DBW...
RUSSIA
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Izh-17, Izh-18, Izh-27 and Izh-58 models
are dispersed throughout the country from
Kamchatka to Turkmenia. Th e guns serve
faithfully both the professional hunters and
amateurs.
Th e mass production of the hunting
shotguns began in the middle of the 20th
century. Th e model range then was not as
wide as today including only of over and
under shotguns, and single-barrelled guns.
Th e dissolution of the USSR brought
changes into legislation, and fi rearms became
accessible to amateur hunters. As a result,
both conversion weapons such as Saiga or
Tiger, and hunting rifl es like Los or Bars
became available on the market, and all
continue to be manufactured by the Concern
Kalashnikov (previously known as Izhmash).
Izhevsk Mechanical Plant (or
IZHMEKH) played an equally important
role. It has expanded the basic product line
by off ering models that use more powerful
Magnum cartridges and combination guns.
Also it started to develop absolutely new
models – like self-loading and pump-action
shotguns.
Th e developing Russian market has
shown interest in foreign brands that
represented a major challenge to the
weapons manufactured in Izhevsk. Despite
all the diffi culties, both Izhevsk plants
managed to stay afl oat and occupied its
niche in the market off ering reasonably
priced, reliable and long-life weapons.
Arms manufacture is considered to be one
of the most conservative industrial sectors
as it preserves its conventional designs
for decades (especially if they proved the
effi ciency and consistency), but the modern
market requires a more fl exible response to
demand, regular restyling of old models and
developing of new ones.
As both plants are part of the Concern
Kalashnikov, one of the highest priorities for
the team now is the rapid modernization
of the old models and their substitution
by new ones that comply fully with the
demands of the world market.
In the near future, it is planned to
upgrade the MP-155 model (its ergonomics,
bolt carrier reliability, wear-resistant
properties, etc.), the MP-43 model (new
stock, ejector, improved fi ring mechanism,
safety, and swivel), MP-27 model (new
stock, better appearance), Los-7 (new
covering of metal parts, ergonomic stock,
more reliable magazine fi xing, changes in
inclination of the grooves), Bars-4 (same
improvements as in Los-7, introducing new
calibres).
Th e upgraded shotguns and carbines will
be gradually substituted or updated with
new advanced developments, such as the
MP-144/142, and the MP-234.
Working on various concepts is another
signifi cant activity area. Th roughout history,
there have been developed many concepts,
but few of them have ever been launched
into batch production.
Th is is best illustrated in the example with
the fi rst version of the Maral rifl e that was
developed in the 1990s. Today, the testing
sample is undergoing trials that may result
in modifi cations and batch production.
Baikal is another brand that covers all the
hunting guns produced in Izhevsk.
Further, the product line will include
associated goods of the highest quality, such
as thermal underwear and hunting outfi t.
All the weapons, clothes, and other
associated goods produced under the Baikal
brand undergo long fi eld trials before
entering the market.
By doing so, it can off er hunters only the
most reliable, well designed and processed
goods.
Some of the latest trials held in
Kamchatka, were related to the Maral
prototype fall outfi t for hunters, and two
models of thermal underwear.
Brown bears and Siberian
Roe deer are just two of
many hunting targets in
Russia.
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