TOZ-106M and TOZ-106M1 shotguns at the Arms & Hunting exhibition

The Tula Arms Factory has produced many good guns for hunters. It is gratifying that Tula double-barreled shotguns are known not only in the Russian Federation, but also outside the country. The line of shotguns from this plant includes interesting models of shotguns that are reloaded using the inertial principle.

TOZ has been producing semi-automatic devices since about the 50s of the last century. At that time, self-loading was a truly innovative weapon. However, the process does not stand still and inertia-type weapons are being improved. Thus, on the basis of one of the first inertial guns MTs-21-12, gunsmiths of the Tula plant developed the TOZ-87 - a gun designed for hunting small and medium-sized waterfowl.

It is noteworthy that the gun, developed in 1978, reached mass production only in 1987, and mass production began in 1993. Time was spent on improving and finalizing the design and mechanisms.

According to hunters, the TOZ-87 smoothbore shotgun turned out to be controversial. It has higher shooting qualities than pump-action weapons, but at the same time, the reliability of the TOZ-87 compared to the same pump leaves much to be desired. Unlike the MP-155 shotgun, which is omnivorous, the TOZ-87 is very sensitive to the quality of cartridges. This is probably why self-charging has not become widespread in Russia.

History of creation

The first hunting weapon, which was reloaded according to the same scheme as the TOZ-87, appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. The most famous hunting shotgun from this series was the Browning Auto 5. This weapon was owned by some wealthy hunters of the Russian Empire, but the arms industry of both Tsarist Russia and the USSR did not begin to develop this type of weapon, considering it too complex and costly to produce.

Only in 1956 did TsKIB SOO design engineers rework the Auto-52 design and develop the MTs-21-12 smoothbore hunting rifle. This weapon used 12-gauge cartridges and until 1987 was the only weapon of this type that was mass-produced.

While the USSR produced the MTs-21-12 semi-automatic gun, which operated on the principle of a long barrel stroke, in the foreign arms world this system was considered obsolete. The system for removing powder gases was gaining momentum, so the designers of the Tula Arms Plant developed a new model of a semi-automatic machine that worked on the principle of removing powder gases.

The new model was called TOZ-24-12, but since the previous TOZ model was not particularly popular, the MTs-24-12 project was postponed for 8 years. In 1987, MTs-24-12 was modernized in preparation for mass production. The main role in this was played by the talented Soviet designer V.N. Babanin. However, since perestroika began in the country, the Tula arms plant again failed to launch mass production of MTs-24-12.

Only in 1993, TOZ management managed to launch the production of MTs-24-12, although its name changed to TOZ-87. Since in those years it was the only gas-operated semi-automatic machine sold at a low price, there was a stable, albeit small, demand for it. Currently, many people prefer to hunt with such semi-automatic weapons, but the demand for TOZ-87 has dropped significantly as better quality semi-automatic devices have become available.

General information about the TOZ-120 shotgun

Almost all modern hunting rifles are an improved design of some previous model. The TOZ-120 is also an improved model of the TOZ-91 shotgun, which in turn was created as a replacement for the TOZ-34, with the goal of making the famous “vertical” more durable.

The base and all the advantages of the design were taken from the TOZ-91. It was decided to get rid of the design weaknesses and other shortcomings of the gun that consumers complained about. It should be noted that Tula designers never completed the TOZ-91, deciding to replace this model with a more promising one. The characteristics of the TOZ-120 turned out to be so successful that this double-barreled shotgun rightfully gained almost the same popularity as the TOZ-34.

General description of TOZ-87

A distinctive feature of the TOZ-87 shotgun is that the function of the under-barrel magazine belongs to the gas exhaust system. The ammunition, magazine spring and pusher are located in the piston rod, the piston itself and the gas chamber. You will not find a similar design in either domestic or foreign semi-automatic devices.

The combination of an under-barrel magazine and a gas unit in a common unit had a positive effect on the balance and overall weight distribution. The semi-automatic TOZ has become the only version whose weight and balance are as close as possible to the similar characteristics of foreign analogues.

