Modern and universal carbine TOZ-88: characteristics and reviews

The Tula Arms Factory is known to many hunters: many excellent models of hunting carbines have become bestsellers for a long time, due to their excellent technical characteristics and attractive appearance. These are TOZ-106, TOZ-194, TOZ-94, TOZ-99, TOZ-78, and self-loading MTs 21-12, TOZ-87, TOZ-88, TOZ-124, and double-barreled hunting rifles TOZ-BM, TOZ -34, TOZ-54, TOZ-120, TOZ-200, etc. Models from this plant also include conversion KO-44, OP SKS, TOZ-97 “Arhar” and KO-98.

And among the models that have received the greatest demand among buyers, we should specifically focus on the TOZ-88 carbine, which has for a long time been one of the leaders in terms of the number of sales and the constancy of the level of demand. In addition to excellent shooting performance, the buyer’s attention is also attracted by such characteristics as an elongated receiver, a modern, thoughtful design and the balance of the entire design of this carbine, which ensures maximum convenience in its use.

Review of the TOZ-88 gun

Manufacturers intended this carbine as a hunting carbine, but its scope of use is much wider: due to the combination of relatively low weight and compact size, the carbine can be used for shooting by women and teenagers, and these parameters also make it easier to transport. The TOZ-88 model is also used in sports shooting competitions, accuracy training and entertainment. Today, there are several main varieties of this carbine on sale, which makes it possible to constantly improve its shooting performance, using models with different barrel lengths and cartridges of different calibers.

An elongated barrel, a well-thought-out and ergonomic stock box, capabilities due to excellent technical characteristics - all this is among the most important advantages of the model in question. Good shooting performance, which usually includes accuracy, aiming and range, is determined by the technical parameters laid down during the manufacture of the carbine. The thoughtfulness of the design, its complete balance and guaranteed safety, ensured by the presence of a trigger-locking mechanism, have made the TOZ-88 model carbine especially in demand in the modern market.

The areas of its possible use should be considered of great importance when assessing any carbine: due to the combination of relatively low weight and compact size, the carbine can be used for shooting by women and teenagers, and these parameters also make it easier to transport. The TOZ-88 model is also used in sports shooting competitions, accuracy training and entertainment.

Advantages and disadvantages

A significant number of advantages of the TOZ-88 model ensured a high level of interest in it. The price, being quite affordable, guarantees the maintenance of demand for it, as shown by surveys of carbine owners and buyers.

According to the owners, this model has the following main advantages when compared with similar hunting rifles from other manufacturers:

• the ability to fire single shots;
• excellent shooting quality indicators, which include shot accuracy, bullet range, and aiming;
• interesting design, made in a classic style without unnecessary details;
• the use of natural details in the design of the butt, which gives the carbine a more attractive appearance. Parts made of natural wood are treated with a special composition that provides increased resistance to mechanical stress and temperature changes, which is often noted when using weapons in field conditions;
• minimal perceptible return;
• Possibility of use both for professional hunting and for training accuracy, sports shooting, entertainment and self-defense;
• the relatively low cost of the TOZ-88 carbine maintains interest in it from buyers.

As the owners of the carbine in question note, it has virtually no shortcomings.

Photo of the TOZ-88 carbine

Purpose

If we talk about the purpose of the TOZ-88 model, then its areas of application are extensive. Initially, this carbine was intended for shooting: it can be used to hit medium and large targets, and the ability to use cartridges of various calibers ensures the destruction of such targets.

But its compactness and light weight, which greatly facilitate the transportation of the carbine, make it also possible to use it for training novice shooters, for use by teenagers and women with relatively small hands.

Varieties

There are several varieties of the TOZ-88 model on sale, which performed well during shooting and during their operation the owners did not find any significant deficiencies.

The varieties are as follows:

1. TOZ-88 , which is the base model in this series, has a caliber of 12/76 cartridges. The muzzle constriction indicator is 0.0 / Cyl, liners - .0 / Cyl.; 0.25/mp.Cyl.; 0.5/Mod.; 0.75/Imp.Mod.; 1.0/Full. The number of cartridges in the magazine is 4. Barrel length is 711mm.
2. TOZ-88-01 , which has a muzzle constriction of 0.0 / Cyl.; 0.25/mp.Cyl.; 0.5/Mod.; 0.75/Imp.Mod.; 1.0/Full. The number of cartridges in the magazine is 4. Barrel length is 711mm.
3. Variety TOZ-88-03 , which has a choke constriction of nozzles of 0.0 / Cyl.; 0.25/mp.Cyl.; 0.5/Mod.; 0.75/Imp.Mod.; 1.0/Full. The number of cartridges in the magazine is 4. Barrel length is 711mm.

