Semi-automatic shotguns. Overview - Italian Breda Shotguns
With the fact that the classic double-barreled shotgun is more elegant and more aesthetic in principle, even the most ardent admirer of semi-automatic guns is unlikely to argue. But many, at least in everyday life, and by no means only in hunting, today prefer "techno" to classical lines.
H the same to purely utilitarian qualities, then all the pros and cons of a particular choice are well known. The double-barreled shotgun seems to be more reliable, since two independent trigger mechanisms are "responsible" for both barrels. Therefore, even in the worst case, at least one will shoot. However, modern semi-automatic weapons, with proper care, are practically not inferior in reliability to double-barreled shotguns. The double-barreled shotgun allows you to have two cartridges with different charges at the ready. A semi-automatic machine attracts with the ability to make not 2, but 3-5 shots in a row.
The only thing that almost all hunters agree on is that they unanimously recommend that beginners start hunting with a semi-automatic device. Usually they say that a hunter should come to a multi-shot gun himself, consciously, having checked all the pros and cons, so to speak, on his own skin. But if you have made a choice in favor of a semiautomatic device, then it will be useful to take a closer look at its device. Despite the external similarity of these mechanisms, the principle of operation of automation can vary greatly.
Since now, three main schemes for the operation of automation are most common: gas-operated guns, guns with inertial reloading, and finally, a reloading scheme with a moving barrel.
Each of these systems has its own advantages and disadvantages and, accordingly, its fans and detractors. So, let's look at the main schemes.
Shotguns with a gas-operated reloading mechanism.
Today they make up the absolute majority. This is explained primarily by the comparative simplicity of designing and manufacturing such guns. On the principle of a gas outlet, for example, Beretta semi-automatic devices work. If it is very primitive, then this principle is based on the removal of part of the powder gases from the bore into the chamber with the piston. Gases act on the piston, the piston - through special rods - on the shutter. Moving backward, the bolt unlocks and removes the spent cartridge case, moving forward under the influence of the mainspring, sends the next cartridge from the tray into the barrel.The simplicity of the design, the ability to adjust the amount of exhaust gases by changing the shape of the piston, allows the use of cartridges with a wide range of shot weights.
With a significant - especially for a person who loves weapons, but does not really like to take care of him - the disadvantage of the gas outlet is that when cleaning, you will have to scrub not only the barrel and receiver with the shutter, but also the gas outlet mechanism. The fact is that powder soot is not only aggressive in itself, it is also very hygroscopic, that is, it attracts moisture from the air, thereby accelerating the corrosion process.
Lazy owners of gas guns sooner or later pay for it. (Perhaps, this is where the opinion comes from that all semi-automatic machines are capricious and demanding to care for.)
Shotguns with inertial reloading mechanism.
This - business card products from Benelli. The first thought that comes to mind after getting acquainted with weapons with an inertial shutter: such a scheme cannot work. But it works - and how!
Without going into technical details, we note that the weapon is reloaded not due to inertia, but due to recoil, but the shutter is unlocked precisely due to inertia. It looks like this: when fired, under the influence of recoil, the entire gun moves back, and the bolt moves forward at a distance of about 3-5 mm, compressing the inertial spring between the body and the bolt head (this spring and the unlocking mechanism are the "secret"); in this case, the shutter is unlocked, and then, under the influence of recoil, the sleeve is ejected. Moving forward under the influence of a return spring, the bolt sends the next cartridge from the tray to the barrel. Accordingly, in order for the weapon to be reloaded, it must necessarily move back at least 3-5 cm. As an experiment, you can firmly rest the gun, for example, against a wall and shoot. It won't recharge. The main and, perhaps, the only disadvantage of shotguns with an inertial shutter is that they do not like small portions of shot (24 g). The force of inertia with a small hitch decreases, and it happens that the automation does not work. Otherwise, these guns are very reliable and unpretentious, it is a pleasure to clean them: the barrel and the bolt are all. I have known several Benelli M3 S90 owners who haven't had them cleaned in years! And the guns shot flawlessly, yes, probably, they still shoot. And then, in one of the American publications, I generally found a rather original point of view: Benelli M3 S90, they say, does not need to be cleaned at all, because it shoots fine without it for 5-7 years, and when after this period it starts to "mope" , you just need to ... throw it away and buy a new one. I'm not sure that all readers will want to take this advice.
Shotguns with a movable barrel.
It was this reloading mechanism that was used in the famous Browning Auto 5 (by the way, this gun even got into the Guinness Book of Records as the longest produced mass-produced weapon and - with minor changes - has safely survived to this day). The first Soviet semi-automatic machine MTs 21-12 also worked on this principle.
From the scheme it looks like this: when fired, the barrel, linked to the bolt, moves back. Having reached the end point, it disengages from the bolt and, under the influence of its separate spring, rushes forward, while the sleeve is ejected. The shutter is fixed in the rear position. As soon as the barrel reaches the front end point, the bolt is released, which, moving forward, sends the next cartridge and, having done this, again engages with the barrel.
As you can see, in comparison with other schemes, "extra" details appeared, such as, for example, a barrel spring. Accordingly, the assembly and disassembly of weapons became more complicated. Alas, this is not the main problem. Since the hitches can be different, two special cone rings were introduced into the scheme, the position of which regulated the recoil force. That is, before firing, it was necessary to decide which charges would be fired (normal or light), and, depending on this, place the rings on the magazine tube under the barrel spring. The confusion could either result in a too fast recoil and possibly the barrel and bolt not disengaging in the rear position, or the weapon not being reloaded.
The advent of the magnum cartridge exacerbated the problem. Perhaps that is why guns with a movable barrel are practically not produced now.
Since now, however, several models of guns with a mechanism based on this principle have been produced. Among them are MTs-21-12, Breda Apollo Super, etc.
Review of counters.
