TOZ-34 is a hunting rifle that has taken a solid place in the arsenal of both Soviet and modern Russian hunters. These barrels of mass production are equally popular with Izh-27 guns. And such love for them hunters passes from generation to generation.
What is this gun?
TOZ-34 is a double-barreled hunting rifle. Belongs to the light type with a low landing trunks. The weapon is intended for amateur and commercial hunting. The first instance of the gun was released in 1964. For all this time, it has become very popular.
Trunks TOZ-34 belong to bezkurkovymi hunting rifles. Available in 12, 16, 20 and 28 gauge. This is the first model of domestic production of serial bokflint, which is also characterized by low weight. Weapons are distinguished by their modern strict forms, applicability, good balance and high accuracy of battle.
Shotguns TOZ-34, caliber 12 and 28, are produced not only in ordinary execution, but also in piece, souvenir. The latter are a great gift for hunters. In limited series, TOZ-34 trunks of the 20th and 32nd caliber are produced. Therefore, you can meet them much less often. Small-caliber rifles have pads, like the 12th. This makes the weapon heavier, but at the same time makes it more reliable.
Description
Trunks at the gun detachable, are located in a vertical plane. There are standard
muzzle contractions. The lower trunk is the pay, the upper is the choke. And although the standard dimensions are indicated in the passport, in reality they may differ from the declared ones.
On a separate base there is a trigger mechanism having internal triggers and two descents. Handguard integral, consisting of two parts, which are fastened with special screws. Cocking is done when opening the trunks. To prevent accidental shots, interceptors and non-automatic fuses are provided. The cartridge cases in these guns are not automatically removed, but with the help of a common ejector. The exception is TOZ-34E, which has an ejector mechanism.
For shooting, hunting cartridges with a sleeve, the length of which is 70 mm, are used. The bore has a diameter of 18.5 mm, a deviation of 0.2 mm is allowed.
The butt, having a pistol-shaped neck, is made of birch, walnut or beech wood.
The history of development
The TOZ-34 shotgun was invented by the Soviet designer N.I. Korovyakov in 1964. Together with him, the employees of the Tula Arms Plant Ochnev V.P., Ferapontov S.S., Paramonov V.A. took part in the development. For the invention of a completely new model of weapons, all project participants were awarded the S. I. Mosin Prize. And in 1965, at the Leipzig Fair, the invention was awarded a diploma and a gold medal for the original design.
It is worth noting that Korovyakov was engaged in the development of not only a hunting rifle. Also his brainchild is the technological "fishing" TOZ-39. However, this weapon was never put on stream, the model was not put into production.
In general, the designer was just brilliant and versatile. He had many plans and developments, which, unfortunately, were not destined to be embodied in connection with the coup in the 90s. But even the TOZ-34 distinguished itself among other weapons. Some of its details are almost unique. While other nodes are so standard that they are not linked to other mechanisms.
Followers of TOZ-34
After several years of production at the plant, they came to the conclusion that the 34-gun hunting rifle has many disadvantages, and it needs to be further developed. Korovyakov, along with assistant Popikov, instead of improving the old model, developed a new TOZ-84. However, the new 84 didn’t go into production. Korovyakov left, and Popikov developed a new TOZ-91. The gun also required refinement, but the designer was suspended from work. The remaining employees came to the new TOZ-120 model, then to the TOZ-200. But she did not go into mass production. As a result, we stopped at 120 ke.
In 1968, production began on the advanced TOZ-34E with an ejector mechanism. Mass production began in 1969.
TOZ-34 in operation
According to hunters, the gun in question is distinguished by a better battle compared to Izh-27. Which is confirmed in practice. Most likely, the reason for this is strong chocks, excellent ergonomics of the weapon and the traditional Tula drilling of trunks.
When shooting, a rather strong recoil is felt, which the rubber recoil pad cannot smooth out. In winter, of course, this flaw is smoothed out when the hunter is in warm clothes. During operation, this gun is well balanced and manageable.
The main problem for the new owners of TOZ-34 is the disassembly and assembly of the gun. Improper conduct of the process often leads to scratches on the forend from the corners of the pads. And although the instructions for assembling / disassembling weapons are accurately and clearly indicated in the passport, many cannot stick trunks or bend cocking levers. Sometimes the process can lead to personal injury. Therefore, it is worth remembering that during assembly it is necessary to extend the extractor located on the barrel block and turn the locking mechanism to the right.
In general, the TOZ-34 shotgun is positive. None of its owners were dissatisfied with their acquisition.
Weapon Features
The first models were distinguished by the complexity of disassembling the gun. The trunks were very difficult to separate from the box. Subsequently, the designers took into account this drawback, and developed a new model with the marking "M".
TOZ-34 can be used for various types of hunting. There are allegations that a boar was hit from a gun from a 100-meter distance. It is difficult to judge how true this is.
Ahead on the cut of the receiver there is a plate that allows you to eliminate the gaps that arise during operation.
Modifications
The TOZ-34 shotgun has several modifications. Among the main types, it is worth highlighting the following:
- TOZ-34R. With rubber butt pad and extractor.
- TOZ-34E. With ejector mechanism.
- TOZ-34ER. With rubber recoil pad and ejector.
- TOZ-34Sh. Shotgun. For manufacturing, chromed metal with a unique pattern is used.
Weapons are available in both standard and souvenir designs. The second option is often used as a gift. Such guns may be engraved or embossed on the outer surface.
And to summarize
What is worth saying about the weapons at the end? Undoubtedly, the TOZ-34 hunting rifle is a kind of unique domestic invention. Its main advantages: lightness, excellent balance, applicability, locking strength, excellent shot and bullet combat. And the appearance
of the weapon is distinguished by its attractiveness. It has a large working resource, which is difficult to shoot. This is especially true for ordinary lovers.
The weak point of the TOZ-34 are the combat springs, their frequent breakdowns. That is why these spare parts are available as standard. In general, if a competent factory worker was engaged in assembling the gun, then the weapon will serve not only the owner himself, but also his grandchildren.
Trunks of small caliber are currently practically not relevant. It makes no sense to use them. The exception is some wilderness where there is a shortage of gunpowder and shot. Well and one more advantage of a small-caliber gun is its high reliability and durability.
Soviet-era shotguns are of high quality, with virtually no complaints. Modern weapons are not so good build, however, and they will last a long and reliable.