Smoothbore weapons. Single-barrel fractures Single-barreled hunting weapon

A single-barreled hunting rifle, or simply a single-barreled gun, is now considered archaic among hunters. More often from young hunters you can hear: semi-automatic, automatic, pump-action and sometimes dismissive Berdanka.

And the single-shot gun itself is generally rare among amateur hunters. More often, the classic single-barreled gun can be found among professional hunters who hunt fur-bearing animals, who don’t shoot at the white light like a pretty penny. But it was with this simple gun that the history of everything began firearms.

Actually, firearms were originally invented for combat. And only after significant improvements did it become suitable for hunting animals, and then birds. The first types of firearms were guns loaded from the barrel. In Russia it was the so-called arquebus.

The process of bringing the arquebus into combat condition was labor-intensive and took a lot of time. In addition, keeping the wick in a smoldering state during a hunt, especially in bad weather, was a very difficult task. Therefore, these guns were used very rarely for hunting.

The invention of the wheel lock improved the capabilities of the firearm, but it was still an army weapon and was of little use for hunting. This is what the wheeled arquebuses looked like.

After the advent of the flintlock, the gun became more convenient, but still retained a lot of shortcomings. The gun was heavy and quite expensive, so only wealthy people could afford such luxury. And usually when hunting, this gun was carried by the master’s servant. He loaded it, and the master could only take aim and pull the trigger.

When fired from such a gun, there was an incredible roar, a sheaf of fire burst out of the barrel, and flames and clouds of smoke rose from the ignition part, which was far from comfortable for the shooter. What a shot from a flintlock rifle looks like can be seen in the photo taken at the annual antique weapons shooting tournament held in Chilliwack, Canada.

The next step in improvement was the invention of a piston, which made it possible to avoid fire in the shooter's face when shooting. And although cap guns remained ramrod guns, that is, they were loaded from the muzzle of the barrel, this became the reason for a much greater use of firearms in hunting.

And cap guns began to be used in all types of hunting, both with bullets and shot. Over time, they became available to many hunters and long years in remote places and for a long time they were the only type of hunting weapon.

But when breech-loading guns with ready-made cartridges, combining a powder charge and a bullet or shot, appeared in the middle of the 19th century, guns began to be used everywhere for hunting. There was no longer a need to carry reserves of gunpowder and shot, wads and ramrods. became light, and ammunition began to fit in a regular game bag or belt bandoleer.

Since then it has improved by leaps and bounds. Many gunsmiths have come up with original designs that have served for more than a century. Who doesn’t know the famous American Winchester, the weapon of American cowboys of the 19th century.

In Russia, hunting rifles began to be produced in 1885 at the Izhevsk plant. In principle, these were converted guns of Belgian and other types of foreign guns produced individually and in small batches. But they were cheaper than foreign ones and quite good quality and therefore became popular among Russian hunters. Mass production of single-barreled guns began already during Soviet rule. In 1924, the IZH-5 hunting rifle began to be produced in Izhevsk. This was a modified model American model"Iver-Johnson", the so-called fracture. IZH-5 is a single-barreled, external hammer gun, calibers 16, 24 and 28. Barrel length 680-760 mm. cylindrical drill. For metal and paper sleeves with a birch pistol butt, weight from 2.5 to 3 kg. The gun turned out to be quite successful and was produced without changes until 1949. In 1932 - 1941 it was also produced at the arms factory in Tula.

In the post-war years, double-barreled shotguns became popular among amateur hunters. These are guns of a more complex design, of various types with horizontal and vertical barrels.

However, the single-barreled gun was not completely abandoned, because the single-barreled gun has undeniable advantages. In a double-barreled shotgun, the barrels are soldered not parallel, but with convergence over a distance of about 30-35 meters, and this significantly affects aiming at other distances. In addition, the single-barreled gun is much simpler in design and lighter in weight, which is very noticeable during hunting. And although modern rapid-fire automatic rifles have been created on the basis of a conventional single-barreled shotgun, single-barrel shotguns with a classic layout are produced by almost all arms companies.

The famous Winchester single-barreled guns produced in several countries are highly valued. This gun has been produced for many years without much change and is still in demand. This is what the modern modification of this famous gun looks like - Winchester-9410

The Beretta 412 is no less popular. It is available in different calibers: 12th Magnum, 12th, 20th Magnum, 24th, 28th and 410th. Barrel length - 71 cm. This model has an original layout and can be completely folded without disassembly into convenient dimensions.