On the Russian market today there is a huge number of semi-automatic shotguns of different systems, quality, origin and price. Short review I’ll start with the available proposals with the most, probably, the smallest, very unusual in design and, of course, the most expensive of the semi-automatic machines - Cosmi. In principle, the phrase "elite weapons" does not apply to semi-automatic weapons: it is generally accepted that these are purely utilitarian products. Cosmi - perhaps the only exception to this rule, a cue analogue of the "Rolls-Royce" among the semi-automatic "workhorses".
This rifle is unlike any other semi-automatic. Almost everything distinguishes it: a special inertial shutter, an original mechanism, common on double-barreled shotguns, but not used on self-loading top key that unlocks the receiver. By turning it, you can break the Cosmi in half and gain access to the mechanism and magazine. The tubular magazine is hidden in the butt - thus, the craftsmen of the Cosmi company leveled the problem of changing the balance when shooting and, accordingly, reducing the cartridges in the magazine, inherent in all semi-automatic devices. Cosmi shotguns are almost ten times more expensive than "regular" semi-autos (over $10,000). The company produces only about 100 guns a year.
If Cosmi is the rarest semi-automatic shotgun, then the most common, occupying the lion's share of the market, is the product of the "three Bs" - Beretta, Benelli, Browning. I believe that in Russia they make up more than 90% of all imported semiautomatic devices sold.
B
eretta AL390, which appeared in Russian stores about 10 years ago, immediately won the hearts of hunters. This is an amazingly reliable and unpretentious gun. The Beretta 391 Urica that replaced it, according to some reviews, is already more flimsy and more difficult to endure the tests of Russian hunting. Nevertheless, the Urica (as, indeed, all Beretta semi-automatic gas vents) is practically "omnivorous" - it can fire cartridges with weights from 24 g to 57 g without any additional adjustments. This is achieved due to the fact that a special automatic valve relieves excess pressure when firing heavy charges. Among the shortcomings, the owners note a weak fore-end (wooden), which often bursts during intensive use of the gun, and a relatively weak bluing of the barrel.Firm Benelli specializes in shotguns with an inertial lock, although the latest model Benelli M4 in fact is already a "gas vent". The deviation from his favorite inertial principle of reloading is apparently due to the fact that the M4 was developed for a competition for the selection of a new shotgun for the army and police, one of the conditions of which was the creation of a gas-operated shotgun.
Benelli semi-automatic machines can be roughly divided into two categories. The first - purely hunting - will include such guns with impeccable classic design as Rafaello, Super Black Eagle, Edition, Manchino, Montefeltro. The second - M1 Super 90, M3 Super 90, M4 Super 90. All these are tactical shotguns suitable for both hunting and so-called "practical" shooting. (A tactical shotgun is a gun designed for the army and police. They usually have a plastic butt and handguard, a pistol grip and a large magazine capacity (over 5 rounds). - Note ed.)
A very interesting development of the Benelli M3 Super 90 is a shotgun capable of firing both in semi-automatic and pump-action modes. In front of the forend there is a mode switch, made in the form of a ring, turning which, in one movement, you turn the semi-automatic into a pump and vice versa. Such a function, in general, useless in hunting, can be useful when firing cartridges with a rubber bullet (a conventional semi-automatic device does not reload when firing traumatic and signal cartridges). The only significant drawback noted by the owners of Benelli guns is that the specificity of the inertial shutter implies a very light return spring, and this, when using non-calibrated cases, can lead to the shutter not closing and misfires. When using high-quality ammunition and timely cleaning, there are no problems when shooting.
The famous Browning Auto 5 model, already mentioned above, during for long years was almost the only semi-automatic rifle in the vast Soviet Union. An alternative was the MC 21-12 created on its basis. With a rather complex mechanism, the model with a movable barrel worked very stably and reliably. But everything flows, everything changes - new tasks, new requirements (primarily the requirement for omnivorousness and the ability to shoot magnum cartridges) led Browning to abandon the moving barrel scheme and switched to a simpler and more reliable gas outlet scheme on models Browning Fusion, Browning Phoenix and Browning Gold.
The choice of the "three Bs" is quite tasteful: the build quality is about the same for everyone, the price is the same. Interchangeable chokes are also available for everyone. "Brownings" and "Berettas" are traditionally a little more difficult to assemble and disassemble, "Benelli" "fight" more. However, I will not undertake to motivate to give preference to one of them.
If for the world giants listed above the Russian market - with all due respect - is quite marginal, then for a small private company Fabarm from Italian Brescia it is extremely important. Appearing on our market about 10 years ago with simple Ellegi and Euro 3 models, the company took into account all the wishes of customers (Fabarma shotguns of early releases gained a reputation as "living", that is, having insufficient sharpness of battle) and now introduces new ones on the market models of the Euro Lion MK series. They have absorbed all the best from their predecessors and are devoid of "childhood diseases". A feature of "Fabarma" is a self-regulating gas-operated reloading system (similar in effect, but not in design to the Beretta one), which makes it possible to shoot any cartridges without any problems with the mechanics. All parts of the gas exhaust system are Teflon coated, which protects them from corrosion and simplifies cleaning. The outer side of the metal parts is coated with Karbon Fiber, which also protects against scratches and oxidation. All Fabarmo barrels have a special Tribore drilling, which helps to obtain a uniform shot scree, increases sharpness and reduces recoil energy.
Fabarm semi-automatics are among the lightest: the weight of a 12-gauge shotgun is only 2.8-2.9 kg. Another "Italian" presented in Russia - Caesar Guerini - outwardly differs little from the well-known hunting semiautomatic devices: an underbarrel tubular magazine, a loading window from the bottom of the receiver, a removable barrel. But as soon as you take it apart, you understand that in front of you is something unusual. Caesar Guerini did not copy any system of "gas" direction or blindly repeat the famous "inertia" from Benelli, but made his own original design.