All of the varieties listed above have a total body weight of 3.3 kg and a barrel length of 711 mm. Their shooting records are largely similar.

The technical characteristics of the TOZ-88 shotgun are given below.

What is unique about TOZ-88?

This shotgun is made with a special design that allows it to shoot not only cartridges of different lengths, but also powerful and weak charges with equal efficiency.

The weapon mechanism has a special device that ensures the discharge of excess powder gases into the atmosphere from the gas chamber.

First, the powder gases drive the gas piston, which moves the bolt to its extreme position. At this moment, the bore opens and the cartridge case flies out of the chamber.

While the bolt is moving, a new cartridge is fed from the magazine and the firing mechanism is cocked. Under the action of the return spring, the bolt sends the cartridge into the chamber and closes the barrel.

Specifications

The barrel, made by cold forging, retains its appearance and an ideal straight line even under mechanical loads; the butt provides comfort when shooting both due to its well-thought-out and ergonomic shape, and due to the relatively low recoil when shooting. The technical characteristics given below allow you to understand what capabilities are included in this model.

Reloading during shooting in this carbine is carried out due to the energy generated by the discharged gases. The original layout, stability and balance are ensured by the unique thoughtfulness of the entire model.

Advantages and disadvantages of a self-loading shotgun

1. You can shoot single shots.
2. Excellent combat accuracy, accuracy and firing range.
3. The design of the gun is made according to the classic design, so there is nothing superfluous.
4. A slight recoil when firing only adds to the ease of use.
5. The low price arouses great interest among hunters.
6. The natural wood from which the stock is made is coated with a special solution, which increases its safety in a wide variety of weather conditions.
7. As for the shortcomings, according to the owners, this semi-automatic hunting rifle has practically none.

Design

If we consider the general design of the carbine, then the sufficient simplicity of the TOZ-88 model allows you not to feel any difficulties when using it, which is important for beginners and those learning to shoot firearms.

The main structural part of the carbine can be called the butt. The barrel is also an important part of any model of rifle. Made from high-quality polymer materials, the receiver and buttstock can withstand temperature changes when using the carbine in the field.

Decorating the stock with natural wood increases its value in terms of aesthetics.

Forgotten TOZ-87

Photo by the author

The first hunting “semi-automatic devices” for shooting shotguns appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century. The most famous of them is the Browning Auto 5. This gun was available to hunters of the Russian Empire, like any other hunting weapon produced in the world at that time. But in the USSR, automatic rifles were not mass produced until 1965, when the “Auto 5” scheme was ingeniously redesigned by our designers. For many years, the MC 21-12 was the only mass-produced “semi-automatic”.

The MTs 21-12 worked on the principle of a long barrel stroke, and the principle of removing powder gases from the barrel gained points in the world. In 1978, the MTs 24-12 shotgun with the removal of powder gases was developed. In 1987, it was modified for mass production at TOZ under the leadership of designer V.N. Babanina. In the same year it passed state tests.

Perestroika began - a time when the existing economy was destroyed, when the highest echelons of power betrayed the interests of their country and received Nobel Peace Prizes for this. Then the country collapsed, and our economy and politics developed under the leadership of “advisers” from the United States. But at the same time, there was a quantitative and qualitative rise in samples of hunting firearms.

In 1993, mass production of TOZ-87 began. This was the first domestic gas-operated semi-automatic machine in mass production. And the price was low. The weapon was in demand until competitors caught up.

So what is this gun? As I already said, this weapon works on the principle of removing powder gases from the barrel. Gases are diverted into a gas chamber, which is connected to the barrel via a dovetail. The piston acts on the rod, which at the same time is also the magazine body.

What’s interesting is that the piston rod is not rigidly connected either to the bolt or to the piston itself. He only perceives and transmits impulse. The barrel is rigidly connected to the receiver, and they do not separate during disassembly. By the way, the designers of Benelli Vinci did the same. They ripped off the original solution of Soviet designers!

