolt release lever, a good open sight with an adjustable front sight and other qualities that are well known to former owners of the IZH-18M. The technical specifications have also changed slightly, but only for the better:

However, the MP-18MH did not at all become the standard for IZHMEKH production, since it was soon replaced by a new classic rifle, equally well suited for almost any type of hunting. This model became known as Baikal-121 “Fox”. It differed from its predecessor in its free-floating barrel, which was made using the radial compression method (this technology significantly increased the accuracy of the fire).

The Baikal 121 Lis single-shot hunting rifle is a development of the MP-18 MN model

The forend and butt began to be made only from walnut, and for a more comfortable grip, laser notches were applied to the wooden parts. The trigger also underwent modernization, which acquired an external sear, which further reduced the force required for descent. The extractor assembly was also redesigned, thanks to which the rifle could use even the most unusable cartridges. The technical specifications began to look something like this:

Despite the fact that the weight of the carbine has increased slightly, its ergonomics have changed for the better, especially considering that not a regular shock absorber was installed on the butt, but a combined one, which could be adjusted to the anatomical features of the owner. So, overall, the “Fox” turned out better than its predecessor, although it did not have the same variety in the choice of calibers.

Hunting carbine Baikal-145 “Elk”

However, not every hunter was happy with the prospect of hunting an animal with a single-shot carbine, so soon a new bolt-cocked rifle with a 3-round magazine, the Baikal-145 “Los”, appeared under the Baikal brand. This weapon was used for shooting two of the most popular calibers in the world: .223 Rem (5.56×45) and .308 Win (7.62×51). Both rifles perfectly combined both traditional shapes and many years of developments, as well as modern innovative solutions (for example, a longitudinally sliding bolt with three lugs). At the same time, in the category “purpose”, in addition to hunting, they also began to write “training shooting”. Well, among the main features of the carbine, the manufacturer highlighted the following points:

1. The chrome-plated barrel bore and chambers significantly increased the service life of the weapon, and also made it possible to use ammunition with an increased amount of gunpowder.
2. Free-floating barrels - weapons were much easier to disassemble and reassemble, so their maintenance took less time.
3. Muzzle thread (right) M15x1 - made it possible to attach various muzzle devices to the carbine (brake compensator, flash suppressor, sound moderator, etc.).
4. A bolt with three lugs provided improved locking strength and also reduced the angle of the cylinder from 90 degrees to 60.
5. A mechanical sighting device with an adjustable rear sight made it possible to target the carbine much more accurately, especially at long distances.

The technical characteristics of the weapon have also changed slightly in comparison with the Fox. For example, by reducing the length of the barrel, the initial speed of the bullet also decreased, but in practice this had almost no effect, since the rifle still retained its accuracy at a distance of up to 300 meters, and only after overcoming this distance did the bullet begin to gradually decrease. In general, here are the indicators that can be found in a weapons passport:

Also, the appearance of the “Los” carbine deserves great praise, in which adherence to tradition can be traced, but at the same time the buyer sees that the rifle belongs to the modern segment. The stock of the model is especially high quality, as it does not have the slightest cleft at the junction with the metal, and the wood itself has an exceptional structure and rich color. So the rifle will perform well not only as a “war horse”, but also as a decoration.

Small-caliber hunting carbine Sobol 22lr (5.6 mm)

Content

Passport for the “Sobol” carbine Not long ago I became the proud owner of a small-caliber hunting carbine “Sobol” chambered for the 5.6x16 mm (.22LR) rimfire cartridge. A distinctive feature of this carbine is the crank-type bolt, which Sobol inherited from the Bi-7-2 sports rifle. The carbine is an ideal weapon for shooting training. In this article I would like to share my impressions of purchasing and shooting the Sobol carbine.

Characteristics

So, first, a little about the characteristics of the carbine:

Price

The price of the purchased Sobol carbine was 33,611 rubles. This is approximately 10,000 less than the similar Czech CZ carbine. The Sobol carbine is one of the most affordable small-caliber carbines today.