There are only three moving parts in the inside of the gun, namely, the shutter (assembly), the frame, and the return spring. It all works as follows. The shutter has a movable ledge (wedge) swinging in a vertical plane. This protrusion engages with a cutout on the barrel. Under the action of the recoil of the entire weapon, the frame (on which the bolt is fixed and which is coupled to the return spring) moves back, the bore is unlocked (the wedge goes deep into the bolt), the sleeve is extracted, the frame moves back, compressing the spring. The spring absorbs some of the recoil energy, making it more stretched. Having reached the extreme rear position, the spring begins to decompress, sending forward a new cartridge from the magazine, and the bolt is locked again.
The location of the return spring around the tubular magazine, in addition to improving recoil, has two more positive points: firstly, the neck of the butt does not weaken, unlike systems where the spring is located in this place. Theoretically, this gives a guarantee that the tree will not split in such a vulnerable place. Secondly, the spring is much more accessible in case it needs to be cleaned of dirt that has accumulated there. By the way, disassembling a gun (a trifle, but nice) is very simple and takes literally a few seconds.
At the end of the review, I would like to draw the attention of readers to Turkish guns that are new to our market. Ata Arms makes classic gas guns that are very decent in terms of price-quality ratio. This is almost the only company that supplies semi-automatic 20-gauge "magnum" calibers to our market. Having a small weight, in terms of power they are very close to the usual 12-gauge, which is very convenient for sea hunting.
The semi-automatic machines Huglu of one of the oldest Turkish companies also work on the principle of venting.
S toeger, with the only Stoeger 2000 model so far, makes semi-automatic machines with an inertial reloading mechanism under license from Benelli. The equipment was brought from Italy, the staff was trained there. But the price due to the lower cost of labor is a couple of hundred lower. However, whether it is necessary to save this couple of hundred on a gun that is not bought for a year or two, and on oneself beloved to check how well the Turks have learned Italian lessons, everyone will decide personally. Although the reviews about the "stoegers" are very decent.
Alexander Kudryashov
In the past 2014, RosImportOruzhie expanded its range of hunting smoothbore weapons with two models of 12*76 caliber:
Inertial semiautomatic device Chirok-12
Gas outlet semiautomatic device Chirok-12G
Both models, commissioned by RosImportOruzhie, are produced in Turkey.
To date, the attitude in Russia towards Turkish 12-gauge semi-automatic rifles is somewhat skeptical. This is mainly due to the fact that our market is saturated with various models of vented and inertial semi-automatic machines manufactured in Turkey. At first (5-6 years ago), the cheapest weapons were imported to Russia from Turkey, so that later on the shelves of stores in our country they could successfully compete in price with the products of domestic arms factories. The result of this approach is known: the maximum savings in the production process, starting from the quality of the materials for the manufacture of the gun and ending with the low qualification of the personnel.
As a result, the buyer began to treat cheap guns from Turkey as cheap Chinese clothing or equipment. However, if we draw an analogy with China, it is there that the world famous Apple company places orders for the production of its products. And today, no one dares to call, for example, the iPhone a cheap “widescreen”. The same is true in the production of weapons. If you initially put forward the requirements for the quality of the final product to the manufacturer, he will certainly fulfill them.
True, the price of a custom-made weapon will be higher, but as practice shows, today a potential buyer of a hunting rifle is ready to pay a little more, but in return to get the reliability of the reloading system, the durability of the components and mechanisms of the gun, a high-quality chrome-plated barrel bore, more durable butt plastic or more noble drawing of a wooden box.
It is under such requirements that the shotguns of the Chirok series are produced. Note that this was preceded by a year and a half of work with the manufacturer to adapt guns to hunting conditions in all climatic zones of Russia and cartridges produced by Russian factories. As a result, we were able to get a completely finished product. Shotguns of the Chirok series have high reliability, operational durability and excellent indicators of sharpness and accuracy of battle.
As you know, the barrel is responsible for the fight of the gun. Its internal diameter (caliber) is 18.3 mm, which is in the lower tolerance limits and provides a very sharp fight. Each semi-automatic is supplied with a set of 5 choke constrictions with a key for their installation. These are a cylinder (0.0 mm) and a cylinder with a pressure (0.25 mm) for firing caliber bullets and steel shot. The remaining 3 chokes with a diameter of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mm allow you to get a heap of lead shot at distances up to 45 meters. The bore and chamber of the Chirok series guns are chrome-plated. The ventilated bar along almost the entire length of the barrel has an anti-reflective coating. A screw-in light-gathering front sight from the world-famous manufacturer Truglo.
In terms of accuracy and sharpness of the battle, hunting weapons of 12 caliber of the Chirok series are approximately equal. However, the differences begin.
Chirok-12 is a semi-automatic with an inertial reloading system. The design of the shotgun is based on the proven system implemented by Benelli in the Montefeltro model. The barrel bore is locked by two lugs due to the rotation of the bolt head. A huge advantage of the inertial guns of this design is close to perfect balance. The center of gravity of a gun loaded with 4 rounds is directly under the bolt. Such a weight distribution was made possible due to the absence of a heavy gas chamber and a return mechanism on the magazine tube. The return spring of the Chirok-12 is located in the butt, which unloads the forearm even more, allowing it to be made lighter and thinner without sacrificing ease of loading.
In the inertial shotgun Chirok-12, the energy of powder gases is used only for firing. Gases do not get into the mechanisms of the gun, which allows you to devote less effort and time when servicing the weapon. Moreover, structurally, an inertial gun is a little simpler than a gas-operated one.