TOZ-87 in its first modifications had two gas outlets in the barrel. With minimal charges this was not enough, therefore on subsequent models there were already four holes. The barrel is locked onto the barrel shank using a bolt wedge. The bolt return spring is located in the butt. The standard magazine holds four rounds, but you can also attach an extension (although I don’t understand why it is needed?).

This is the lightest domestic “semi-automatic”. Its weight without cartridges is 3.2 kg. Compare with MP-153 and Bekas-Auto (3.6 kg). Yes, there is no unit for adjusting the gas pressure in the gas chamber, which would allow the use of Magnum cartridges. But is this a drawback? To be honest, I never had a need for such reinforced cartridges. In terms of weight, the MP-155 is close to the TOZ-87 (3.15–3.25 kg). But, in my opinion, this mass is minimal there, i.e. with a barrel length of 610 mm.

The trigger-type trigger is mounted on a separate base, the safety is a push-button, located on the trigger guard. If the trigger is pulled and the safety is on, the bolt cannot be pulled.

This gun has external replaceable choke constrictions. On the one hand, this does not add elegance to it. From a practical point of view, I don’t consider this a disadvantage. Nozzles can be changed without any tools if the threads are lubricated with graphite lubricant. Changing takes about a minute (the thread is small - it takes a long time to turn). TOZ-87 has several modifications, differing from each other in the presence of a ventilated rib, barrel length, the presence of choke tubes, and a plastic forend. As I already said, the main design difference from the first releases is the presence of four gas outlets instead of two. This added reliability to the operation of the automation.

At TOZ, the TOZ-87 was modernized to suit modern trends. The chamber was increased to 76 and 89 mm. This required the introduction of a gas control unit in the gas chamber, which resulted in an increase in weight to 3.3 kg. The price for a new TOZ-88 was around 10,500 rubles in 2007, which was not very expensive.

But it seems that the Tula Arms Plant, in the year of its 300th anniversary, “decided to live long.” It looks like he got up. Weapons are produced only to order. They sell spare parts. Here's your anniversary! The plant began to sell off its real estate: the Palace of Culture, the Shopping Center, the transport workshop, the recreation center, and the subsidiary farm. What's next? Bankruptcy and “privatization”?

Currently, TOZ does not produce hunting weapons in large quantities. So you can only buy TOZ-87 or TOZ-88 secondhand or in a consignment store.

Under the influence of a number of articles, I decided to buy myself a semi-automatic machine. The choice fell on TOZ-87-03. First of all, I chose it because of its low mass. I also knew that the stock at TOZ is made better than at IZHMEKH. I searched on the Internet, rummaged through the consignment departments of stores and took myself a TOZ-87-03 with two choke constrictions (cylinder, choke). For only 12,000 rubles.

I was not its first owner, but already the third. This alarmed me at first. I was afraid that the gun was defective, but relied on my own strength. I waited with trepidation for the moment when I could shoot. But my fears were dispelled with the first shots. The gun worked great!

I purchased a TOZ-87 in the summer of 2010 and have never regretted it. The operation of the gun's mechanisms is normal, I use different cartridges, even self-rolling ones. Once there was a delay: the bottom of the cartridge case was too large, but this cartridge did not even fit into a double-barreled shotgun.

Are there any disadvantages? There is, of course there is. First of all, this is poor metal processing. But on my gun it's not that noticeable yet. It is very inconvenient to equip the magazine and remove cartridges from there - the magazine window is small. You can also say that the bolt handle could be larger. Gases from the gas chamber are discharged into the void of the fore-end and further, through the holes, upward. It's not annoying.

The question is that the forend is not protected in any way from heated gases. The tree simply burns, or rather, chars. To protect it, a thin metal liner glued inside the forend would be helpful. This would add strength to the handguard. I didn't notice any other shortcomings.

Otherwise, only positive impressions. I use TOZ-87 for feather hunting, except for woodcock hunting in the spring and with decoys. Here I take the good old Sauer: classic hunting requires classic weapons. I have already obtained enough game. I am quite satisfied with the sharpness, accuracy, and reliability of the mechanism.

The gun is well balanced and easy to use. The rubber butt pad adds comfort when shooting. A smooth release of the trigger from cocking is possible. Yes, of course, the design was a bit let down. But this is a common problem with modern domestic shotguns.

It’s a shame that TOZ no longer produces this gun and no longer produces guns at all. It’s a pity that an arms factory with a 300-year history is dying.

