Opinion on Russian Sporting Arms

I'd really like to have an Izmash-built AK-101, but that's just based on having seen one, not any experience using it.

.
.
.

I got a steal on a new Saiga .410 shotgun. It is of excellent construction and runs like a top. Eats anything I feed it (3" only).

My experience with Saiga and Baikal has been highly positive, and that's reflected in nearly everything I've ever heard or read about them, too.
I'm reminded of an old quote that goes something like this:

"Ask a Russian to design a pair of shoes, and he'll bring you something that looks like the box the shoes come in. But ask him to design something to kill Germans, and he turns into Thomas %$#@-ing Edison" !!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwL_JEsJ1b4
That should be the video where they put 50,000 rounds through a mp153 in a few days.

I seem to recall folks who were duckhunters on a shotgun forum who really liked them.

I just wish that my LGS carried more new Russian guns. I recall seeing in a catalog and wanting several Baikal rifles and a cowboy action shotgun that they were unable to order. And I hate using Gunbroker!

I hunt and shoot trap with Baikal shotguns. They are inexpensive, very durable, and always go bang when I pull the trigger. After 4 years of ownership where I put at least 1000 shells a year through it and drag it all over the place in all kinds of conditions, my 20 gauge O/U Baikal still looks and handles like it did the day I took it out of the box. Not too shabby for $400.

They lack finesse compared to more expensive brands and sometimes fit and finish are less carefully done. That said, most of the time it is a Baikal I am reaching for before I go out hunting for doves, small game, waterfowl, clays, etc.

With import restrictions in place, I would say the big issue with them is spare parts. Fortunately they seem to rarely need them.

Hello,

In general Izh shotguns are well built and good for the price. On the other hand, you should be more specific about which Turkish guns you want to compare them to as there are quite a few shotgun manufacturers in Turkey. Gazela arms is one thing and Huglu is entirely different. If you compare MP153 with Stoeger 2000 they are both well build, but the later has better balance and it's lighter.

I would like to offer couple of observations about the guns you posted:
MP153 (I have not handled MP155, but I believe that mechanically there will be little difference) - fair gun, but heavy and with bad balance. It may have reliability issues with lighter ammo - the gas piston system is not of a very good design. You should expect rough finish, surface rust, bent top ribs, gritty and heavy triggers. It's a cheap gun after all. And it's Russian...

Izh 27 - modernized (or should I say profanized) version of Izh 12 which was a direct rip off of Browning B25. I don't know about recent guns, but couple of years ago Izh used the same receiver for 12 & 20 gauge - no comment here... 20 gauge shotguns were actually heavier than 12 gauge. Expect the same problems as with Mp153 - finish, rust, crappy trigger, crooked top ribs and a couple more:
On Izh27 with mobile chokes I have witnessed the thread for the choke tube to be off center, resulting in partially peeled off choke tube with the fist shot. The owner was lucky enough to take a look in the barrel before inserting a 12 ga slug...
On single trigger Izh27 - on brand new shotguns you may have both barrels firing at the same time - a most memorable experience, especially with magnum cartridges! This interesting phenomenon happens because Ivan does not bother to clean the trigger mechanism from dirt, metal and wood shavings before the assembly. And not to mention the horrible finish and burrs on the parts in question. This is true for every Izh shotgun - before use I strongly recommend to disassemble the gun (remove the stock in double barrel shotguns) and thoroughly clean and lubricate the mechanism.
In general wooden stocks are with poor mating surface to the receiver which may lead to the stock cracking with relatively low round count.

All in all the Izh guns are OK for the price, but do expect imperfections - if one wants to buy an Izh shotgun he should thoroughly examine it first.

Best,
Boris

I also own a weatherby sa08. I would say the baikals are less slick, but built more heavily. The only issue I ever had with the Baikal o/u was one instance of double firing early on and a quick cleaning of the action solved the problem. I have not put as many shells through the weatherby so no idea if it will prove as reliable.

dak0ta said:

Hi,

What's the general and objective consensus on modern Russian sporting designs. Kalashnikov Concern owns the Saiga, Izhmash and Baikal civilian brands. The rifles and shotguns seem robust, reliable, and well made with good materials. It seems easier to own a machined steel and walnut firearm from Russia at a $500 price point that will compete with Western brands. They also offer a big step up from the bargain Chinese branded clones that sell around $200-400. They're priced similar to Turkish imports, but it seems like they may be better built than these too. Are they not popular because of import restrictions or are the guns fundamentally inferior besides aesthetics? P.S. Remington had imported these under the Spartan brand in the early 2000s.

Baikal MP-155



IZH-27 O/U

Click to expand...

Bikal makes a nice 16gague I have one only gripe is the single trigger
otherwise a nice skeet and hunting piece

I like the Russian huntings guns. They tend to be pretty durable/reliable and hold their value. I think Baikal makes some good shotguns in particular.

I have an older bakail 12 gauge O/U, bought it used for $200. Fixed chokes, It patterns decently, it hits where I point it. The the lockup is strong and tight with 0 play. For the money I am quite pleased.

It does not fit me as nicely as a browning, But it was one tenth the price. it's kinda ugly also, wood and its finish areso-so, metal fit and finish are functional but not elegant. lines are kind of odd making it look kinda goofy. The newer ones seam to have better cosmetics.

when I bought it the trigger mechanism was saturated in loose greasy surface rust, or possibly rust stained grease? but after cleaning and soaking the parts in clp there was almost no metal damage, I think part of the bluing chemical was not cleaned properly in this area.

She's an ugly girl but she gets the job done with low maintenance and is much better than being alone.




I also have a 50's SKS and a 00's Saiga 12, both of these are functional driven designs, cheaply built but reliable, although better built than the satellite former com-block countries. both are cool and useful weapons but not finely built like American arms.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk