An improved modification of the legendary double-barreled shotgun, the TOZ-120 shotgun

The TOZ-120 12-gauge double-barreled over/under is currently one of the best shotguns produced by the Tula Arms Plant, which is very popular among hunters and weapon lovers. The TOZ-120 hunting rifle turned out to be so successful that in terms of popularity it can be compared with the Soviet legend TOZ-34.

Reviews from gun users agree that the manufacturer was able to preserve the advantages of previous models with vertical barrels, as well as refresh the product, making it modern. The TOZ-120 is especially praised by lovers of running hunting, who previously used heavy Saiga or Vepr carbines.

General description of TOZ-120

The TOZ-120 over-shooter is a modern hunting rifle, developed on the basis of the TOZ-91 weapon with an improved design. Initially, the engineers of the Tula Arms Plant set themselves the goal of creating a replacement for the outdated but beloved TOZ-34, so it is not surprising that many buyers compare the new model with the famous vertical gun. From the TOZ-91, the gun took only the best design advantages: the firing mechanism, the principle of barrel soldering, and so on. Also, the new model was freed from the shortcomings that were present in the old TOZ-34.

The development belongs to E.G. Starukhin.

The TOZ-120 shotgun has received major changes in appearance. PJSC "Tula Arms Plant" has long realized that you can make good money if you produce not only high-quality, but also beautiful weapons. So connoisseurs will be pleased with the large number of engravings on both metal and wooden stocks. Especially wealthy hunters can take advantage of the opportunity to make an individual order so that the rifle acquires gold and silver inserts, precious stones or personalized carving.

The new double-barreled shotgun differs from the TOZ-91 and TOZ-34 only in one trigger (switching between barrels occurs using a special lever). Also in the 120 model, a selector switch appeared, combined with a safety button.

• The first serves to disable the barrel locking mechanism if it is necessary to remove entire cartridges.
• The second is a much more convenient version of the fuse than the classic flag.

The weapon has become not only safer in terms of operation, but also much more convenient.

History of creation

Development of the TOZ-12 model began back in 1954. At that time, the Soviet Union needed fundamentally new models of small-caliber sporting weapons that would be equally effective for training young shooters and for their performance in competitions. So the new model had to meet certain characteristics:

• have a light weight - so that it can be used equally effectively by boys and girls;
• be highly reliable - the weapon had to forgive mistakes on the part of students;
• have good combat accuracy - this is the only way training would be as effective as possible;
• differ in a simple device - so that disassembling weapons and repairs do not cause difficulties.

Most of the declared qualities corresponded to the small TOZ-8, which is considered the progenitor of many models using a 5.6 mm caliber cartridge. So, the engineers of the Tula Arms Plant decided to use this particular weapon as a prototype for modernization. First of all, it was necessary to modernize the following systems:

• trigger mechanism - should have become simpler, but retained reliability;
• chamber - its length in the new model had to be increased to increase power;
• barrel - in order to increase the accuracy of the battle, the channel had to acquire a large number of rifling.

After several months of painstaking work, engineer D. M. Kochetov was able to provide Russian athletes with a new carbine that uses .22 LR caliber cartridges for shooting. However, the rifle was also noticed by commercial hunters who needed a weapon that would be equally effective for shooting birds and fur-bearing animals. This is how TOZ-12 gained its fame.

Technical characteristics of TOZ-120

From the base model, the TOZ-120 hunting rifle inherited the barrel group and locking system - components that have proven themselves in action. The main changes affected the trigger of the TOZ-120 shotgun.

• The barrel length parameters are 710 or 750 mm. The chamber length in the standard version of the TOZ-120 shotgun is 70 mm, but there are models with a chamber of 76 mm. Owners of such hunting rifles use powerful Magnum 12 76 cartridges without any problems.
• The total length of the vertical is 1140 (1180) mm and is determined by the length of the barrel. The weight of the TOZ-120 gun in an unloaded state varies between 3.2-3.55 kg and ultimately depends on the density and type of wood processing used to make its elements.
• The trigger pull of the TOZ-120 hunting rifle is 1.5-2.5 kgf.

Thus, TOZ-120 outperforms the old TOZ-34 in all respects. The new model not only has better accuracy and firing power, but also has the ability to be customized. For example, there is a sighting rail for installing a body kit, there is an option for attaching choke constrictions, and the length of the chamber varies depending on the type of ammunition used. All this has a positive effect on the performance characteristics of the weapon and its operational properties.

