Baikal IZH-79-8
Baikal (Izhevsk Mechanical Plant) · Pistol · Discontinued
Also known as: MP-79-8, IZH-79
Overview
The Baikal IZH-79-8 is a non-lethal self-defense gas pistol built on the frame and blowback double-action mechanism of the Makarov PM. Produced by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, it uses an 8mm obstructed barrel modified to fire irritant gas cartridges rather than live ammunition, feeding from an eight-round detachable box magazine. It became popular in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe for personal protection following the collapse of the USSR.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 730 g (25.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 161 mm (6.34") |
| Barrel Length | 93 mm (3.66") |
| Height | 127 mm (5.00") |
| Width | 34 mm (1.34") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 8mm P.A.K. (Gas) · primary — also known as 8mm gas cartridge, 8mm P.A., 8mm Blank
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Decocker
- Features: Obstructed Barrel, Fixed Sights, Self-Defense Gas Pistol
Service history
Operators
- Civilian self-defense (Eastern Europe)
Production
Civilian self-defense pistol produced by Izhevsk Mechanical Plant in the 1990s
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Notes
A gas-cartridge conversion of the Makarov PM; the barrel is obstructed so it cannot chamber or fire live 9x18mm ammunition. Part of Baikal's IZH-79 self-defense pistol family.
Background
After the collapse of the USSR, Izhevsk repurposed its iconic Makarov service pistol into gas-firing IZH-79 self-defense arms, giving civilians across Eastern Europe a familiar-looking sidearm that fired only irritant cartridges.