It would seem that with such advantages of the inertial scheme, the gas outlet would have to lose ground. But it is not so. In Russia, as well as throughout the rest of the world, there are adherents of semiautomatic venting devices. Their feature is that a very small part of the powder gases is removed from the bore and initiates a reload cycle. In an inertial shotgun, this cycle begins right away, as soon as pressure begins to build up in the bore and the projectile leaves the case. In a gas-operated semiautomatic device, the barrel bore remains locked and the moving parts remain at rest until the powder gases enter the gas chamber, located about 30 centimeters from the chamber. During this time, the projectile will have time to get a solid momentum with the barrel locked. That is why the battle of guns with a gas-operated reloading system is slightly sharper than that of inertial semiautomatic devices.
The price to pay for a little more sharpness in combat is most often the balance of the gun and longer maintenance. However, Chirok-12G is partially devoid of these shortcomings. Of course, the massive gas chamber and piston shift the balance of the gun towards the barrel, but the Chirok-12G return mechanism has been moved to the stock. This made it possible to reduce the preponderance of the reloading mechanism towards the barrel, to make the forearm of the gun lighter and more elegant. The shutter weight of the Chirok-12G is almost two times less than that of the inertial Chirok-12, so both of these guns are approximately equal in balance.
Also, thanks to the transfer of the return mechanism assembly to the stock, the cleaning and maintenance of the Chirok-12G shotgun after firing was simplified. The Chirok-12G piston has a design that allows you to work out the full cycle of automation both on the "sporting" hinges of 24-28 years, and on the magnum hinges of 43-55 years. With a small weight of the projectile, all powder gases are used to reload the gun. With an increase in the weight and, as a result, pressure, part of the powder gases is vented into the forend, ensuring a smooth rollback of the moving parts and at the same time “blowing out” the soot from the gas exhaust mechanism. The Chirok-12G is based on a very successful model from Beretta - the 300 series.
The receivers (receivers) of both models of the Chirok series are made of durable 7075 aluminum alloy. The receivers are unloaded when fired, as they do not participate in locking the bore. The main load falls on the barrel and the locking elements of the shutter. This allows the receiver to be made of lighter aluminum. Trigger pads (USM) are made of impact-resistant plastic. Aesthetically, an aluminum block would be more pleasant, but they have the same operational strength with a plastic one, but the percentage of trigger failures in a plastic block when grease is frozen or sand gets into the mechanism is noticeably lower. Thus, the plastic block provides the gun with a slightly higher reliability in extreme conditions.
The stock and fore-end of the Chirok series are made of Turkish walnut on CNC machines. For the vast majority of the noticeably more expensive Italian guns, the forends and stocks are made in Turkey from the same material. Plastic butts and forearms can be black or camouflaged, as, indeed, the Chirok guns themselves.
In conclusion, let's say that the quality of workmanship and finish of the Chirok series guns is at its best. All this is due to the fact that our company, when ordering weapons from the manufacturer, did not save on such unshakable concepts for every hunter as simplicity, reliability and durability.
Sincerely,
chief technical consultant
Pavel Novichkov
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12/17/2009 | Semi-automatic: which weapon is better?
It is unlikely that anyone will dare to dispute the fact that recently semiautomatic devices have begun to be popular not only among hunters, but also among sports shooters.
There are several reasons behind the phenomenal rise in popularity of semi-autos. Firstly, this is a lower price compared to double-barreled shotguns, secondly, less weight (individual models), thirdly, the convenience of shooting due to the fact that part of the shot energy is used to reload the gun, and fourthly, it is the ability to produce up to five shots, which is important, given the level of shooting training of many hunters, especially young ones.
The smaller mass of semi-automatics (for certain models) can also turn into a disadvantage - the moment of inertia of the gun decreases, so that the hunter or shooter needs to exert more effort than when shooting from a double-barreled shotgun to control the position of the gun with a leash. Despite this, semi-automatic devices are distinguished by a fairly high seating ability and maneuverability.
If Russian manufacturers can offer a Belarusian hunter about a dozen models, then the imported line of semi-automatic devices includes more than fifty models. IN this review four models are compared. These are Beretta AL391 Urika, Browning Gold Fusion, MP-153 and MTs 21-12. It is these guns that are the leaders in sales of weapons of this class and are the most popular among semi-automatic weapons in Belarus. There have long been disputes on Belarusian Internet forums about which weapon is better - imported or Russian.
Browning Gold Fusion
This weapon has become popular since the appearance on store shelves. The choice of hunters was determined by an acceptable price, workmanship and high reliability when operating in extreme conditions. However, interest in this model has somewhat decreased today and not without reason.
During operation, weaknesses began to be revealed that were not taken into account by the designers in the process of creating a gun. Largest number complaints were caused by frequent breakdowns of strikers and the work of mechanics. To the credit of the designers, they made the necessary changes to the design of the gun, and as a result, all the shortcomings identified in the conditions of actual operation were eliminated.
Browning Gold Fusion looks solid. Browning Gold Fusion wood is dark, almost chocolate-colored.
On closer examination, you can find traces of soldering in the places where the barrel and the aiming bar are fastened, which is somewhat strange for a weapon of this class. In addition, the rib itself makes the silhouette of the gun a little “humpbacked”. The huge gold inscription on the receiver Fusion (translated from English as "alloy") looks a bit luridly.
The gun weighs 3.6 kg, the barrel length is 76 cm, and the total length is 128 cm. Compared to the Beretta AL391, the Urika Browning Gold Fusion is somewhat heavy for a semi-automatic, but at the same time it has a high applicability, and shooting from it is quite comfortable. The only complaint about the gun is a fairly large trigger pull, almost 2.5 kg. The optimal force would be no more than 2 kg.
Gas outlet semiautomatic devices, incl. and Browning Gold are best known for their comfortable shooting. After several hundred shots, the hunter will not experience discomfort. Automatic reloading works flawlessly.
The triangular, all-over knurled Browning Gold Fusion safety is much better than the Beretta AL391 Urika. It is also located on the basis of the trigger guard, but in its rear part, closer to the butt.
Unlike the Beretta, the Browning can be loaded both cocked and deflated.
The semi-automatic kit includes three fiber optic front sights - white, red and greenish-yellow. The shooter can choose the color of the front sight according to his preferences.
This is what a modern semi-automatic hunting rifle should look like: nothing more.
As Michelangelo said, creating a masterpiece is very simple - you just need to cut off everything unnecessary from a block of marble. The words of the great artist and sculptor are quite appropriate: the appearance of the Beretta AL391 Urika was worked on by Giugiaro, the most famous design studio.
The shape of the gun resembles a shark - due to the "gills" of the compensation valve located at the end of the tubular magazine.
One of distinctive features The AL391 Urika trigger guard is rounded and blends into the stock to guarantee safe, quick access directly to the trigger. The increased diameter allows the use of gloves. The large, ergonomic, stylized bolt handle minimizes the effort required to operate the bolt.
The Beretta AL391 Urika safety is located at the base of the trigger guard and is a round button. It works clearly, but it may seem that the area of the button is too small and it takes a lot of effort to press it.
The surface of the receiver is coated with an anti-reflective matte compound that contrasts with the polished sides.
The Beretta AL391 Urika is loaded through a window at the bottom of the receiver, and this can only be done with the trigger mechanism cocked.
The gun has a magazine cutter, as well as a quick-loading system: having put one cartridge into the magazine, it is enough to press the shutter delay button so that in a moment the cartridge is in the chamber.
The applicability of the gun can be assessed as excellent. The quality of the fitting of metal and wood parts, as well as the quality of the wood itself, deserves praise. The color of the wooden parts is light brown.
MP-153
Without abandoning its ambition to become a world-class sporting weapons manufacturer, the Russian company BAIKAL (Izhevsk Mechanical Plant) has released a new MP-153 repeating shotgun of modern design, capable of operating on all 12-gauge cartridges, 70 mm, 75 mm and 89 mm with both lead and steel shot. It is a semi-automatic device with the removal of powder gases.
The gun barrel is made of carbon steel by hot forging, chrome-plated, equipped with interchangeable chokes adapted to steel shot. The gun has a blued barrel, a ventilated rib with knurling to reduce glare, and a white metal front sight. At the first quarter of the length before the muzzle, the bar becomes solid and ventilated for the last three quarters of its length. Each shotgun comes with a set of interchangeable chokes: a pressure cylinder, a payload and a full choke.
The weapon has a malleable aluminum alloy receiver and features dual rods to prevent jamming. The firing mechanism is attached inside the receiver with two pins and can be easily removed for cleaning. There is a single "gold-plated" trigger and a trigger-blocking fuse located at the rear of the trigger guard.
Locking occurs with a single, recessed cam at the top of the bolt, which fits into a cutout on the extension of the barrel. The shutter moves on a carriage driven by two rods. Dual extractors pull the bolt case out of the chamber. The ejection of the sleeve is carried out by a fixed ejector with two teeth, fixed on the left inside receiver box. The bolt is locked in the open position after the last round has been fired. To release the bolt, press the bolt release button on the right in front of the receiver. The carriage stop lever is located on the right side of the receiver at the front end of the trigger housing. When the hammer is cocked, the bolt will not lock in its rearmost position unless this lever is pulled back.
The gas exhaust system operates on the principle of exhaust gases high pressure through two holes at the bottom of the barrel. The gas pushes the piston and both rods back to actuate the compression mechanisms of the return spring, which is fitted concentrically on the tubular magazine. Excess gases are bled off through an automatically adjusted adjustment system. The surfaces of the tubular magazine, the piston and the inner cavity of the body of the MP-153 gas cylinder are chrome-plated.
The outer surface of the elongated part of the knurled choke tubes allows easy replacement without a key. The firing control system is simple, durable and easily removable.
Despite the weight, the balance of the MP-153 is excellent, which greatly simplifies the use of the gun. For example, the balance point is located under the front end of the receiver, which gives a sufficient advantage forward and contributes to the smooth handling of the gun, without feeling bulky. Comfortable thin pistol grip with a slight thickening for the palm is another important feature.
MP-153 looks elegant - good wood, high-quality metal insert. spoils a little appearance strange shape of the store cover.
The Russian company created a good gun, although later, according to the results of its operation, significant improvements had to be made. Of course, there are certain elements in the gun that cause doubts, but it works without problems on almost all cartridges (12/70, 12/76, 12/89).
During the operation of the weapon, many hunters complained about sticking the edge of the steel cup of the sleeve into the sharp edge of the chamber rim. The manufacturer did not pay attention to the blunting of sharp edges, but this is not difficult to eliminate. When reloading, cartridge cases must be calibrated, even all-metal ones, while it is necessary to choose a ring that is not too strict. Modern imported cartridge cases are very weak and poorly calibrated, but the edge of the cup, which folds outward when fired, must be bent inward, otherwise sticking cannot be avoided.
The disadvantage of the MP-153 may also be the sticking of the sharp edge of the sleeve flange into the joint of the magazine tube and the box jumper. On the edge of the latter it is necessary to apply a chamfer. Such a drawback was noticed in Tula semiautomatic devices, especially when using a metal sleeve with a flange that is sharper than that of a plastic sleeve cup or a calibrated imported sleeve, in which the flange has become flat.
The reload handle of the MP-153 has a mounting design, like the Beretta AL391 Urika, and is removed from the bolt very easily. In the guns of the first issues, it was often lost. Later this shortcoming was eliminated.
Like the bore (and other parts that work with powder gases), the magazine tube must be cleaned and lubricated regularly - despite the chrome coating, powder gases can burn through it quickly enough. By the way, on the gas pistons of many guns of the first releases in the corners of the grooves for placing thrust there are through breakthroughs from milling. This is not a defect, although it makes it somewhat more difficult to clean the weapon after firing.
