Soviet weapons designers created a lot of rifle models. Each of them has its own design features and characteristics. TOZ-87, according to experts, became the first mass-produced gun that uses gas-operated automatics. This rifle unit has been created for ten years. Information about the device, modifications and technical characteristics of TOZ-87 is contained in this article.
Introduction to weapons
The model was designed under the guidance of the Soviet designer N. V. Babanin in 1987 at the Tula Arms Plant. Hence the name of the gun - TOZ-87. The characteristics of the weapon allow hunters and hobbyists to use it in a wide variety of conditions, and even where a humid tropical climate prevails. TOZ-87 is certified as a civilian hunting rifle in Russia and Kazakhstan.
Description
Due to its characteristics, TOZ-87 is suitable for many running hunts. A weapon with a fixed barrel and a chrome-plated channel. The Tula developers rigidly connected the barrel itself to the receiver. For this purpose, special ledges were made in it. If necessary, the fore-end can be removed. It is attached with a special cap. Shotgun with tubular underbarrel magazine, designed for 4 ammunition. To prevent accidental firing, the weapon system was equipped with a push-button fuse, through which the trigger is locked. Thus, the fuse, which was equipped with the front part of the trigger guard, locks the hook, blocks the striker with the help of the combat stop, preventing it from inertially pricking the cartridge primer. The material for the manufacture of the butt and forearm was walnut or beech wood. The butt of the gun is a semi-pistol type and has a rubber recoil pad.
According to the characteristics of TOZ-87, shooting is carried out with 70-mm cartridges of 12 gauge (12/70) with non-metallic sleeves. It was for 12 gauge that the chamber was drilled in the gun. The sighting system is represented by only one front sight. Unlike the basic sample, in its modifications, the shooter can also use aiming bars.
Device
Tula gunsmiths decided to use an underbarrel magazine as a gas exhaust system in weapons. Thus, the inner part of the gas chamber rod became the location of the cartridges, the magazine spring and the pusher. According to experts, such a design is not typical for any domestic or importedsemi-automatic.
Due to the combination of the underbarrel magazine and the gas system into a single unit, it was possible to improve the characteristics of the TOZ-87, namely such parameters as the balance and overall weight distribution of the rifle unit. The return mechanism is equipped with two springs.
One was placed in the magazine, and the second was in the neck of the butt at the rear of the sliding bolt frame. They lock the ammunition in the barrel chamber. It is enough for the shooter to put the bolt on the combat stop. With his protrusion, he will enter the window at the back of the trunk. TOZ-87 comes with a trigger mechanism adapted only for firing single shots. The gas exhaust system is devoid of a gas regulator. Therefore, this nuance will have to be taken into account by the owner when choosing ammunition, namely the type of gunpowder and shot load.
How does the system work?
This automatic weapon uses the energy generated by the combustion of gunpowder. After the shot, the powder gases are removed from the barrel channel into the gas chamber. Especially for this purpose, the barrel was equipped with two small holes. During firing, ammunition is automatically fed into the chamber by moving the sliding bolt forward.
How to use?
Before you load a hunting rifle, you need to check the ammunition. Do this using the control sleeve. Cartridges can be considered serviceable if they enter this sleeve freely. It is important that their edges do not protrude from the end. If the ammunition is not included, then it is executedcalibration by means of a running ring. Further, such a cartridge should be checked with a sleeve again. The loading procedure is carried out as follows. First, the bolt frame and bolt are retracted to the rear extreme position. As a result, the trigger will be cocked, and the bolt will be on the lever in the feeder. Now the gun needs to be put on the safety in position "A". The button moves from left to right. Next, the ammunition is inserted and the feeder snaps into place. After completing these steps, the spring will begin to act on the shutter. Thus, he will move forward and send the ammunition into the chamber. The only thing left for the arrow to do is, while holding the latch, start the feeder until it stops. Next, the fuse is removed: the lever is moved back to the left. The gun is now ready for use. To fire a shot, the hunter needs to pull the trigger.
TTX
TOZ-87 has the following performance characteristics:
- By type, this rifle unit is a gun.
- Country of origin: USSR.
- The model was produced at the Tula arms factory.
- Toz-87 weighs 3.2 kg.
- The total length of the gun is 83 cm, the barrel is 71.1 cm.
