For the needs of hunters, the designers of the Tula arms factory produce a line of various rifle units. One of these models was the TOZ-63 16 caliber hunting double-barreled gun . Due to its pretty good technical characteristics, this "double-barreled shotgun" is very popular among hunters. You will learn about the creation history, device and characteristics of TOZ-63 16 caliber from this article.
Acquaintance with a small unit
For the first time, this model hit the shelves of specialized stores in 1963. The double-barreled shotgun is presented by 20 and 16 caliber. Every Soviet hunter dreamed of a TOZ-63 rifle. The fact is that with the existing muzzle contractions of the chock payday, the accuracy of the battle has increased significantly and the shooting was no longer accompanied by unpleasant surprises. Judging by the numerous consumer reviews, the TOZ-63 16 gauge is in greatest demand. With this caliber, it became possible to get bigger game. To keep the price of a small unit unchanged, these double-barreled shotguns are not decorated with expensive engravings at the factory. In addition, expensive wood species are not used in the manufacture of lodges. However, according to experts, by a special order the plant employees could produce several 16-gauge TOZ-63 models.
Such rifle units had expensive nickel-plated pads and were decorated with fairly high-quality engravings. The stock and butt TOZ-63 16 caliber in this case were made of walnut.
A bit of history
Until 1963, hunters had TOZ-B double-barreled shotguns in 1902. In 1957, it became clear that these rifle units were already outdated.
From this time begins the history of guns, which today are known as TOZ-63. During the modernization in the early 1960s, a model appeared, which in the technical documentation was listed as TOZ-BM. The base for it was the TOZ-B double-barreled shotgun. In the new weapon, the barrels are made of better quality weapon steel, which positively affected the “survivability” of the gun. After a couple of years, the designers of the Tula arms factory TOZ-BM decided to update. As a result, the TOZ-63 16-caliber model appeared. Initially, they were going to replace TOZ-BM. However, the Soviet government demanded to expand the range of small arms.
Therefore, they did not refuse TOZ-BM and continued to manufacture simultaneously with TOZ 63 years of release of 16 calibers. According to experts, both models were almost identical. Since they are of the same caliber, in order to somehow distinguish them, the manufacturer decided to chrome the barrel channels and chamber in the TOZ-63 16-caliber guns.
About design
The gun is represented by the following elements:
- Two detachable trunks located horizontally. For this reason, TOZ-63 guns are also called "horizontal lines".
- High-quality chrome channels with different muzzle constrictions, which positively affected the accuracy of fire.
- Combat springs cocked by warriors. Judging by the reviews of the owners, the shotgun can be put on alert in a couple of seconds.
- Ejector. It is common to two trunks. Responsible for the extraction of shot cartridges.
- Removable forend, which is fixed with a lever latch.
Mostly lodges are made of birch. For advanced modifications, the manufacturer may use beech or walnut.
About trunks
Shooting units TOZ-63 have seamless trunks. According to experts, in the manufacture of hunting weapons, manufacturers have not used this technology for a long time, because it is too time-consuming and expensive. Its essence is that for the production of the barrel and the chamber take one piece. Today, all guns produced at the Tula Arms Plant are equipped with a chamber and a barrel made of different parts. To connect them with each other, a special coupling is used. If we compare this design with a seamless barrel, then, according to experts, it is less reliable.
About device
TOZ-63 with triple locking barrels. Today, this system is no longer used by many manufacturers of hunting weapons. The developers felt that it was too laborious. Refusing triple locking, manufacturers are able to increase productivity. However, this system is in the TOZ-63 model. The barrel in the closed position is fixed with two underbarrel hooks and a Greener bolt. Due to the fact that during firing the load is distributed on three elements, each of them as a result has an increased operational resource. This explains why the trunks in the TOZ-63 are not shaken. This defect, judging by the reviews of hunters, is very common in old double-barreled guns. Each of the trunks is equipped with a trigger mechanism, which the manufacturer has placed on a separate base.
Judging by the reviews, the most severe igniters are broken by the most powerful war springs. If we compare Soviet-made capsules with modern ones, the latter are much thinner. For this reason, they make their way through the strikers.
TTX
Shotgun TOZ-63 16 caliber has the following tactical and technical characteristics:
- The rifle unit weighs 3.2 kg.
- The total length of the gun - 116.5 cm, barrels - 72.5 cm.
- The 16 gauge model is equipped with a 70 mm chamber.
Owners opinion
Judging by the numerous reviews of hunters, the TOZ-63 guns have the following strengths:
- Double-barreled shotguns are very reliable. In addition, equipped with a trigger mechanism, easy to maintain.
- These "horizontal lines" have an accurate and sharp battle. Experts recommend using a shot to charge the left barrel, and a bullet to charge the right.
- The owners highly appreciated the presence of high-quality chrome plating in the barrel channels.
Despite the presence of undeniable advantages, these guns are not without some drawbacks. For example, some owners are not satisfied with the quality of fitting mechanisms. Often, hunters have to modify their guns on their own. There are also complaints about the neck of the box. It is quite thin and can break if you shoot powerful ammunition or sloppily handle weapons. In this case, experts advise installing a box with a neck thicker on a double-barrel.
How to disassemble the "horizontal"?
If necessary, clean the gun first you need to disassemble. Before proceeding, the weapon is discharged. First, the forend is separated from the trunk. Then you need to separate the trunks. Hold the gun with your right hand in the neck of the box. Then, using the thumb, the locking lever is pulled to the right until it is completely in the extreme position. Now the trunks can be separated by turning them down.
To remove the shock mechanisms, the screws holding them must be removed. After completing these steps, incomplete disassembly is complete. The shotgun is going in the reverse order. If you want to make a complete disassembly, experts do not recommend doing this at home. It is more advisable to give weapons to a specialized workshop.