IZh-26, a hunting gun: the device and characteristics

During the Great Patriotic War a large number of hunting rifles were seized for the needs of the army. A considerable part of them was destroyed. In the postwar period, the country needed "fur coats" and meat of game animals. The question of the shortage of hunting weapons was particularly acute. The power has met the needs of people. To ensure the welfare of its people, it resumed mass production of various models of shotguns, among which the hunting gun IZH-26 became particularly popular.

Overview of products made in Izhevsk

Izhevsk is famous for its weapons factory. Among the models of rifles he produced:

• IZH-43. The structures of the mechanisms of these guns were collected from the remaining pre-war reserve of parts. The model was equipped with a pipe, made of insufficiently high-quality steel. IZH-43 system is highly reliable.
• IZH-54. It is a double-barreled device with triple locking. In the design there is no additional safety platoon on the hammers.
• IZH-57. The model was produced in 1957. The product has 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 shutter box and an aiming bar protruding from the sides of the barrels.
• IZH-58. Manufactured since 1958. It replaced the hunting model IZH-57.
• IZh-26. The gun was manufactured from 1969 to 1975. It is intended for ammunition of the 12th caliber, which uses smoky and smokeless powder. The model is effective in various types of hunting and is used by both novice amateurs and professionals. The gun was constructed on the model of IZH-54. The data of the model differ by the locking unit. This function in IZH-54 is performed by the Griner bolt. In the new lightweight model, the bolt is replaced with a locking bar, which is actuated by the head of the locking lever.
• IZH-26E. The model of the hunting rifle found its consumer both on the domestic and foreign markets. Abroad, 200 thousand units were sold. Unlike IZH-26, the IZH-26E gun is equipped with a special ejector mechanism facilitating the operation, it is an independent model, and not an improved variation of IZH-54.

How was the double-barreled gun tested?

The active resumption of production of fishing rifles began with the onset of peaceful life. One of the relatively cheap models, which was important for the postwar period, the designs of which were distinguished by reliability and manufacturability, was a double-barreled hunting rifle IZh-26.

After the assembly of the structure, obligatory production testing took place. In the course of IZH-26 tests, the gun was tested using the enhanced charges of smokeless powder, capable of developing 900 kg / 1 cm square in a channel with a shoe of the disassembled model. And 850 kg / 1 cm square. From the collected.

Tactical and technical characteristics

• Caliber - 12 mm.
• The length of the two trunks is 73 cm.
• The length of the chamber is 7 cm.
• The weight of the double-barrel is 3.3 kg.
• The hunting gun IZH-26 is equipped with chrome-plated barrel channels and chamber chambers.
• The right bore of the barrel with a muzzle constriction of 0.5 mm (called the "hem") with a hit accuracy of 55%.
• The left trunk, whose muzzle constriction is 0.1 cm, was called the "full choke". His combat strength is 65%.

Drilling of the trunk channels

Following the example of an already ready IZH-54 system, the Izhevsk plant's masters changed the diameter of the channel to 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 shells, there is a discrepancy between the dimensions. Smoothbore gun IZH-26 is distinguished by a good fight when using ammunition in a paper or plastic shell. The use of metal shells results in a drop in hit accuracy of up to 20%. In this case, there is an increase in the return during the shooting. IZH-26 - a gun (photo is presented below), unlike its analog IZH-54, which has an elegant form and finish.

Coating

To cover the trunks is used a very stable varnish, which in everyday life is also called "rusty". On the shoe of the weapon is an iridescent pattern "colored cap", thanks to which the product acquires a very beautiful appearance. The disadvantage of the coating is its weak stability. This can not be corrected, even if a hard bakelite lacquer is applied over the "colored cap" . During operation, the lacquer coating of the gun is quickly erased from the clothing.

Material

In production of barrel channels IZH-26 and pads used mild steel 15. This brand is easy to handle mechanically. After work, it undergoes heat treatment. According to its technical characteristics, brand 15 is inferior to the instrumental 50RA, which is used in the production of IZH-54 guns and does not need thermal treatment.

To perform this procedure, an iron box filled with coal was used. In this capacity was placed a gun. The upper layers of the metal were saturated with carbon. In production, this process was called "cementation." After the steel pads were heated, the masters took them out of the iron box and dipped them into the water. An important point in the carburization was the elimination of the contact of the heated product with oxygen. The procedure of hardening entailed a slight deformation of the shoes. After the heat treatment of the products, the barrel blocks of the hunting guns IZH-26 were adjusted to the finished blocks.

What is a "lint"?

One of the problematic moments that gunsmiths often encounter is the trimming of trunks to the pads. In the environment of lovers of hunting shotguns, this procedure is also called "priplotka". With the advent of a model such as IZH-26, it became easier to carry out the adjustment. This is due to the fact that in the design of this gun, instead of the Griner bolt, there is a locking bar with which, according to users, it's easier to work. But the "lint" of rifles equipped with a Greiner bolt provides a double-barreled larger resource.

Arranging the trunks

The trunks undergo thermal treatment and are connected to each other by means of a coupling. For this, they are subject to pre-pressing, after which they stop in the breech part with a pin. The rest of the trunks is locked with the help of the bars: the top and bottom. The upper bar is also used as a means for aiming. It is a product of trapezoidal form, consisting of two parts, between which by means of soldering a hinge stand is used, used for fixing the forehead to IZh-26. The gun (photo below) is equipped with two screws, necessary for clinging to the belt counter.

A walnut or beech is used to make the bed. The bed can have a straight or pistol shape.