The rifle's configuration is extremely simple:

• cardboard box;
• Passport products.

Design

Depending on the modification, the TOZ-120 barrel length ranges from 710 to 750 millimeters. At the same time, the length of the chamber can also be different - from 70 to 76 millimeters. This was done not only to increase the accuracy of combat in the modernized models, but also so that the owner could select a gun for certain cartridges. For example, magnum lovers will almost certainly prefer the 76 mm version, since it retains combat accuracy much better at medium and long distances.

The total length of the vertical is from 1140 to 1180 millimeters (depending on the length of the barrel). Considering that the weight of the weapon usually does not exceed 3.55 kg, or even 3.2 kg, using the weapon for hunting becomes much more convenient than the bulky TOZ-34 model. Also, despite its small dimensions, the weapon is characterized by a sharp action, but does not have strong recoil - a direct merit of the ergonomic butt, as well as the rubber or plastic shock absorber installed on the rear part.

The gun does not come with removable choke constrictions, but it is possible to install various attachments. For greater freedom of choice, a different combination of choke and choke diameters is provided, so that each hunter can achieve the accuracy of the fight that he requires.

The trigger mechanism of the TOZ-120 shotgun deserves special attention. Despite the fact that the system that was used in the TOZ-91 model was taken as a basis, the new double-barreled shotgun is distinguished by some design changes. For example, everyone’s unloved “horseshoe” springs were replaced with classic twisted counterparts, due to which the service life of the trigger increased significantly. The owner also had the opportunity to fire two shots at once in one second by simply manipulating the barrel switching mechanism - useful when hunting big game.

USM double-barreled shotgun TOZ 120
Considering that the shot power is in the region of 100 J, the gun will require really strong barrels and a high-quality mechanism for connecting them. For this purpose, TOZ decided to use gun steel marked A-50, and also apply an additional chrome coating to the barrel channels. The barrels are fastened not using a coupling, but using a special fastening strip - a lighter and more reliable option. This part also features a vent to reduce windage on the weapon.

Design Features

The TOZ-120 double-barreled shotgun, intended for hunting, is distinguished by certain features unique to the model in question:

• The trigger mechanism is designed on a selector principle and is fundamentally different in operation from previous models. A couple of shots are quickly fired from the TOZ-120 gun, which is especially important when shooting from a short distance, when the target appears in the field of view for an instant.
• The configuration of the TOZ-120 shotgun is classic - the first shot is fired from the lower barrel, then from the upper barrel. The order of shots is switched by a lever located on the butt neck. It also activates the fuse;
• The cocking is automatic when opened. Safety is ensured by safety cockings and a non-automatic safety lock, which reduces the likelihood of accidental release to zero.
• Spent cartridges are removed using an ejector mechanism, the operation of which is based on separate ejectors. The system is convenient, it completely ejects the cartridge case, eliminating the possibility of losing the charge, which is only slightly pushed out of the barrel by the ejector, allowing the hunter to quickly get it out.
• After closing the barrels, the ejectors will retract and the hammers will remain in the cocked position. The barrels are pressed by the pusher, which locks the axis against the pressure created by the spring and drives the locking frame into the groove.
• The barrel channel of the TOZ-120 hunting rifle is chrome-plated, durable and reliably protected from corrosion. Its fastening to the receiver is ensured by an under-barrel hook, a locking frame and a hinge axis.
• The muzzle constrictions of different models of TOZ-120 hunting rifles are different. The classic version is represented by a choke on top and a barrel on the bottom, there are models with a narrowing according to a different pattern, and there are samples with barrels for a cylinder.

Hunting rifle TOZ-91

HUNTING RIFLE TOZ-91

Double-barreled hunting rifles TOZ 91-12, TOZ 91-20, TOZ 91-28, TOZ 91-12-1 and TOZ 91-20-1 with vertical barrels are intended for commercial and recreational hunting in all macroclimatic areas, except for humid areas tropical climate. For shooting, standard hunting cartridges with a non-metallic or metallic sleeve 70 mm long, corresponding to the caliber of the gun, are used. The release of the TOZ 91 model was intended to replace the TOZ 34 guns currently in production. The TOZ 91-12-1 gun differs from the TOZ 91-12 by the presence of a switchable ejector mechanism and one universal trigger. TOZ 91-12-1 shotguns are produced with both an automatic and non-automatic safety catch. The TOZ 91-5 sporting and hunting shotgun with a vertical barrel arrangement for 12-gauge sporting and hunting cartridges is intended for training in shooting on a trench stand. It can be used for commercial and amateur hunting.TOZ 91 is the basic model of double-barreled shotguns with vertically paired barrels. Calibers 12, 20 and 28 for a regular 70 mm sleeve or magnum, as well as combined options with a rifled barrel (TOZ 91-20/5.6). On the basis of the TOZ 91 hunting rifles, the TOZ 91-1 and TOZ 91-3 sporting rifles were created, intended for shooting on a trench stand, TOZ 91-2 and TOZ 91-4 - for shooting on a round stand.