Owner reviews

Even at the stage of choosing a carbine, I scoured the Internet for reviews from owners about small-caliber carbines, including reviews of the Sobol. I must say that the owners spoke about it, as a rule, very flatteringly, noting some minor, in my opinion, shortcomings. It was the reviews of the owners and, of course, the price that swayed my opinion towards purchasing the Sobol carbine. From the messages of the owners of the carbine, a separate recommendation should be made about the mandatory presence of a cleaning rod when firing, since in the event of a misfire and the bullet stuck at the beginning of the barrel must be knocked out. For this purpose, it is recommended to use flat copper or brass wire 200 mm long with a diameter of 4-5 mm, since a standard cleaning rod is a little bulky.

The Sobol carbine is equipped with a convenient rear sight, which can be easily transferred from a distance of 25 meters to 75 meters and vice versa. Located in the front of the trigger guard, the safety locks not only the trigger, but also the bolt in the closed position. The location of the fuse allows you to control it by touch.

As stated above, the Sobol carbine is an ideal weapon for target practice, but this carbine is also an excellent hunting weapon. Naturally, the caliber of the cartridge used makes certain adjustments. In particular, carbine owners indicate that the most effective distance for hunting purposes is a distance of 50-60m. You should never fire a rifle at large animals. The shot should be fired from a rest position, and to guarantee hitting a hunting target, it is best to use expansive and high-velocity cartridges.

Below is my list of what I liked and didn’t like about the Sobol carbine.

What did you like about the Sobol carbine?

1. Affordable price
2. Small dimensions
3. Very convenient and practical weapon
4. Two additional 5-round magazines carefully placed in the stock
   Read also:  Review of the Bear carbine and its official modifications
5. Easy to maintain.
6. The crank bolt seemed much more convenient than the longitudinally sliding bolt. Reloading is smoother and faster.
7. Excellent accuracy. In particular, I was shooting at a distance of 25 meters and all the bullets hit a circle with a diameter of 100 mm (and this despite the fact that I am not a trained shooter).
8. The carbine is easy to disassemble and maintain.
9. The distance on the rear sight is easily controlled visually.
10. Convenient fuse.
11. The weapon is aesthetically pleasing.

Flaws

The disadvantages that I am aware of at the moment include:

1. More weight compared to carabiners from other manufacturers. In the process of choosing a weapon, I looked closely at Czech carbines, which weigh noticeably less than the Sobol carbine.
2. 5 charging magazines that come with the carbine. After the first shooting, the desire arises to purchase a 10-round magazine. The price of a 10-round magazine is about 1,150 rubles
3. There is no adjustment of trigger force and stroke length
4. Partial disassembly is not possible without removing the optical sight

Incomplete disassembly

In conclusion, I would like to say a little about how to partially disassemble the Sobol carbine, since I was faced with the fact that after reading the instructions I did not immediately understand how to do this (the instructions are extremely sparsely provided with explanations in the form of diagrams and images). However, when I finally figured it out it turned out to be quite simple. So, how to partially disassemble a carbine?

1. Removing the magazine
2. We remove the carbine from the safety lock (otherwise the bolt cannot be pulled back)

3. We check the presence of a cartridge in the chamber (safety comes first)

4. Next, we move the shutter back 15-20 mm
5. At the back of the lever there is a small “lever” (latch), pressing which releases the vertical axis (pin) which secures the crank bolt in the receiver

6. We pull out this axle (for this you may need a penknife to pry the axle by the cap and remove it; simply removing the axle with your fingers did not work)
7. We take out the bolt assembly with the lever mechanism
8. Reassemble in reverse order

Small-caliber carbine Baikal-141 “Sable”

“Sobol” is one of the most famous Russian hunting carbines, created on the basis of sporting weapons. The prototype for this model was the BI-7-2 biathlon rifle, which uses .22 LR (5.6×15.6) rimfire cartridges for firing. It differs from its progenitor Baikal-141 in its thicker barrel, manufactured using the radial compression method, as well as in the straight stroke of the bolt handle, making reloading the weapon much faster and more convenient. In addition, “Sobol” inherited the qualities that characterized BI-7:

• the presence of a muzzle thread;
• freely hanging trunk;
• mechanical front and rear sight;
• Picatinny sighting rail;
• classic birch stock;
• base for attaching swivels.

