Shotgun IZh-58 16 caliber: specifications, photo, reviews

Today, there is an increased interest in the old and time-tested Soviet hunting rifles. It's no secret that modern Russian and Western guns are much inferior to Soviet models in the quality and accuracy of shooting.

The classic double-barreled production of Izhevsk Mechanical Plant IZh-58 16 caliber (model 1958 - 1986 g.) Is an excellent confirmation. To date, this reliable weapon enjoys deserved popularity and authority not only among hunters, but also among people who value quality and reliability.

Historical reference

Mass production of IZH-58 16 caliber was started in 1958. The design bureau IzhMechA headed by LN Pugachev was engaged in the development of a new model. A distinctive feature of the Izhevsk horizontal line from its predecessors, 54 and 57 modifications, was a clear technological advantage, which was expressed in the simplicity of assembly, hence in reducing the cost of the product.

The basic model IZH-58 was designed for hunter-fishers and provided for the production of a model of only 20-caliber. Later, after the serial production of the base product, the gun aroused great interest and popularity among hunters. It was decided to produce IZh-58 16 caliber, and then 12 caliber.

The glory of reliability and quality of the model went beyond the boundaries of the Soviet state. The gun began to be exported to more than twenty countries in Europe, North and Latin America.

New samples of the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant

In the 70s of the last century, Izhevsk gunsmiths established the release of the upgraded IZH-58M modification, which became a hybrid development consisting of parts and components IZH-48 and IL-58 16 caliber. The overall stem length of this series was from 720 to 730 millimeters, the weight of the modified IZH-58M model reached 3.3 kilograms. More than half of the IZH-58M guns were exported, mainly the countries of the socialist camp of Eastern Europe.

Later, in 1977, the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant began to produce the IZH-58 MA 16 caliber, which was equipped with a fuse, automatically triggered when the rifle barrel broke.

World recognition of Soviet gunsmiths

In 1986, Izhevsk gunsmiths stopped mass production of IZH-58, considered the best model of hunting rifles of its class. In the same year, 86 at the International Leipzig Fair IZH-58 was awarded a gold medal. Such international recognition of the gun was received for an original and high-tech solution, as well as for reliable and constructive solutions for operation. Over the years of serial production of this modification, more than 850 thousand copies were produced.

From now on only true judges of the Soviet quality of the arms industry have in their arsenal such models. Western collectors of small arms consider it an honor to have in their collection a copy of IZH-58 of Soviet manufacture. This once again proves the quality and reliability of the hunting gun of Izhevsk masters.

IZH-58 rifle 16 caliber, general description

A classic double-barreled gun with a horizontal stem arrangement. All metal components and parts (trunks, pads, couplings) IZH-58 are made of constructional carbon steel of high quality 50A. On the shaft sleeve there is a stepped protrusion, playing the role of a lock for locking the gun from accidentally pressing the trigger. The internal channels of the trunks and the chambers have chromium plating. Triple lock IZh-58 is provided with a special mechanics consisting of 2 barrels and a locking lever.

Design and marking

Rifle butt IZh-58, 16 caliber. Like the forester, the butt is made of birch, and in the export versions - from beech. For exclusive hunting rifles, a walnut bed was inserted with an original highly artistic inlay. This design of hunting weapons was especially liked by the members of the Soviet government and their Western counterparts, whom it was customary to present with these exclusive models.

When disassembling IZH-58, the model is divided into three parts: fore, trunks and shoe with butt. The brand of the manufacturer is stuffed on the barrel clutch, where the date of assembly is indicated, the serial number of the shotgun, the permissible pressure in the chamber, and also the brand name IzhMeh.

IZH-58, 16 caliber: consumer reviews

Along with the merits of the Izhevsk rifle, according to the fans of hunting, there are some shortcomings, revealed during the operation. The main one is a tight fuse. A characteristic click when the key is turned off from an accidental shot often frightens the beast, which is very disliked by the arrows.

On some purchased models of guns (IZH-58 16 caliber) reviews of hunters have claims for a small wedging ejector. Very often we have to eliminate this shortcoming with our own hands.

But mostly small arms IZH-58 is a reliable rifle that is suitable for commercial and sport hunting. A special attraction of this hunting weapon in its lightness, which is an important factor. After scores of kilometers in search of prey, each hunter notes exactly this feature of small arms.

Choosing between modern weapons models and Soviet IZH-58, very often hunters stop at the last. Accuracy of shooting, lightness and beautiful design - these are the main components of the horizontal twin-barrel IZH-58, which has been serving hunters for many, many years.

Technical description of the Soviet model

IZh-58, 16 caliber, characteristics and technical data of the gun:

• Manufacturer: IzhMeh (Izhevsk Mechanical Plant).
• Barrel length: 730 mm.
• Weight of the gun: 2,7-2,9 kg.
• Narrowing (left trunk) muzzle: choke.
• Narrowing (right trunk) is a muzzle.
• Automatic fuse from accidental depressing of the trigger.
• The pistol neck.
• Lodge: birch, beech.
• Material: steel 50A.
• Internal chrome plating of the barrel and chamber.

Interesting Facts

According to some observations of Western experts of weapons art, it was noted that the model of Izhevsk manufacturers IZH-58 is an exact copy of the legendary hunting rifle of the German firm "I. P. Sauer and the son of the lineup No. 8. Some Russian experts on the history of Soviet small arms confirm some similarity to the Western model.

Nevertheless, the international recognition of IZH-58 in the international arena speaks for itself, "Made in the USSR".