Not only in the museum you can find old guns today. Such a rarity is kept in many families where hunters once lived. They inherited one, others found it after the death of their grandmother or grandfather, while someone was simply “sick” with such weapons and bought it as soon as possible.
Pros of an old shotgun
Faced with the opportunity to purchase an old gun or use it, a person compares it with new products. Experience shows that not always a new model is better than its brother with a half-century history. The fact is that with careful use, proper storage and proper care, the life of an old hunting rifle is extended.
There is another important factor that directly affects the quality of the manufactured barrel. The current guns are mass-produced on machines, without the use of manual labor by specialists. Such a product has no soul. Old hunting rifles, even produced serially in the first half of the twentieth century, have an order of magnitude higher quality than modern counterparts, akin to piece-making in today's realities.
That is why avid hunters try to acquire a gun, the year of manufacture of which relates to the first half of the twentieth century (and maybe to the end of the nineteenth). They believe: with all the effectiveness of modern technology, the professionalism of gun masters cannot be replaced.
Old guns are divided by type according to visible criteria. Consider some of them: with reclining and non-reclining trunks; with one or two trunks; with and without triggers.
Popular Single Barrels
The end of the nineteenth - the beginning of the twentieth centuries is characterized by the fact that in the hands of hunters there were many converted weapons. People called them "Berdans." These were smoothbore guns with a non-folding barrel. Remade army rifles of the Berdan-2 type or Mosin’s three-ruler. The best alterations produced Izhevsk and Tula plants. Berdan-2 rifles produced single-shot rifles of 16, 20, 24 or 28 calibers. The barrel length ranged from 68 to 69 cm, the weight remained from 2.6 to 2.9 kg.
From the Mosin rifle, the designer Frolov managed to create single-shot shotguns of 20 and 24 calibers and store-loaded 28 (for two rounds) and 32 (for three rounds) calibers. Frolovka was a bit heavier than Berdana (minimum 2.8 kg, maximum 3 kg.). After the war, they began to produce the R-32, a single-shot 32-caliber model. By 1948, their release was suspended. Such hunting rifles turned out to be cheap, but their characteristics were not very high. Therefore, they were quickly replaced by new models.
Single-barrel old hunting rifles with a reclining barrel can be trigger and gunless. In the 20s of the twentieth century, the IZH-5 model with the upper unlocking lever was put into mass production. It was made by both Izhevsk and Tula factories. Gauges produced single-barrels - 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28.
After the war, the Izhevsk plant launched the production of single-barrel 16, 20, 28 and 32 calibers with a lower unlocking lever (ZK, IZHK). The next model - IL-17 - was produced in large batches and to this day remains in the service of fishers.
Gunless single-barrels were produced in our country only after the war. These are ZKB and IZHB models. In the early sixties, on their basis, the IL-18 was designed. In various versions, such a gun is still being produced in Ustinov at the Mechanical Plant. According to the experience of skilled hunters, it can be argued that the old single-barreled guns are in many ways superior to their modern counterparts.
Common double-barreled shotguns
Despite the delights of single-barrel weapons, double-barreled old rifles gained great popularity. Their release, which began at the dawn of the twentieth century, continued until the eighties. At first, guns of model B were produced, then from the end of the fifties BM. The caliber of the overwhelming majority was the 16th, a little on the 20th and even less than the 12th. Models TOZ-63 produced 16 and 20 calibers, TOZ-66 - 12, TOZ-54 - mainly 12 calibers. Such weapons are suitable for fractions and buckshots, as well as for bullets. Fishers and amateurs note its suitability for any type of hunting, ease of operation, and reliability.
The trigger muzzle shotguns of Tula production muzzle devices are diverse. Usually the right trunk is a cylinder with a pressure, a cylinder, a payroll; left trunk - choke or payday. The length of the trunks is 70-72 cm. The trunks are locked with a Greener bolt and two lower hooks. The gun lock has external triggers and two triggers. Trigger and shock mechanisms are installed on the lock boards. Triggers have a safety cock, when they are manually erected, fighting springs are forced. Usually the box by the gun was made of birch or beech, sometimes walnut. The weight of the gun is about three kilograms.
The Izhevsk plant produced smokeless double-barreled shotguns with reclining trunks. Ten years (1936-1946), the IZHB-36 model was produced in large batches with locks on the side boards. The modified IZHB-36M series was produced only in 1947. These are products with triple locking, automatic fuse, detachable forend, 12 gauge. Old guns are convenient and durable in use.
After the transfer of the monopoly on the production of hunting rifles to the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, the model IZH-49 was launched into mass production. This is a double-barreled shotgun of 12 or 16 calibers (a small batch of 20 caliber was produced).
