FOUR HUNTERS: MP 153, TOZ 87, MC 21 12, BEKAS 12M AUTO

In Soviet times, the main hunting weapon was manually loaded. At the same time, there was no talk of any stores. Therefore, the beginning of the development of a self-loading carbine for the needs of hunters was unexpected.

Shotgun MC 21-12

Work on the rifle began at the very end of the 1950s. The first products rolled off the assembly line in 1965. Professional hunters liked the MTs 21-12. The weapon combined the proven design with Browning Auto 5 and the developments of Soviet gunsmiths. The product was produced in small series, and it was the dream of a simple Soviet hunter. Even now 21-12 is in price among collectors.

The history of the creation of the MTs 21-12 shotgun

The idea of ​​​​creating a semi-automatic carbine appeared in the Soviet Union at the border of the 50s and 60s. More precisely, in 1955. The first to come up with this idea were the designers of TsKIB, located in Tula.

They decided to take the automation scheme from the Browning Auto 5, which is widespread in the Western market, as a basis, but make a number of changes to the design to suit the realities of the USSR. It was this decision that led to the appearance of the unofficial name of the gun - “Russian Browning”.

Development lasted for 3 years. First, the MTs 21-12 hunting rifle was drawn on paper. Then we made a description of the parameters. Later, working prototypes began to be produced. The design and layout have been changed more than once. All work was completed in 1958. Finally, in 1965, working drawings were sent to the Tula plant.

See also the article Vepr-12 Molot smoothbore hunting rifle and its characteristics

After some time, mass production started. The production stopped just a few years ago. The reason is simple: newer and more advanced rifles have appeared. The total number of products produced exceeds 300,000 copies.

Rifle MTs-21: Predecessor of MTs 21-12

Debugging and fine-tuning of the receiver

As a result of the fact that the end of the lid protrudes above the box, the forend of the gun does not fit tightly into its proper place, and the clamps in this case may not fit into the ends of the grooves. As a result, the stock rotates on the holder. In this case, it is necessary to adjust the box lid. Sometimes you come across specimens in which the end clip can be screwed to the fore-end with a bias, as a result of which the barrel will be slowed down when it rolls back against the internal walls. In this case, you should clean the wooden surface in these places. If this does not help, then you need to reinstall the clip.

It is also necessary to pay attention to how the mainspring is installed in the trigger. Does the right wall interfere with her work? In the assembled position, remove the cover and check whether the shutter pushers are pinching the trigger

You should make sure that the stock support (front) washer is not displaced relative to the hole, otherwise it may damage the threads on the end of the cage and will loosen its fastening.

Purpose of the hunting rifle MTs 21-12

The MTs 21-12 hunting rifle is primarily intended for shooting medium and small game: birds, hares, roe deer, etc. This is facilitated by the high rate of fire and accuracy.

The accuracy of the MTs 21 at a distance of 100 meters allows you to hit small birds.

It is possible to fire bullets, which increases the range of game that can be hit.

Initially, the weapon used cartridges with folder and brass sleeves, which led to problems with reloading. Later, plastic ones began to appear and the problem stopped by itself.

Historical reference

MTs-20-01 with magazine and cartridges
The development of a magazine hunting rifle began in the 1960s. At that time, there was only the “Frolovka”, created back in 1920 and requiring replacement with a more modern smoothbore gun. Under the leadership of Yu. I. Berezin, the design bureau created a new model of hunting weapon.

Development

The prototype MTs-20 was ready in 1964. A year after its approval, it entered mass production. In 1979, on its basis, the MTs-20-01 was developed, and two years later - variants 20-02 and 20-03 for calibers 28 and 32, respectively.

The first MTs-20 shotguns were made with wooden stocks and receivers. Later, designers tried to make these elements from plastic, but field tests showed the fragility of this material at sub-zero temperatures.

The first versions of the gun also had shortcomings with the bolt mechanism. The complex design did not allow the weapon to be repaired on the go. To eliminate these shortcomings, a more current model was created - a 20-gauge single-barreled shotgun MTs-20-01.

