During the Great Patriotic War, a large number of hunting rifles were confiscated from the population for the needs of the army. Most of them were destroyed. In the post-war period, the country needed "fur" currency and meat of game animals. The question of the shortage of hunting weapons was particularly acute. The government went to meet the needs of the people. To ensure the well-being of her people, she resumed the mass production of various models of shotguns, among which the IZH-26 hunting rifle became especially in demand.
Overview of products made in Izhevsk
Izhevsk is famous for its arms factory. Among the models of guns he produced:
- IZH-43. The designs of the mechanisms of these guns were assembled from the remaining pre-war backlog of parts. The model was equipped with brand pipes made of insufficient quality steel. The IZH-43 system is highly reliable.
- IZH-54. It is a double-barreled shotgun with triple locking. The design does not have an additional safety cocking on the triggers.
- IZH-57. The model has been produced since 1957. Producthas horizontally paired trunks. The design is identical to IZH-54. These models differ in the size of the parts. IZH-57 is equipped with a thin and streamlined bolt box and an aiming bar protruding from the sides of the receiver tubes.
- IZH-58. Produced since 1958. It replaced the hunting model IZH-57.
- IZH-26. The gun was manufactured from 1969 to 1975. Designed for 12-gauge ammunition that uses smoke and smokeless powder. The model is effective in various types of hunting and is used by both amateur beginners and professionals. The gun was designed according to the model of IZH-54. These models differ in the locking unit. This function in IZH-54 is performed by the Griner bolt. In the new lightweight model, the bolt has been replaced by a striker plate operated by the head of the locking lever.
- IZH-26E. The hunting rifle model has found its consumer both in the domestic and foreign markets. 200 thousand pieces were sold abroad. Unlike the IZH-26, the IZH-26E gun is equipped with a special ejector mechanism that makes it easier to operate, and is an independent model, not an improved variation of the IZH-54.
How was the shotgun tested?
Active resumption of the production of fishing guns began with the onset of peaceful life. One of the relatively cheap models, which was important for the post-war period, whose designs were distinguished by reliability and manufacturability, was the IZH-26 double-barreled hunting rifle.
After the assembly of the structure, mandatory production testing took place. In the process of testing IZH-26 guntested using enhanced charges of smokeless powder capable of developing 900 kg / 1 cm2 in a channel with a block of a disassembled model. and 850 kg / 1 cm square. assembled.
Tactical and technical characteristics
- Caliber - 12 mm.
- The length of two barrels is 73 cm.
- The chambers are 7 cm long.
- The weight of the shotgun is 3.3 kg.
- The IZH-26 hunting rifle is equipped with chrome-plated bores and chambers.
- The right bore with a 0.5 mm choke (called a "pay") with a hit accuracy of 55%.
- The left barrel, whose choke is 0.1 cm, was called the “full choke”. Its combat accuracy is 65%.
Drilling bores
Following the example of the already finished system IZH-54, the masters of the Izhevsk plant changed the diameter of the channel in IZH-26. The gun is equipped with barrels with a diameter of not 18.5 mm, as was the case with IZH-54, but 18.2 mm. This size is considered acceptable for paper sleeves. When using metal sleeves, there is a mismatch in dimensions. The IZH-26 smoothbore gun is distinguished by good combat when using ammunition in a paper or plastic shell. The use of metal sleeves entails a decrease in the accuracy of hits by up to 20%. In this case, an increase in recoil during firing is observed. IZH-26 - a gun (photo below), unlike its counterpart IZH-54, which has an elegant shape and finish.
Covering
To cover the trunks, a very stable varnish is used, which is also called “rusty” in everyday life. On thean iridescent “colored kapka” pattern is applied to the weapon block, thanks to which the product acquires a very beautiful appearance. The disadvantage of the coating is its weak stability. This cannot be corrected even if a hard Bakelite varnish is applied over the “colored kapka”. During operation, the lacquer coating of the gun is quickly erased on clothes.
