Double-barreled shotguns (vertical and horizontal): overview, characteristics, manufacturers

• November 28, 2018
• Weapons and ammunition
• Human

Double-barreled shotguns are the most popular weapons used for hunting. In addition, they are also suitable for self-defense. And considering that they were the only ones that ordinary citizens of the Soviet Union could obtain, it is not surprising that they are extremely common. Many of them were inherited from their ancestors, from a time when weapons were not registered, and they could be purchased relatively without problems. But now this process is associated with many bureaucratic delays.

Introductory information

Double-barreled guns first appeared in the eighteenth century. They were invented in 1738. They were used exclusively as hunting ones. They were not widespread in the army. There are two options for the location of trunks: horizontal (when they are next to each other) and vertical (one above the other). Depending on the design of the trigger mechanisms, there are designs with two or one hooks. In the first case, each barrel has its own firing pin. It is connected with a separate hook. The second option assumes that the shots will occur sequentially due to the operation of the mechanism. It should be borne in mind that double-barreled weapons often have different choke constrictions. Most often, this is carried out according to the principle of division into pay/chock. The trunks may also differ in the manner of execution: rifled or smooth. There are often situations when one belongs to the type that shoots a bullet, and the second is designed for shot with buckshot.

Modifications

The Benelli 828U family of vertical shotguns has a number of modifications:

• Benelli 828 U 20. 20 gauge variant. The receiver is nickel-plated, made of ergal with engraving. Chamber 76 mm.
• Benelli 828 U Silver. 12 gauge model with silver forend finish. Supplied in a polymer case, the interior of which is made of... The internal compartments of the case, designed for the barrel block and for the block block, are made according to a modular principle and can be adapted to any gun configuration.
• Benelli 828 U Silver Compact. A version with a short stock and barrel, designed for hunters who need a fast-moving, action-oriented gun. This design option is popular among young hunters and women because it suits their body type better. The standard length of the butt is 345 cm, with the help of a thick butt plate it can be increased to 355 cm. Five options for the length of the butt (345, 355, 365, 375 (standard), 385 mm) allow each hunter to achieve the optimal insert necessary for quickly aiming at the target.
• Benelli 828U Silver Left Hand. Left-handed version of the shotgun in 12 gauge with silver finish.
• Benelli 828 U Black. Modification of 12 gauge in black. The characteristics correspond to the base model.
• Benelli 828 U Black Compact. Short version of the gun in black.
• Benelli 828U Black Left Hand. A modification of the gun for left-handed people with a black fore-end, barrel and butt plate.
• Benelli 828 U Beccaccia. A lightweight version of the sideflint, optimized for woodcock hunting. Unlike the basic version, it is equipped with extractors rather than ejectors, short 61 cm long barrels and dispersive muzzle devices that produce a wide and uniform spray at short distances. The matte finish on the barrels and receiver underscores the practicality and understated elegance of this gun.
• Benelli 828 U Sport. This modification is designed for sporting and compact sporting. The only thing it has in common with its hunting predecessor is the Jäger bolt system, designed for increased loads and long-term use, while the stock, trigger and sighting devices were designed from scratch, taking into account the specific use of the gun. The design work was immediately preceded by long-term research in collaboration with the Institute of Physical Education of the University of Urbino in order to determine the optimal characteristics of the sports sideflint. As a result, athletes and shooting enthusiasts received a modern gun with scientifically proven ergonomics and ballistics.
• Benelli 828U Sport Left Hand. Sports option for left-handed people.

Trigger double-barreled shotguns

Here you can remember the representatives of the Tula Arms Plant. For a long time, it was here that the most popular model was produced, having different designations depending on the modifications. These are B, BM, TOZ-63, TOZ-66, TOZ-54. Among hunters this family is known as "tulka". These guns are simple in design, cheap, quite durable, trouble-free and can be used for both amateur and industrial hunting.

