Nowadays, there is an increased interest in old and time-tested Soviet hunting rifles. It is no secret that modern Russian and Western rifles are significantly inferior to Soviet models in quality and accuracy of shooting.
The classic double-barrel shotgun manufactured by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant IZH-58 16 gauge (model 1958-1986) is an excellent confirmation of this. To date, this reliable weapon enjoys well-deserved popularity and authority not only among hunters, but also among people who value quality and reliability.
History reference
Mass production of IL-58 16 caliber started in 1958. The development of a new model was carried out by the IzhMEKh design bureau, headed by L.N. Pugachev. A distinctive feature of the Izhevsk horizontal rail 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 basic model IZH-58 was designed for hunters and trappers and provided for the release of a model exclusively of the 20th caliber. Later, after the mass production of the basic product, the gun aroused great interest and popularity among hunters. It was decided to produce IL-58 16 gauge, and then 12 gauge.
The fame of the reliability and quality of the 58 model went beyond the borders 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 launched the production of a modernized modification of IZH-58M, which became a hybrid development consisting of parts and components of IZH-48 and IZH-58 16 caliber. The overall barrel length of this series was from 720 to 730 millimeters, the weight of the modified model IZH-58M reached 3.3 kilograms. More than half of the IZH-58M rifles went for export, mainly these were countries of the socialist camp of Eastern Europe.
Later, in 1977, the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant began to produce IZH-58 MA 16 caliber, in which a fuse was installed that automatically tripped when the gun barrel was broken.
World recognition of Soviet gunsmiths
In 1986, Izhevsk gunsmiths stopped the mass production of IL-58, which is considered the best model of hunting rifles of 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 operation 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 Soviet-made IL-58 copy in their collection. This once again proves the quality and reliability of the hunting rifle of Izhevsk masters.
IZH-58 shotgun 16 caliber, general description
Classic double-barreled shotgun with a horizontal barrel arrangement. All metal components and parts (trunks, pads, couplings) IZH-58 are made of structural carbon-grade high-quality steel 50A. A stepped protrusion is installed on the barrel clutch, which acts as a lock for locking the gun from accidentally pulling the trigger. The internal channels of the trunks and chamber are chrome plated. Triple locking IZH-58 is provided by special mechanics, consisting of 2 underbarrel hooks and bolt lever.
Design and labeling
The gun butt IZH-58, 16 caliber. Like the forend, the butt is made of birch, and in export versions - of beech. For exclusive hunting rifles, a walnut box with an original highly artistic inlay was inserted. This design of hunting weapons was especially liked by members of the Soviet government and their Western colleagues, whom it was customary to bestow with these exclusive models.
When disassembling IZH-58, the model is divided into three components: forend, barrels, and block with butt. The brand of the manufacturer is stamped on the barrel clutch, which indicates the date of assembly, the serial number of the gun, the permissible pressure in the chamber, as well as the brand name of IzhMEKh.
IZH-58, 16 caliber: customer reviews
Along with the advantages of the Izhevsk rifle, according to hunting enthusiasts, there are some disadvantages identified during operation. The main one is a tight fuse. A characteristic click when the key is turned off from a random shot often scares the beast, which the shooters really dislike.
For some acquired models of guns (IZH-58 16 gauge), hunter reviews have claims to a slight wedging of the ejector. Very often you have to fix this defect with your own hands.
But basically small arms IZH-58 is a reliable gun, which is suitable for commercial and sport hunting. The special appeal of this hunting weapon is its lightness, which is an important factor. Having traveled tens of kilometers in search of prey, each hunter notes this particular feature of small arms.
Choosing between modern weapon models and the Soviet IZH-58 gun, very often hunters stop at the latter. Shooting accuracy, lightness and beautiful design - these are the main components of the horizontal shotgun IZH-58, which serves 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.
- Shotgun weight: 2.7-2.9 kg.
- Narrowing (left trunk) muzzle: choke.
- Narrowing (right trunk) muzzle: pay.
- Automatic safety lock against accidental trigger pull.
- Pistol neck.
- Lodge: birch, beech.
- Material: 50A steel.
- Internal chrome barrel and chamber.
