Small-caliber rifle TOZ-8 (small) - a weapon for sport shooting

General information about TOZ-8

The gun was developed by engineer D.M. Kochetov. Its design includes a typical rimfire trigger, designed for charges of 5.16x16 millimeters. The long service life of the rifle was ensured by a thick cylindrical barrel. Its length is 640 millimeters.

A lid is used to close the receiver. The front sight has a long base and is made of a cylindrical type. The shutter is longitudinally sliding; after turning the stem, it closes. The design of the rifle does not include a safety.

Specifications:

• For shooting, 5.6 mm caliber cartridges are used;
• The rifle barrel length is 640 millimeters;
• The overall length of the rifle is 1110 millimeters;
• The weight of the unloaded rifle is 3.2 kilograms.

The clutch is installed on the front of the valve, where the diameter narrows. When the shutter is turned, the clutch turns. The Toz-8 stock is made from high-quality birch. For convenience, it is made of a pistol type and has a thickened fore-end.

Toz-8M

This small-caliber weapon is a modified version. Used for sport shooting and small game hunting. The main differences in design are the sighting mechanism. Here it is made of a sector type, which increases shooting efficiency.

Thanks to this device, the shooter can quickly adjust the sight height. The front sight has an additional ring earpiece. The bolt has a smaller diameter and lacks a clutch: this makes reloading more convenient and does not allow gases to escape back. The stock of the Toz-8 sports version received a wider fore-end.

Options and modifications

After the release of the TOZ-8 rifle, the arms factory was developing various weapon configurations, as well as modifications to it. Thanks to this, customers soon had the opportunity to purchase what they liked:

• a rifle with an optical sight installed (there was no front sight);
• a model in a more expensive design - with engraving on metal and carvings on wood;
• a weapon with a rubber butt plate on the back of the butt (used to dampen recoil).

These versions were produced under the names TOZ-8-01, TOZ-8-02 and so on. However, the most popular model among hunting enthusiasts was the TOZ-8M, which differed from the prototype in the presence of optics, a modified shutter, a more ergonomic stock, and also slightly lighter weight.

Design of TOZ-8

Rifle barrel

The barrel bore has four screw grooves, each with two turns. The length of the rifling stroke is 35 centimeters. The rifle number and year of manufacture can be found on the sighting block, which is located on the Toz-8 barrel.

The base of the front sight is installed in a longitudinal groove on the front of the barrel. There are two longitudinal grooves on the back of the barrel; they are made for an aiming block. There is also a special stump at the back, to which the receiver is attached using a pin. The barrel and stock are secured with a screw, which is screwed into a transverse groove on the front of the receiver.

Rifle receiver

The bolt and liner are placed in the receiver. The box acts as a base for the firing mechanism. It is made in the form of a simple pipe that looks like an extension of the trunk. The receiver is attached to the stock with a tail screw, which is screwed into the rear part (into the “tail”).

There is a window on the outside that is used for inserting cartridges and ejecting cartridges.

The cap has two functions. The first is closing the receiver channel to protect the shooter’s eyes in the event of powder gases penetrating into it. The second is protection from contamination and eliminating the possibility of the shutter falling out.

Rifle insert

It is located in the receiver and secured with a trigger spring. Created for:

• Directions of the cartridge into the chamber when loading;
• Reflections of cartridges during ejection after a shot;
• Shutter directions when moving forward.

Trigger mechanism

The design of the trigger includes: a trigger, a trigger spring with a stand, a screw and an axis. When the trigger is released from cocking, the spring strut is recessed by the trigger. The trigger is connected by a spring using an axis. The spring is retracted down due to two protrusions on the hook. There is a limit to the movement of the tail, which is provided by a protrusion on the front of the trigger.

The trigger spring ensures that the trigger is cocked and limits the rearward movement of the bolt. It is attached to the receiver with a screw. There is a hole at the rear end through which the axle passes for attachment to the trigger. There are two cuts at the top of the spring: the first is for fixing the hammer in cocking, the second is for limiting the movement of the bolt back.

The trigger guard is attached to the forend with two screws. The trigger passes through a metal spacer with holes under the heels. The hole restricts rearward movement of the trigger.

TOZ-8 sight

The sighting mechanism consists of:

• Aiming block. Used to fix the pin and strengthen the sighting bar spring;
• Sighting bar. Equipped with a mane with a slot used for aiming. The sighting mechanism can be adjusted for shooting at various distances - from 25 to 250 meters. The side edges of the strip are equipped with cutouts for attaching a clamp;
• Clamp;
• Sighting bar spring. Fixes the bar in the required position;
• Front sight.