Product characteristics were changed in 1954, when, taking into account the recommendations of hunters, they released a modified model IZH-54. The common 12 gauge had a barrel length of 750 mm (later - 730 mm). The length of the chamber is seven centimeters. Muzzle narrowings have a parabolic shape: in the right trunk - pay 0.5 plus or minus 0.05 mm; in the left trunk - a full choke of 1.0 plus or minus 0.05 mm. Unlocking lever on top. Triple shotgun. The trigger mechanism is installed on a separate base. Hammers and triggers are mounted in the fire tubes. When opening the gun, the cocked cock. After the trigger is hit on the striker, he returns to the end position, releasing the striker. The fuse automatically locks the triggers and whispers. This prevents an accidental shot when a shot is hit. Handguard with snap-type latch, detachable. The weight of the gun is 3.2-3.6 kg. The design can withstand 7500 shots without consequences.
The IZH-54 model became the first serial gunless double-barrel shotgun in the USSR. This old trigger gun is reliable and has gained unprecedented distribution among hunters.
A double-barreled shotgun fired in Tula did not gain such popularity. The Tula arms factory became famous for its guns with vertically arranged trunks. The Tula vertical line MTs6 and Izhevsk Izh-12 had many common features. Such guns fell in love with the hunters. With them you can hunt for waterfowl and small animals (hare, fox). They are reliable in hunting predators (wolf, bear) and ungulates. The lower barrel is great for using bullets. Now release the model IZH-27, which is a modification of IZH-12.
Today, old IL guns continue to be very popular. On a special account is the model IZH-56 (modifications 1, 2, 3) "Squirrel". One external trigger of this model works on both barrels. To switch from one trunk to another, just press the button located on the shank of the block. The latter modification was distinguished by the fact that a rifled barrel under the cartridge of 5 and 6 mm caliber is located above a smooth barrel.
Most of the described models have long ceased to produce. But often you can see hunters who use old guns. You can see photos of such copies in the article. Such guns do not just lie in the safe, but they fail to fulfill their function.
Old hunting pneumatics
One of the directions of hunting trunks is the old pneumatic guns. Air rifles manufactured by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant have become a global brand. Clients from all CIS countries treat this type of weapon with great respect and appreciation. Many made their first shot precisely from an air rifle. It is easy to operate, reliable in aiming and durable in use. The Izhevsk rifle is ideal for shooting training and indispensable for hunting.
Depending on the caliber, you can count on a certain prey. So, with a caliber of 4.5 mm, you can count on a duck or a thrush when it enters the body, on a goose, pheasant, black grouse or hare when it hits the head. A novice hunter can hit game from a distance of not more than sixty meters (although everything is individual here).
The laws of the Russian Federation impose restrictions on hunting pneumatic guns. These include: muzzle energy of not more than 25 J; owner's age is not less than 18 years (allowed from 16 years in the Tyumen and Tomsk regions); registration within two weeks; prohibition of installing silencers. It is important to remember that old pneumatic guns from increasing the caliber lose accuracy, but increase the lethal force. In this case, the trunk becomes heavier and wears out faster.
Features of choice
If a person decides to purchase an old hunting rifle, he must clearly understand why he is making a purchase. It’s one thing to hang it on the wall and admire your collection. To do this, it is enough to carefully examine the old guns. A photo of their appearance will also be enough. And quite another - to use for its intended purpose. Although legends circulate about old guns, the buyer should worry about their safety and carefully inspect the subject of purchase.
Inspection of the gun should begin with the forehead pads. Gases burst during the shot from the capsule fall on the metal in the block and lead to its corrosion. This is observed in the formed burnout ring and in the caverns near the striker. These same gases thin the striker. When using a gun with such flaws, it is possible to break through the gases back, which can lead to damage (for example, to break through the box at the junction of the block) or injure the shooter.
The next factor: a critical log of trunks in the block. To determine it allows the presence of gaps between the block and the trunks. With sufficient wear, an increase in shock load occurs, which leads to the appearance of gaps in the locking nodes. As a result, there is a transverse backlash of the trunks. The number of gaps that appear can lead to the opening of the gun or to rupture of the trunks. At the same time, the person runs the risk of serious injury.
The most dangerous breakdown of the locking device or draft of the gate spring. It is the strength of the spring that determines the reliability of the locking strip. The lack of reliable constipation increases the risk of spontaneous opening of the gun. Departure of the cartridge case, emission of gases, rupture of the barrel determine the possibility of harm to the shooting hunter.
Barrel flaws
With prolonged use of the gun, metal fatigue is observed. This is the result of vibration and stretching of the trunks, shock loads and torques. The most destructive for the trunk are considered "shells". The USSR refused to register guns if 15% of the surface of the entire barrel area was covered by them. The location of the "sinks" also matters. They are especially dangerous in the projectile entrance and behind the chamber (the so-called peak pressure zones). A small rash or lead on the strength of the trunks and the battle of the gun does not affect.
Damage to the barrel in the form of dents is also dangerous. The metal can run out of toughness and collapse during a shot. You should pay attention to the gun with a coupling connection. This is when the barrel and chamber are made separately, and then soldered. A gap may appear at the interface between the chamber and the barrel. This is dangerous because the shot can turn the chamber.