The trigger is trigger. To install it in the IZH-26 on the receiver and the base (the mask) are provided special grooves. With the help of the shank, formed as a result of the attachment of the bottom of the body, a bed is attached to the double barrel.

What is a fire-pipe?

The IZH-26 system has a return function. This is done using a special limiter, which is under the pressure of the lower feather of the battle-plate spring. The inertial boom and the return spring, in contrast to the Enson system, are not one whole. These parts of the IZH-26 guns are installed separately from the side of the receiver. Their fixation is carried out with the help of special screwed chrome plated plugs, or firebrands. This design makes it possible, if necessary, to easily disassemble the IZH-26 gun. Feedback from users about the use of weapons are positive: when the striker breaks down, it is no longer necessary to completely disassemble the design of the double-barreled gun (which had to be done when repairing the guns of the Enson system). To replace the striker, just unscrew the necessary firebrick.

These chrome products perform two functions:

• They are an ornament on the shields of the pads in the double-barreled models IZH-26 and IL-54.
• Prevent possible burn-out of metal near the holes of the strikers.

How is the combat platoon and the descent in the hunting double-barrel?

The cocking is carried out by means of special indicators located on top of the receiver. The platoon and trigger levers take part in this process. With the help of the first as a result of opening the trunks, the horns are cocked, and then rest against the special nests that are located in the hinge part of the forearm. The front trigger is under the influence of a spring, which protects your fingers from injury by the second trigger when you give it back. This device is typical for high-class rifles. The standard Enson system involves locking with hooks only an automatic fuse. Locking of trigger hooks and levers is provided in IZH-26. Characteristics of the gun contains another important quality: in the system of this model there is a smooth descent. It is carried out with fully open trunks.

To remove the horns from the sear, you need to use the thumb of your right hand to take the fuse button to the front position, and press the trigger of the trigger with the front finger. After that the trunks are closed. Such a procedure is undesirable to perform with the loaded chamber, as this may entail the production of an unexpected shot.

When is the weapon dismantled?

If necessary, repair, cleaning or lubrication of the gun, inspection, as well as during transportation IZh-26 is divided into two parts:

• Trunk and forearm;
• Receiver and bed.

In order to disassemble the weapon for cleaning, it is necessary:

• Pull on the latch of the forearm. As a result of this manipulation, the fore-end will be disconnected.
• Turn the locking lever to the right until it stops. After that, the trunks are separated from the receiver.
• Turn anti-clockwise screw securely.
• Unscrew the screws that secure the base of the USM.
• Using a screwdriver, pry the springs of the operators. After this, the receiver is lifted from the bed by light swings up and down. This gives access to all the mechanisms of the gun, which can now be lubricated and cleaned.

Further disassembly consists of the following stages:

• The operators are removed from the receiver after their locking screws have been turned out. It is important not to lose them.
• Taking out the hammers, it is necessary to ensure that they do not fly out under the action of springs. To do this, the hooks must be removed together with the stops.
• Remove the fuse button after the retaining pin has been knocked out of it.

Ejector model of double-barrel IZh-54

In 1969, using the base of the IZH-54 system, the enterprise began the production of a new IZH-26 Ejectorless IG-26 model.

This double-barrel 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 hunting rifle IZh-26E, cases of easing the plate springs of ejector hammers (hammers) are not uncommon. To prevent this, the springs must be periodically released. To do this, you can use a nail or wire of the desired diameter, with which the forehead is detached. The ejector mechanism is turned off by turns of the hammers. Before attaching the forearm back, it is recommended to drive the ejector hammers. Otherwise, fastening it will be difficult or cause damage to the mechanism of the double-barrel.

The procedure for hammering a hammer consists of two stages:

• The nail is inserted into the hole at the top of the trigger.
• Using a nail as a lever, it is necessary to cock the trigger. This work should be done gradually: first one trigger is cocked, and then the second one.

A quiet click will indicate that the platoon has been completely executed. The trigger itself should be slightly inclined with respect to the front part of the forehead.

Options

The presence of fuses and ejectors in double-barreled guns both in the times of the Soviet Union and today is not in demand with 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 a similar imported weapon produced good results. Despite all the advantages of IZh-26-1S, the double-barrel was not included in the production series. Experts explain this by the fact that the model appeared cheaper and lighter in the arms market - IZH-58M. It uses the 12th caliber and has the same power as the IZH-26 gun.

Reviews

According to reviews, hunting rifles IZH-26 have a reliable system, which is virtually unaffected by years. According to the owners, who purchase double-barreled guns of many years, the signs of their "age" are visible only from the outside. Inside the system everything is in perfect condition: the rust does not at all concern the choke and half-cheek. According to users, external defects, as a rule, are caused by deficiencies in the care of weapons.

Of course, some owners, buying old IZH-26, sometimes notice small rusty areas inside the USM. Despite this, the whole system works well. Owners of hunting double-barreled guns and experienced gunsmiths advise using special means for cleaning carburettors and lubricating "Ballistol" to remove rust.

According to some owners, hunting guns IZH-26, in comparison with IL-54, have less resource, which is manifested in the emergence of shat. According to other fans of shotguns, the resource is individual for each shotgun. In the opinion of the adherents of this weapon model, it is difficult to reach the shat of the system in IZH-26, even if using rechargeable terminals, chopped nails or cast-iron shot for firing.

Today, the IZH-26 guns, like other old models made in Izhevsk, are very much in demand. Although they are not a rarity, it is not so easy to find them.

The hunting double-barrels IZH-26 and IZh-26E have proved their high efficiency and reliability. These guns allow the use of any kinds of cartridges and carry out hunting in various latitudes.