The small-caliber carbine Baikal-141 “Sobol” is intended for target practice. The main purpose of the weapon is hunting small upland game and training shooting. Also, the weapon will perform very well as a competitive weapon if the panel of judges allows the athlete to compete with such a model. The fact is that the characteristics of the weapon are not the smallest:

And don’t let the short barrel length bother you, because for a small .22 LR caliber bullet, 500 millimeters will be more than enough to develop good speed. The projectile has such good penetrating power that it is capable of killing even an adult deer (provided it is shot in a vulnerable part of the body), and the bullet opens in the body, like a hollow-point ammunition, so there will be no through hole.

Design of the Sobol carbine

The cartridges in Sobol are rimfire; The crank has a vertical lever that goes down. It is located at the butt plate and is connected to the bolt frame by a metal connecting rod. Extractors with a cylinder that does not rotate are located on the bolt frame. The locking density of the cylinder in the breech is excellent, thanks to the quality of surface treatment. The trigger is unregulated, the sear is blocked by a fuse. The detachable magazine latch is located on the forend. The front sight is mounted in a cylindrical round frame; the rear sight can be adjusted in height. The recesses in the stock are closed with a polyamide cover. The butt plate is not adjustable, but provides good shock absorption. The muzzle of the barrel has an M18x1 thread (right), for the possibility of installing a DTK, which can be considered a big plus. The trunk hangs freely, thickened; to maintain accuracy, its outer side is not subjected to additional mechanical processing. Sable goes on sale in a cardboard box; The package includes a brush, a cleaning rod, 3 magazines, a wiper, and a passport with instructions.

Self-loading small-caliber carbine MP-161K and Baikal-161 “Manul”

Another interesting development of IZHMEKH was the MP-161K rifle, which is radically different from all previously described models. In addition to modern design, the carbine also combines a huge number of innovative design features that simplify the process of using the weapon. Here are just the points that the manufacturer himself calls for attention:

1. Adjustable stock. You can adjust not only its length, but also the height of the cheek rest, making the weapon perfect for shooting with open sights and using optics.
2. Shockproof housing. The rifle stock is made of plastic with a high polymer content, which is also reinforced with fiberglass. That is, you will have to really put in a lot of effort so that the damage remains visible on the rifle.
3. Improved ergonomics. In addition to the adjustable stock, this is also facilitated by linings made of elastic material in the grip area (handle, fore-end). The weapon lies securely in the hand even when shooting in heavy rain.
4. Trigger mechanism with cocking indicator. If the safety does not have color indicators, it can be quite difficult to recognize whether the weapon is loaded. However, the MP-161K has a special indicator that will indicate the platoon.
5. Detachable box magazines. There are several of them included in the kit, so during hunting or shooting practice, the owner of the carbine is unlikely to experience a shortage of cartridges.

In addition to all this, the MP-161K weapon also has an adjustable sighting device in the form of a rear sight and front sight, a Picatinny mount for installing optics or a collimator, as well as other features that will surprise few people. All this guarantees not only ease of use of the rifle, but also good technical characteristics:

Another self-loading carbine chambered for small-caliber 5.6 mm cartridges is the Baikal-161 “Manul” carbine, which is a full-fledged development of the MP-161K model. The rifle combines not only an original design, but also a rather unusual design, which is close to professional sporting rifles, although the main purpose of the weapon is hunting. Here are just the features you might be interested in learning about:

1. Trunk. The channel is made using the radial compression method, but at the same time hangs freely, and also has threads for installing replaceable muzzle devices.
2. Sights. Although these are the same front and rear sights, they are made in a completely different style. At the client's request, fiber optics can be applied to the sight.
3. Reliable automatic with free-running shutter. The shooter can focus on the target and shoot accurately and quickly, unlike bolt-action rifles.
4. The stock is made of wood (walnut) with an ergonomic Thumbhole-type handle, which is not only much lighter than its analogues, but is also very comfortable to grip.
5. Notches on the handle and fore-end. It is performed using a special laser and consists of a fine mesh.