1. Model B. Production began in 1902. A break was taken during the First World War and the civil war that followed. Produced before the start of World War II. Then again a break and resumption of production until 1956. They were usually made in 16 gauge. Although we met on the 12th and 20th.
2. Model BM. Began production in 1957. It is distinguished by increased strength characteristics of trunks. Produced in 16 and 20 gauge versions.

general description

The first impression of the Benelli 828U is a double-barreled, modernistic shotgun. The model undoubtedly belongs to the ultra-modern style, because in its creation design and technical ideas knew no bounds. The gun has a unique design. It is clear that a real specialist had a hand in creating the noble profile. Everything is convenient and in its place. The updated Benelli 828U over/under confidently confirms the influence of the company's experience in creating a new shotgun with a semi-automatic design.

The shape of the gun is interesting, the Benelli 828U has a long, slightly curved body, rather flat, with original controls.

The ergonomics of the Benelli 828U are quite good, as decoration there is an engraving applied to the upper and lower parts of the receiver. The back part is decorated with an engraving made in the form of scales and smoothly transitioning to the handle.

The new product from Benelli is lightweight, reaching just 2.83 kg, and is recommended for fans of walking hunting in hilly or wooded areas.

Replaced samples

Now double-barreled shotguns are produced with the designation TOZ (Tula Arms Plant). Let's look at more modern examples:

1. TOZ-63 and TOZ-66. The first sample is designed for 16 and 20 gauge, and the second for 12 gauge. The strength of the model was improved. The chambers and bores were chrome plated. Weight does not exceed 3.35 kg. The stock has not been changed. The length of the trunks is up to 720 millimeters.
2. TOZ-54. As a rule, it is sharpened for 12 gauge. Often criticized for deteriorating appearance due to an attempt to improve the form. Choke constrictions – 0.5 and 1 mm. Weight for 12 gauge – no more than 3.2 kg. The maximum barrel length is 720 millimeters.
3. TOZ-80. In terms of technical characteristics, it is almost no different from earlier samples.

Any product from this plant is characterized by external triggers and horizontally positioned barrels. The length of the chambers is 70 millimeters. 12, 16 and 20 gauges allow you to hunt using shotgun, buckshot and slug ammunition. As a rule, they provide a good or even excellent fight.

Choosing a gun for a novice hunter

In modern stores, the choice of hunting weapons is so large that one’s eyes inevitably begin to run wild, especially for inexperienced or novice hunters. But such a wealth of choice can provoke the purchase of a completely unsuitable gun for those who are just beginning to master this difficult task. This article was created just for those who are puzzled by the choice of the first gun for hunting; it contains both brief reviews of the most common guns of imported and domestic production, their advantages and disadvantages, and direct recommendations for choice. The choice of weapons for a novice hunter is limited only to smooth-bore models, since rifled weapons can be purchased only after five years of owning a smooth-bore weapon.

Double-barrel or single-barrel

The first question that every neophyte is asked as a standard is this one. Which gun is optimal, more convenient and, of course, cheaper. The choice in this case is not particularly large - only two double-barreled guns are produced on the domestic market - these are the horizontal MP (IZH)-43 in different versions and the vertical MP (IZH)-27 (in the vertical the barrels are located one above the other, in the horizontal, respectively, on one horizontal line).

The single-barreled gun is available in only one variant – MP (IZH)-18. Many novice hunters are inclined to favor the latter option as their first gun. The arguments are reliability, indestructibility and low cost. But this does not take into account the qualities that a beginner needs. Let's look at this in more detail.

A novice hunter will learn - learn to hunt and shoot. And the ability to fire two shots without taking the gun off your shoulder is much more convenient than having to be distracted by reloading after each shot and then aiming again. This point alone clearly weighs in favor of the double-barreled shotgun as the first gun for a novice hunter, but there is another important point. In a double-barreled shotgun, you have two equally ready-to-fire cartridges for different purposes. No, we are not talking about those mythical cases when there is a cartridge with shot in one barrel, and a bullet in the second, in case of a sudden meeting with a bear. In practice, there are no hunters who use this technique. The point here is that both barrels are loaded with cartridges with different numbers of shot. This is the widely used option.

The use of a single-barreled gun is much narrower and is chosen by hunters for whom weight is important, while one aimed shot at the game is enough for them - most often it is a sitting bird or a standing animal. Usually this is the choice of far from novice commercial hunters. After the design of the gun has been chosen - we will still choose a double-barreled gun, as it is more suitable for a beginner - the choice vector moves to another moment.

