Has anyone fired a Tula TOZ-78 ?
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I don't know about this particular model, but my father has a Toz from the 70's that is probably an older version of this one. I think he paid the equivalent of about $120 for it brand new, including scope, suppressor and tax.
I have two things to say about the quality of that rifle:
Fit and finsish: Cheap, very cheap. It works OK, but the mechanism has a distinct cheap feel to it. It won't win any beauty contests either.
Accuracy: Unbelievable. I think it's the most accurate "sporter" .22 I have ever tried. In fact, I can't remember shooting anything with a price tag of less than $1500-2000 that will beat it. Very, very accurate, even if the trigger could be a lot better.
I have no idea how current rifles compare to one made 25 or more years ago, or even if the models are comparable, so I don't know how helpful this is. I just know that the Russians can make very accurate guns.
This does remind me that I need to take that little rifle out and shoot it again, it's been too long. I have to test it and find out whether the rifle is actually this good, or if it is my memory that isn't what it used to be.
I have two things to say about the quality of that rifle:
Fit and finsish: Cheap, very cheap. It works OK, but the mechanism has a distinct cheap feel to it. It won't win any beauty contests either.
Accuracy: Unbelievable. I think it's the most accurate "sporter" .22 I have ever tried. In fact, I can't remember shooting anything with a price tag of less than $1500-2000 that will beat it. Very, very accurate, even if the trigger could be a lot better.
I have no idea how current rifles compare to one made 25 or more years ago, or even if the models are comparable, so I don't know how helpful this is. I just know that the Russians can make very accurate guns.
This does remind me that I need to take that little rifle out and shoot it again, it's been too long. I have to test it and find out whether the rifle is actually this good, or if it is my memory that isn't what it used to be.
gun-fucious
Member
I have one that I purchased a couple years ago for $140 (not from AIM). The adjustable trigger is nice. The only problem I have with mine is that it doesn't like to feed hollow points, otherwise it's a great little gun. I bought mine when they first started making them(S/N is under 200) and had a heck of a time finding spare magazines, I guess now I can get a few. Heck, for the price I don't think you can go wrong, I might even get another one!
The Scandinavian
Member
They are very, very popular here in Finland. They have a reputation for being reliable and supremely accurate.
Russian weapons are a bit rough and ready to western eyes, but the functionality is what is important and that is second to none.
I have an older TOZ-17 that I am very pleased with.
The shooting press is very much more impartial here than the US "gunrags" seem to be, and the reviews I've seen here of the 78-01 have been good. I remember though the review in Rekyyli mentioned feeding problems from one magazine, but that was an easy diy fix.
One other point to mention is that many people comment on the short length of pull on Russian rifles - however I personally have never found that a problem (and I'm 6' and well built) in fact wearing heavy winter clothes I'd say it was an advantage.
If I was personally looking for a new .22 bolt action now, it's definately what I'd look at first.
"T.S."
Russian weapons are a bit rough and ready to western eyes, but the functionality is what is important and that is second to none.
I have an older TOZ-17 that I am very pleased with.
The shooting press is very much more impartial here than the US "gunrags" seem to be, and the reviews I've seen here of the 78-01 have been good. I remember though the review in Rekyyli mentioned feeding problems from one magazine, but that was an easy diy fix.
One other point to mention is that many people comment on the short length of pull on Russian rifles - however I personally have never found that a problem (and I'm 6' and well built) in fact wearing heavy winter clothes I'd say it was an advantage.
If I was personally looking for a new .22 bolt action now, it's definately what I'd look at first.
"T.S."
rangerruck
Member
it is so good, that winny is copying this for their wildcat 22. the toz that I see down here in houston have the express sights, and also come with 4 mags! prices range from 130 to 160, and their rep for accuracy is very good! I have not shot them , but have handled them quite a bit, and talked to the dealers that I know who have shot them. They are nice for a field carry , what with the mag protected sides for the well, and come with sling swivels allready , as well. Quite a nice little rig really.
I've got one from the 60's. I got it from my father and proceeded to scope and suppress it, much to the horror of my father, and yes, it does shoot. I know this sounds hard to believe, but I've shot 10 cm groups at 150 meters. Needless to say, that requires almost windless conditions.
As fun and cheap as they are, I do believe everyone should own one.
EDITED TO ADD: Yes, mine is Toz-17 as well. The new 78 is a pretty direct successor, though.
As fun and cheap as they are, I do believe everyone should own one.
EDITED TO ADD: Yes, mine is Toz-17 as well. The new 78 is a pretty direct successor, though.
Red Tornado
Member
Check over at Rimfirecentral. A lot of guys have them and the consensus seems to agree with the Finnish contingent here. Great shooters, great value.
RT
RT
MrTwigg
Member
I've had one for awhile and it's accurate enough to consistently hit clay pigeons on the 100 yard berm. I've also had a good number of clean head shots on squirrels, bunnies and varmits. While the fit & finish does leave a bit to be desired it's not as bad as some folks say.
This is not a serious competitive rifle but it is exceptionally accurate for what you pay. I believe its' a great value for short money.