The TOZ-87 shotgun is an ideal option for running hunting. There is no gas regulator in the gas exhaust system, and this fact must be taken into account when choosing cartridges based on the type of powder charge and shot load.

It is convenient to clean and lubricate the gun because the barrel is rigidly connected to the metal box cover. Caring for the gas exhaust system is not difficult; with a little skill, disassembling and assembling it is easy.

The design of the stock and forend in the TOZ-87 shotgun creates a pleasant impression, eliminating the feeling of bulkiness. Unfortunately, the quality of the individual parts installed in the receiver, in terms of size and accuracy of fit, leaves much to be desired. Sometimes, due to such shortcomings, the weapon becomes partially functional or completely inoperative.

Sometimes there are scratches on the chrome coating of the barrel channel, the gas intake holes are not made carefully - during the cleaning process, rags cling to metal “burrs”.

The trigger in the new TOZ-87 shotgun is often tightly installed in the place intended for its landing, and the reason for this is the poor fit of the locking wedge to the box lid.

During operation, the wood of the forend partially burns out from exposure to powder gases. Probably, metal plates should be installed in such places.

The lower front part of the barrel box, in which the charging window is located, also needs improvement. Its dimensions are small, which makes charging and discharging difficult.

Tuning TOZ-106

Many TOZ-106 owners, after purchasing a gun, make it tuning; basically, these changes and modifications come down to several points:

• Refinement and adjustment of the TOZ-106 magazine, so that the magazine is clearly inserted into the gun and does not fall out. Sometimes the standard TOZ-106 magazine is replaced with a 3, 4, 5 local magazine.
• Modification of the TOZ-106 shutter so that it moves smoothly and without jamming, most often this is achieved by filing the mating parts of the shutter
• Installing an optical or collimator sight on the TOZ-106; the need to install a sight is quite controversial, but many TOZ-106 owners do it for their own reasons
• Some gun owners install a laser target designator and a glow-in-the-dark front sight on it
• Replacing or tuning the stock (stock) of the TOZ-106, in order to give the weapon a full-size look, some owners replace the wooden stock with a plastic one

Most of the parts of the TOZ-106 shotgun are interchangeable with parts of the MTs-20 shotgun, which makes it easier to repair the gun and significantly expands the tuning possibilities.

Specifications

The semi-automatic multi-shot hunting shotgun TOZ-87 has a classic appearance: a long barrel, an under-barrel magazine, a receiver with a bolt and a butt.

The barrel length of the hunting version is 711 mm, the version with a short barrel (for security structures and self-defense) is 540 mm. The chamber for all modifications is 70 mm. Weight of the gun is 3 kg. for the short model and 3.2 for the hunting model.

The automation of the self-loading mechanism is based on the use of the energy of powder gases, that is, after a shot, the powder gases push the bolt, which, when moving backward, ejects the spent cartridge case and cocks the firing pin into the firing position; when moving to its original position, under the action of a spring, it catches a new cartridge and sends it into the barrel.

The tubular magazine holds four rounds and one more in the barrel, giving the gun a total of five shots when fully loaded.

The safety is not automatic, it is a push-button type, and when pressed, it blocks the trigger.

The barrel is non-removable and connected to the bolt cover. The barrel itself is made of high-alloy weapon steel, the bore is chrome-plated and blued. The valve parts are made of a durable, refractory alloy, which allows them to withstand high pressure and high temperatures.

The butt and fore-end for the TOZ-187 version are made of durable plastic. For all other modifications, the butt and fore-end are made of birch (for ordinary versions), beech or walnut (for piece and export versions).

TOZ-106 cartridges

As mentioned above, the TOZ-106 barrel is 20 gauge, with a chamber length of 70 mm. The TOZ-106 can be loaded with any cartridges corresponding to this caliber.

For self-defense purposes, it is best to use small buckshot or shotgun cartridges loaded with 0000 or 000 shot. If you have to defend yourself using TOZ-106, when you shoot at the legs with such cartridges, it will be quite easy to hit the attacker, such a shot will definitely stop him, this will not cause him significant harm. The bullet cartridge is not very suitable for these purposes. You can also use special cartridges loaded with rubber bullets or rubber buckshot for self-defense.