- TOZ-87 is 6 cm wide and 20 cm high.
- Functions due to the removal of powder gases.
- Shooting is carried out with 12/70 cartridges.
- Shotgun with magazine ammunition.
TOZ-87 served as the basis for the design of several modifications that have other technical characteristics.
TOZ-87-01
Unlike the base model, for thisthe rifle unit is provided with a ventilated aiming bar. In addition, judging by the reviews of the owners, TOZ-87-01M is characterized by improved disassembly. This sample is equipped with a standard choke - choke. The gun weighs, like its counterpart, 3.2 kg. Barrel length 71, 1 cm.
TOZ-87-02M
As with the previous two models, the weight of this gun does not exceed 3.2 kg. Rifle unit also with improved disassembly. The advantage of TOZ-87-02M is the presence of interchangeable muzzle nozzles. If necessary, the shooter can use the choke, pay choke and cylinder. The disadvantage of the model is that it is not equipped with a ventilated aiming bar.
About the technical characteristics of TOZ-87-03M
This rifle unit has improved disassembly and interchangeable choke tubes. In addition, the Weaver aiming bar is installed on the TOZ-87-03 gun. At the bottom of this device there is a special selection in the form of a semicircle, exactly along the radius of the receiver. The bar is attached to the weapon with three M4 bolts. The characteristics of TOZ-87-03 are as follows:
- The gun weighs 3.2 kg.
- The barrel length, as in previous models, is 71.1 cm.
- Functions due to the removal of powder gases.
- Firing with 12/70 ammunition.
Short barrel models
On the basis of TOZ-87, Tula gunsmiths created three rifle units, which, unlike the previous versions, have barrels 54 cm long. A shortened barrel is typical for TOZ-87-4M. ForTOZ-87-5M, in addition, interchangeable muzzle nozzles are provided. The owner of TOZ-87-06 has the opportunity to use muzzle attachments and the Paradox optical sight. The characteristics of this device allow you to hit a 200 mm target from a distance of 100 meters. Due to the fact that the weapon is equipped with a special extension cord, TOZ-87-06 is suitable for various types of hunting. Shotguns with short barrels weigh 3.1 kg.
About ammunition
For the reason that the automatics of this hunting rifle were worked out with Sokol gunpowder, as the owners say, it is with this brand that TOZ-87 functions best. Judging by the numerous reviews, these rifle units can be loaded with Taiga ammunition if they are equipped with Italian-made gunpowder MV-36, G-300, F2x28. Also, the guns work well with the cartridges "Joker" and "Nitrogen" with gunpowder "Sunar" from KNIIKhP. They will work a little worse with domestic P-125 and Sunar-SF. With the first brand, reliable operation of automation is not ensured, with the second, the sleeve flange is too swollen, as a result of which the extraction of the spent ammunition from the chamber is significantly more difficult. Some hunters for TOZ-87 buy Sunar-Magnum gunpowder. According to experts, when equipping cartridges, 42 g of shot is considered acceptable. However, this should not be practiced regularly, since this gun does not have a gas regulator. Otherwise, the sliding bolt will roll back much faster, resulting in more recoil, which can negativelyaffect the accuracy of the battle. In addition, the shock load on the receiver, namely on its rear part, will increase. As a result, the operational life of the rifle unit will be significantly reduced. For those who wish to increase the effective combat range, experienced hunters are advised to sprinkle a 34 g shot shell with starch.
Consumer opinions
Judging by the numerous reviews of the owners, hunting models TOZ-87 have both advantages and disadvantages. The strengths include the short stroke of the piston and the lightness of the weapon. In addition, the guns are well balanced and applied. Consumers highly appreciated the presence of a mechanical push-button fuse in the design. However, guns are very demanding on ammunition. There were times when the system crashed during reloading. This fact, according to experts, is caused by the presence of two return springs, which complicate the operation of the entire mechanism. In those places where powder gases break through, the forearm often burns out, which is also a disadvantage. Due to the fact that the neck of the stock has become the location of one of the return springs, the owner cannot change it. The process of loading ammunition is inconvenient. This is due to the fact that the shooter, during the supply of cartridges to the store, needs to be blocked by a special button on the feeder. Despite the weaknesses that are inherent in the TOZ-87 rifle products, these guns have excellent combat and accuracy, for which many hunters like it.