But the technical characteristics of the carbine remained virtually unchanged, if you do not take into account the mass, which increased due to the use of a wooden stock instead of a plastic one:

Thus, the Manul will primarily appeal to those who are accustomed to hunting with “wooden” carbines, but at the same time want their rifle to be different from other models. Also, the weapon will appeal to those who love various small amenities in the form of notches on the wood and ergonomic handles. In other cases, it is much preferable to purchase the classic version of the MP-161K, since it is much lighter and will cost almost 6 thousand less.

Hunting carbine Baikal-146 “Maral”

On August 22, 2022, at the Army 2017 arms exhibition, the Kalashnikov concern presented to customers a new hunting carbine with a linear action Baikal-146 “Maral”. Unlike other bolt guns, this carbine is reloaded in a straight line, so that the speed of releasing the spent cartridge case and feeding a new cartridge into the chamber is as high as possible (close to a self-loading weapon). In this case, the barrel is still hanging freely, that is, it does not touch the fore-end. Here are just a few design features that catch your eye at first glance:

• two-position fuse located in the tail;
• lightweight Picatinny sighting rail for mounting optics;
• height-adjustable front and rear sights (open);
• Chrome-plated barrel channel and chamber.

Maral is loaded with .308 Win cartridges.
As ammunition, "Maral" uses the most common hunting cartridge in the world - .308 Win. Moreover, due to the fact that the barrel is made using the radial compression method, it is possible to use not only imported, but also cheap Russian ammunition. However, it should be noted that the ballistic properties of the imported cartridge are higher. As for the technical characteristics of the “Maral” itself, they look like this:

Considering that Maral uses one of the most powerful cartridges for shooting, you can even hunt an adult bear with such a rifle. The most important thing in this case is to acquire good optics, since the carbine will perform best when shooting at long distances (spread of no more than 30 mm at 100 meters). The 7.62×51 can also be used for hunting fur-bearing animals, but you should prepare for the fact that the trophy value of the skin will deteriorate slightly.

Description and characteristics of the Sobol carbine

The Sobol carbine has a classic wooden semi-pistol stock and is reduced to 500 mm. trunk. To install optics, parallel grooves are provided on the dovetail.

The versatility of the weapon allows it to be used both for initial training in shooting and handling rifled weapons, and in improving skill in the use of optics and recreational shooting. Hunters buy Sable for hunting squirrels, martens, foxes, marmots, wood grouse and black grouse. When making the stock of the Sable carbine, different types of wood are used: beech, birch, walnut. The transverse dispersion of the bullet is relatively small. When shooting at a distance of 50 m, the spread does not exceed 25 mm, which, although cannot be called quite high, is in the middle of the characteristics for similar calibers. But no matter how good and expensive the carbine is, everything depends on the hands and experience of the shooter. The original magazine is designed for 5 rounds, the carbine is reloaded manually, and then the cartridge is sent from the magazine to the chamber. The total length of the Sobol carbine is 990 mm. The net weight of the weapon is 3 kg. – this is without additional accessories.

The rest of the Sable's characteristics are almost identical to most ordinary small fish. However, the carbine has an individual option, inherited from its sporting ancestor and actually useful: in the butt there are 2 special slots in which spare magazines are quite reliably placed.

Due to its overall short length, the Sobol carbine is perceived in the hands of the owner as a toy rather than a serious firearm. Only the walnut stock adds solidity to the Sable 22 LR. But a similar specimen, but with a birch stock, causes distrust among many shooters. Naturally, the type of wood does not affect shooting performance, but in some aesthetic cases it matters.

Loading the magazine of the Sobol carbine is effortless and easy. Even the new carbine is distinguished by the softness of the shutter movement. The moving parts will soon get used to it, and the Sobol's bolt stroke will acquire a rather pleasant “oily” movement. Since the carbine bolt is straight, any optics will fit on it:

• With low sights;
• Any height rings;
• Various sizes.

