Shotgun TOZ-120

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 Initially, the engineers of the Tula Arms Plant set themselves the goal of creating a replacement for the outdated but beloved TOZ-34, so it is not surprising that many buyers compare the new model with the famous vertical gun.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.

The history of the appearance of the TOZ-54 gun

The Tula double-barreled shotgun was the most popular hunting weapon of the first half of the 20th century. The unpretentious products of the Tula Arms Factory, which have excellent combat, were the dream of any taiga hunter. Double-barreled shotguns had the following characteristics:

Excellent balancing;
Optimal weight;
Unpretentiousness to ammunition;
Reliable operation in all weather conditions;
The ability to hit any animal with a gun, from a squirrel to a bear.

Fishermen hunted with Tula rifles, geologists and scientists took them on expeditions, and during the war with their beloved “tulka,” people joined the partisans.

Various models and variants of Tula double-barreled shotguns of various calibers were produced from 1904 to 1990 with minimal changes in design.

The foundations for the production of the famous hunting weapons from Tula were laid in 1902. By this time, the Imperial Tula Arms Plant had a large workshop for the repair and re-equipment of hunting weapons. This year, the head of the workshop, S.A. Zybin, was sent on a working trip to Europe in order to study the production of hunting weapons in various countries.

After Captain Zybin returned from a business trip, he presented his superiors with a detailed report, which detailed an analysis of weapons production in the following countries:

Germany;
Austria-Hungary;
Belgium;
England;
France.

At the end of the report, the approximate volumes and profits of hunting weapons production were indicated, and there was also a proposal to organize production at the Tula plant, similar to the Belgian one. The High Commission, having familiarized itself with the proposal of the young engineer, not only gave the green light to the organization of a new weapons production, but also presented this project to Tsar Nicholas II, who approved this project at the legislative level.

Thus, the largest production of hunting rifles of excellent quality was founded in Tsarist Russia.

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.

Characteristic:	TOZ-120 parameter:	TOZ-34 parameter:
Caliber	12	12
Barrel length	from 711 mm to 750 mm	from 660 mm to 711 mm
Chamber length	from 70 to 76 mm	70 mm
Combat accuracy	55% (pay) and 65% (chok)	50% (pay) and 55% (chok)
Shot power	95 J	90 J
Sighting bar	11 mm	No
Weapon weight	3.3 kg	3.5 kg

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.

Pros and cons of the TOZ-54 hunting rifle

Although the gun was reliable and trouble-free, its design has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of the Tula double-barreled shotgun of this model include the following:

The presence of external triggers allows you to constantly keep cartridges in the barrel. The design with external triggers is generally extremely safe during operation;
Since in the years when the TOZ-54 was produced, the Tula plant had the position of a barrel closer, all TOZ-54 guns, without exception, have high ballistic qualities. It is for this reason that it makes sense to restore and restore old guns even today;
The triple locking system provides the double-barreled shotgun with incredible reliability. It fires even the most powerful rounds with ease. The receiver is not damaged even with a double load of gunpowder.

The disadvantages of the Tula TOZ-54 double-barreled shotgun are as follows:

The gun has been out of production for a long time, so finding a product in good condition is extremely problematic. Difficulties also arise with repairs, since spare parts for them have also not been produced for a long time;
The rate of fire of a gun with external triggers is slightly lower than that of those with internal triggers;
Angular triggers and fore-ends are unlikely to please the hunter with their aesthetic appearance;
Since beech was most often used to make stocks and butts, this wood can warp greatly over the years.

The weight of the gun, which often exceeds 3 kilograms, does not in any way correspond to the idea of a light hunting double-barreled shotgun.

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.

Purpose and performance characteristics of the TOZ-54 double-barreled shotgun

The gun has constant muzzle constrictions. On the left barrel there is a choke, on the right there is a choke, so this gun is best suited for bird hunting. TOZ-54 was produced in 12 caliber, although there was information about the Tula plant's plans to produce 16 and 20 calibers. It is now unknown whether the plant managed to produce at least prototypes in this caliber.

The TOZ-50 shotguns, which were modifications of the TOZ-54 in 28 and 32 calibers, were distinguished by butts with a “Bavarian” cheek and a “Monte Carlo” cushion.

Technical characteristics of the hunting double-barreled shotgun TOZ-54:

It is a classic hunting double-barreled shotgun with horizontally positioned barrels;
The chambers and bores are chrome-plated;
It was produced only in 12 gauge (there is also a TOZ-50 modification in 28 and 32 gauge);
It has a triple barrel locking system - a Greener bolt and two Perde frame latches;
Barrel length 720 mm;
The trigger mechanism consists of 2 triggers and 2 external triggers;
The stock is semi-pistol type, the forend is of the “beaver tail” type.

Typically, all wooden parts of a double-barreled shotgun were varnished at the factory.

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.

Description of the TOZ-54 hunting rifle

The characteristics of TOZ-54 were distinguished by the following features:

The gun was produced mainly in 12 caliber, although 28 and 32 calibers were very rare (their official name was TOZ-50);
The stock and stock were made of quality wood;
The Griner bolt eye has been significantly strengthened;
The appearance of the gun was angular and devoid of any frills.

If we talk about the workmanship, it was excellent. Despite its rough shape, the gun was an example of a trouble-free Soviet hunting weapon.

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.