For hunting purposes, cartridges need to be selected in accordance with the game you are going to hunt. We must not forget that the barrel of the TOZ-106 is quite short and has a muzzle cylinder, so you should not use the TOZ-106 for long-range shots.

Operating principle

When fired, the piston of the TOZ-87 gun, simultaneously with the magazine, performs a slight shift back, the tooth of the bolt cylinder lowers, unlocking the barrel channel. Next, the piston falls into place, and the bolt frame inertially moves towards the butt. During such a move, it brings the trigger into the firing position, which clings to the sear with a disengaging tooth, which prevents a blow to the firing pin.

As soon as the frame reaches its extreme position, the cartridge from the magazine is fed into the hopper, where the elevator moves it to the feed line. A spring located in the butt neck pushes the frame to its original position, which, when returned, feeds ammunition into the chamber. The larvae tooth locks the barrel channel, after which you can press the trigger and repeat the entire cycle.

When loading ammunition into the chamber, the TOZ-87 gun is put on safety, for which the button on the front branch of the bracket is moved to the right side. All that remains is to move the bolt frame back and place the cartridge on the feed elevator.

The magazine in the TOZ-87 gun is loaded through the lower bunker window. To move the elevator down and provide access to the pipe, press the button that releases the shutter stop.

The design of the trigger mechanism ensures a smooth release of the trigger. The weapon is unloaded, installed on the slide stop, for which the release button is pressed, and the frame is smoothly brought to the level of the button. After these steps, all that remains is to press the shutter.

To unload the TOZ-87 gun, we turn it upward with the bunker window, press the button that removes the delay, retract the elevator and press the magazine limit lever, which is located inside on the right.

How to disassemble the “horizontal”?

If you need to clean the gun, you first need to disassemble it. Before starting, the weapon is unloaded. First, the forend is separated from the barrel. Then you need to separate the trunks. The gun should be held with your right hand in the neck of the stock. Next, use your thumb to move the locking lever to the right until it is completely in its extreme position. Now the trunks can be separated by turning them down.

To remove the impact mechanisms, it is necessary to remove the screws holding them in place. After completing these steps, partial disassembly is complete. The double-barreled shotgun is assembled in the reverse order. If you need to do a complete disassembly, experts do not recommend doing it at home. It is more advisable to take the weapon to a specialized workshop.

Design

The TOZ-87 shotgun is the first serial semi-automatic rifle, the automation of which uses the gas exhaust principle. This is the only domestic semi-automatic machine that uses the principle of gas-operated automatics, such as automatics with a short stroke of the gas piston rod.

Self-loading shotgun with an under-barrel tubular magazine.

• The bore and chamber are chrome plated. Threads for replaceable choke constrictions are located on the outside of the barrel.
• The reloading mechanism uses the so-called short-stroke principle, although in fact the magazine moves, simultaneously acting as a piston rod.
• The return mechanism has two springs: on the magazine and on the shank of the bolt frame (installed in the neck of the butt).
• The barrel is combined with the receiver cover into an integral unit. The bolt is longitudinally sliding, with a swinging lever having a tooth for engagement with the hole in the breech shank when locking the barrel bore.
• The trigger mechanism has a complex operating algorithm, which includes a firing pin release cycle when the bolt frame moves backward, which eliminates inertial pinching of the cartridge primer.
• Mechanical safety, blocking the trigger. The button is located on the front branch of the trigger guard. To turn it off (the “Fire” position), it must be moved to the left until the red ring mark appears.
• After the last cartridge is fired, the gun locks onto the bolt stop. The release button is located on the right side of the receiver, above the magazine hopper window.
• In the basic version, the gun does not have a sighting bar, only a front sight.
• The stock is semi-pistol, the comb of the butt is straight, inclined to the axis of the barrel. The butt plate is shock-absorbing.

Care

Cleaning the weapon is mandatory, especially after intense shooting, but periodic lubrication of the weapon is also a good idea.

Then perform partial disassembly. Clean the mechanism parts, wipe with a clean soft cloth until all traces of dirt, carbon deposits and soot are removed, then apply a thin layer of neutral gun oil “Glukhar” or “Ballistol” spray.

