Probably not every experienced hunter has heard of the MTs-255 revolving gun. Needless to say, the solution is really original, especially for the domestic market. It is no coincidence that this sample is the only representative of a drum-powered shotgun developed and manufactured in our country.
But that is why it will be more useful to talk about him more - thanks to this, many lovers of hunting and just shooting will be able to acquire weapons that will serve them faithfully for many years.
A bit of history
When Colonel Samuel Colt first demonstrated his invention, the world was in shock. Indeed, the ability to shoot five times in a row without reloading simply astonished by the standards of the mid-nineteenth century.
Since then a lot of water has flowed. But drum weapons are still very popular. For example, in many countries where the possession and carrying of short-barreled rifled weapons is permitted, revolvers of all types, calibers and sizes are very popular. However, the use of this system for weapons is a relatively rare solution, although not at all new. For example, in the domestic market there is only one revolver type gun. Of course, here we are talking about the MC-255.
It was developed back in 1993 by experts from the Central Design and Research Bureau of Sports and Hunting Weapons. And almost immediately gained considerable popularity - someone appreciated the excellent performance, and someone liked the idea and unusualness. In any case, today thousands of our compatriots own these weapons and do not regret their acquisition at all.
Appearance
To begin with, the exterior of the gun looks quite compact, elegant, lightweight. Indeed, the design worked out just fine. On many such shotguns, a wide drum (and a 5-round small cartridge cannot hold 5 rounds of ammunition) is knocked out of the overall design, gives the weapon a visual “fullness” and simply makes use less comfortable.
Here it is not in sight. The design of the MTs-255 worked out perfectly - the drum gracefully fits into it, without knocking out at all, without thickening and without causing unnecessary problems when shooting.
In the basic version, the butt and forend are made of wood, most often painted in dark brown. The pistol grip and forend have small notches that provide better grip when firing. To further reduce the recoil intensity, the stock is equipped with a special rubber shock absorber.
Also, even with a detailed examination, it is impossible to identify any gaps or insufficiently fitted parts. Needless to say, TsKIB SOO takes the development of new weapons very seriously. Even the notches or ornaments that other manufacturers apply to weapons are not here. However, weapons from this approach only benefit - it looks more serious and elegant.
Design
Now briefly talk about the design of smooth-bore revolver type guns.
The drum holds up to five rounds. To charge or recharge, it easily swings down to the left. To do this, just hold the special latch located on the receiver on the left. The location was not chosen by chance at all - you can press it with the thumb of your right hand, making it as natural and easy as possible.
The trigger mechanism is also very well developed. It has a double action, that is, you can shoot not only by self-cocking, but also with a trigger cocked in advance manually. The first option allows you to fire in an unexpected situation, and the second makes the descent softer, which increases accuracy.
In general, the trigger mechanism has a single design. If such a need arises, all the components of which it consists can be removed immediately - small springs and parts will not fly apart and get lost, as is often the case with other types of revolving weapons.
Basically, weapons are produced under a 12-gauge cartridge. But there are also other modifications - we will talk about them a little later.
Sighting mechanism
The revolver-type drum gun may have different variants of the sighting mechanism. Of course, in the basic version it is a standard aiming bar with a round front sight at the end of the barrel, but without a rear sight. This option is best suited for aiming at a fast moving target at a relatively short distance.
But there is also a dovetail bar, which allows you to significantly improve the weapon, making working with it much more comfortable and easy. Indeed, a collimator sight can be installed on the bar, thanks to which it is possible to effectively fire at a considerable distance. But in this case, you will have to spend additional money on the purchase of equipment, as well as use the help of specialists for shooting optics.
Main advantages
Now we will try to figure out why the MT-255 hunting rifle is so popular among hunters and ordinary shooters. To do this, we list its main advantages highlighted by experienced experts and ordinary users.
Of course, first of all, it's security. If the cartridge is jammed, it is easy enough to change it by pressing the trigger again. When pressed, the drum will scroll, and the next cartridge will be ready for battle - much more convenient than with any other hunting weapon (semi-automatic or pump-action). If the drum itself is jammed, you can always turn it manually.
A serious advantage can be called a constant willingness to shoot. The weapon is not equipped with a fuse, so there is no risk that the novice hunter in a panic will forget to switch it to shooting mode. There is no need to send the cartridge into the barrel. Weapons can be carried loaded and always ready to fire. You just need to pull the trigger.
Moreover, despite the absence of a fuse, the possibility of spontaneous firing is completely ruled out. If the trigger is not cocked (and this is done only immediately before the shot, and even then not always), then even a weapon fall or a strong blow will not provoke a shot.
By itself, the descent when firing self-cocking is very light and soft. Perhaps no other 12-caliber revolver gun can boast such a convenience. This is possible thanks to a well-developed trigger mechanism. Of course, this makes use especially convenient.
We can not say about the perfect balance. The center of gravity is located approximately in the area of the drum. Thanks to this, the significant weight of the weapon is compensated and the aiming becomes very comfortable, easy.
Finally, the drum makes it possible to charge different types of ammunition - bullets, small shot, buckshot. If necessary, you can scroll the drum to the desired slot.
Shortcomings
Alas, any weapon that has pluses is not without drawbacks. Let's talk about them.
One of them is a relatively small ammunition supply - 5 rounds are not enough for everyone. And alas, unlike any semi-automatic weapon, it is impossible to increase capacity.
Of particular danger is a prolonged shot. If the cartridge misfires, in no case can you immediately scroll the cartridge - it can shoot after a few seconds. If this happens when the drum is already rotated, the gun may simply be torn apart by a shot.
In addition, not all hunters are accustomed to the drum system - after all, it is not too common in our country. However, this is not a flaw, but a matter of habit.
Who is suitable for
Of course, most of the MTs-255 is bought by hunters - both amateurs and hunters. Its many advantages make it an excellent choice not only for experienced hunters, but also for those who are just starting to get acquainted with this fascinating and exciting hobby.
Also, it can be safely advised to ordinary shooting lovers. At any training ground, you can demonstrate excellent performance thanks to the soft trigger, a long barrel and a convenient aiming system.
Finally, the gun will be a good choice for home defense. Unpretentiousness and ease of use, combined with tremendous power, makes it a truly terrible weapon when used at short range.
Existing Modifications
The most common weapon in the line is the MTs-255-12. As the name implies, it uses 12 gauge cartridges. But only the 12/70 ammunition - Magnum cartridges - cannot be used, as this can disable the weapon. The weapon is equipped with interchangeable muzzle contractions.
Only a little inferior to him in popularity MTs-255-20. A smaller caliber allows you to reduce the weight of the weapon, recoil, as well as the size of the drum. Moreover, there are modifications, when shooting from which you can use cartridges not only 12/70, but also 12/76. The barrel has a length of 645 or 705 millimeters - depending on the variety.
But MTs-255-28 is much less common. It uses 28 caliber cartridges and has significantly lower recoil. The length is exactly the same as the previous version.
Also not very common MTs-255-32. To make the weapon even more compact, the designers equipped it with a shorter barrel - 560 or 705 millimeters.
The latest modification is developed under the cartridge.410 - MTs-255-410. Low recoil provides excellent accuracy and accuracy. Suitable for both defense at home and for shooting at the stand. But for hunting this is not the best choice because of the small portion of the fraction.