Very famous among hunters are the Simplex shotguns from the French company Manufrance. This is a 12-gauge smoothbore single-shot shotgun with a barrel length of 80 cm. It is very simple in design and reliable in operation.

Turkish guns have been on sale in our country for some time now. According to reviews from the owners, they are quite good quality, and also relatively cheap. An example is the Hatsan Optima SB-W. This gun has good fight, high-quality materials, chrome-plated barrels, elegant appearance, weight within 2.5 kg.

But the most famous and accessible are single-barrel trigger guns domestic production. There are several types of them available. Perhaps the most common is the MP-18M, which is available in several versions: MP-18M-M, MP-18EM-M, MP-18MK-M, MP-18EM-M “Sporting”, MP-18M-M “Junior”. They come in various gauges 12, 16, 20, 32 and 410 to suit any type of case. The most popular is 12 gauge. The stock and fore-end are made of walnut, beech, birch or plastic. Barrel lengths are 660, 710 and 750 mm. Replaceable chokes C, IC, M, IM, F, XF, steel shot can be used. It is possible to install an optical sight. A quality gun that has been tested over the years.

Of course, in such a brief review it is impossible to give complete information about all single-barreled guns, but after reading this article, we hope you have received the basic concepts and this will help you choose your first gun.

In our country, a double-barreled shotgun is considered a classic hunter's weapon. It has proven itself to be a reliable, easy-to-use and inexpensive weapon that can be used when hunting a wide variety of game. However, in addition to double-barreled shotguns, single-barreled shotguns can often be found in a hunter’s arsenal. These are the ones that will be discussed in this article.

Characteristic

The single-barreled hunting rifle has a rich and glorious history. It was this type that could most often be found in the arsenal of the Soviet hunter at the beginning and middle of the 20th century. The hammer-fired guns IZH 5 and IZhK, as well as the hammerless gun ZK, were in greatest demand. No less popular were Berdankas converted to use a hunting cartridge.

But time passed, and single-barreled guns were replaced by double-barreled guns. Hunters appreciated the ability to load weapons with two cartridges of different types at once. In addition, drilling the barrels of double-barreled shotguns, as a rule, is not identical. This design allows the hunter to use one or another barrel depending on the circumstances. And, of course, in terms of its rate of fire, a double-barreled shotgun is superior to a single-barreled, single-shot shotgun.

However, among hunting enthusiasts there are still those who prefer single-barreled shotguns to double-barreled ones. Moreover, these days, single-barrel does not always mean single-shot.

Varieties

Hunting rifles of this type can be divided into three main types:

• single-shot;
• store;
• semi-automatic (also called self-loading).

In addition, you can occasionally find single-barreled revolver-type guns, but such weapons are exotic in our country. Among domestic samples, the only example is the MTs 255 five-shot shotgun.

Single shot

Most single-shot shotguns use the classic reloading scheme for hunting weapons, in which the barrel is broken and a cartridge is inserted into it. After the shot, the barrel is broken again, the spent cartridge case is removed from it and a new cartridge is installed. This reloading option cannot be called very fast, so the hunter requires good shooting skills and the ability to kill prey with a single shot.

According to the design of the trigger mechanism, single-barreled guns are divided into externally triggered (trigger gun) and internally triggered (hammerless). A hammer-operated gun means that its hammers are pointed outwards and must be cocked manually. In hammerless guns, they are hidden inside and are cocked when the barrel is broken.

Nowadays, hammerless guns are gradually replacing hammer-operated ones, as they are considered to be more convenient (the hammers do not try to catch on branches, clothing, etc.) and also have a more ergonomic design. However, the hammer is a classic hunting weapon, so many still remain faithful to it. Proof of this can be found in the TOZ-119 single-barrel hammer-fired 12-gauge shotgun, which is in great demand among hunters.

It is highly not recommended to use a single-shot gun when hunting dangerous animals such as wild boar or bear. Even an experienced hunter does not always manage to kill such prey with the first hit, and then a wounded, angry animal can easily attack the person who dares to shoot at him. In such a situation, the low rate of fire of a single-barreled gun can cost lives.

The advantage of single-shot single-barreled shotguns is their relatively light weight, which allows you to take them with you on trips to wild places when hunting is not the main goal. In addition, experienced hunters often advise choosing a single-barreled gun as a weapon for beginners, since having only one shot in reserve is very disciplined. Also noteworthy is the ease of aiming, which ensures high accuracy.