Horizontal or vertical?

Still, most hunters are in favor of a vertical gun, explaining their choice by the fact that it is more convenient to manipulate one barrel in front of their eyes. But this is a matter of habit, since a beginner will not be able to appreciate such a minor advantage due to lack of experience. The choice between horizontal and vertical is purely a matter of taste, since their differences are so small that in the end they do not matter. For example, it is more convenient to break a horizontal rifle for reloading even while sitting in a car due to the smaller angle of fracture, while a vertical rifle is more accurate at long distances. This is due to the fact that at a distance of over 100 meters, charges from the right barrel begin to shift to the left, and from the left - to the right, while the vertical displacement is compensated by gravity. But such details can only be noticed at an impressive firing range.

Pump-action shotguns

The main advantage of a pump-action weapon is the ability to use absolutely any cartridge of a suitable caliber. This works great on both weakened and enhanced charges. It is permissible to use cartridges and traumatic cartridges of any length for which the chamber is designed, while the reloading method remains unchanged - shot, fore-end back, forward - that's it, the gun is ready to fire again. Forget about refusals and shortcomings. It is this reliability and reliability that explains the popularity of this type of weapon in the USA, where hunters prefer to use it both when hunting game birds and when tracking down dangerous and large animals.

I would like to pay special attention to bullet barrels. In Russia, bullet barrels are short barrels without choke constrictions, but with pronounced aiming elements. They allow you to fire any caliber or sub-caliber bullet, but since these are still smooth barrels, they are also suitable for shooting buckshot or shot. Often give good results when hunting from under a dog

Semi-automatic weapons

This type of gun has an impressive supply of ammunition. An example is the famous MP-155. There is no need to perform any additional actions - break, reload, twitch the forend, you just need to aim and pull the trigger. The cartridges ran out - I threw the cartridge onto the tray, pressed the bolt stop button and sent the cartridges to the under-barrel magazine. Such weapons are preferable when the rate of fire with one type of cartridge is required, for example, during mass shooting of aquatic game.

Bandolier K-12 closed combination. for 24 rounds (HS-PO-1) Helios Helios 1,355 for 1 pc. Bandolier No. 5 Semin 1,780 for 1 piece. Bandolier K-16/12 20 rounds (251) HSN 930 for 1 piece. Bandolier K-12 24 cartridges. closed (257-4) HSN 777 for 1 piece. Bandolier K-12 24 cartridges. closed (257-3) HSN 830 for 1 piece.

Choose a suitable cartridge belt

MP-155 The modern modification has been put on sale with the following improvements:

• The ergonomics of the forend have been improved - now it is thinner and lighter
• New design of the butt pad-shock absorber significantly reduces recoil
• Reduced trigger travel
• The size of the safety button has been increased
• Possibility to install various sighting elements - optics, collimators
• Increased magazine cover

But like any other type of weapon, semi-automatics also have their drawbacks. The main thing is that it is more demanding on the quality of cartridges and shot loads compared to “breaks” and a pump, and also a lot of cartridges are wasted when shooting. It is better to study with a gun that allows you to take a breath and take a short pause, while semi-automatic weapons awaken excitement, which results in uncontrolled shooting without taking into account ammunition and careless aiming. If we take the rate of fire as the main advantage, then with experience you can achieve approximately the same rate of fire with a pump-action gun

We have looked at the main types of hunting weapons and I would like to add a few more details - single- and double-barreled shotguns “eat” any charges equally well - both factory-made and home-made, pump-action shotguns are also omnivorous, but semi-automatics are very capricious in this regard - they are demanding on quality cartridges and lubricants distinguish this type of weapon.

Gun oil Berkut (150 ml), neutral 82 per 1 piece. Gun oil spray 400ml. Ballistol 1,555 for 1 piece. Silicone lubricant 90 ml (3-004) RUNIS 181 for 1 pc. Cleaning rod Promtekh 165 for 1 piece. Oil with high penetrating power for cleaning gun barrels 236 ml 2,315 per 1 piece. Bristle brush k.9 Voenokhot 75 for 1 piece.

Don't forget to purchase gun care products

What caliber of gun should a novice hunter choose?