The barrels are removable, with a ventilated rib, and are disconnected from the box by means of a removable forend. The barrel channels are chrome-plated and have different choke constrictions. The coupling has grooves for attaching a bracket with an optical sight. A sling swivel is soldered to the lower barrel. The TOZ-91-5 has an 11 mm wide sighting rail with two multi-colored front sights mounted in a quick-release base. To change the color of the front sight in TOZ-91-5, you need to unscrew the locking screw, pull out the base with the front sights and rotate it 180°, thereby changing the color of the front sight. Install the base into the sighting bar and tighten the locking screw. The connection and locking of the barrels with the box is carried out using two axle shafts (trunnions), a locking frame and a hinge. The use of a trunnion-type barrel rotation axis (with a detachable forend) made it possible to reduce the height of the receiver and at the same time easily separate the barrels. The manufacturing technology of the TOZ-91 shotgun provides for changes in the dimensions of the box depending on the caliber of the barrels (this feature was not available in the TOZ-34 shotgun), which ensures that the weight characteristics of the gun correspond to its caliber.

The hammer-type trigger mechanism is mounted in a box on a separate base. Cocking the hammers and removing spent cartridges occurs during the process of opening the gun. Shotguns of the TOZ 91-12, TOZ 91-20 and TOZ 91-28 models have trigger interceptors, an ejection mechanism for removing cartridges (ejector) and two sequential triggers. Shotguns with two triggers have a smooth trigger release. The gun is equipped with an automatic safety lock that locks the triggers. In the TOZ-91, TOZ 91-12-1, TOZ 91-20-1 and TOZ 91-5 shotguns with one universal selective trigger and a switch-off ejector with preliminary release of the cartridges, the main firing is carried out with the “lower-upper barrel” sequence, but shooting and “upper-lower barrel” are possible. Changing the firing order to “upper-lower” can only be done with a closed gun. To do this, you need to remove the gun from the safety catch, press the back surface of the trigger needle forward until it stops. The trigger, fixed in the forward position, serves as an indicator for firing a shot from the upper barrel. Returning to the “lower-upper” firing sequence is carried out by moving the safety button to the “safety” position. Whenever the gun is opened, the mechanism automatically moves to the main firing position: “lower-upper”. To eliminate a double shot, the trigger device has an inertial-mechanical translator. The safety is automatic, locks the triggers, and can be converted to non-automatic. The safety button, moved to the extreme forward position, corresponds to the “fire” position, back to the “safety” position. To convert an automatic fuse to a non-automatic one, it is necessary to remove the rubber back, unscrew the tightening screw, and in models TOZ 91-12, TOZ 91-20, TOZ 91-28 and a screw, separate the butt from the box and, putting the gun on the safety catch, remove the rod. To turn off the ejector mechanism in the TOZ 91-12-1 and TOZ 91-20-1 shotguns, you need to remove the forend and screw the switches all the way into the hinge. To turn on the ejector mechanism again, turn the switches to a position where the bottom of the slot groove coincides with the plane of the hinge end. Be careful! If this requirement is not met, the forend will not fit onto the barrel in the assembled gun. The hole for the tightening screw in the rear end of the butt is closed with a rubber or plastic butt plate, secured with two screws. Made from birch, walnut or beech wood. The outer surfaces of the metal parts are decorated with engraving and chasing. The gun can be manufactured in an ordinary (with or without ornament), piece and souvenir version. The forend is detachable and is held on the barrels with a push-button latch. The latch and hinge are secured with two screws in the corresponding grooves of the forend. The buttstock has a straight or pistol neck and an outlet to the right, connected to the box with a coupling screw.