Like many other automation systems, individual samples of the MP-153 can malfunction when firing without pressing the butt to the shoulder.
The design of the store allows the use of extension cords. The conventional extension nut allows for one more cartridge capacity with a longer spring, and is usually factory-installed on 89mm chambered shotguns supplied in the USA. For ease of handling a disassembled gun (without a barrel), a special plastic plug is placed under the magazine nut, which must be removed before hunting to increase the magazine capacity, although this will complicate disassembly and assembly due to the longer spring length than that of the magazine.
The MP-153 is a reliable, well-made semi-automatic magnum shotgun that comes as a kit and has features that are important to most shooters. Its price is acceptable. This the best choice for hunting waterfowl, as well as for shooters sensitive to recoil. Its solid construction and reliability are another significant argument for many shooting enthusiasts to pay attention to the gun.
The MP-153 was included in the list of "Russia's 100 Best Goods", many Russian arms dealers recognized it as a sales leader, and two hunting magazines - Guns & Ammo and Sports Afield - named it the 2001 shotgun in the USA.
MC 21-12
None of the domestic guns were written in the press as much as about the semi-automatic machine MTs 21-12.
The historical prototype of the MTs 21-12 is the Browning AUTO-5, a hunting semiautomatic device that works like some artillery pieces on the roll-back principle and was created at the beginning of the century by John Browning. Initially, this model was made by TsKIB SOO. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, this model was produced in small quantities, with a 675 mm barrel, which had a fire accuracy regulator and a chamber for a 65 mm long cartridge case. Currently, the gun is produced in ordinary and piece versions with a barrel length of 750 mm and a chamber length of 70 mm.
There are no screws in MC 21-12. It is easy to disassemble and assemble. The butt mount is much better than its prototype. But still, MTs 21-12 is not the legendary Browning AUTO-5, which has been produced unchanged for a hundred years by many countries of the world (Belgium is the main manufacturer) and performs its work almost flawlessly. The main drawback of the Russian semi-automatic machine MTs 21-12 is the level of production technology, the quality of the work of gunsmiths.
The MTs 21-12 has power, strong combat, accuracy, range, five quick shots in a row. So what are its shortcomings?
Significant weight, however, only in comparison with the Beretta AL391 Urika. Difficult maintenance, sensitivity to grease, dirt, cartridges, uniformity in the selection of cartridges, i.e. the inability to choose one or another fraction. And most importantly - the possible failure of the mechanism. This weapon is not suitable for a beginner hunter.
Until 1990, the quality of MTs 21-12 was higher; they are more reliable than modern, albeit more affordable crafts. The gun can "wedge", double shots, throw out two rounds at once, etc.
The main distinguishing feature of the MC is the principle of operation of the mechanisms. The MTs 21-12 is a semi-automatic, reloaded by barrel recoil, and the Beretta AL391 Urika, Browning Gold Fusion and MP-153 are semi-automatics with a gas-operated reloading mechanism.
The principle of operation of MC 21-12
Let's try to briefly but clearly talk about the main thing - the operation of the gun mechanism, hidden from the eyes of the shooter both by the casing and the forearm, and by the lightning speed of the ongoing processes.
The entire cycle of operation of the gun mechanisms is divided into two phases: “rollback” and “rollback”. the beginning of the first phase - "rollback" - is the extreme forward position of the shutter. At this moment, the loaded cartridge is in the chamber, the next one, partially extended from the magazine, rests against the cartridge limiter located on the bolt. The combat stop, located in the skeleton of the shutter, is located in the hole of the shank of the barrel, due to which the barrel and the shutter are in an engaged state. The trigger is cocked and its combat hook is on the combat hook of the descent.
When fired, the pressure force of the powder gases is transmitted through the bottom of the sleeve to the bolt and the barrel coupled to it, telling them to move in the box. This coincides with the beginning of the movement of the projectile along the bore and is accompanied by compression of the springs: the combat trigger (the trigger is cocked), the return barrel and the bolt. The barrel, with its protrusion, releases the left stop of the cartridges, and, having left the groove of the receiver, it delays the cartridge, allowing the latter to exit the magazine by a small amount. Next, the protrusions of the barrel and bolt release the right stop of the cartridges. The barrel and bolt continue to move back. Arriving in the rearmost position, the bolt is delayed by the feeder lever, and the barrel, under the action of its return spring, disengages from the bolt (the lugs are retracted into the bolt frame). In this case, the uncoupling hook of the trigger stands on the corresponding uncoupler hook. The feeder tray is in its lowest position.
After the completion of the “rollback” phase, the next phase begins - “rollback” - the movement of the barrel, and then the bolt forward, under the action of its springs. The barrel, disengaged from the bolt, releases the spent cartridge case held on the bolt by the extractor and latch, and with the help of a fork-shaped protrusion on the shank, reflects the cartridge case out of the box through the side window of the cover. When the barrel approaches the extreme forward position, with its protrusion on the shank, it presses the left stop of the cartridges and sinks it into the groove of the box. The released cartridge, under the action of the magazine spring, moves to the feeder tray and presses the feeder latch with the sleeve flange, which leads to the release of the bolt, which begins to move forward. Moving, the bolt presses on the feeder, which, rotating, raises the cartridge, and the bolt moving forward sends it into the chamber. The extractor and the lock of the shutter snap into place on the flange of the bottom of the sleeve, entering the corresponding grooves located in the front of the chamber. The next cartridge is held in the magazine by the right stop until the shutter comes to the extreme forward position. When the shutter approaches the extreme forward position, the shutter with its protrusion presses the right stop of the cartridges, and the released cartridge moves slightly back under the action of the magazine spring, until it stops with its flange against the cartridge limiter on the shutter. Since at this moment the uncoupling hook of the trigger is on the corresponding hook of the uncoupler, it is necessary to release the trigger to make the next shot. As a result, under the action of the spring, it will turn around its axis, and the trigger, under the action of the mainspring, will jump from the uncoupler hook to the descent combat hook.