When choosing a hunting rifle for a beginner, it is important to choose the right caliber. The most popular calibers in Russia are as follows:

• 12 gauge It is chosen when versatility is important, since such a gun can shoot shotgun, buckshot, and bullets. Suitable for hunting large game - wild boar, bear, and small game - duck, goose, hare.
• 16 gauge weapons are lighter in weight, have less recoil, and are a suitable option for hunting on the go.
• A 20 gauge shotgun is often called a women's shotgun due to its low recoil. Designed for hunting small game - ducks, hares. Hunting a larger animal with such a weapon is a dubious idea. For example, a bear is a tough animal, and even after being wounded by a larger caliber can give the hunter a fight back.

What to remember when choosing a hunting rifle

A shotgun with a grenade launcher or a replaceable magazine was previously heavier than a single- or double-barreled shotgun, but now the use of light alloys and plastics in the fore-end and butt practically equalizes their weight, and with proper care, a semi-automatic is not inferior to the same double-barreled shotgun in reliability. Example:

MP-155 (semi-automatic) - weight for 12 gauge: 3.1-3.2 kg (barrel 710 mm)

IZH-27 (double-barreled shotgun) Weight of guns from 3.1 to 3.65 kg depending on barrel length and caliber, barrel length 660-750 mm.

A gun is a complex mechanism that requires high precision during manufacturing, so give preference to well-known brands that have proven themselves.

Case for IZH-27 shotgun on valve HS-CHR-4 Helios 895 for 1 pc. Case for shotgun MTs-21-12 (disassembled) HS-CHR-1 Helios 905 for 1 pc. Case for weapons without optics, semi-rigid plastic 125 cm Cho-32 AQUATIC 2,408 for 1 pc. Case for shotgun IZH-27 foam rubber HS-CHRP-14 Helios 2 325 for 1 pc. Case 120 without optics King of the forest (leather) natural sheet (8789003180) Holster 4,957 for 1 piece. Rifle case Tiger, optics HSN 1,710 for 1 pc.

Cases for transporting weapons

A single-barreled magazine does not allow you to change the accuracy of shot fire, but this problem can be solved with the help of choke constrictions.

Extractors and ejectors are used to remove cartridges in non-automatic weapons. They are characteristic of “fractures”. The first ones simply push out the cartridges, which are convenient to grab with your hands, and the ejector throws them out sharply. A shotgun with an ejector fires faster, but remember that when hunting at night or on the water, cartridges are likely to be lost.

Whereas when using a gun with an extractor, the shell casings can be collected and reloaded. To extract a cartridge case in a pump-action shotgun, muscular force is required by moving the fore-end towards you and opening the bolt.

Choosing a gun in a store

We decided that it is better for a beginner to go with 12 gauge, as it can be used in a wide variety of conditions. Now we continue the selection taking into account the following parameters:

We inspect the future purchase for defects - dents, chips, cracks, gaps. Remember that any gap is a path for dirt into the heart of the mechanism, which leads to breakdowns. You shouldn’t take the sellers’ word for it - just because a gun is new doesn’t mean it’s in good working order; it’s better to check everything yourself.

An important point is the usability of the weapon. This means that even with multiple drops, the butt rests equally on the shoulder, while the line of sight should coincide with the direction of your gaze with minimal adjustment.

The gun must be the right weight for you. If you plan to go hunting at least occasionally, then the weight should not be high. A heavy gun on your back while walking for many hours can exhaust even a professional.

We buy a gun secondhand

Yes, and there is nothing wrong with that, but you need to know the nuances of such a purchase. The first thing we look at is the safety of the inner surface. To check, the sleeve is removed and the barrels are rotated along the axis of the channels. We swing them and look at the light. If there is a slight rash inside the barrels in the form of small spots or tarnished areas, then these are minor defects that do not affect the durability of the gun and the quality of the gun, but if traces of corrosion are visible inside, then we immediately discard this option.

You should also be wary if the gun looks shabby on the outside - the stock is worn, there are burns around the firing pins, but inside the barrels are perfectly smooth and shiny. this is almost a 100% guarantee that the gun has been adjusted. Shustovka is the removal of a layer of metal from the inner surface of the barrels to remove rust, and almost always after this the gun loses its fire. But this applies to expensive imported models, since the procedure is very expensive and there is no reason to use it on domestic weapons.