The March issue of Guns & Ammo features a rifle by Winchester, the "Wildcat". Take a look it's the TOZ-78 action in a pretty stock. Still short money but a bit fancier. The Wildcat is compared to the CZ-452 and the Henry Accu-Bolt. Both of the latter cost more than the former and the TOZ-78 is a lot less $$.
Here's a pic of the Winchester variant. I think the rear sight is an improvement over the rotating "v" notch on the current TOZ-78.
Hope this helps.
This is not a serious competitive rifle but it is exceptionally accurate for what you pay. I believe its' a great value for short money.
The March issue of Guns & Ammo features a rifle by Winchester, the "Wildcat". Take a look it's the TOZ-78 action in a pretty stock. Still short money but a bit fancier. The Wildcat is compared to the CZ-452 and the Henry Accu-Bolt. Both of the latter cost more than the former and the TOZ-78 is a lot less $$.
Here's a pic of the Winchester variant. I think the rear sight is an improvement over the rotating "v" notch on the current TOZ-78.
Hope this helps.
Surplussoldier
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I have one and it is indeed accurate, chamber may be in fact too tight - don't shoot anything that you have difficulty chambering. I love it. Standard-velocity regular ammunition as well as hollowpoint and match shoot fine. I'm not sure how it would handle Thunderbolts and Stingers. It is light and reliable and fun and beautiful, everything a .22 rifle should be. But the magazines are plastic. They work but I don't know where you can get a supply of more of them. I bought one for $100 new, Canadian. I don't have any further need for .22 caliber bolt-action rifles.
rockstar.esq
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I own one and without a doubt it's the most accurate .22LR I have ever shot. I have gotten sub MOA groups at 100 yards with it on more than one occasion! The aesthetics aside, the bolt is smoother out of the box than the CZ which costs four times more. The mags are a stone cold PITA to replace, good thing they supply four of them!
The Scandinavian
Member
Toz-78 magazines are available in Finland from the importer - Asetalo Oy http://www.asetalo.fi Maybe they can ship them to the states?
However they don't have the magazines for the older Toz-17 rifles like mine. Now those really are hard to find
rangerruck
Member
there is also an american made mag that allready works in the toz, but i cant remember who it is, savage maybe.
MrTwigg
Member
mrcpu said:
I have a Bushnel 3-9 X 32 (Yeah, it's a cheapie.) on mine and it works just fine. My eye's ain't what they used to be and I prefer ("need") optics ecspecally when hunting. The scope sits right on top of the rear sight, in fact it sits so low I had to rotate the the leaves to a half-notch to get the scope on. But that's better than having to remove the sight.
I used the rings which came with the 'scope but there are stand off rings available which will let you use irons.
Yes, the finish really is that color gold.
Crimper-D
Member
Got 1 of these and LOVE it!
I set it up for Benchrest Sporter shooting by bolting on a late 70's Tasco (Japanese made) 24X - Most powerful allowed for rimfire sporter. = Shoots astonishingly well for such a lightweight My first range day I was alone with another crazed benchrest shooter who was breaking in his new Thousand Buck+ Cooper 
= The lil' Russian 'Blond' matched his custom gun shot for shot.
Using Wolf, SKJ and Eley Black Box
My buddy was impressed... "I Don't believe the gun, but the targets don't lie...... how Much did you pay for this.....Thing???"
I set it up for Benchrest Sporter shooting by bolting on a late 70's Tasco (Japanese made) 24X - Most powerful allowed for rimfire sporter. = Shoots astonishingly well for such a lightweight
My first range day I was alone with another crazed benchrest shooter who was breaking in his new Thousand Buck+ Cooper = The lil' Russian 'Blond' matched his custom gun shot for shot.Using Wolf, SKJ and Eley Black Box
My buddy was impressed... "I Don't believe the gun, but the targets don't lie...... how Much did you pay for this.....Thing???"
MrTwigg
Member
Crimper-D said:
Now you're gonna hafta name it ..."Thing".
Crimper-D
Member
aka108
Member
I bought a Tula 22 from Davidsons, maybe 10 yrs or so ago. Think it was under 80 bucks. Stock is relatively soft wood finished in a garish red color varnish. Trigger is stamped steel but not bad on the pull. Metal work is mediocre but the accuracy is pretty decent. About on a par with the Ruger 77/22. The iron sights are pretty much rough to say the least. Scoped it with a cheap Bushnell 3x9 and that brought it around to keeper status.
MrTwigg
Member
Crimper-D said:
Since you've asked;
Вещь
Courtesy of bablefish. My Google-Fu is strong.
Yer on yer own for the pronunciation tho..
I like my toz78, the trigger is sweet and the williams peep I put on it works well with the round shroud up front.
It's a very light and handy rifle but the bolt is not what I'd call smooth out of the box......I've polished it a bit and it's better but has kind of a loose, klunky feel to it.
I've never tried a CZ but I'd be surprised if their bolts are rougher then the toz78's
It's a very light and handy rifle but the bolt is not what I'd call smooth out of the box......I've polished it a bit and it's better but has kind of a loose, klunky feel to it.
I've never tried a CZ but I'd be surprised if their bolts are rougher then the toz78's
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