Gate

The bolt sends the cartridge into the chamber, closes the bore, ejects the cartridge case of the spent charge and is an important element in firing shots. Comprises:

• Combat larva. It is the connecting link of all elements of the shutter. On the right and left there are two grooves for the ejector and sleeve deflector. The larva is equipped with a special cup for placing the ammunition cap. The ejector and reflector sleeve axes are placed in vertical holes. The rammer is located below. The movement of the shutter is limited by a ledge on the rear lower part of the combat cylinder. The stem of the bolt is placed on the stump of the combat larva. Inside it there is a channel for the drummer;
• Ejector. Ejects cartridges from the chamber and receiver using a reflector;
• Sleeve reflector. Fixes the cartridge in the calyx of the larva;
• Bolt. Equipped with a hole through which a pin passes to secure the firing pin with the coupling and the combat cylinder. There are two small and two large cutouts. The large ones are used to pull the trigger back, the small ones to limit the rotation of the stem.

Impact mechanism

The design of the impact mechanism includes:

• Trigger. Designed to install a firing pin on a combat platoon. Attached to the firing pin with threaded holes and a pin;
• Drummer;
• Action spring;
• Clutch. Connects the striker to the combat cylinder;
• Lodge. Connects all parts of the carbine and is responsible for the ease of use of the Toz-8.

Types of weapons for hunting

Today, commercial hunters use mainly two types: smooth-bore “small” and small-caliber rifled guns. The main difference between these types is the presence or, naturally, absence of rifling inside the barrel, which makes it possible to load ammunition with greater or, conversely, less lethal force.

Small-caliber rifles for hunting, the price of which depends on the year of manufacture of the model, as well as on the time of use, if we are talking about used ones, have smooth cylindrical surfaces inside their barrel, with the exception of the model created using the “paradox” system.

A double-barreled shotgun, considered a reliable, popular classic option, is called exactly the type of equipment with which any shooter - a future fisherman - should begin training. Experts call smooth-bore “small guns” with folding barrels, which must be “broken” for construction, the safest and easiest for amateur hunters at the initial stage of their career.

It is this type of small-caliber weapon that is permitted by law for use by those who are just learning the basics of shooting. And only after five years of using a smooth-bore gun, a citizen receives the right to use any of the types of rifled weapons existing today.

Disassembling the TOZ-8 rifle

Incomplete disassembly

It is carried out according to the following algorithm:

• Receiver cap compartment. The finger of the left hand must be pressed on the trigger when the rifle is held by the neck of the stock with the left hand. After this, with your right hand you need to turn the shutter handle as far as possible to the left and up. The bolt is pulled back, easily hits the cap to move it from its place, after which it can be removed from the receiver;
• Removing the shutter. This happens by pressing the trigger (it’s more convenient to do this with the index finger of your left hand) and holding the handle. No effort is required, the shutter can be removed easily;
• Disassembling the shutter. A detailed algorithm with images should be included in the instructions with the gun;
• Removing the trigger. It is not recommended to do this yourself. It is better to entrust the trigger separation to a professional if it is necessary to replace the mainspring, firing pin or clutch;
• Removing the ejector and reflector sleeve. Use a small metal hammer to knock out the stud. After this, the ejector and sleeve ejector are easily removed from their places.

Partial disassembly is used for cleaning weapons. To clean the Toz-8 you can use an alkaline compound, garden solution, gun grease or gun grease. After disassembly, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the bore, then proceed to cleaning the receiver, parts of the bolt, trigger mechanism and stock, following the sequence.

Complete disassembly

It is carried out according to the following algorithm:

• Incomplete disassembly;
• Separation of the barrel from the stock. Having placed the Toz-8 small-caliber rifle with the barrel up, you need to firmly fix it with your left hand, after which you can unscrew the stop screw. Then the carabiner must be placed in a horizontal position and, holding it with your left hand, unscrew the tail screw. Having placed your finger in the receiver, you need to carefully lift it up and remove the barrel;
• Removing the trigger mechanism. The gun must be fixed in the “sight down” position, fix the receiver with your left hand, and unscrew the trigger spring screw. After this, it is easy to separate the trigger mechanism;
• Removing the liner. The carbine is fixed in the “sight up” position. Push the liner with a small stick, after which it will fly out of the receiver channel.

The gun is assembled in the reverse order (in cases with complete and incomplete disassembly).

Who to hunt

These guns have been used by hunting enthusiasts for several decades. Such weapons are distinguished by a quiet shot, low recoil and a relatively low price. But it is better to choose a rifle based on the purpose of the hunt.

Feathered

When hunting ducks, geese or wood grouse, you can achieve good results using small-caliber weapons. But shooting birds in flight is quite difficult. Therefore, you can purchase small-caliber cartridges that use shot instead of bullets. This will make it possible to use the small thing as a shotgun

Furry animal

Small-caliber weapons are most often used when hunting small fur-bearing animals. With small fish you can hunt squirrel, marten, ermine, weasel and other fur-bearing animals.

Medium sized beast

Small-caliber rifles can also be used when hunting medium-sized animals, for example the following:

• roe deer;
• fox;
• beavers;
• rabbits.

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Preparing to shoot

Before shooting, use a cleaning rod and a soft cloth to clean the barrel bore from grease. After shooting, do not forget to clean the barrel bore from carbon deposits and treat it with lubricant. Do not use hard rags or other abrasive materials: they can damage the bore.

If you are using the gun for the first time, you need to read in detail the instructions for loading the carbine and adjusting the sighting mechanism. It must be set to the distance at which shooting will be carried out, taking into account the lethal force of the rifle.

Varieties of small things

There is no clear answer to the question of which one is better for hunting - it depends on your goals and personal preferences.

Breaking guns

Bolt rifles

Another advantage of them, in addition to simplicity and reliability, is their low price compared to semi-automatic machines. When using bolt guns, removal of the spent cartridge and reloading are done manually, as a result, the rate of fire is slightly lower than when using semi-automatic shotguns. Also, when reloading, it is necessary to remove your hand from the trigger, as a result the sight becomes confused.

The basic principle of operation of weapons

Despite the modernization of the technical part, the bolt action principle of the rifle remained unchanged.

Shooting is carried out using the following mechanisms:

• the gun is removed from the safety lock - to do this, the flag is moved to the green dot, and the red one indicates that the weapon is ready to fire;
• turning the bolt handle unlocks the barrel and cocks the mainspring;
• After the shot, the cartridge case is removed when the bolt moves back.

Adjustment of mechanical aiming, as well as the force and travel of the trigger allows you to customize the carbine for yourself. The rifle is easy to disassemble and maintain.

Domestic 5.6 mm cartridges

Since the .22 LR cartridge is widely used in sports shooting and hunting, domestic cartridge factories have also taken up its production. Russian-made small-caliber rifle cartridges go by different names:

• "Pace".
• "Marmot".
• "Extra".
• "Sable".
• "Junior".
• "Olympus".

Also, for those who like to shoot at the shooting range, they produce 4.5 mm small-sized cartridges made of lead. Their design does not provide for a powder charge, so they do not need a cartridge case. When fired, the 4.5 mm "small" cartridges are activated by the powerful impact of the firing pin on the rear of the ammunition.

Rules for storing hunting weapons

Taking into account the requirements of the law (Article 22 of the Federal Law “On Weapons”), citizens who have the appropriate permit can purchase and store hunting weapons.

It is not allowed to store weapons found or received from third parties in the absence of appropriate documents. This should be immediately transferred to the local department of internal affairs.

When storing, it is important to consider fire safety. The weapon must not be loaded, and the container used (safe, box) must be metal

It can be made of wood with iron upholstery. The container must be securely locked.

Separate requirements apply to the room where the rifle is stored. It must have additional locks, and there must be metal bars on the windows. If there is a whole room with collectible weapons, an alarm is installed in it.

Transporting and carrying weapons must also be carried out unloaded and with the trigger pulled. Cartridges should be stored out of reach, and if there are several types, appropriate sorting is required. The weapon is charged immediately before use.

Author of the article:

Parpurin Vadim

Military weapons

Today, small-caliber rifles are used mainly for commercial hunting and sport shooting and, surprisingly, during special operations. Their use in combat is real facts. Military personnel are attracted to this rifle by the bullet's accuracy and performance. After all, it has low energy, which in some extreme situations is simply vital. After an accurate hit, the bullet will most likely incapacitate the target. There are even specially designed modifications, based on small-caliber sports rifles used in biathlon. These samples are equipped with optics, a removable silencer and a stock.

Price

According to the price scale, without indicating specific figures, experts rank small-caliber carbines as follows: TOZ-78 is considered the cheapest of the domestic model range. Then, in ascending order, follow the SM-2KO, followed by the BI-7-2KO and, finally, the Sobol.

And this is not surprising. “Sable” is rightfully considered one of the best in terms of workmanship. Its consumer properties and design also do not let us down. Therefore, this model is the most expensive.

TOZ rifles are considered the most inexpensive in the domestic model range. For example, rifles with manual reloading, an entirely drum type and a closed front sight can be purchased for only nine thousand. However, there are models that are produced in souvenir versions. They can have highly artistic hand engraving, incision and even inlay with precious metals. Such gift options are much more expensive. However, they are not in mass production, and therefore are produced in units.