Material
In the production of barrel channels IZH-26 and pads, low-carbon steel 15 is used. This grade is easy to process mechanically. After work, it is subjected to heat treatment. According to its technical characteristics, brand 15 is inferior to tool grade 50RA, which is used in the production of IZH-54 guns and does not need heat treatment.
An iron box filled with coal was used to perform this procedure. A gun was placed in this container. The upper layers of the metal were saturated with carbon. In production, this process was called “cementation”. After the steel pads were heated, the craftsmen took them out of the iron box and dipped them into the water. An important point in the cementation was considered to be the exclusion of contact of a hot product with oxygen. The hardening procedure entailed a slight deformation of the pads. After heat treatment of the products, the barrel blocks of the IZH-26 hunting rifles were fitted to the finished blocks.
What is a “socket”?
One of the problems that gunsmiths often face is fitting barrels to stocks. Among lovers of hunting shotguns, thisThe procedure is also called "patch". With the advent of such a model as IZH-26, fitting has become easier. This is due to the fact that in the design of this gun, instead of the Griner bolt, there is a striker plate, which, according to user reviews, is easier to work with. But the “prilot” of guns equipped with a Griner bolt provides a double-barreled shotgun with a longer resource.
Structure of trunks
The barrels are heat treated and connected to each other with a coupling. To do this, they are subject to preliminary pressing, after which they are locked in the breech with a pin. The rest of the trunks are stopped with the help of slats: upper and lower. The top bar is also used as a means for aiming. It is a product of a trapezoidal shape, consisting of two parts, between which, by means of soldering, a hinged post is installed, which is used to fasten the forearm to the IZH-26. The shotgun (photo below) is equipped with two screws needed to hook the sling swivels.
The stock is made from walnut or beech. The stock can be straight or pistol shaped.
The trigger mechanism is mortise. For its installation in IZH-26, special grooves are provided on the receiver and base (mask). With the help of the shank, formed as a result of the mask attached to the bottom of the receiver, a stock is attached to the double-barreled shotgun.
What are firetubes?
The IZH-26 system has a return function. This is done usinga special limiter, which is under pressure from the lower feather of the main leaf spring. The inertial striker and the return spring, unlike the Anson system, are not one. These spare parts of the IZH-26 gun are installed separately from the side of the receiver shield. Their fixation is carried out with the help of special screw-in chrome-plated plugs, or firewalls. This design makes it possible, if necessary, to easily disassemble the IZH-26 gun. User feedback on the use of weapons is positive: in the event of a breakage of the striker, the need to completely disassemble the design of the double-barreled gun disappeared (which had to be done when repairing Anson guns). To replace the striker, just unscrew the necessary firetube.
These chrome products have two functions:
- They are an ornament on the guards of the pads in double-barreled shotguns of the IZH-26 and IZH-54 models.
- Prevent possible burn-through of the metal near the holes of the strikers.
How is a combat platoon and descent carried out in a hunting double-barreled shotgun?
The cocking of the hammers is carried out using special indicators located on top of the receiver. The cocking and trigger levers take part in this process. With the help of the first, as a result of opening the trunks, the hammers are cocked, and then rest against special sockets, which are located in the hinged part of the forearm. The front trigger is under the action of a spring, which prevents fingers from being injured on the second trigger during recoil. Such a device is typical for guns of the highestclass. The standard Anson system only locks the hooks with an automatic safety catch. Locking triggers and levers is provided in IZH-26. The characteristic of the gun contains another important quality: the system of this model has a smooth descent. It is carried out with fully open trunks.
To remove the triggers from the sear, use the thumb of your right hand to move the safety button to the front position, and press the trigger hooks with your front finger. After that, the trunks are closed. It is undesirable to perform such a procedure with loaded chambers, as this may lead to the production of an unexpected shot.
When is the dismantling of weapons?