The most popular representatives of this type of weapon in our country are hammer-fired hunting rifles IZH 17 and TOZ-119, as well as hammerless IZH-18.

Store

Multi-shot hunting rifles, which are reloaded by manual action on the bolt, are called magazine rifles. The cartridges are located in a special compartment called a magazine. The shooter pulls the bolt back, while the spent cartridge case is removed from the barrel, and then moves the bolt to the forward position, chambering a cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. These manipulations must be performed before each shot.

Magazines usually hold two or more rounds. Can be box or tubular type. Box magazines are divided into removable and non-removable.

The bolts can be bolted or made in the form of a sliding fore-end (found on pump-action shotguns).

Such weapons provide a higher rate of fire than simple single-barreled or double-barreled guns, which allows them to be used as a fishing gun. It is especially convenient to reload weapons equipped with a detachable magazine.

The disadvantages of this type include less durability and a higher price compared to weapons using a folding barrel.

Among domestic weapons The most famous of this class are: MTs 20, Bekas, MR-133.

Semi-automatic (self-loading)

A semi-automatic weapon is similar in design to a magazine weapon, however, reloading occurs not manually, but using special mechanisms.

To carry out the operation of automation, various principles of its operation are used:

• blowback;
• movable barrel;
• removal of powder gases.

The first two principles are used quite rarely, so let's talk about weapons that are reloaded using a gas vent.

This automatic operation scheme implies that when fired, part of the powder gases is diverted from the barrel into the receiver. Under their influence, the bolt moves back, and then, when the pressure in the barrel drops, it returns to its original position. This design allows you to fire shots one after another, without being distracted by any unnecessary body movements.

The domestic manufacturer provides hunters with a wide choice: carbines “Saiga”, “Vepr-12”, MP-153 - that’s far from full list self-loading hunting rifles produced in Russia.

However, semi-automatic weapons are considered to be poorly suited for novice hunters. Some samples are generally of little use for hunting, and are more often purchased as self-defense weapons.

What calibers are there?

For a person who is first interested in hunting weapons, it may seem strange that the larger the number indicating the caliber, the smaller the diameter of its barrel. This confusion is not explained by the simplest determination system, in which the caliber smoothbore weapons equal to the number of corresponding spherical bullets obtained from one pound of pure lead (about 450 g).

It is not difficult to guess that the smaller the cast bullets, the more of them were produced, and, accordingly, the larger the caliber assigned to the weapon.

Calibers and corresponding barrel diameters in millimeters:

• 10 - 19,7;
• 12 - 18,5;
• 16 - 16,8;
• 20 - 15,6;
• 24 - 14,7;
• 28 - 13,8;
• 32 - 13,4;
• 410 - 10,2.

In addition to the above calibers, there are also others, but in our country they are extremely rare.

Caliber rating

There have been and will always be debates about which caliber is better. There cannot be a consensus on this issue, since each hunter has his own personal preferences.

Some people like time-tested hammer-fired 16-gauge shotguns, while others are more satisfied with the powerful 12-gauge.

However, there is a kind of top three, which includes the most popular calibers in Russia.

12 gauge

The absolute leader in this trinity. Many hunters value it for its versatility and power.

However, the use of 12 gauge in hunting small fur-bearing animals is not always justified, since a large charge of shot spoils the valuable skin of the animal. In such situations, it is recommended to use choke tubes that increase dispersion.

It should be noted that 12-gauge shotguns are often purchased not for hunting, but for self-defense. Also, such weapons are actively used by private security structures. In many ways, it is these factors that determine the high demand for this caliber.

20 gauge

20 gauge hunting rifles are lighter in weight and have less recoil when fired. At the same time, when hunting small and medium game, a 20-gauge weapon is practically in no way inferior to a 12-gauge weapon. Therefore, many hunters opt for it.

16 gauge

At one time it was not inferior to 12th in popularity, but over time it was pushed back to third place. However, many continue to use it, considering this caliber to be the golden mean between 12 and 20.

Despite the above, you should know that the effectiveness of a shot is influenced not so much by the caliber as by a number of other factors:

• the type of ammunition used and its correct selection for a specific game;
• drilling the barrel and used choke tubes;
• weapon quality;
• abilities of the hunter himself.

Popular models

The single-barreled shotgun IZH 18 is the undisputed leader among domestic models of single-shot hunting weapons. Its design is based on the IZH 17 trigger shotguns. It differs from its predecessor, the IZH 18, by a trigger hidden inside the body and a large number of modifications.