Check the operation of the triggers, because they are responsible for the speed of the shot. When cocking, sharp, loud clicks should be heard. Checking the impact force of the strikers is also quite simple. We place the cartridge case on the firing pin and pull the trigger. The cartridge case should bounce up at least half a meter.

We have given basic recommendations for choosing, now we will focus on specifics and provide a small rating of hunting rifles for a beginner, which are also suitable for a practicing hunter.

MR-27 (IZH-27)

A simple, reliable hunter's companion. A double-barreled over-shooter, which has been produced since 1970 with strict adherence to technology. It is rightfully considered the people's gun - more than 3.5 million pieces of various modifications were produced, both with an ejector and an extractor. An excellent option for a beginner.

• IZH-27 16 and 12 gauge - the main model;
• IZH-27-1S is a hunting rifle without an ejector with one trigger and a sequential order of shots;
• IZH-27E - a gun with an ejector from G. Ya. Protopopov;
• IZH-27E-1S - a sports and hunting model with a switchable ejector and one trigger;
• IZH-27ST and IZH-27 SK are sports guns for trench and round shooting, respectively, with barrel lengths of 760 and 660 mm;
• IZH 27M (MR-27M) - a gun without an ejector with two triggers, there were variations of the IZH-27M “Junior” for women and teenagers with a reduced butt length and the IZH-27MM chambered for the 12x76 mm Magnum cartridge;
• IZH-27EM (MR-27EM) - a model with a switchable ejector that ejects only the spent cartridge case, has two triggers;
• IZH-27M-1S (MR-27M-1S) - an ejectorless model with one trigger for combat and a second for setting the sequence of shots;
• IZH-27EM-1S (MR-27EM-1S) is a modification of the previous model with a switchable selective ejector.

TOZ-34E

An equally famous vertical aircraft, which dates back to the sixties and is the main competitor of the MP-27. The difference between these two guns is that the TOZ-34E is currently produced only to order and can be disassembled into two parts, and not into three, like the MP-27. Actually, this is where the differences end.

This gun also has a lot of modifications:

It had several gradations of artistic decoration. Depending on the design, the receiver of the gun could be decorated with laser, electrochemical or manual engraving, embossing, and inlays made of precious metals. Execution options (except for ordinary) were designated by a letter in front of the gun number on the barrel coupling: “U” - improved, “Sh” - piece, “S” - souvenir, “P” - gift.

• TOZ-34 - basic version (weight 3.15 kg)[1]
• TOZ-34R - version with a rubber butt plate and extractor.
• TOZ-34E - version with an ejector mechanism designed by N. I. Korovyakov[2], weight 3.2 kg[1].
• TOZ-34ER - version with an ejector and a rubber butt plate.
• TOZ-34-5.6/20[1] - a fishing combination shotgun with an upper rifled barrel chambered for .22 LR cartridge and a lower one chambered for a .20/70 mm rifle cartridge (designed in 1980, could be equipped with a PO-2.5x20 optical sight or PO-1[7], produced in small batches).
• TOZ-34-5.6/28[1] - a fishing combination shotgun with an upper rifled barrel chambered for .22 LR cartridge and a lower one chambered for a .28/70 mm rifle cartridge (designed in 1980, could be equipped with a PO-2.5x20 optical sight or PO-1[7], produced in small batches).
• TOZ-55 "Bison" - double-barreled fitting[1].
• TOZ-34-1 is a single-barreled shotgun chambered for .12/70 mm, created in 1995 based on the design and using parts of TOZ-34[8].
• TOZ-134-20 is a lightweight 20-caliber double-barreled shotgun with a pair of vertically positioned barrels, developed on the basis of the TOZ-34 model.