If necessary, carry out repairs, cleaning or lubrication of the gun, inspection, as well as during transportation IZH-26 is disassembled into two parts:
- barrel and handguard;
- receiver and stock.
In order to disassemble the weapon for cleaning, you need:
- Pull the forearm latch towards you. As a result of this manipulation, the handguard will be disconnected.
- Turn the locking lever to the right as far as it will go. After that, the barrels are separated from the receiver.
- Turn the safety bracket screw counterclockwise.
- Remove the screws securing the trigger base.
- Using a screwdriver, pry off the cocking springs. After that, the receiver is removed from the bed by means of light rocking up and down. This gives access to all mechanismsguns that can now be oiled and cleaned.
Further disassembly consists of the following steps:
- The cocking units are removed from the receiver after their locking screws are unscrewed. However, it is important not to lose them.
- When taking out the triggers, it is necessary to ensure that they do not fly out under the action of the springs. To do this, the triggers should be removed along with the limiters.
- Remove the safety button after the retaining pin has been knocked out of it.
Ejector model of the IZH-54 shotgun
In 1969, using the base of the IZH-54 system, the company began manufacturing a new non-ejector gun model IZH-26 E.
This shotgun was designed as an independent weapon with an ejector mechanism. The device of the IZH-26 E gun is the same as in IZH-26.
How to turn off the ejector mechanism?
In the IZH-26E hunting rifle, cases of weakening of the lamellar springs of the ejector triggers (hammers) are not uncommon. To prevent this, the springs must be periodically lowered. To do this, you can use a nail or wire of the desired diameter, with which the forearm is disconnected. The ejector mechanism is turned off by turning the triggers. Before attaching the handguard back, it is recommended to cock the ejector hammers. Otherwise, fastening it will be difficult or cause damage to the double-barreled mechanism.
The hammer cocking procedure consists of two steps:
- The nail is inserted into the hole in the top of the trigger.
- Using the nail as a lever, you need to cock the trigger. This work should be done gradually: first one trigger is cocked, and then the second.
A soft click will indicate that the platoon is complete. The trigger itself should be slightly inclined relative to the front of the forearm.
Options
The presence of fuses and ejectors in double-barreled shotguns, both during the Soviet Union and today, is not in demand among domestic consumers. Hunting rifles IZH-26 E were intended mainly for export. Simultaneously with the production of this model, its new unified version IZH-26 - 1C was created. This gun, after comparative testing with similar imported weapons, gave good results. Despite all the advantages of IZH-26-1S, the double-barreled shotgun was not included in the production series. Experts explain this by the fact that a cheaper and lighter model appeared on the arms market - IZH-58M. It uses 12 gauge and has the same power as the IZH-26 gun.
Reviews
According to reviews, IZH-26 hunting rifles have a reliable system, which is practically not affected by years. According to owners who purchase double-barreled shotguns from many years ago, signs of their "age" are visible only from the outside. Inside the system, everything is in perfect condition: rust does not touch the choke and pay at all. According to users, external defects are usually caused by lack of maintenance of weapons.
Of course, some owners, when purchasing old IZH-26, sometimes notice small rusty areas inside the trigger. Regardless, the whole system works well. Ownershunting shotguns and experienced gunsmiths are advised to use special carburetor cleaners and Ballistol grease to remove rust.
According to some owners, IZH-26 hunting rifles, compared to IZH-54, have a shorter resource, which manifests itself in the appearance of a chat. According to other fans of shotguns, the resource is individual for each gun. According to the adherents of this model of weapons, it is difficult to achieve a system shutdown in IZH-26, even if you use battery terminals, chopped nails or cast-iron shot for firing.
Today, IZH-26 guns, like other old models made in Izhevsk, are in great demand. Although they are not rare, they are not easy to find.
Hunting shotguns IZH-26 and IZH-26E proved their high efficiency and reliability. These guns allow you to use any type of cartridges and hunt in different latitudes.