Carbine Baikal-142 "Irbis" with interchangeable barrels

In addition to the Maral, IZHMEX also presented the Baikal-142 Irbis rifle, which features a modern modular design. If desired, the hunter can disconnect the barrel with the chamber at any time, and then attach new parts, sharpened for shooting with a completely different caliber. Such a rifle is suitable “for all occasions”, but it will be especially useful for hunters. Here is a list of calibers that Irbis supports:

• .223 Remington;
• .308 Winchester;
• .30-06 Springfield;
• 9,3×64

At the same time, barrels for calibers .223 Rem and 308 Win are produced both in the standard “hunting” contour and in the “Varmint” version - without sights, but with an increased diameter. To replace the barrel, it only takes a few minutes of time. And given the fact that the brackets for the optics are located directly on the channel, and not on the receiver, the hunter has the opportunity to shoot several barrels for different sights. The performance characteristics of weapons are presented in table form:

The magazine capacity in all cases except one is 3 rounds, and for the .223 Rem caliber this figure is 4 rounds. Also, all versions are equipped with a Picatinny sighting rail (22 millimeters), and their stock is made of wood. So the only thing worth paying attention to is the weight of the weapon and the power of the cartridge. Well, you shouldn’t forget about the price, since a new barrel for the Irbis will cost half the cost of the carbine.

Self-loading hunting carbine Baikal-162 “Izyubr”

Another model presented at the Army-2017 exhibition was the Izubr self-loading carbine. The history of the development of this family began back in 1970, when a small batch (30 pieces) of elite class hunting carbines was manufactured by order of the Soviet government. And now, almost 50 years later, IZHMEKH decided to resume production of Izyubr, but for the ordinary population. Its main feature was self-charging (works on the principle of a gas engine). The model also boasts the following parts:

• receiver - made of high-quality weapon steel;
• chamber - has a chrome coating for bimetallic bullets;
• stores - steel, box-shaped, detachable, with a capacity of up to 4 ammunition;
• butt plate - combined, made of high-quality rubber;
• forend and butt - equipped with swivels for attaching a belt.

In addition, all metal parts have an external oxide coating, which prevents corrosion even when using the weapon in high humidity conditions. I was also pleased with the ability to quickly partially disassemble the rifle - just push out the axle that secures the trigger mechanism in the box. Well, the technical characteristics of the weapon speak for themselves:

Thus, “Izyubr” is truly one of the most balanced, reliable and effective carbines from the Baikal company. But not every hunter can afford it, since its cost is almost 140 thousand rubles. True, most experts agree that this is still a very affordable price for such a high-quality weapon, since high-quality European rifles cost more than 200 thousand.

Baikal is a legendary weapons brand that has a huge number of positive reviews not only from Russian buyers, but also from foreigners. Many models can easily compete with American or European carbines, but at the same time, domestic weapons are much cheaper and “feed” on inexpensive cartridges. The reliability indicator of Russian weapons is also at a fairly high level, and the rifles are very unpretentious in maintenance. Therefore, all that remains is to say thank you to IZHMEKH for the fact that the plant is trying for the benefit of hunters and athletes, while keeping up with the world's leading brands.

Operating principle and disassembly

The carbine can only be charged through the magazine. The only option in which you can insert one cartridge is into the ejector window - an empty magazine. To load it into the chamber, the lever of the mechanism is pulled back and returned back. When the bolt frame moves backwards, the firing pin is cocked. Pressing the lever located on the trigger guard allows you to put the Sable on safety. You can return to combat readiness by performing the operation in reverse order. There are no combat stops on the larva; The breech is locked thanks to the resistance and mass of the crank mechanism.

Incomplete disassembly

• The very first step is to remove the safety lock.
• To disassemble the weapon, first remove the magazine and twist the bolt, checking that there is no cartridge in the chamber.
• On the back there is a latch for releasing the fixing pin - do not press it.
• The pin is removed, then the bolt is pulled out.
• Next, remove the frame with the larva.
• Separate the barrel by unscrewing 2 screws.