SHOTGUN CHARACTERISTICS Caliber - 12.20.
28×70 Total length - 1128.1175.1200 mm

Barrel length - 660. 711. 750 mm

Weight - 2.9-3.5 kg

Advantages and disadvantages

Due to the fact that the gunsmiths embodied all the advantages of the well-known vertical guns into the hunting model, the 120 model received the following advantages:

• Optimal weight, although some would prefer lighter options.
• High accuracy when shooting, and especially with the use of choke constrictions.
• One trigger and the ability to switch the order of shots. Theoretically, this is considered an advantage, but from a practical point of view, hunters prefer old double-barrel hunting shotguns with two hooks.
• high-quality assembly, attractive external data.

Despite all the advantages, users noted several negative points:

• The forend is too thick. Many hunters complain that holding a weapon with their left hand is not very comfortable. This is especially true for those owners who have relatively small hands, for example, teenagers and women.
• The system of fuses and barrel locking is too complex. Because of this, various problems may arise related to disassembling and assembling weapons. It would be much better to use the system that is present in guns from the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant.
• Despite the fact that artistic engraving and notching have appeared on standard guns, its quality leaves much to be desired. Of course, this does not apply to piece samples, which are made perfectly.

Compared to the advantages, the TOZ-120 has much fewer disadvantages, and they don’t look so scary. That is why the gun became popular among hunters.

Even the legendary TOZ-34 had a serious problem with the low quality of springs in the trigger. There are no shortcomings of this magnitude here.

Modifications of the TOZ-120 shotgun

Despite the fact that not much time has passed since the release of the TOZ-120, the weapon has already acquired six official modifications, developed to suit the preferences of hunters. Here is a brief description of these versions:

• TOZ-120-12-1E is a version of the standard model, equipped with an ejector mechanism. The modification was developed for Siberian hunters who were constantly faced with the fact that they could not remove a spent cartridge case in severe frost. Now a special extractor will do all the work of releasing the used cartridge for the hunter. Spent cartridges will be released from the chamber even if the metal is very cold.
• TOZ-120-12M-1E is one of the first official modifications, which not only has an ejector mechanism, but is also designed to fire magnum cartridges. Standard ammunition can also be used, but the best accuracy will be shown by the cartridge that has a reinforced powder load, because the chamber size is limited to 76 millimeters.
• TOZ-120-12V-1E is the first modification that includes replaceable muzzle inserts (choke and choke), and is also distinguished by the presence of an extractor. The gun was specially designed for those hunters who lack standard accuracy, but do not want to use reinforced magnum cartridges. The gun uses standard 12/70 ammunition for shooting, but the accuracy rate is increased by 10% (poluchok) and 15% (choke).
• TOZ-120-1MV-1E is the most modern modification at the moment. From the name it is clear that it includes everything that previous versions included: a mechanism for ejecting spent cartridges, several choke constrictions, and the ability to fire magnum cartridges. At the moment, this version is the most preferred for hunting, because it has flexible customization options.
• TOZ-120-2E is another relatively recent version, which is distinguished by the presence of a second generation ejector. The gun is distinguished by a much better mechanism for ejecting spent cartridges, but at the moment it is not particularly popular among hunters due to its high cost. Although the extractor began to work much more stable, practically without misfires.
• TOZ-120-1EP is a gift version of the gun, supplied in a metal case, and also has a unique appearance with gold or silver frescoes. The gun is also distinguished by higher quality assembly and special attention to even the smallest details. The wooden stock and stock are made of birch covered with red varnish, making the model look even more sophisticated than before.

Don’t forget about the opportunity to carry out an independent upgrade. For example, on a TOZ-120 gun you can install an optical or collimator sight, attach an under-barrel flashlight or bayonet, replace the wooden stock and butt with plastic analogues, and so on. Fortunately, the weapon is an excellent base for independent tuning.

Modifications and tuning

The main disadvantage of the TOZ-12 rifle is that over the 65 years of its presence on the market, there have been quite a few official modifications that could be provided to a potential buyer to choose from. The following models are exceptions:

• TOZ-12-1 - a “refined” version of the standard carbine, in which defects were corrected (crooked barrel, incorrect position of the receiver, crooked cut of the chamber, and so on);
• TOZ-12-1E - the same modification, but with the presence of an extractor designed to eject spent cartridges from the chamber (used cartridges fly out after opening the chamber - useful when shooting in the cold);

However, the fact that the rifle has a meager list of modifications does not mean that the buyer does not have the opportunity to acquire a unique and modern carbine. Fortunately, you can install almost any “body kit” on the TOZ-12, which can be purchased in gun stores:

• optical sight;
• collimator;
• night-vision device;
• thermal imager;
• diopter sight;
• underbarrel flashlight;
• bipod;
• laser target designator;
• bayonet knife.