MP-43

(IZH-43) No less reliable than the two models above, horizontal. The production was also established in the last century, at first it was equipped only with an extractor, but over time it received many different modifications:

• IZH-43 (IZH-43M) with a double trigger mechanism;
• IZH-43E (IZH-43EM) - modification of IZH-43 with a mechanism for automatically ejecting spent cartridges;
• IZH-43EM-M - modification of IZH-43E with chambers 76 mm long;
• IZH-43-1S - modification of IZH-43 with one trigger;
• IZH-43E-1S-M - modification of IZH-43-1S with 76 mm chambers;
• 12 gauge: 675, 710, 725 and 750. Chokes 0.5; 1
• 12 magnum: 675, 710 and 725. Chokes 0.5; 1
• 16 gauge: 725. Chokes 0.5; 1
• 20 gauge: 675, 710 and 760. Chokes 0.5 (right), 0.75 (left).
• 20 magnum: 675, 710 and 760. Chokes 0.5 (right), 0.75 (left).
• IZH-43K double-barreled intra-hammer shotgun with fake hammers

MC-21-12

This high-quality and reliable semi-automatic machine has been produced since the late 60s, but despite this, its design is so perfect that practically no adjustments have been made to it since that time. It has a grenade launcher for five rounds and a recoil reloading system. With the proper skills, this gun will become a faithful assistant in any hunt - both birds and ungulates.

MP-81

The production of this pump-action shotgun with a short barrel started in the late 90s and was intended for law enforcement and security agencies. Subsequently, a hunting model with a long barrel appeared. Reloading is carried out by jerking the forend and sending the cartridge into the barrel.

Ata Arms Etro Combo 12/76

Turkish pump-action shotgun with interchangeable barrels. In essence, you are purchasing two guns at once - one with a short barrel, for recreational shooting or self-defense, and the second - a standard hunting long barrel with interchangeable choke constrictions that are screwed in.

Turkish manufacturers now provide worthy competition to Russian arms factories and are not inferior in quality and service life to domestic shotguns - both pump-action and semi-automatic. The Hatsan Escort semi-automatic is a great example of this.

MP-155

A semi-automatic machine with a simple and convenient design; spare parts for it are affordable and always in stock. Since 2011 it has acquired many modifications:

• MP-155 12x76 in plastic The most basic version. The polymer body kit simplifies maintenance. The gun in this version is made with different barrel lengths, there are even models with a replaceable bullet barrel.
• MP-155 12x76 in camouflage plastic. It does not swell or deteriorate from moisture, and camouflage patterns will hide the weapon from the watchful eye of a duck.
• MP-155 12x76 in wood. The materials used are walnut, beech and birch; they differ both in appearance and in cost.
• MP-155 “Profi”. The luxury version of the gun is distinguished by particularly careful processing and fitting of parts, a walnut stock and butt, and painting of parts with a durable “Cerakote” coating. The gun looks great and doesn't need any finishing touches.
• MP-155 12x89 supermagnum. Version with 89 chamber. Already at the factory, the gas block is adjusted for firing with loads over 50g, so difficulties may arise with reloading with loads of 24-28g. Which, however, is quite easy to adjust yourself. Otherwise, the guns are unified with 12x76 caliber.
• MP-155 20x76 Twenty is significantly lighter than twelve gauge: 3100 versus 3250 grams. This version is suitable for walking hunting, and a small toss and retraction of the barrel increases the rate and accuracy of shooting.

Eternal classic MP-18

- a single-barreled gun, which is often chosen as the first gun by novice hunters. It weighs little, good shooting accuracy, high quality barrels, adaptability and excellent balancing - these are not all the advantages

• MP-18M-M is the most basic model. The price for it is the most affordable. It comes with both a constant barrel and various choke constrictions. The gun may also include an aiming bar, the presence of which is highly desirable for novice shooters. The stock and forend of this gun are made of wood, usually walnut or beech. This modification is available in various calibers, but unfortunately, recently MP-18M-M has been found in hunting stores only in 12 and 16 calibers;
• MP-18M-EM is an improved modification that has an ejector that automatically ejects the cartridge case when the barrel is opened. The ejector has a shutdown function, and this can be done even during a hunt, for which you only need to turn a special lever;
• The MP-18MK-M is an interesting option for connoisseurs of vintage single-barreled weapons. There is a small percentage of hunters who believe that a single-barreled break should only be trigger-driven. This modification will fully correspond to their understanding of the ideal single-shot gun;
• The small-caliber modification MP-18EM-M “Junior” is produced specifically for training women and children in shooting. It is a smaller copy of the standard modification MP-18M-M. The butt has a rubber butt pad that reduces recoil when shooting;
• MP-18EM-M “Sporting” is the most expensive modification intended for sports shooting. It features improved build quality and barrel quality.