To clean your weapon, you should purchase a special kit that includes all the necessary brushes, wipes, and a cleaning rod.

Pay attention to the material of its rod; it should be either covered with plastic or wood. You can also use a cleaning rod cord.

Clean the barrels in the direction from the breech to the muzzle. First remove the carbon deposits, then wipe with a clean rag. There should be no spots in the trunk when exposed to light.

It is enough to simply wipe the wood parts of the weapon dry; lubricating them with weapon lubricants is not recommended.

Disassembly

• Unload your weapon.
• Unscrew the shaped nut on the forend.
• Using a needle on the nut, press out the trigger pin (from left to right), remove it from the receiver.
• Remove the forend.
• Rest the butt against the table and move the magazine tube down 1-2 cm, remove it from its interface with the gas chamber ring and remove it.
• Separate the magazine return spring, magazine tube, piston and gas engine cylinder.
• Remove the magazine spring and cartridge feeder.
• Grasp the barrel with your hand and, moving forward and downward, separate it from the base of the trigger with the butt.
• Pull the bolt carrier back, remove the handle, and remove the bolt from the receiver cover.
• Press the shutter cylinder tooth down, sliding it forward along the frame.
• Turn the bolt frame over with the tooth window facing down and remove the cylinder from it.

Modifications

The TOZ-87 smoothbore shotgun is still produced today and has a sufficient number of modifications that differ in components. Popular options are:

• TOZ-87-01M. Model 01 has a ventilated bar and is characterized by faster disassembly. The choke in 01 is a regular choke;
• TOZ-87-02. It differs from modification 01 in the missing strap, but the choke changes to a choke, choke or cylinder;
• TOZ-87-03M. Version 03 combines the advantages of 01 and 02 models. Modification 03 is distinguished by the presence of a rail, replaceable muzzle constrictions and an improved disassembly option;
• TOZ-87-06M. This is practically an analogue of the 03 version, stylized as a rifled sample. Unlike 01 and 03, this one has an open rifle aiming device. Another difference from the 01 and 03 models is the bracket with which the optical sight and the replaceable “paradox” type attachment are attached. Looking at such a sample, it immediately becomes clear that, unlike the 01 and 03 models, it is intended mainly for firing bullets.
• TOZ-87 “Super”. Automatic gas regulator for shutter recoil speed allows the use of cartridges of any power

It is fair to note that models 01, 03, 02 and 06 are not free from the shortcomings noted in the series.

Ammunition

Due to the fact that the automation of this hunting rifle was tested with Sokol gunpowder, as the owners say, it is with this brand that TOZ-87 functions best. Judging by numerous reviews, these rifle units can be loaded with Taiga ammunition if they are equipped with Italian-made gunpowder MV-36, G-300, F2x28.

The guns also work well with “Joker” and “Nitrogen” cartridges with “Sunar” gunpowder from KNIIHP. They will work a little worse with the domestic P-125 and Sunar-SF. With the first brand, reliable operation of the automation is not ensured, with the second, the cartridge case flange is too inflated, as a result of which the extraction of spent ammunition from the chamber is significantly difficult.

Some hunters buy Sunar-Magnum gunpowder for TOZ-87. According to experts, when loading cartridges, the acceptable weight of shot is considered to be 42 g.

However, this should not be practiced regularly, since this gun does not have a gas regulator. Otherwise, the bolt will recoil much faster, resulting in increased recoil, which can negatively impact combat accuracy.

In addition, the shock load on the receiver, namely on its rear part, will increase. As a result, the operational life of the rifle unit will be significantly reduced. For those who want to increase the effective combat range, experienced hunters advise mixing a 34 g shot shell with starch.

The use of high-quality ammunition for operating the TOZ-87 self-loading shotgun is a guarantee that the model will work properly for many years. However, choosing the right ammunition may not be so easy, since the weapon is extremely whimsical in this regard. If you are wondering which cartridges are better, we recommend following these principles:

1. Choose ammunition only from trusted manufacturers.
2. Pay close attention to ensure that the powder charge does not exceed the norm.
3. Do not use used cartridges and various “roll-your-own” cigarettes.
4. Choose only plastic or folder cartridges for shooting.
5. Give preference to ammunition that is twisted with an asterisk.