There are options with an extractor and an ejector. The choice of caliber is also varied: 12, 16, 20, 28, 32, 410. From time to time you can find modifications of the IZH 18 with a rifled barrel.

The weight of the weapon is no more than 2.8 kg.

TOZ-119

The TOZ-119 trigger shotguns are the main competitor to the IZH 18 line of shotguns. The weapon is equipped with an external trigger, which can be considered an advantage for those who prefer classic hammer-fired shotguns. The barrel and chamber are chrome plated. To make it easier to remove the spent cartridge case, there is an extractor.

Available in 12, 16, 20, 28, 32 and 410 calibers.

Weapon weight: 2.4-2.5 kg.

ZK

The ZK has long been out of production, but deserves mention, since it was the first single-barreled gun in the USSR made according to the original design. On its basis, such guns as IZHK, IZH 17, IZH 18 were subsequently developed. Also on the basis of ZK, combined fishing guns “Belka” and “Olen” were manufactured.

Despite the fact that the ZK stopped being produced back in the 50s, it can still be found among some hunters.

Manufactured for 16, 20, 28 and 32 caliber cartridges. Weight was no more than 3 kg.

The 16-gauge hammer-fired shotgun IZhK was a modernized version of the ZK, the main difference of which was the external trigger. Currently, this model has been discontinued, although it is still found in the arsenals of hunters.

Trigger guns of 20 caliber, 28 and 32 were also produced.

Weapon weight: 2.2-3 kg.

MTs 20 repeating shotgun, produced by the Tula Arms Plant chambered for 20, 28 and 32 caliber cartridges. Reloading is carried out using a longitudinally sliding bolt. Ammunition is supplied from detachable box magazines designed for 2 or 4 rounds.

Also based on the MC 20, a 20 caliber TOZ-106 shotgun is produced, which is distinguished by a folding stock and a shorter barrel length. However this weapon Mainly used for security.

The weight of an uncharged MC 20 is 2.8 kg.

MP-133

MP-133 belongs to the so-called pump-action models, which are reloaded using a sliding forend. This design allows you to fire shots without removing your hand from the control handle.

The only gauge available is 12 gauge. The ammunition is placed in a tubular (4 rounds) or detachable box (5 rounds) magazine.

Weight without cartridges: 3.3 kg.

6-round pump-action shotgun with an under-barrel tubular magazine. It was produced in the Bekas-16 and Bekas-12 versions for the corresponding calibers. It can be equipped with a butt or pistol grip, which significantly reduces the dimensions.

Subsequently, on its basis, the Bekas-Auto semi-automatic smoothbore carbine was developed.

Weight about 3.5 kg.

A multi-shot shotgun, originally developed for law enforcement agencies, but did not gain popularity and, after minimal modifications, went to the civilian market. The Lynx is characterized by a reloading system that is unusual for pump-action shotguns, when the forend should be moved not back and forth, but back and forth. The placement of the tubular magazine is also unusual - above the barrel.

Conceived as a military weapon, the Lynx turned out to be of little use for hunting. Therefore, its main purpose is self-defense and security.

Available in various lengths, as well as with a wide variety of stocks. Caliber - 12th. Weight Limit without cartridges is 3.1 kg.

The first semi-automatic shotgun created in the USSR. In addition, the MTs 21 is the only domestic model of a self-loading hunting weapon, the automation of which operates on the principle of a moving barrel. Can be used for amateur hunting or as a hunting rifle.

It was originally produced in 12, 16 and 20 gauge versions, but is now produced only in 12 gauge. Comes with various choke attachments. The cartridges are placed in a tubular 4-round magazine.

Weapon weight: 3.4-3.7 kg.

"Saiga"

Perhaps the most famous Russian self-loading gun. Developed on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. Its automation operates using the energy of powder gases.

Currently, there are a huge number of Saiga variants. In a smoothbore version, it is produced for 12, 20 and 410 caliber cartridges. There are also rifled models of these weapons.

Despite the popularity of the Saiga, opinions about its effectiveness in hunting vary greatly. This is especially true for modifications with a shortened barrel.

For ammunition supply, a detachable box magazine is used, the capacity of which may vary depending on the specific model. Maximum weight without cartridges: 3.6 kg.

Video

Watch the video for a review of a trigger gun that is ideal for beginners.