Despite all the above recommendations for choosing a hunting rifle for beginners, the main role here is played by desire, personal preferences and financial capabilities. In fact, the gun can be anything, since a newbie to hunting must learn all his skills on his own to understand his requirements for a weapon. And after that, with a full understanding of all the nuances, buy yourself that very ideal gun.

Izhevsk products

Tula gunsmiths have strong competitors. The double-barreled shotgun IZH is a true classic of domestic production. What models should you pay attention to:

1. IZH-54. This is a fairly old model, which is nevertheless important because it had a significant influence on the development of domestic hammerless shotguns, since it was the very first representative of this family. Initially, its barrel length was 750 millimeters. The choke constrictions have a parabolic shape. The outside of the barrels is chrome or nickel plated. Weight does not exceed 3.6 kg.
2. IZH-26. Research product. They are distinguished by a reduced diameter of the barrel channels. In this sample they are not 18.5, but 18.2 mm. The length of the trunks does not exceed 730 millimeters. Weight - no more than 3.3 kg.
3. IZH-58. The length of the barrels is 675 millimeters, the chamber length is 70 mm. The vast majority of units are suitable for shooting 12 and 16 gauges. Although there are also 20 and 28.
4. IZH-43 family. A hunting double-barreled shotgun of this type is distinguished by horizontally paired barrels, as well as chrome-plated chambers and channels. There is an installation of a universal firing mechanism. Shotguns are available for 12 and 16 gauges. Their weight is no more than 3.3 kilograms. Barrel length 725 mm.

Operating principle

To unlock the barrel block, you need to move the lever on the receiver cover all the way to the right. When turned on the hinge, the trigger cocks the trigger, and the extractor lever (located on both sides of the connecting bar of the barrels) extends, removing spent cartridges from the chamber.

When the barrel block is locked, the lever returns to its place (along the axis) independently. If this does not happen, it must be adjusted manually. The TOZ-200 has a mechanical fuse. If an immediate shot is not required, then its flag must be moved down.

The front trigger works with the striker of the upper barrel, and the rear trigger with the striker of the lower barrel. For smooth decocking, unlock the receiver, remove the cartridges from the chambers, pull both triggers and smoothly close the barrel block.

Vertical samples

How many can you write about! Even a whole book is not enough. So far, the conversation has mainly been about horizontal guns. It is also worth mentioning about samples with a vertical structure:

1. TOZ-34. A work of art created by Tula gunsmiths. This sample is the very first light gun with a vertical barrel arrangement. It served as the basis for an entire family. TOZ-34 is mass-produced in various modifications. Its weight is no more than 3.2 kg. The samples are designed to work with ammunition of different calibers, ranging from 12 to 32 gauge.
2. IZH-12. The first sample in which trigger interceptors were made.
3. IZH-27. The result of modernization of the previous model. Serial production began in the early 70s of the last century. IZH-27 has become a real legend. This sample served as the basis for a whole family. In it you can find representatives for every taste: for shooting on a round stand, in a trench. This gun has proven itself well in hunting using shot, buckshot, and bullets.

And a little more about Tula products

It’s worth remembering about the MC series of guns. These are very expensive, but at the same time very high quality samples. So, they usually have separate trigger mechanisms for each barrel. This is good because if in one case there is a misfire, then you can take a second chance. In addition, samples of the MC series have high strength and durability: they are designed for 10-15 thousand rounds. While other representatives discussed in the article have a guarantee for 10-12 thousand shots.