At this point, the “roll-on” phase ends, and the gun mechanisms are in the appropriate position necessary to complete the next working cycle - the gun is ready for the next shot.
However, the gun has one drawback: the operation of the mechanisms is poorly protected from atmospheric influences. Penetration through the hole for ejection of the sleeve and the hole of the feeder of dust, particles of reeds, straw into the bolt box can significantly impair the clarity of the mechanisms, and sometimes leads to their complete failure. It is necessary to constantly monitor the cleanliness of all mechanisms, lubricate with the appropriate oil in time.
Particular attention should be paid to the "retractable" system, which includes a brake, brake buffer, buffer-return spring, barrel return spring and support ring. All these parts are located on the body of the store. When fired, the support ring with the barrel, moving back, squeezes the brake with its inner cone, which is a cut ring, which is compressed from the outside by an annular spring. On the other hand, the brake is compressed by the inner cone of the buffer, which is acted upon by the barrel return spring. In this position, you can shoot more powerful charges (with proper lubrication). When the buffer is reversed, i.e. with an inner cone to the spring, by increasing the amount of lubricant corresponding to the season, it is possible to shoot with reduced charges. Thus, the correct selection of charges, temperature conditions, type of lubrication, and a properly assembled "rollback" device make it possible to shoot cartridges of different power from the same gun, widely varying the weight of the shot shell and gunpowder.
In addition to the malfunctions encountered when firing from a self-loading rifle, indicated in the passport, several other possible failures of the mechanisms should be noted. This is the loss of the cartridge from the chamber, the jamming of the shutter when retracting it manually (the combat stop does not disengage). Sometimes when using cartridges that have not been checked by the control sleeve or for other reasons, the barrel with the bolt gets stuck in the rearmost position. The reason for this is that the lugs did not come out of the hole in the barrel shank. Sometimes it happens that after a shot, the cartridge case remains in the chamber, and the next cartridge from the magazine is raised by a tray to the chambering line. When the shutter moves forward, the latter sticks into the cartridge, and the cartridge into the sleeve that has not been removed from the chamber.
Also, poor lubrication of the bolt return spring, which is located in the stock body tube, may be a likely cause of reload failure. Some hunters for many years of hunting with a gun not only do not lubricate this spring at all, but also do not clean it from old grease and dirt.
There are spontaneous or double shots. The reason for them may be clogging or poor lubrication of the parts of the trigger, disconnector and trigger, which move with their hooks from the disconnector to the combat hook when the trigger is released to fire the next shot.
With the listed types of failures, reloading the gun most often leads to normal operation of the automation, but then the failure is repeated.
Dismantling of all guns is done in the traditional way for semi-automatic guns. First you need to unscrew the cap of the tubular magazine, then remove the forearm and, pulling the bolt back, remove the barrel from the receiver. Disassembly does not require special tools and can be done in the field. As far as care is concerned, Special attention should be given to cleaning the gas outlet unit, because. it is on its correct operation that the reliability of the functioning of the gun as a whole depends.
conclusions
| Semiautomatic model | Beretta Urika AL391 | Browning Gold | MP-153 | MC 21-12 |
| Shotgun caliber | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Gun weight, kg | 3,2 | 3,6 | 3,7 | 3,6 |
| Barrel weight, kg | 1,0-1,04 | 1,2-1,26 | 1,1-1,16 | 1,1-1,18 |
| Availability of nozzles | + | + | + | + |
| Barrel length, mm | 760 | 760 | 660 | 750 |
| Overall length, mm | 1275 | 1300 | 1205 | 1265 |
| The maximum length of the disassembled gun, mm | 890 | 890 | 860 | 830 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 93,5 | 14,2 | 22,1 | - |
| Barrel diameter, mm: | 26,9 | 27,5 | 26,0 | 27,0 |
| 75 mm from the treasury | 26,9 | 27,5 | 26,0 | 27,0 |
| at the muzzle | 22,2 | 22,6 | 22,4 | 21,0 |
The main advantage of domestic semi-automatic machines is, of course, the price, and the quality leaves much to be desired. If we rank the models under consideration, then the places could be distributed as follows: Beretta Urika AL391, Browning Gold, MTs 21-12, MP-153.
But these stereotypes prevent hunters from getting to know good weapons better, which is produced by Turkish companies.
A few years ago, weapons from Turkey appeared on the Ukrainian market and immediately won the sympathy of numerous hunting enthusiasts. Later, they got acquainted with the novelties in Russia. There is no own weapons school in Turkey.
There are developments by local craftsmen, but most of the products are produced in close cooperation with the Italian concerns Benelli, Beretta and others. Arms factories use advanced technologies and produce guns that are in many ways similar to those of market leaders from Italy.
Components for many models are shipped directly from Italy. Some Italian concerns, such as Mirocchi, provide a branded warranty for some models manufactured in Turkey under their control. Every year the quality of Turkish hunting rifles improves, and it is more and more difficult to distinguish them from pure "Italians".
Shotguns made in Turkey
In Turkey, there are both subsidiaries of Italian companies and local arms factories that produce, under license, models of Turkish-made hunting rifles that are popular in Europe. High quality steel is purchased from Europe. At many enterprises, production shops are computerized. In the workshops, collectible samples of guns are made to order.
There are a lot of arms companies. The largest market players are Ata Arms, Hatsan and Huglu. They have long and successfully engaged in the processing of steel and the production of weapons. European standards allow Turkish gunsmiths to produce competitive products that are cheaper than Russian counterparts.