For a hunter, a weapon is a faithful assistant and friend, so it is very important to choose the right gun for you. Today, the options for choosing shotguns are varied. There are copies of both Russian and foreign production available. Domestic guns have proven themselves to be reliable and of high quality.

Choosing a weapon for hunting important point in a hunter's outfit. But the variety of guns can sometimes even make it difficult to choose. In order for a novice hunter not to get lost among the huge variety of types of hunting weapons, we suggest that you first figure out what they are like.

Types of guns

All hunting rifles can be divided into three types:

• rifled or bullet;
• smoothbore or shotgun;
• combined or bullet-shot.

Rifled ones include fittings, rifles, carbines, which are used for targets at long distances. This type of weapon is suitable for more experienced hunters. Before you buy it, you will still have to use smoothbore models for some time. Legislative norms of the Russian Federation allow the purchase rifled weapons only if you have owned a smoothbore for a period of five years or more.

Shotguns are suitable for use by beginners. They are used for targets located at medium distances. They can be used to fire shotgun and buckshot shots.

Slug and shotguns or combination shotguns can fire pellets at medium ranges and special slugs at longer ranges.

Number of barrels in guns

Depending on the number of barrels, hunting rifles are:

• single-barreled;
• double-barreled;
• three-barreled;
• four-barrel.

The disadvantage of a single-barreled shotgun is the inability to quickly fire a second shot. Your prey may escape you. This factor will be especially felt by a novice hunter. A positive characteristic of such a weapon is its low price, ease of operation and lightness. A common single-barrel model is the hammerless IZH-18.

Traditionally, a double-barreled shotgun is considered a hunting weapon. This type of gun is very common. The muzzle openings are usually different for each barrel. This expands the capabilities of the weapon. Barrels can have different shots, which makes it possible to select weapons for specific hunting conditions.

Three-barrel and four-barrel models are equipped with smooth and rifled barrels. But they are rarely used for hunting.

Gun barrels can be paired vertically and horizontally. Horizontal guns are more common among hunters. Which barrel arrangement to choose is subjective. Many experts claim that there is practically no difference. But there is an opinion that vertical guns have a clearer combat, since horizontal models contribute to a narrower view.

Gun systems

Weapons for hunters are divided into two types according to their systems:

• with folding trunks;
• with non-retractable trunks.

The most common group is hunting weapon with folding trunks. There is another name for them - “fractures”. This type of weapon is easy to use and durable. To load such a weapon, a cartridge is inserted into the chamber of the barrel. In "breakdowns" there is no mechanism for feeding a new cartridge into the chamber, but this is not a problem, since the cartridges can be easily replaced.

Maintenance of a drop barrel is easier compared to shotguns that use a different system. That is why such models are very popular among hunters.

The group of “fractures” has its own internal classification:

• External trigger guns. They are characterized by reliability and wear resistance. Recently, many manufacturers have discontinued them. A small number of companies continue to produce such models for hunting in small batches. Their cost is estimated at several thousand dollars.
• Hammer guns. This type of gun is more complex than the first group, but also more common. Among them there are three groups:

1. The mainsprings are pumped and the hammer is cocked when the weapon barrel is lowered.
2. The hammer is cocked when the gun is opened using the mainspring. The mainsprings are inflated by raising the barrel.
3. The mainsprings are pumped and the hammer is cocked using the bolt key, which is located behind the trigger guard.

An ejector or extractor is used to remove spent cartridges from hunting weapons. Each of these devices has its own advantage. The ejector ejects the cartridge case using a spring, and the extractor only pushes the cartridge case out of the chamber, so you can pick it up by hand.

The ejector mechanism of a gun is faster, but it is more difficult to operate, prone to breakdowns and more expensive. For hunting on water, an extractor mechanism would be preferable, since it makes it possible to save cartridges.

Shotguns with non-retractable barrels have in their design a barrel, a magazine with cartridges and a mechanism for extracting cartridges, which is activated by recoil force or manually by the hunter. Such models are quick-firing and have great power.

Their downside is their finickiness during operation. They require professional adjustment, do not tolerate contamination and need proper lubrication. If you do something wrong while leaving, you can’t avoid problems during the hunt. It’s commonplace that the grease can freeze in the cold if you apply more of it than you should.

Hunting enthusiasts prefer pump-action shotguns among weapons with non-retractable barrels. Although they do not have the ability to fire a second shot, since they only have one barrel, they provide the opportunity to reload without changing the position of the hand. With experience, you can achieve high reload speeds. This type of gun is easy to maintain and can fire a variety of cartridges.