The new version of the hunting weapon has received increased strength of the box. The bolt mechanism has become more efficient and easier to operate. The gun allowed the use of cartridges not only with plastic and paper casings, but also with metal ones.

First use

The first use of MTs-20-01 dates back to 1979, at which time the sample was put into mass production. Initially, the weapon was designed for a magazine of 2 or 4 rounds plus one in the chamber. Later modifications for 3 and 5 rounds appeared.

After the first application, the variability in appearance increased. Samples were created with a pistol grip, a folding butt, and a shortened barrel. The stock and box were made mainly of birch or beech. Piece samples were also made to order; walnut was used for them.

Description of design and appearance

Most modern self-loading shotguns are based on the principle of removing powder gases from the barrel bore into the gas chamber. The MC shotgun uses a completely different method - the free barrel rolls back under the influence of recoil and a return spring. The barrel moves along ring-shaped guides and extends about 10 centimeters. During the reverse movement, a new cartridge is captured, which is sent into the chambers and locked with a heavy bolt.

Disassembled carabiner MC 21 12

The sliding-type bolt group is mounted on the rear of the smooth barrel. It is mounted on a stop that is part of the bolt. When locking the ammunition, the stop goes into a special hole, which increases reliability. In order to improve shooting accuracy and increase survivability, the smooth barrel has a protective chrome coating.

A special feature of the MC 21-12 is the narrowing of the barrel from the bolt to the muzzle by 1 mm.

There is the possibility of changing nozzles, allowing you to change the degree of narrowing:

• 0.5 mm;
• 0.75 mm.

Along the length of the barrel there is a strip attached to the outside. Purpose: radiator to remove heat and increase structural rigidity. The main modification of the MTs 21-12 is designed to fire twelve-gauge cartridges.

Shotgun butt MTs 21 12

The stock is made of wood: beech or walnut. The butt has a semi-pistol neck for easy grip. Due to the peculiarities of automatic operation, a channel was made in the butt. It houses the return spring. The trigger mechanism is located nearby. Firing is possible only with single shots.

The ammunition supply system is a tube mounted under the rifle barrel. It is possible to directly chamber a cartridge into the chamber. A cut-off device is provided for this purpose.

The magazine holds 5 rounds.

To increase safety, the rifle has two safeties:

• Flag . Controlled by the hunter. When setting for blocking, it is in the upper position and covers the area painted with red paint from view;
• Automatic . Prevents firing with the bolt open.

Interesting fact: MTs21-12 is the only Soviet hunting rifle with a flag type safety.

See also the article MP-153 shotgun and its characteristics

Photo of hook and fuse

Over the course of several years, several design flaws emerged. First of all, automation. Browning's scheme was based on direct exposure of key elements of the rifle to powder gases, which led to rapid contamination. At the same time, the mechanism itself was reliable and was designed for 6.5 thousand shots. The second drawback was the return spring, recessed into the butt. The part tended to rust from moisture getting into the groove.

Buy a high-class sports shotgun MTs 11

State Unitary Enterprise KBP - “TsKIB SOO”
Central Design Bureau of Sporting and Hunting Weapons

The single-piece MTs 11 double-barreled shotgun is designed for shooting at fast-moving targets in sports shooting conditions. 12 gauge cartridges are used for shooting.

The gun is available with one or two pairs of barrels. Barrels 750 mm long have special muzzle constrictions, and barrels 675 mm long have pre-muzzle extensions, providing more effective target engagement at short distances.

The detachable trunks are located in a horizontal plane. The connection to the box and locking of the barrels is carried out by barrel hooks, a hinge axis, a forend, a transverse pin and a locking frame.

Impact mechanisms with internal triggers and a trigger mechanism with two regular or universal triggers are mounted on separate bases. The cartridges are removed from the chamber and ejected by separate ejectors mounted in the forend.

The gun has hammer interceptors and an automatic safety that rigidly locks the triggers, which ensures complete safety during operation. The outer surfaces of the metal parts are decorated with highly artistic engraving and chasing. The stock is English or with a pistol grip. The weight of the gun is 3.5 – 3.7 kg.