What types of hunting weapons are produced in Turkey? Buyers have a lot to choose from:
- Single barrels;
- Shotguns with a horizontal and vertical arrangement of the barrel;
- Gas outlet and inertial "semiautomatic devices"
For left-handers also make models of guns. Pleasant moment: you can make a hunting rifle for a specific customer. Some models are equipped with barrels of various lengths.
The range of calibers is the widest. The details fit well together. The butt is most often made of walnut. Coating - lacquer.
Turkish self-loading hunting rifles
Self-loading shotguns, the principle of which is based on ejecting the spent cartridge case and self-loading the next cartridge, are popular among hunters. Inertial and gas-operated "self-loading" have a fairly simple design.
On the factory floor, most of the operations for their manufacture and assembly are carried out by machines. Self-loading weapons for sports and amateur hunting are produced by many Turkish concerns.
Popular Models:
Companion E, Akkar, Altay, Hatsan Escort Trio, Stoeger-2000.
For review, you can take the Companion E model from Ata Arms. Gas-operated semi-automatic, chrome-plated barrel, caliber: 12 or 20. Weight - almost 3 kg. In the underbarrel magazine - up to 5 rounds (and 1 in the barrel). USM - plastic. There are 5 chokes available. The stock and forend are made of Turkish walnut or plastic.
Classic descent. Charges easily. Good balance. Only 1 wedge and 2 misses per hundred shots is a good indicator. There are various variations, including: "Combo" (51cm, short barrel). It is considered one of the best among all Turkish semi-automatic machines.
Turkish shotguns
Turkish smoothbore hunting rifles produce various modifications:
- "Horizontals";
- "Verticals";
- Self-loading;
- Pump-action with a longitudinal sliding forearm;
- Semiautomatic;
- Automata.
The first in the post-Soviet space with Turkish "smooth-bore guns" were the hunters of Ukraine, and, after, of Russia. Vursan presented the inertial semiautomatic device Stoeger-2000, and Hatsan presented the Escort gas outlet.
The caliber and length of that type of weapon are different. There are models in which for the desired caliber barrel can be replaced, for example, the Ata Arms SP Silber semi-automatic with a rare barrel, in which the 12 mm caliber can be easily changed to the 20th.
Smooth-bore "self-loading" Turkish-made are famous for their high rate of fire. Their return is less, and performance indicators are higher. A bright representative is Camo S from Sarsilmas.
Interesting specimens with a combined recharge system. The muscular strength of the hunter, as well as the semi-automatic and automatic systems are combined in one gun. These piece models are expensive and are made in workshops to order. Shotguns from Turkey are in demand due to their unpretentiousness and high quality of shooting.
Hunting shotguns
Hunting inertial Turkish guns are simple and reliable. Many Turkish companies are based on models from Beretta and Benelli. High build quality, barrel of various lengths, which is not afraid of soot and rust, good quality shooting makes these shotguns very popular.
The system is based on the rollback of a spring-loaded barrel with high mobility and a longitudinally sliding bolt. Recoil is short.
Known models from Huglu: 401 kinetik 12 gauge and ATA NEO 12 from ATA Arms. Both have: walnut or plastic gunstock, chamber: 70 and 76mm, semi-automatic, steel barrel. Inside the barrel - white, outside - black chrome. Not afraid of corrosion. Weight - from 2.9 to 3.1 kg. Number of rounds: 6+1 or 4+1.
A good impression is left by the Stoeger-2000 inertial semi-automatic device from Stoeger Silah Sanayi A.S, owned by Beretta. The barrel is made in Italy.
Good fit, barrels of various (from 66 to 76cm) lengths. Suitable for all Russian cartridges. The stock is made of Turkish walnut. Reasonable price and high quality - this is about Stoeger-2000.
Shotgun Hatsan
The Hatsan company, in addition to manufacturing Italian analogues, also develops its own samples. NATO standards ensure the high quality of Hatsan hunting weapons. The company has been on the arms market for a long time and has gained the credibility of buyers.
Many choose semi-automatic gas outlet model Escort AD Legacy for running hunting. Comfortable, fairly light (up to 3.2 kg), with a caliber 12/76 and a magazine for 4 rounds (+1 in the barrel), with five chokes and an extension for 7 rounds, the gun is similar to the Fabarm model from Italy. All nodes function without failures. Almost no polymer parts and complex connections. Everything is extremely simple and reliable. The price is lower than that of European samples. Hatsan Turkish hunting rifles are quite famous all over the world.
In this video, hunting with the Escort AD Legacy rifle. Enjoy watching.
Shotguns ATA Arms
The ATA Arms holding was founded in the early 90s of the last century. In a short time, a small workshop turned into a serious manufacturer of hunting weapons. Japanese equipment and machines, innovative technologies brought ATA Arms to the leaders of the arms market.The following Turkish hunting rifles are delivered to Russia:
- Inertial shotgun ATA NEO 12. Semi-automatic. Suitable for various types of hunting;
- NEO Walnut. The gun does not have a gas outlet. It is easy to disassemble, assemble, clean and operate. With it, you can hunt both large game birds and a hare;
- Ata Arms SP Silver. Semi-automatic Various barrel lengths. Good slaughter, high quality shooting. Right choice the trunk will allow you to get small animals and all kinds of birds.
- ATA Arms Pegasus - "self-loading" economy class. Chrome molybdenum barrel. 20 and 12 gauge. Suitable for classical hunting, especially for waterfowl. For open areas and for ambush hunting. Caliber 20mm makes it possible to extract ungulates. The model is very popular with buyers.
Turkish hunting rifles occupy their niche in the Russian market. Their undoubted merit are good quality, precise fitting of components and mechanisms, the ability to choose a barrel for each type of hunting, low weight and a coating that is not afraid of rusting.
There are some shortcomings, but they are not so significant as to spoil the overall impression. Reasonable price and good quality made Turkish weapons popular among hunters who value simplicity and reliability.
Photo about various types Turkish hunting rifles. Enjoy watching.