Guns of all systems can be either smooth or rifled. Each system is manufactured under Various types cartridges. The weight of guns can also be different, differ in modification and model.

Models

The model of a hunting rifle, like all types of weapons, is produced by a specific enterprise and is designated as an index.

Typical single-barrel models include hammer-operated IZH - 17 and hammerless IZH - 18.

Double-barreled models with vertical barrels are embodied in such models as TOZ-34 and IZH-27.

Each weapon model can have its own modification. IZH-27E, unlike IZH-27, is equipped with a mechanism for ejecting the cartridge case. TOZ-57K is used for a round stand, and TOZ-57T is used for a trench stand.

Let's look at models of hunting weapons with a folding barrel:

• Double-barreled shotguns with horizontal barrels are available with one, two hammers or without hammers. They are equipped with either ejectors or extractors. A typical hammerless model is IZH-58, and a hammerless model is TOZ-54.
• Double-barreled over-and-under shotguns may also have one or two internal hammers and be equipped with an ejector or extractor mechanism. Less commonly, the trigger may be external. Typical models with an internal trigger are TOZ-34 and IZH-27, and with an external trigger - IZH-56-3 “Belka”.
• Three-barreled shotguns are combined. Most often, the upper trunks are smooth, and the lower one is rifled, or vice versa. It is rare to find three trunks located vertically or horizontally. The design of tees provides two or three triggers. A typical representative of tees is TOZ-28. There is a hammerless three-barreled shotgun MTs 30. But this model is not common.

Models of hunting weapons with non-reclining barrels are also varied:

• Single-barreled, single-shot shotguns have little distribution. A typical representative of this can be considered TOZ-16.
• Single-barreled multi-shot guns that can be reloaded manually are popular among hunters. Typical representatives are TOZ-17, TOZ-18, “Bars”. They are equipped with a box magazine of two to five rounds.
• Single-barrel self-loading hunting rifles include the TOZ-21 carbine and MTs18-2 and Ts18-3, which are manufactured to order.
• A representative of a single-barrel self-loading gun with a movable barrel, which is loaded from recoil, is the MTs21-12 shotgun.
• A single-barrel self-loading model with a reloading mechanism using powder gases is represented by the “Bear” carbine model.

Classification of guns by purpose

Sporting and hunting rifles are divided into two subtypes:

• sports;
• hunting

The systems they use are the same, but in practice their models are very different. Sports models have specialized parts. There are weighted models with a significant narrowing of the muzzle, special stocks and an orthopedic handle, and only one caliber. Such models cannot be used during hunting. They can only be used in a specific sport.

Models for hunting are much more diverse, their weight is lighter, and the calibers and muzzle constrictions used may be different.

Within their section, they are divided into two groups:

• hunting;
• commercial

The difference between their characteristics is insignificant, but there is. Given the same system and caliber used, fishing weapons should be lighter. It is used more often than hunting, and therefore is more susceptible to wear, which makes it necessary to replace it. Fishing guns are made from the most durable materials with a simple mechanism, since their operation must be uninterrupted and trouble-free.

Classic fishing weapons are IZH-17, IZH-18, TOZ-16, TOZ-17. Hunting models include IZH-27, TOZ-34, MTs21.

Shotgun production class

There are hunting weapons self made and serial. Handcrafted guns are often of very high quality, made to order and only made in small batches per year. The price of such models is high.

Mass-produced weapons are divided into subtypes:

1. Luxury class.
2. Middle class.
3. Ordinary weapons.

Luxury shotguns have a high cost due to their rich external decoration. These include models MTs109, MTs9, MTs111. In all three classes, IZH-27 and TOZ-34 are performed.

Shotgun selection

Having figured out existing types weapons for hunting you can start using. Your choice should definitely fall on a universal weapon that will give you the opportunity to hunt any animal or bird. Universals include:

• weapons with two barrels of twelfth and sixteenth caliber;
• twelve-gauge pump-action shotgun;
• automatic store.

The choice may depend on the funds you have and your preferences.

Double-barreled guns are more versatile, lighter and have a good price. And “pump-action” weapons are quick-firing and powerful, but will be heavier and more expensive.