The MTs 11 shotgun was successfully used by leading sports shooters of the USSR at international shooting competitions. The gun is available in four varieties: MC 11-1, MC 11-2, MC 11-3 and MC 11-4.

The MTs-11 shotgun is a real luxury item, and its acquisition is prestigious for any hunter. This is a wonderful example of traditional weapons craftsmanship, made by skilled Tula craftsmen who have been making magnificent weapons for the Russian Tsars for hundreds of years. When we call the MTs-11 a “Russian Purde,” we mean a well-made English-style gun with full F. Beesley locks. This system, the patent for the production of which was then sold to the James Purde company, is still considered one of the best in the world.

This system is sometimes called “self-opening” because when the top locking key is turned, the barrels themselves lower down under the influence of the mainspring, which pushes them through the cockers.

Opening the system does not require any effort, and the compression of the mainsprings is achieved after cocking the internal hammers into the firing position during the process of closing the barrels and requires the application of some force.

The most unusual feature of the mechanism is that when disassembling the weapon, the mainspring automatically relaxes even when the hammer is cocked.

The design of the gun is made in a strict English style, the keyplates are covered with bouquet engraving, classic for Perde guns. Parts of the internal mechanism and triggers are gold plated to prevent corrosion. But there is one significant difference between the MTs-11 and the English analogue of 12 gauge: “Russian Purde” is almost 800 grams heavier than its English “relative”. There are good reasons for this - the gun was made in Russia, and here, as you know, it is made more and more thoroughly.

At the moment, the MTs 11 gun is a source of pride for the owner. It is extremely rare in private collections.

“I consider this gun to be a very good buy and the gun itself is a superb example of traditional gunsmithing made by some of the best gunsmiths left in the world today.”

Assistant to President Kennedy Roger Barlow

MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY

The manufacturer guarantees the reliable operation of the gun's mechanisms, subject to the storage and operation rules established by this passport. The warranty period is 10 years from the date of purchase of the gun by the consumer, while the operating time should not exceed 30,000 shots.

During the warranty period, the manufacturer will eliminate free of charge any manufacturing defects discovered during operation. If it is impossible to eliminate the defect, the gun will be replaced free of charge.

Tactical and technical characteristics of MTs 21 12 (TTX)

What to do: buy a foreign car or support a domestic manufacturer?

For those who do not want to think and do mechanics, it is easier to purchase an imported “self-loading”. Such single-barreled hunting rifles are beautiful, lightweight and almost trouble-free. There is one small drawback: the price of such weapons can be several times, or even an order of magnitude, higher than the cost of our MTs 21. There are also so-called budget models, but their quality cannot be compared even with our “handicraft” production; this is money thrown away .

Today, the whole world is again gripped by an economic crisis; the cost of imports is steadily rising, as a result of which their supplies are declining. Domestic gunsmiths have an excellent chance to occupy the emerging niche of this market not only in Russia and the CIS countries, but also in Europe. Agree that it is better to purchase inexpensive equipment from Russian gunsmiths and, if necessary, modify it slightly, than to be left without your hobby at all. Turkish consumer goods do not solve the problems - their self-loading single-barreled shotguns are more expensive than domestic ones, and they have similar problems with quality, although commercials say the opposite.

MC 21 was valued by experienced hunters in the past, and now it is bought by those who cannot afford expensive weapons, or by experienced connoisseurs. Of course, this gun has modern competitors, such as the legendary Murka MP-153, TOZ-87 and Bekas-auto. “Bekas” and “Murka” are also very controversial representatives of semi-automatic hunting rifles, but the TOZ-87, if it were manufactured at a higher quality level, could become the best domestic self-loading rifle. The MP-153 rightfully occupies the title of “national”, but its cost is one and a half times higher than the MTs 21-12, and in comparison with it this model is often inferior in the quality of the barrel, has a narrow, inconvenient sighting bar, and is also characterized by misalignment of the muzzle nozzles The guns of Tula gunsmiths are traditionally distinguished by excellent barrels and remarkable action. Many hunters purchasing MC 21 today make their choice precisely because of these qualities.

