For all the time, not so many Tula guns were produced, it is worth noting the fact that among them there are several models that are definitely worthy of attention from the hunters, since it was precisely at their production that the manufacturers honed their skills, using various weapons enhancements. One of these models is the TOZ-BM 12 gauge, which was created for all shooting enthusiasts and was incredibly widespread among hunters. It’s worth mentioning right away that this gun was originally a model for commercial and amateur hunting.
What is this gun?
The TOZ-BM 12 gauge is the TOZ-B model modified in the 57th year of the last century. The new model was characterized by much higher characteristics regarding reliability and durability, while initially it was produced exclusively in 16th and 20th calibers. The channels of the trunks are distinguished by typical muzzle contractions made according to the type of payday-chock.
Like the original shotgun, the TOZ-BM 12 gauge is equipped with padlocks. The barrel of the gun is equipped with a triple locking system on the block, where the lower was closed using the Perde frame and two additional underbarrel hooks, while the Greener bolt is used to lock the upper. Immediately after firing, the TOZ-BM 12 caliber trigger is fully automatically set to the safety position.
Visual features
The box was made of birch, walnut or beech, while it is worth noting that the walnut box is a characteristic feature for exclusive models. The type of neck of the butt was pistol, semi-pistol, or it could be even.
As with the original model, the barrel length is from 700 to 725 mm, while the 16-gauge model provides for the possibility of increasing the barrel to 750 mm. The barrel channels of such weapons do not have any chrome coating, so you need to constantly ensure that they do not rust. You can often find such models that have chrome-plated channels, but this is a rather rare phenomenon and only applies to units released after the 60s. The traditional aiming strip is easy to use in the same way as a brass front sight, as a result of which you can comfortably fire offhand. The aiming strip is distinguished by a specialized anti-glare knurling, made in the form of a transverse notch, which makes it possible to aim as calmly as possible even in sufficiently bright sunlight.
Benefits
The advantage of TOZ-BM can be called the fact that the gun is as simple as disassembled, and therefore it is extremely convenient in the process of cleaning and transportation. Among other things, this model is also simple and unpretentious in care.
The stock, of course, has far from ideal appearance in ordinary samples, but at the same time, it is almost impossible for users to find any serious complaints about this. There is a specialized burnished or plastic butt plate on the back of the butt, due to which, even having a sufficiently large weight, the TOZ-BM has a relatively comfortable return, and the only thing you should not forget is that the weapon requires a competent tab and fire need, after taking the correct rack. Among other things, this is also due to the unique shape of the butt plate.
disadvantages
If we talk about the shortcomings of the TOZ-BM 12 gauge (photo above), it can be noted that such guns are far from always equipped with really high-quality finish and combat. Often you can find models of this gun, which are distinguished by a rather poor filing and fit, and in addition they also have a disgusting battle. Thus, the use of a Griner bolt in direct locking necessarily requires a really high-quality and highly qualified assembly, and otherwise the weapon simply cannot really clearly fulfill the tasks assigned to it.
It is for this reason that often fitting the upper mechanism is far from the most satisfactory, and this often spoils the TOZ-BM (12 gauge). Unit production has somewhat solved the problem, since exclusive models are practically devoid of any production flaws. It is also worth noting the fact that many models are far from the best debugging and processing of various parts, often causing well-deserved comments from most hunters.
How does this affect hunting?
Particular attention should be paid to the fact that in ordinary execution such guns often differ in inappropriate tree stocks and inset metal. Do not forget that too old guns of this type can even be dangerous for the hunter, since the safety platoon is almost completely worn out in them. In the same way, non-chrome trunks are not reliable.
Quite often in such guns there is “baptism”, which provides for the failure of the right trunk to the left, while the left, on the contrary, fails to the right. Of course, this again applies exclusively to ordinary performance models, but since the cost of just such specimens was as affordable as possible for most people, they fully corresponded to the minimum requirements of the majority of hunters of the 60-70s. In the taiga, as well as in other remote territories of the former USSR, despite the huge circulation, the TOZ-BM 12 gauge (hammer), in principle, was scarce, and with all the advantages and disadvantages, it constantly maintained the status of the desired weapon.
Who uses it and where?
Like the standard model, this was used by almost everyone who had to deal with hunting in professional and everyday life. The popularity of this gun is due to the fact that it differs in an extremely thought-out and at the same time time-tested design, and more importantly - maintainability, since all parts were widespread and, accordingly, available for every hunter. Among other things, many people also appreciated the high degree of strength and reliability of this gun.