Whatever model you choose, you should always remember these rules:

• Before purchasing a weapon, you must carefully inspect it. Don't trust words, check everything with your own hands and eyes.
• The weapon should be the perfect weight for you. If you choose a heavy model, you will not enjoy hunting because the weapon will tire you out. Therefore, before purchasing, calculate ideal weight of your weapon and do not exceed it in any case. The weight of the gun should be no more than twenty-eighth of your own weight. Lighter models are always comfortable. But you need to find a middle ground as the lighter weight may not be suitable for some calibers.
• The weapon must be checked for usability. When thrown, the hunting weapon should not ride up or look down, it should easily rest on the shoulder, and the line of sight without significant adjustment should coincide with the direction of view.
• Take a close look at the inside and outside of the trunks. There should be no deflections, cracks, or swelling on them. On the muzzle side, the cut should be perpendicular to the axis of the barrel. If the standard is not met, the bullet will deviate from the sight during flight.
• Check the triggers carefully. When cocked, a sharp and loud click should be heard. It is also necessary to check the impact force of the firing pin. To do this, you need to put a cartridge case on the firing pin and pull the trigger. The sleeve should fly off half a meter.
• The wood of a hunting weapon must be free of defects and must fit tightly to the metal.
• Read the product data sheet. The actual product must correspond to it.

Conclusion

Take your choice of hunting weapon seriously. A gun is usually chosen for a long time, so do not rush into the purchase. Having chosen a specific model, weigh the pros and cons, trust your feelings. Make a purchase only when you are completely sure that the weapon meets the parameters you need. By putting our advice into practice, you will be able to choose the gun model that is right for you.

Video

In conclusion, watch the video on the topic “TOP 10 domestic smooth-bore hunting rifles”:

Scope of application of smoothbore guns and their main types.

It was the emergence of unitary cartridges and automatic weapon mechanisms, as well as numerous wars of the 19-20 centuries. served as a powerful impetus for the development of firearms, including smooth-bore ones. Its designs were quickly improved, new ones appeared: pump-action and self-loading versions, and the variety of designs for hunting and combat smoothbore shotguns increased.

Areas of application of smooth-bore weapons.

On this moment smoothbore shotguns are widely used by army units for any purpose, police, rescuers and other law enforcement agencies for a variety of purposes. And for conducting exercises, and for giving signals, and when participating in military clashes and in various special operations. But the main area of ​​application remains hunting, that is, smoothbore guns are mostly civilian, although they are gaining popularity in armies around the world.

Criminal elements also use such weapons for attack purposes, but more often honest people use shotguns for self-defense, which is the second most popular (after hunting) type of use of such weapons.

Over the past hundred years, shotguns have increasingly been used as civilian weapons for self-defense and hunting rather than as military weapons.

Smoothbore guns will forever be primarily used for hunting, because only they can use any shot, which is necessary to hit fast-moving game, for example, it is almost impossible to hit a duck taking off from a pond with a bullet, and experienced shooters practically do not use shot if the distance allows. Therefore, shot will always be relevant specifically for hunting until the era of firearms operating on the basis of the expansion of powder gases ends. And shot can only be loaded into a cartridge for smooth-bore weapons, if we talk about small arms. And a 12-gauge shotgun can easily bring down a large animal at close range and middle distance. That is, a smoothbore is much more versatile for hunting than for combat use in conditions of war.

For self-defense, shotguns are an order of magnitude superior to any rifled weapon, because if it is self-defense, then it is a shot almost point-blank, the farthest is 5 meters. A short 12-gauge repeating shotgun, equipped with grapeshot cartridges, is a hundred times better for these purposes than, for example, a Kalashnikov assault rifle or any other machine gun or submachine gun. The reason is that at short range, without aiming, from the hip offhand with a machine gun burst, you can simply catch, the enemy may not feel it right away, he may shoot back. But if you catch a sheaf of buckshot (especially tied buckshot), a serious defeat is guaranteed. Again, killing people, even in self-defense, is not pleasant, and our courts don’t like it; usually self-defenders are put in camps. That’s why a non-lethal shot to a limb is relevant. With a machine gun, you can immediately miss the leg (that’s why experienced shooters with rifled weapons shoot offhand only at the body, be it a pistol or a machine gun, the target is rib cage), and a few shots of buckshot can simply demolish the enemy's legs, and this does not require many years of weapon skills. Buckshot is buckshot.

Example from personal experience. The author of the article once, for the sake of experiment, quickly, almost without aiming, shot offhand 8 times in about 3 seconds from a short-barreled 12-gauge semi-automatic (short Saiga-12 “Tactics”) with cartridges with large 8-mm buckshot at an old cabinet, about ten meters away. twelve. The result is a sieve, and the sieve is simply torn. In terms of destructive effect, this was much higher than a 30-round magazine fired from an AK in a continuous burst.

