Izhmash Biathlon Basic 7-2KO in 22WMR

[PGT]

After being #1 on a waitlist for a 22LR version at Mississippi Auto Arms, I got lucky and scored one of a small batch of 22WMR versions that was just put up for sale. I'd prefer the 22LR since I've got ample stock to shoot, but 22WMR is generally available these days (scored some at Dick's last week for example). On to the pics....

 

[WardenWolf]

Very nice. Those seem to be very well-made, and I haven't heard anything bad about them. How smooth is the action?

 

[PGT]

incredibly smooth. A million times better than my Savage Mk II which is like fingers on a chalkboard. One thing though....the extractor needs a firm "pull" to properly toss the case so you're rewarded by a resolute working of the action.....it's super easy and smooth but it needs momentum to clear the breach.

 

[chicharrones]

Very nice indeed! I like it!

I gotta say I've never seen a muzzle like that, but I don't get out much. It seems like it would make for great muzzle loading, if it were a muzzle loader.

 

[dvdcrr]

What's the weight?

 

[WardenWolf]

Very nice indeed! I like it!

I gotta say I've never seen a muzzle like that, but I don't get out much. It seems like it would make for great muzzle loading, if it were a muzzle loader.

It's common in military rifles. It keeps mud and dirt out of the barrel should it accidentally touch the ground. It also would redirect some of the sound downrange, at the cost of slightly increased recoil. It's not that common for civilian models, though.

 

[PGT]

I'll put it on a scale later today but I'm told it's 6lbs-7lbs, depending on type of wood. The balance is perfect, however...amazing and clearly not accidental.

 

[chicharrones]

It's common in military rifles.

What types of military rifles? Rimfire trainers?

 

[PGT]

My K31's have crowned barrels. Nothing as radical as this Izhmash, however.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Boy-howdy, that is the mother of all crowns!

I'm diggin' it.

Leave it to the Russians to mix the DNA of a stone axe/AK and a target rifle. The accessories crack me up.

The degree of potential for long term ownership tweaking for performance and appearance is intriguing.

Nice catch. What's the preferred ammo to start with in one of those?

 

[PGT]

there's no AK DNA at all in this and none of the AK stuff works on it. It's a pared down version of their full biathlon rifles, in a sporting stock for hunting use. Now, Izhmash does include the same style cleaning kit and oil bottle as I got with my Saiga but that's nothing to do with being an AK variant.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

there's no AK DNA at all in this and none of the AK stuff works on it. It's a pared down version of their full biathlon rifles, in a sporting stock for hunting use. Now, Izhmash does include the same style cleaning kit and oil bottle as I got with my Saiga but that's nothing to do with being an AK variant.

You're over reading it.

I'm thinking about the tough, field worthy approach to what most manufacturers would present as a hot-house-flower of the rifle world and then the near military look of the accessories to boot.

Clearly it has no direct connection with an axe either - merely metaphorical.
Sorry you interpreted it as some sort of insult - I like the rifle.

 

[PGT]

Not an insult at all. Just scratching my head trying to find stuff for it (there is none) and wondering what you were getting on about. ROFL.

 

[Romeo 33 Delta]

Welcome to the small world of Izhmash "7-Series" owners!

You're right ... they're simply beautiful rifles. I have a 7-4 Biathlon, a 7-2 Biathlon Basic (with a set of MT iron sights) and a Sobol and really love them ... and you will get attention at the range when you just "flick" that toggle a couple times!

Good job and it's worth every penny it cost you!

 

[Girodin]

I love these rifles. Very accurate, and I like the toggle action. Do you mind my asking what you paid? I saw some 22 WMR Biathlons at another vendor and they were more than double what I paid for my .22 LR. I'd like to get a .22 mag and would gladly buy another .22 LR but I was a bit taken aback by the prices. Lots of other solid guns with more support for less.

 

[PGT]

I got it from Centerfire Systems. They're currently listed at $549/ea (cash price + shipping).

I'm also looking at a Sobol......REALLY want that but need to stroke a check to Uncle Sam for taxes for $5k so need to recoup a bit. Grrr...driving me nuts....considering selling some other stuff that I know I can always find later to come up with the funds needed.

edit - I'm also on the hunt for iron sights for this. Seems like it would be a lot of fun with plain ole sights on it.

 

[aubie515]

Those rifles shoot great as well as having a nice toggle bolt. I sold mine a couple of years ago.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

how's the trigger?

 

[Girodin]

I got it from Centerfire Systems. They're currently listed at $549/ea (cash price + shipping).

That's where I've seen them. Its tough to pay that for one, when just a couple years ago you could find them for $250 ish. Also the CZ 455 Lux at around $450 makes the Biathlon a much harder sale if its priced $550.

how's the trigger?

The trigger on mine is brilliant. Very crisp and clean. I haven't scaled it, but it is pretty light.

 

[PGT]

Yeah...the trigger is a two stage and breaks around. 1.5-2#

I paid $389 for mine....the $250 days are long gone. That said, I want a CZ 455 and that was my next purchase but it will be available in six months whereas this rifle won't be.

 

[Romeo 33 Delta]

Here's my 7-2 KO Biathlon Basic set up with target sights from MT Guns. Air Force rear Lyman 93 up front and a Lyman 93 up front. Nice set up for sure!

 

[PGT]

Nice! Unfortunately, MT has ceased operations. I was looking at the Lyman catalog based on what MT said they use and I couldn't find the barrel band. Should be generic enough, right?

 

[Romeo 33 Delta]

Too bad that Mac is retiring ... nice guy, nice outfit.

I believe that any front band of the proper diameter will do the trick as long as it's drilled and tapped for front sight bases.

I'm not sure about the mount for the Airforce rear sight though. Found the sight; it's the mount that's got me.

I'll keep looking.

 

[PGT]

Its just a standard 1" weaver ring. The description on Pyramid says "Rear sight can be removed from its mounting base & clamped into a 1" scope ring" and from your pic and this one, it looks like that's what was done.

 

[Romeo 33 Delta]

Thanks!