If all the requirements for the quality of factory cartridges are met, then the weapon “out of the box” will work properly both in winter and in summer. The use of ammunition of dubious quality practically guarantees that during operation various problems will arise that cannot always be eliminated with one’s own hands.

We hold it in our hands

Appearance

Shooter 1

Each of the guns has a distinct personality.
The most elegant, in my opinion, is the MP-153. It has a certain sophistication, like a good French cognac. The smooth lines of the gun feel very solid. The wood has a very pleasant texture. The quality of metal processing is at a high level. The appearance of the “Bekas” somehow reminded me of American classic pump-action engines, severe asceticism and a feeling of reliability and good quality wafting from somewhere deep down. The appearance of the gun is heavy, monumentally brutal. A real cowboy! The wood is light, pleasant caramel color. The texture of the wood, like that of the MP153, is pleasant. The metal parts are processed with high quality, but without grace.

TOZ-87 has a slightly hunchbacked silhouette. In other guns that participated in this test, the joint between the receiver and the barrel is covered with an aiming rib, which is why they look more solid. The wood has a dark, almost chocolate tint. It looks like it's covered in stain. For my taste, this is clearly overkill. The quality of the metal finish is quite acceptable. The TOZ logo applied to the receiver looks tacky. It would be better to reduce its size.

MC 21-12 looks somehow awkward. The wood appears to be the cheapest of all guns, as if covered in Penatex paint. The receiver has a stamped floral design. I still don’t understand the point of placing this composition on a cheap gun; the crude “decoration” not only does not add charm to the gun, but also suggests that it is consumer goods. Like elephants on TV.

Shooter 2

I found MC 21-12 the most attractive, its shape and proportions seem the most harmonious.

The MP-153 looks very intelligent, good wood, high-quality metal insertion, the magazine cover, a strange mushroom shape, spoils the look a little.

“Snipe” looks aggressive, its features resemble army weapons. Sharp chopped shapes, the gun is made stylishly and severely.

TOZ-87 is the least attractive appearance, hunchbacked silhouette, square box, the gun looks unsightly.

Advantages and disadvantages of TOZ-87

Feedback from hunters suggests that hunting with the TOZ-87 is quite interesting and unpredictable. As for the quality of the battle, everything is in order; the characteristics of the TOZ-87 and Beretta AL390 when shooting are at the same level. At the same time, several more positive qualities should be noted:

• The stock is made of quite high quality and decorated in the best traditions of hunting weapons. The gun fits perfectly in the hands, without leaving the impression of bulkiness;
• The forend looks very harmonious with the stock;
• The stock is also great for most hunters. Rework is usually not required;
• It will not take much time to disassemble the weapon for cleaning, but disassembling some foreign analogues may take a long time.

This is where the positive qualities of TOZ-87 end. As for the disadvantages of the design, there are so many of them that they successfully make one forget all the positive impressions that arise in the hunter who first picked up the TOZ-87 in his hands:

• The quality of the parts found in the receiver of the TOZ-87 shotgun gives the impression that the Tula Arms Plant located the production of this weapon in China. Errors in the size and fit of parts often make this gun partially unsuitable for full use. It is for this reason that disassembling a TOZ-87 over time ceases to be something outstanding and becomes a routine event;
• The chrome plating of the barrel is also not particularly neat. Metal scuffs near the gas intake holes, as well as scratches on the chrome plating of the barrel are unacceptable;
• Various scrapes of metal in the barrel lead to the formation of chips from the containers used in the cartridges. Ultimately, this leads to automatic failure at the most inopportune moment of the hunt. The cartridges have to be removed using manual reloading;
• The trigger mechanism of the TOZ-87 is often poorly fitted to the cover of the trigger box, which leads to difficulties when placing the trigger in its seat;
• The forend often burns at the point of contact with the discharged powder gases;
• The absence of a gas regulator significantly reduces the service life of the TOZ-87, since the quality of domestic cartridges varies greatly from batch to batch.