From all of the above it follows that shotguns are weapons for hunting or close combat. And last but not least, these are military weapons. Despite the huge variety of 12-gauge combat ammunition, a shotgun cannot replace an automatic carbine (machine gun) in the army due to its short effective range and heavy ammunition (180 rounds of 12x76 cartridges are several times heavier than 6 magazines of 30 rounds for an assault rifle). But for special operations, an automatic smoothbore is indispensable; the details of this statement will be given below.

The main types of smooth-bore weapons according to their design and operating principle.

Single-barreled, single-shot smoothbore shotguns.

Such a weapon, as a rule, is an ordinary breaker, with a mechanism familiar to us from double-barreled shotguns, but there is only one barrel. This approach to design allows you to do anything with a weapon - from a 12-gauge shotgun to a high-precision and powerful “kilometer-long” rifled fitting of .338 Lapua Magnum caliber. An example of such a solution is the Izhevsk single-barrel IZH-18, which produces barrels for all popular cartridges, both rifled and smooth-bore, on the same block.

Single-barreled hunting rifle IZH-18 with a 12-gauge barrel.

Double-barreled shotguns.

There are two types of double-barreled shotguns - “horizontal” and “vertical”.

Shotguns with a horizontal arrangement of two barrels have many designs that differ significantly from each other even in appearance. But the most popular now are the horizontal horizontal bars of the classic type, known to everyone - “fractures”. They can be either with external or internal triggers.

Horizontal gun with external triggers TOZ-BM.

Modern intra-hammer horizontal gun IZH-43, 12-gauge, piece-made “Sevastopol”.

Sideflint guns, or guns with a vertical arrangement of two barrels, cannot boast of such a variety of designs as horizontal guns. And there is no need. Most modern side flints are just as broken.

Vertical TOZ-34, characterized by a low block.

The most common over-and-under in Russia is the IZH-27M, but in the sports modification IZH-27-1S, with one trigger.

Sports upright Perazzi MX8 Sporting.

Revolver-type smoothbore guns.

Ammunition is loaded into a drum, the weapon operates on the principle of a revolver.

Domestic drum shotgun MTs-255-12 12 gauge.

Automatic drum shotgun "Protecta".

Smoothbore shotguns with a longitudinally sliding rotary bolt.

The bolt valve has proven its unpretentiousness and ease of use for more than a century. Of course, there are not only rifled rifles with a rotary sliding mechanical bolt, there are also smoothbore guns of this type.

Shotgun MTs 20-01 20 caliber with bolt action and detachable magazine.

Pump-action smoothbore shotguns.

Developed in the late 19th century, the most famous early brand is the Browning-designed Winchester 97. The longitudinally sliding forend, which drives the reloading mechanism of such a gun, resembles a hand pump (pump) - hence the name. The advantage of this weapon is that the pump-action shotgun does not depend on either the type or power of the ammunition, the combat will be stable, reloading is manual, the weapon is reliable, possible wedges are eliminated quickly. The disadvantage is the low rate of fire, the loud sound of the shutter and the rejection of such weapons by many hunters.

The Mossberg 500 pump-action smoothbore shotgun in its basic modification is very popular in the world.

Self-loading smoothbore shotguns.

They use the energy of expanding gases generated by a powder charge during a shot for reloading. Such guns have a much higher rate of fire than pump-action guns, as well as lower recoil due to the operation of automation.

Modern semi-automatic civilian smoothbore hunting rifle Remington 1100 Competition.

Self-loading shotguns with the ability to switch to manual pump-action mode.

These shotguns are only combat shotguns, they allow you to switch from pump-action mode of manual reloading to semi-automatic mode and back, but such weapons are more difficult to use, and are also much heavier in weight and larger in size compared to conventional semi-automatic ones.

Dual-mode combat shotgun Franchi SPAS-12 with a muzzle attachment and a hook on the butt.

Automatic shotguns.

These are combat shotguns that can fire bursts. They most often have two firing modes - single shots and burst fire. Recharging is carried out different ways, but it is always based on the use of the energy of powder gases.

USAS-12 smoothbore automatic shotgun with disc and box magazines.

There are other types of shotguns, such as hand-loaded shotguns using the Henry Brace and many others. But this is quite rare, compared to the vast majority of the options described above.