A hunting carbine is essentially a shortened rifle. Has a large firing range and shot power. Depending on the species, it is used for hunting small, medium and large animals. Initially, the carbine, due to its lightness and compactness, was used in cavalry troops. Over time, it began to be used by bird and small game hunters. In today's version, this gun is used in all types of hunting. Be it shooting from ambush or from the approach, storage shed or tower. A hunting carbine is a rifled weapon. Its main purpose is shooting from long distances. Some manufacturers of shotguns also call their creations carbines. Whether this is so is a highly controversial issue.
Types of carbines
The defining characteristic of hunting rifles is what animal they are used for. But besides this, there are a number of others:
- Charging method. According to this criterion, guns are divided into automatic and manually loaded. Self-loading hunting carbines are usually used in pens, when you need to quickly fire several shots. They are also used in so-called commercial production. When fighting an animal does not bring aesthetic satisfaction, but is a source of income for the hunter. Store-bought rifles are more suitable for amateur and sport hunting. Then, when you get pleasure from one true shot. It is a little faster to reload a gun with a bolt without turning.
- Caliber size. They range from small-caliber, with a size of up to 6.5 mm, to large-caliber - more than 9 mm. When you plan to hunt medium and large animals, excluding bears, in Europe or Russia, the most suitable for you will be 7.62, 308Win and others from this line. Magnums, such as .300WinMag, are mostly used in the mountains, at very long distances, when hunting mountain sheep. If you are going after a bear, it is vital to take a diameter larger than 9mm, such as 9.3x62, .375H&H Mag. There are also very small calibers - .222, .223Rem, designed for hunting foxes, raccoons and other small animals.
- Weapon system. It is also of great importance for different types of hunting. It comes with a rotary, collet bolt locking system or a “Henry clamp.”
Criterias of choice
The choice of a 12 gauge hunting rifle depends on the type of fishing. There are no uniform criteria for this; professionals focus primarily on their own preferences and experience. However, there are some general recommendations, namely:
- Chamber selection. In this direction, attention is paid to the ammunition intended for use (option with a standard 70 mm casing or a reinforced analogue of the Magnum-76 mm).
- Recharge type. There are three options in this segment. The manual method is carried out by breaking the barrel. The design is as simple as possible, yet it is reliable even in the most budget version.
- Automatic analogues are more difficult to maintain, more expensive, require special handling and careful operation.
- Semi-automatic versions (pumps) have many advantages, but they weigh more than manual models, which can be inconvenient when hunting on foot.
- Number of trunks. It is better to purchase “Perelomki” with two barrels. Single modifications are more suitable for watchmen or professionals who do not allow mistakes.
When choosing a 12-gauge shotgun, you should consider its weight, how it fits in your hand, ease of aiming, and the functioning of the mechanisms, including sound.
You should not pay attention to advertising “enticements” from manufacturers; focus solely on the advice of knowledgeable people and real ratings.
Remington 870
These 12 gauge over/under shotguns are a true classic on the shotgun market. The model has been known for more than 65 years, but, despite its advanced age, it still remains in service. This is due to its excellent technical performance and constant improvement. The model is used not only by hunters; in some countries it is used by police and army units.
In its modern version, the Remington modification is known under the symbol 870. The product received a plastic butt and fore-end, a tubular-type under-barrel magazine, and reduced weight. There is nothing superfluous in the design; the weapon is simple and reliable.
Options:
- Overall/barrel length – 978/400 mm.
- Weight – 3400 g.
- Reloading is manual by moving the forend.
- The clip capacity is four charges and one cartridge in the barrel.
- The cost is about 400 dollars.
SRM Arms Model 1216
Another unusual model of a 12 gauge smoothbore shotgun. The semi-automatic shotgun is presented in a line of several modifications. The main feature of the weapon was the power system. It includes drum clips with four chambers with a capacity of 8, 12 and 16 rounds of ammunition.
The versions were named depending on the capacity of the stores. For example, index 1212 means that the gun is equipped with a 12-round clip. The variations also differ in length and weight of the product. The Model 1216 smoothbore shotgun is equipped with an under-barrel magazine, which consists of several tubes with four charges each. Having fired a stock from one element, the shooter rotates the clip and can continue firing. In addition, the user is able to load each tube in advance with cartridges of different types, selecting the desired parameter by rotating the drum.
The weapon is equipped with a steel receiver and a durable plastic body. In its standard version, the gun has standard sighting mechanisms. There are Picatinny rails on the sides and top of the receiver for mounting a convenient sight or tactical flashlight. The developers of the weapon in question have achieved an optimal combination of multi-charging, firing with a specific type of charge to choose from, compactness, tactical mobility and two-way control.
Mossberg
Another well-known American arms company specializing in the production of 12-gauge semi-automatic shotguns. Its products are in leading positions in the world. The flagship of the brand is the modification of the Mossberg 500 and the tactical version based on it - the Mossberg 930 Tactical SPX.