Description of modifications MC 21-12

Variants for individual order were also produced - such guns were marked “Sh”. There were modifications intended as souvenirs. The name was appended with the letter “C”.

Recommendations for weapon maintenance

Before shooting, it is necessary to wipe the barrel of the gun dry, because the remaining oil in it during a shot under the influence of pressure and high temperature forms carbon deposits, which are very difficult to remove. In addition, this also affects power, as the friction force increases. The wooden parts of the gun should be periodically wiped with oil or drying oil - this helps maintain the water-repellent properties of the material. Also, owners of MTs 20-01 need to understand that this weapon is significantly different from “fractures”; it is very difficult to remove foreign objects from it that could get into the barrel. Therefore, it is better to purchase or sew a special leather cover for the entire base of the front sight. This minor addition to the gun’s equipment will allow you to move freely through the forest and wade through thickets. Even an accidental shot will not be able to damage the barrel, because the charge will simply tear the case.

User manual

The MTs 21-12 shotgun has been produced for a long time and has widely proven itself among hunters. Therefore, a whole series of tips for operating the rifle have emerged, which formed the basis of the MTs 21-12 instructions, which make it possible to increase the efficiency of use and service life.

First of all, it is worth saying that the rifle is used for hunting medium-small game. The killing power is enough to defeat wolves, hares, etc. It is recommended to use plastic or paper cartridges for charging.

Rifle MP 21 - 12, cartridges and choke tubes

When going hunting in swamps or during rain, it is recommended to thoroughly lubricate the weapon, and after returning from the event, completely disassemble and dry it. Particular attention should be paid to the cavity in the butt where the return spring is located.

Otherwise, the operation of MC 21-12 is not particularly complicated.

Some tips for loading ammo

I would also like to share with novice hunters some tips that will allow you to create better cartridges for the MTs-21-12 at home:

• to increase accuracy at long distances, use tape before rolling the cartridge - this way the shot will retain its original shape longer;
• to increase the initial speed of the shot, increase the amount of gunpowder by 10%!, but no more, since too much energy can lead to rupture of the barrel;
• Try experimenting with different loads and powders, then practice shooting at wooden targets to find out which cartridge suits you best.

We also invite you to watch a short video that will allow you to understand in more detail how to load 12-gauge cartridges at home. Watch it to the end if you want to create really high-quality ammunition.

We hope you now understand which ammo is best to use for the MTs-21-12. The MP-153 is the main analogue of this weapon, so you can purchase a gun from the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant if you do not like the above-described version of the self-loading single-barreled gun.

Advantages and disadvantages

Positive traits:

• high reliability;
• ease of use;
• accuracy when shooting at 100 m;
• the ability to fire bullets;
• low cost;
• impeccable technical characteristics of MTs 21-12;
• suitable for a beginner.

Negative qualities:

• the need for careful care;
• problems with automation are common;
• possibility of cartridge misalignment;
• lack of new rifles on the market.

See also the article Saiga 410k and its characteristics

Operating principle

Using MC 21-12, it can be noted that its operation process is simple. This was achieved through a simple mechanism.

Its activation is standard for this type of hunting rifle. Use can begin from the moment the required caliber of cartridges is installed in the magazine. When you press the trigger smoothly and without causing resistance, it disengages from the bolt, and the straightening spring presses on the surface of the firing pin.

Shutter modification

Stiffness when bringing the handle to the upper position with the trigger pulled is observed in the following cases:

- incorrectly formed geometry of the worm cocking of the hammer or its rough processing;

— a deep recess for the trigger tooth, as well as discrepancies in geometry and dimensions;

— unpolished surfaces of the lugs and corresponding planes in the cutouts of the receiver;

— unpolished rear ends of the bolt stem and the front end of the liner;

— rough processing of the external surfaces of the bolt and channel in the receiver;

— incorrect fit of the liner, resulting in uneven load distribution.