Igor Suslov November 15, 2012 at 00:00

TOZ 80 - a little history

In 1986, based on the TOZ-BM, a double-barreled hunting rifle was produced, which in appearance was no different from the famous “tulka”, but had a larger caliber and expensive finishing. In this regard, TOZ-80 was produced exclusively to order and was always presented to its owner as a gift. In principle, the TOZ-80 gift double-barreled hunting shotgun is still produced, but in extremely small quantities, since double-barreled shotguns are not ordered every day as a gift.

TOZ-8 rifle stock

The TOZ-8 rifle had a stock made of birch. The stock has a butt, a pistol-type neck and a thickened wide fore-end.

The barrel and receiver are attached to the stock using a thrust screw and a screw that is screwed into the receiver shank.

For ease of carrying the rifle, there are two swivels on the stock. On the back side of the butt there is a metal butt plate secured with two screws.

There is a safety guard at the bottom of the stock that protects the trigger from accidental pressing. The safety bracket is attached to the stock with two screws.

Advantages of TOZ-8

The undoubted advantages of the TOZ-8 rifle include its following qualities:

• Simplicity of design and hence the high reliability of the rifle.
• Thanks to the .22LR cartridge, the rifle has low recoil and low noise from the shot.
• Affordable price for both the TOZ-8 rifle itself and its cartridges. The .22LR smallbore cartridge is the cheapest ammunition among all rifled and smoothbore cartridges.

Thanks to all its characteristics, the TOZ-8 rifle is well suited for novice shooters and hunters who want to practice high-quality, high-precision shooting skills.

History of the creation of TOZ-8

The TOZ-8 rifle was created in 1932 at the Tula Arms Factory by the talented designer Dmitry Ivanovich Kochetov.

The predecessor of the TOZ-8 rifle was the TOZ-7 rifle, which was put into mass production in 1928, after some time it was modernized and received the designation TOZ-7A. The TOZ-8 rifle was created on the basis of the TOZ-7A rifle. In 1931, tests took place in Moscow for which rifles designed by D.I. Kochetov, A.A. were presented. Smirnsky and S.A. Korovina. Based on the results of these tests, the rifle designed by D.I. Kochetov was recognized as the best, which was put into mass production under the name TOZ-8.

The TOZ-8 single-shot small-caliber rifle immediately began to be supplied to OSOAVIAKHIM, and then to DOSAAF. Millions of Soviet people were trained to shoot from the TOZ-8 rifle.

The TOZ-8 rifle was produced without changes in design until the Great Patriotic War, after which production of a modernized version of the rifle began, called TOZ-8M. Based on the TOZ-8 single-shot rifle, a repeating rifle was created under the designation TOZ-9.

During the Great Patriotic War, the TOZ-8 single-shot rifle and the TOZ-9 multi-shot rifle were used by Soviet partisan formations.

Nowadays, the TOZ-8 small-caliber rifle is used by some hunters for hunting small game. The TOZ-8 rifle is especially common in the Urals and Siberia.

Trigger mechanism

The impact mechanism of the TOZ-8 rifle consists of the following parts:

• Trigger - performs the function of setting the striker to cocking. It is screwed onto the back of the firing pin and secured with a pin.
• The firing pin is used to strike the cartridge case with the firing pin, which leads to a shot.
• The mainspring—expanding at the moment of firing, strikes the cartridge case with the firing pin.
• Coupling - connects the firing pin to the combat cylinder.

All parts of the firing mechanism are located inside the rifle bolt.

The trigger mechanism of the TOZ-8 rifle is designed for decocking; it consists of the following parts:

Trigger - when the trigger is pressed, the hammer is released from the cocking position, which, together with the firing pin, moves forward, pricks the rim of the cartridge case, and a shot occurs. The trigger is connected to the trigger spring using an axle. There are two protrusions on the trigger, due to which the trigger spring is pulled down.

Trigger spring - ensures that the trigger is cocked. The trigger is secured at the bottom of the rear of the trigger spring. The front end of the trigger spring is secured with a screw to the receiver. In the upper part there are two cuts, one for fixing the hammer on cocking, the second for limiting the movement of the bolt back.

The trigger mechanism is mounted at the bottom of the receiver.

The trigger is protected from accidental pressing by a trigger guard, which is attached to the fore-end with two screws.