This gun is equipped with a wide butt, an elongated fore-end, convenient sights, and a Picatinny rail for mounting collimators and other additional equipment. Users appreciate this version for its reliability, ease of maintenance, and the ability to operate with both hands. The aiming process is simplified by the presence of contrasting inserts on the front and rear sights.
Basic indicators:
- Barrel/total length – 470/990 mm.
- Weight – 3500 g.
- Reloading type - semi-automatic, due to exhaust gases from the barrel channel.
- The magazine capacity is 8 rounds plus one ammo in the barrel.
- Prices start at $870.
Consumer Opinion
User reviews of 12 gauge hunting rifles are divided. Avid and experienced hunters claim that a high-quality domestic double-barreled shotgun is sufficient for hunting. Users focused not only on hunting, but also on sports or recreational shooting, prefer multi-charged semi-automatic analogues with the possibility of supplementing them with optics, collimators or tactical flashlights. In one position, the owners agree: 12 gauge is the best option, as it allows the use of charges of different weights and configurations.
The best 12 gauge shotgun: review, photos, reviews on News4Auto.ru.
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Izhevsk production
12-gauge shotguns from Izhevsk gunsmiths have gained a reputation as practical and high-quality domestic weapons for hunting. The line under consideration includes many modifications. The most popular ones are listed below:
- The IZH-18 variant is the legendary “single-barrel” hammerless configuration. This model is considered the ancestor of commercial versions, and is often found among avid hunters today.
- Modifications under the indexes 43, 54, 58. They are variations of one basic variation, differing in minor modifications in design and technical parameters.
- Reliable over/under IZH caliber 12. The “27” series shotgun has become one of the most sought-after items among hunters, thanks to its excellent shooting parameters and long service life.
"Vepr-12"
12-gauge smoothbore shotguns "Vepr-12" have a layout and structure similar to that of the RPK (Kalashnikov light machine gun). The system has a rotary-locking valve and a gas outlet. Among the fundamental changes is the ability to use rifle cartridges, for which the receiver has been re-equipped. The trigger mechanism was deprived of automatic mode.
To extend the working life, the gas chamber, barrel channel and bolt rod on the frame are coated with chrome plating. Food is supplied from detachable plastic magazines with single-row ammunition placement. The weapon in question is produced at the Molot plant in Vyatskie Polyany.
Brief characteristics:
- Overall/trunk length – 977/430 mm.
- Weight – 4300 g.
- Reloading is semi-automatic with a side-mounted gas engine.
- The clip capacity is eight charges.
- Estimated price – from 70 thousand rubles.
Rock Island Armory S605 TAC SA
This five-shot 12-gauge shotgun is new to the arms market. The product looks similar to a modification of the Benelli M4 Tactical. The receiver and forend are equipped with Picatinny rails, and a comfortable pistol-type grip is provided. The smoothbore version belongs to the budget category, one of the most affordable for domestic users.
Options:
- Overall/barrel length – 1143/508 mm.
- Weight – 3200 g.
- Recharging – removal of gases from the barrel channel in semi-automatic mode.
- The clip capacity is 4 charges and one cartridge in the barrel.
- Cost – from 400 dollars.
Stoeger P-350 Defense
12 gauge smoothbore hunting rifles of this brand are produced by a Turkish company. The main difference of this model is the elongated and reinforced design, suitable for the use of Super Magnum type charges (case length - 89 mm). The weapon has excellent stock ergonomics and is available in several modifications. For example, a purely hunting type is equipped with a ventilated bar and removable chokes. All production variants have a tubular under-barrel magazine for four rounds.
The P-350 Defense version is presented by the developer as a weapon for home defense. The device is distinguished by a proven and reliable design, pump-action reloading, and an affordable price. This option lacks the body kit and pistol grip. The convenience of the weapon in question lies in the ergonomic shape, the presence of a wide fore-end and the special shape of the butt.
Characteristics:
- Total length – 1030 mm.
- The same barrel length is 470 mm.
- Weight – 3200 g.
- Reloading type - manual with forearm movement.
- The clip capacity is four cartridges and one ammunition in the barrel.
- Estimated price – from 350 dollars.
Series from TOZ
Tula designers are no less famous in the weapons industry than their Izhevsk colleagues. Among the flagships of this manufacturer are the following modifications:
- BM (“Tulka”) is a 12-gauge shotgun, which is distinguished by high quality barrel steel, a reliable hammer design, and excellent shooting parameters. The model became the basis for the next several generations in the relevant field.
- TOZ-80 is an improved version of the previous version, with improved technical performance.
- The modification under the symbol “34” is the most popular Tula 12-gauge hunting rifle. IZH-12 is a direct competitor to this model with a vertical barrel placement. These two samples are the constant subject of debate about the pros and cons between adherents of these two brands.