Optical sight of the TOZ-12 carbine
Also, tuning implies changing the performance characteristics of the weapon for the better. To do this, owners usually resort to shortening the barrel (increases power), polishing the trigger (gives additional sharpness of the combat) or installing a sound moderator (increases accuracy and muffles the sound of the shot.

Disassembly

Partial disassembly is necessary when cleaning and lubricating TOZ-120. The full one is made only for repairs and only in a weapons workshop.

Partial implies the following actions:

• check that there are no cartridges in the chamber;
• press the latch and, moving the forend down and forward, remove it from the barrels;
• turn the locking lever to the right, open the barrels and disconnect them from the box;
• bring the lever to the right to the limit, retract the pusher and release the lever so that it returns to the position along the axis.

TOZ-120 is assembled in the reverse order. Store the gun unloaded with the hooks lowered. Ammunition must be stored separately.

Owner reviews

Opinions about the TOZ-120 double-barreled shotgun are contradictory.

• The generally recognized advantage of the model is its unpretentiousness and reliability of operation in different weather conditions.
• The downside is that the forend is too thick and the trigger is unreliable, often leading to doublets.
• The lack of replaceable muzzle liners was also considered a disadvantage. However, with the advent of TOZ-120-12V-1E, this problem was solved.

After a couple of decades of experience using the TOZ-120, many hunters speak well of the weapon. It is able to work stably in the most extreme conditions. It does not require special care, but, like any other weapon, it needs periodic cleaning of all its components.

Experienced hunters say that this budget gun imposes serious competition on more expensive domestic and foreign analogues. It is convenient, practical, perfectly balanced and allows you to fire two instant shots to hit a target at short distances.

The TOZ-120 shotgun performs well in hunting small and medium-sized animals, as well as birds. In skillful hands it shows high efficiency: excellent accuracy and good accuracy, and all this at a price of 15-20 thousand rubles.

The Tula TOZ-120 gun turned out to be simple and effective. Many people complain that it is 30 years behind the times due to its simple design. But this leads to the question, what is the point of modern functions for simple hunting that a person will not use? The simplicity of the design minimizes the possibility of breakdowns and provides a high supply of working life.

The weapon is an excellent option for novice hunters who are just starting out on this trail. A minimum number of components makes repairing the gun inexpensive; caring for the weapon is not difficult: it is enough to clean it occasionally. The double-barreled shotgun fully justifies its cost. Connoisseurs of luxury can make an individual order, according to which the weapon will be decorated with engraving and carving.

Hunter reviews

To finally make sure that the TOZ-120 really managed to surpass the legendary TOZ-34 double-barreled shotgun, we studied dozens of different reviews from hunters left on various weapons forums and posted here brief information about what owners like or don’t like about the new double-barreled shotgun:

1. Firstly, almost all hunters agree that the TOZ-120 looks much more beautiful and more modern than the TOZ-34. Despite the fact that the quality of engraving and carving leaves much to be desired, it is still better than nothing. At the same time, you don’t have to pay a huge amount for weapons. A new model can be bought at a gun store for 18-20 thousand rubles.
2. Secondly, the possibility of upgrading a weapon is often mentioned, that is, installing various choke constrictions, an under-barrel “body kit” or sighting devices on it. As a result, the gun is configured as the soul requires. Combat characteristics can be changed depending on the situation.
3. Thirdly, it did not go unnoticed that the accuracy indicator of the TOZ-120 turned out to be much higher than that of the TOZ-34. The number of hits in practice is also much higher. This is especially noticeable if shooting is carried out at game birds. And all this even without coordinating the shot with the powder charge.

1. Fourthly, the weapon is distinguished not only by a high warranty period and reliability, but also by the potential for increasing power. The barrels of modified models can easily fire magnum cartridges with an increased amount of gunpowder, and some craftsmen have already produced sawn-off shotguns with a power exceeding 150 J.

As for the reviews about the shortcomings of the weapon, most complaints come down to the forend being too thick or the quality of the engraving on the metal and wood. There are other complaints, but they mainly relate to the personal “wants” of the owners.

Thus, the TOZ-120 gun was able not only to repeat the success of the TOZ-34, but also to surpass the legendary double-barreled shotgun in many respects. Already, the number of copies sold is in the hundreds of thousands, despite the fact that only 20 years have passed since the release of the gun. We can only hope that TOZ will continue to delight us with its new developments and the release of modifications to them.