Today there is an increased interest in old and time-tested Soviet hunting rifles. It's no secret that modern Russian and Western guns are significantly inferior to Soviet models in terms of quality and shooting accuracy.
The classic double-barreled shotgun produced by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant IZH-58 16 gauge (sample 1958 - 1986) is an excellent confirmation of this. To this day, this reliable weapon enjoys well-deserved popularity and authority not only among hunters, but also among people who value quality and reliability.
Historical background
Mass production of IZH-58 16 gauge started in 1958. The design bureau of IzhMEKh, headed by L. N. Pugachev, was engaged in the development of a new model. A distinctive feature of the Izhevsk horizontal from its predecessors 54 and 57 modifications was a clear technological advantage, which was expressed in ease of assembly, and therefore in reducing the cost of the product.
The base model IZH-58 was designed for hunters-traders and provided for the release of the model exclusively in 20-gauge. Later, after the mass production of the base product, the gun causedgreat interest and popularity among hunters. It was decided to produce IZH-58 in 16 gauge, and then 12 gauge.
The fame of the reliability and quality of the 58 model went beyond the Soviet state. The gun was 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 launched the production of a modernized modification of IZH-58M, which became a hybrid development consisting of parts and assemblies of IZH-48 and IZH-58 16 gauge. The overall barrel 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 rifles were exported, mostly they were the countries of the socialist camp of Eastern Europe.
Later, in 1977, the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant began to produce the IZH-58MA 16 gauge, which was equipped with a fuse that automatically triggered when the gun barrel was broken.
World recognition of Soviet gunsmiths
In 1986, Izhevsk gunsmiths stopped the mass production of IZH-58, considered the best model of hunting rifles in its class. In the same 86th year, at the International Leipzig Fair, IZH-58 was awarded a gold medal. The gun received such international recognition for its original and high-tech solution, as well as for reliable and constructive operational solutions. Over the years of mass production of this modification, more than 850 thousand copies were made.
From now on, only true connoisseurs of the Soviet quality of the arms industry have such models in their arsenal. Western collectors of small arms consider it an honor to have a copy of the Soviet-made IZH-58 in their collection. This once again proves the quality and reliability of the hunting rifle of Izhevsk masters.
Izh-58 shotgun 16 gauge, general description
Classic double-barreled horizontal shotgun. All metal components and parts (barrels, blocks, couplings) IZH-58 are made of structural carbon steel of high quality 50A. A stepped protrusion is installed on the receiver, which plays the role of a lock for locking the gun from accidentally pressing the trigger. The internal bores of the barrels and chambers are chrome-plated. Triple locking of the IZH-58 is provided by special mechanics, consisting of 2 underbarrel hooks and a bolt lever.
Design and markings
Rifle stock IZH-58, 16 gauge. Like the forearm, the buttstock is made of birch, and in export versions it is made of beech. For exclusive hunting rifles, a walnut stock with original highly artistic inlay was inserted. This design of hunting weapons was especially liked by members of the Soviet government and their Western counterparts, who were given these exclusive models.
When disassembling the IZH-58, the model is divided into three components: the fore-end, the barrels and the block with the butt. The manufacturer's stamp is stamped on the barrel sleeve, where the date is indicatedassembly, the serial number of the gun, the allowable pressure in the chamber, as well as the brand name of IzhMEH.
IZH-58, 16 gauge: consumer reviews
Along with the advantages of the Izhevsk gun, according to hunting enthusiasts, there are some shortcomings identified during operation. The main one is a tight fuse. The characteristic click when the key is turned off from an accidental shot often frightens the beast, which is not liked by the shooters.
For some purchased gun models (IZH-58 16 caliber), hunters' reviews have complaints about a slight wedging of the ejector. Very often you have to fix this shortcoming with your own hands.
But basically the IZH-58 small arms are a reliable gun that is suitable for commercial and sport hunting. The special attraction of this hunting weapon is its lightness, which is an important factor. After walking tens of kilometers in search of prey, every hunter notes this particular feature of small arms.
Choosing between modern weapon models and the Soviet gun IZH-58, very often hunters stop at the latter. Shooting accuracy, lightness and beautiful design - these are the main components of the IZH-58 horizontal double-barreled shotgun, which has been serving hunters for many, many years.
Technical description of the Soviet model
IZH-58, 16 gauge, characteristics and technical data of the gun:
- Manufacturer: IzhMekh (Izhevsk Mechanical Plant).
- Barrel length: 730 mm.
- Gun weight: 2.7-2.9kg.
- Narrowing (left barrel) muzzle: choke.
- Narrowing (right barrel) muzzle: payday.
- Automatic safety against accidental pressing of the trigger.
- Pistol neck.
- Bed: birch, beech.
- Material: 50A steel.
- Internal chrome barrel and chamber.
Interesting facts
According to some observations of Western experts in weapons art, it was noticed that the model of Izhevsk manufacturers IZH-58 is an exact copy of the legendary hunting rifle of the German company I. P. Sauer and Son” of lineup No. 8. Some similarities with the Western model are also confirmed by Russian experts in the history of Soviet small arms.
Nevertheless, the worldwide recognition of IZH-58 in the international arena speaks for itself, “Made in the USSR.”