Representatives of the MC family

Worth mentioning:

1. MTs-111. Available in 12 gauge. There can be either one or two triggers.
2. MTs-109. Produced in several modifications. For the twelfth gauge there is a barrel length of 750 mm and chambers of 70 mm.
3. MC-110. A representative of a lower class than those considered. A distinctive feature is that the trigger mechanisms are mounted on one common base. It has a relatively light weight - no more than 2.9 kg.
4. MC-7. Manufactured in 12 and 20 mm calibers. Weight ranges from 2.9 to 3.3 kg. It can be manufactured with both smooth and rifled barrels. The weight of guns in this design does not exceed 3.7 kg.
5. MC-6. Produced from the middle of the last century to the present day. The barrel length is 750 millimeters, the caliber is 12 mm.

But still, for the most part, the considered family is dominated by smooth-bore double-barreled guns.

Caring for the IZH-12 gun

Like any weapon, IZH-12 requires constant care. It consists of cleaning the gun barrels after each shooting and lubricating its mechanisms during the disassembly process. If the gun is sent for storage, it must be cleaned and lubricated. When storing a gun, lubrication should be present not only in the barrels, but also in the hinge block, on the hinge axles, on the socket barrel coupling and on other parts of the gun that are subject to frequent friction.

The IZH-12 shotgun needs to be cleaned in the same way as other smoothbore hunting shotguns. The main thing in this procedure is thoroughness. There should not be even the slightest trace of powder residue inside the barrels. Chrome plating of the bores is very helpful in the cleaning process of the gun.

You can store a gun either disassembled or assembled, but always in a gun safe.

The IZH-12 hunting rifle is still very popular among CIS hunters. If you want to purchase an inexpensive vertical double-barreled shotgun, then the IZH-12 is what you need.

About specific representatives

So what do foreign manufacturers offer?

1. The Merkel family. These representatives of the German arms industry have barrel lengths ranging from 710 to 760 millimeters. Reinforced 76 mm chamber. Variety of calibers - 12, 20, 28 mm. True, their prices are steep: they start at three thousand dollars. For comparison: domestic shotguns cost only about $500. In German models, a common design is when one barrel is rifled and the other is smooth.
2. "Luciano Bosiz". These are the achievements of Italian gunsmiths. They have a barrel length of 680 millimeters, shoot 12 and 20 calibers, and weight ranges from 2.7 to 3 kilograms. Precious metals, stones, jewelry, and exclusive materials are used in the manufacture of these samples. It is not surprising that these guns cost a lot - from 20 thousand dollars. They are considered very prestigious and often act as the owner’s calling card, demonstrating his high social status.

In general, we can continue to talk about double-barreled hunting shotguns made abroad. Either pump-action versions or carbines are popular there. Whereas in our area they often use double-barreled shotguns. This is a direct legacy of the USSR, when it was possible to purchase such a hunting tool without permits or licenses.

Technologies Benelli 828U

Locking is accomplished by an L-shaped bolt with four fastening points. When the block is closed, the lower bolt lug is placed on the protruding flange of the coupling, and the upper part of the block engages with a pair of solid hooks located on the said coupling.

It follows that all the impact from the gases falls on the bolt, while the block is subject only to the recoil force of the barrel block. Ultimately, the reliability and service life of the locking unit is significantly increased, and since the axial block journals are almost not loaded, the likelihood of the hinge being unbalanced is minimized.

There is a set of spacers for adjustment, allowing you to select up to forty options for the position of the butt. Ultimately, it was possible to overcome the established impossibility of adjusting the retraction and death inherent in the turning point options, which provided potential owners of a Benelli gun with the opportunity to make it flexible without resorting to complicated and expensive modifications to the stock.

The 18.3 - 18.4 mm barrel optimally converts the chemical energy of the powder gases into kinetic energy, which significantly increases the initial charge speed, improves the accuracy and sharpness of the next fired cartridge.

Benelli's new shock-absorbing mechanism with progressive shock absorption consists of a recoil pad and a shock absorber mounted in the stock. The buttstock design of the Benelli 828U is called Progressive Comfort. It perfectly reduces recoil thanks to its spring-loaded design, so that in practice you can shoot even 12/76 hunting cartridges in a powerful version of the equipment without stress. The plastic comb built into the walnut stock can be changed.

Thanks to the included spacers, the 828 U is capable of a wide variety of transformations. By combining these inserts, 40 stock position options can be obtained with various comb drops and drops. In addition, the Benelli 828 U is available in different stock lengths.