For many hunters an important role was played by the complete absence of a fuse, as well as the presence of external triggers, due to which weapons could be brought to battle as soon as possible, since it is quite simple to cock the triggers. Also, due to this, the gun could be extremely easily transported with cartridges in the chamber with the triggers pulled down, and also it was not necessary to carry out any extra movements to carry out the shot.
What to choose?
In any case, to date, one of the most common rifles among modern hunters is precisely the TOZ-BM 12 gauge. Owner reviews confirm the main advantages and disadvantages described above, and therefore, among professionals, it is considered extremely successful weapon, taking into account the current cost. As mentioned above, piecewise options always deserve special attention, since they are qualitatively different from ordinary ones, starting from the exterior decoration and manufacturing of parts and ending with the battle. Among other things, you can also find several guns of this model in a souvenir design.
How to determine the quality of the battle?
Since this weapon in itself is distinguished by a rather respectable age, when it is acquired, everyone asks a logical question: "How to determine that a gun is really high-quality and in good condition?" In fact, there are certain rules that allow you to determine how ready the gun is for battle and whether it has retained its original characteristics.
In accordance with the technical conditions, at least 55% of the grains must fall from the left trunk into the target, while only 45% from the right. From each individual barrel, no more than 3 shots need to be made, and if at least one of them provided the above characteristics, then the battle of the barrel can be called satisfactory.
How to disassemble?
The TOZ-BM shotgun must be assembled and disassembled exclusively in a certain sequence and in full accordance with the precautionary rules. It is also recommended that you do not use any excessive force or shock in the process. Before starting work, the TOZ-BM 12-caliber shotgun must be completely discharged.
The very procedure for disassembling this weapon is as follows:
- The forend is separated from the trunks.
- The shotgun is taken with the right hand on the neck of the box, while the locking lever with the thumb is retracted to the maximum possible right position. After that, the trunks smoothly turn down and separate from the box.
- The screw of shock mechanisms is turned out.
- The screw is screwed on the right side into the base of the right percussion mechanism, and then with its help it will be necessary to carefully separate the right percussion mechanism.
- Through the hole located in the box for whispered, the left shock mechanism is pushed extremely carefully with a wooden rod.
What to consider?
The assembly of shock mechanisms is carried out in the reverse order. At the same time, it is worth noting that it is necessary to separate the shock mechanisms exclusively in the process of replacing summer or winter greases. The full assembly of the gun is recommended only in case of emergency, and all work should be carried out exclusively in the conditions of a properly equipped weapons workshop. The screwdriver blades that are used in the assembly and disassembly of the TOZ-BM (12 gauge) must be correctly threaded and also fully correspond to the screw slots.
How to handle this weapon?
You should always consider a shotgun charged and prepared for a shot, and you should never point it at people, pets, or just stand on a gun. The gun should be stored exclusively unloaded and pulled the trigger, while the ammunition is stored in a box under a safe lock.
The duration of the service, as well as the reliability of the TOZ-BM 12 gauge, directly depends on how skillfully the owner handles these weapons, as well as how high-quality ammunition is used.
Inadequate or careless handling of such a gun, as well as too frequent complete assembly and disassembly will ultimately lead to a significant reduction in the total life of the TOZ-BM. Owner reviews indicate that the quality of ammunition must also be monitored, not to mention the conformity of the calibers of your model.
Cleaning Features
Weapons should be cleaned exclusively before traces of powder deposits are completely removed from the surface of the channels. After the cleaning is completed, using an alkaline composition, thoroughly wipe dry and re-lubricate the stem channels (you can lubricate it with petroleum jelly or specialized oil). The lodge tree can be wiped using a standard dry cloth.
A day after the shooting and initial cleaning, the trunk channels should be wiped with a clean, dry cloth, and if you find any traces of rust or soot, the cleaning will need to be repeated as soon as possible. If, after normal cleaning, too, carbon deposits remain, it must be softened by thoroughly washing the channels with boiling water. After washing, the weapons are re-cleaned in accordance with all requirements and recommendations.
During firing, lead can be deposited in the barrel. In order to remove such a lead, you need to use a brush made of steel or copper wire, which is lubricated with special gun oil and then used to wipe the bore. If necessary, you can use a brush made of hard bristles.