The trigger mechanism also deserves attention. Failures of the trigger tend to disrupt the trigger from the platoon. A shotgun can fire when shaken or dropped. The cause of this trouble is the wear of the protrusions of the engagement of the trigger and the sear, the breaking of the spring of the sear, the wear of the axes of the landing of the trigger and the sear. A defective fuse should be a mandatory reason for refusing to use this gun for its intended purpose.
Stock defects
Some amateurs continue to hunt with boxes wrapped in wire or tape, or even simply with chipped butts. In addition to a minor injury, a rebounding chip can cause more serious damage due to an arbitrary or double shot. Reason: the wooden part lifts the ankles a little bit, or the castle “walks” in the box.
Of course, all the described shortcomings can be tried to eliminate. But for this you need to find a master, and this is not easy in modern conditions.
Registration and deregistration
The acquisition of an old hunting rifle leads to the need for its registration. To the question of how to register an old gun without documents, you can get conflicting answers. All of them come down to the complexity of such a process. Theoretically, it looks simple. First of all, you need to write the correct explanatory note addressed to the head of the Department of Licensing and Permitting (FRA). It is necessary to indicate the origin of the gun without documents (inherited from the grandfather, found in the barn and so on). Be sure to indicate that you would like not to hand over the barrel to the scrap, but register for yourself. Shotguns should be inspected, rewritten numbers and made a request to the information center. Make shooting in a bullet-shell case. If the result is positive, we receive a certificate and register. Everything.
Realities can lead to another path, slow, with obstacles and delays. In this case, if at the first stage you receive a refusal, all other steps should be taken after applying to the court and receiving its decision.
Things are simpler with the registration of an old gun with documents. You need to submit papers to the barrel, confirm your ownership (inheritance, purchase, donation) to it and a package of documents in your name about the permission to purchase, store and carry weapons.
The answer to the question of whether it is possible to register an old gun is extremely simple. Yes you can. Get ready to just spend time, money and nerves. In some cases, registration may take six months, sometimes it will take several years.
But to remove from the register an old gun is much easier. To do this, contact the police with a statement on the voluntary surrender of the barrel. They examine the weapon, write down the number (if there is none, then assign a temporary one according to the serial number of registration) and give you a receipt (one copy is attached to the barrel).
Essential Care Supplies
Properly organized storage of the barrel can extend its combat qualities for many years. Lack of care or improper handling can ruin even the most remarkable gun. It is indisputable that the gun should be stored in a special safe so that no strangers could take it, use it or damage it. The place for the safe must be dry, because dampness is the main enemy of iron. Transportation of the gun should be carried out in a special case (case).
Regularly inspect, lubricate and clean the hunting rifle. Some accessories are required for maintenance. This ramrod, a variety of tips to it (puff, brush, visher), butterdish, two or three pointed wooden sticks. As cleaning materials, carefully washed dry rags (linen or cotton, bandages) are used, which are stored so that sand or other foreign small objects do not get into them.
Hunting Gun Cleaning
With the acquisition of all materials, you can proceed with this crucial procedure. How to clean an old gun? Every month, the barrel, even if no one uses it, should be wiped, all its metal parts should be treated with an oiled rag. Humidity after drying the grease can lead to rust. Grease is best used with a thick and sticky, neutral reaction. Old smoothbore guns without a self-loading device can be processed with any oil.
For self-loading barrels, you should choose the brand of lubricant according to the requirements specified in the description of the model. Neutral grease can easily be distinguished from alkaline with a brass sleeve. The darkening of brass at the place of lubrication indicates its alkaline nature. Instead of special greases, you can use unrefined (yellow) petroleum jelly, melted lard (lamb or beef, necessarily unsalted, is suitable). Outside, the gun is well protected from moisture by beeswax (for this it must be dissolved in turpentine or gasoline).
After each shooting it is necessary to clean the barrel. To do this, you need hot soapy water. With a clean cloth wound on the ramrod, you need to break through the barrel channels. To do this, lower the ends of the trunks into the water, and move the ramrod up and down the channel eight to ten times. Change a cloth to a metal brush and repeat the procedure. At the end of cleaning, rinse with clean water and wipe dry from the inside and outside. Treat with neutral grease. Soapy water copes well with fresh soot, softens rust, and removes lead. Caring for old trigger guns is almost the same as for other types of trunks for hunting.
Periodically, you should pay attention to the wooden parts of the gun. Birch and beech stocks should be inspected for cracks in the varnish coating, chips. Places for inserting metal parts, at least occasionally, must be carefully treated with natural drying oil. To clean damages from the remains of a paint and varnish covering, to cover with a stain for receiving desirable color and to put in several layers of a varnish. Cracks in the fore-end will disappear after longitudinal milling of its lower part (cut thickness - about 1.5 mm). By following such simple rules, you can ensure that even the oldest guns look like new.