The combination of all these qualities makes the TOZ-87 a real gift for those who like to modify their weapons.

Main varieties

The TOZ-34 side flint was produced in several basic modifications. The main differences were in the design of the butt, the trigger and the presence of a mechanical ejector system.

An ejector is a mechanical extractor, needed to eject spent cartridges during reloading.

In a conventional gun, the ejector tooth only removed them halfway from the chamber. Then they are pulled out with your fingers, the device is quite successful, but only when using cartridges with reusable cartridges, so they do not need to be collected around the clearing.

The following serial modifications of the TOZ-34 are known:

1. TOZ-34R, with a soft butt plate, sometimes there was a cheek;
2. TOZ-34E, with an ejector mechanism, as well as the EP model;
3. TOZ-34-5.6/28 produced in a small batch of bokbyuksflint, the upper shotgun is 5.6 mm “Long Rifle” caliber, the lower shotgun is 28 or 20;
4. TOZ-34-1, single-barrel 12-gauge fishing shotgun using a TOZ-34 ring joint. It is lightweight and adapted for use with a 30 cm long threaded insert;
5. TOZ-55 “Zubr”, commercial bokbyuksflint, based on TOZ-34, 12th upper, lower - rifled for fitting 9x53 mm;
6. TOZ-34M, has a more modern look and a groove for an optics bracket.

There were also a number of experimental and piece samples assembled in the likeness of the TOZ-34 gun; they were not described or distributed. It is also worth noting the SHP based on this gun and chambered for 10x31.

The mass-cut version is perfect for decorating the hall of a professional hunter. Typically, these are deactivated weapons in excellent condition, but do not require storage in a safe and are safe for others.

Features of hunting

The main purpose of the TOZ-87 12 gauge is hunting. The gun will be especially effective when hunting waterfowl, since the accuracy of the shot and the reloading speed are truly enviable. However, don't rush to the store if you like to hunt ducks. First of all, professionals recommend familiarizing yourself with the following features of hunting with the TOZ-87 and its modifications:

• In order for the gun to maintain its high accuracy, it will have to be regularly cleaned and lubricated. At the same time, it is important to remove even the smallest particles of plaque, especially on the bolt carrier and barrel (it is necessary to disassemble the rifle).
• Installation of additional choke constrictions is possible only on modified versions of the TOZ-87. The original does not have a thread on the muzzle, so even a sound moderator cannot be installed on it.
• Using low-quality ammunition is the same as “killing” a weapon with your own hands. Also, TOZ-87 cannot tolerate cartridges with an increased powder charge, since this causes the forend to burn out.
• The trigger mechanism should not be over-lubricated. Otherwise, the thick liquid may cause small parts of the trigger to stick and break. Trigger failure is one of the most common problems associated with improper maintenance.

The TOZ-87 hunting rifle has excellent accuracy and reload speed.

Self-loading TOZ-87 is not the most successful project from the Tula Arms Plant, requiring huge improvements. The weapon is not of the best build quality, requires care and quality of ammunition, and also has design flaws.

However, the gun can be used for some purposes provided all maintenance recommendations are followed. After all, not every semi-automatic model on the Russian market costs only 15 thousand rubles.

The TOZ-87 smoothbore shotgun is a fairly versatile 12-gauge weapon. If you modify it and constantly monitor the cleanliness of the mechanisms, you can safely go hunting. It is highly not recommended to go hunting for wild boar or bear with an unfinished gun.

Reviews of the gun TOZ-106

Most reviews from owners of the TOZ-106 gun are positive. Almost all owners mention in their reviews the advantages and disadvantages of this gun, which we listed above. In terms of its technical characteristics, especially in terms of dimensions and weight, the gun has no competitors.

The TOZ-106 shotgun is a compact and convenient shotgun that has its own buyer. The gun is suitable for those who purchase a gun for self-defense, territory protection, or for use on hikes. You shouldn’t buy a TOZ-106 gun specifically for hunting; there are completely different guns for that. When using a gun for hunting, it is important to properly select the appropriate cartridges for the gun and properly sight the gun.