Baikal IZH-81
Izhevsk Mechanical Plant · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1994
Also known as: IZh-81, IZH-81K, IZH-81KM, IZH-81M
Overview
The Baikal IZH-81 is a Russian pump-action shotgun chambered in 12 gauge, designed in 1993 by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant and produced from 1994 to 2000. Built on a steel receiver with interchangeable smoothbore barrels of 560, 600, or 700 mm, it fed from either a tubular under-barrel magazine or, in the IZH-81K and IZH-81KM variants, a detachable box magazine. It became popular in 1990s Russia for home defense and private security work.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3300 g (116.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1200 mm (47.24") |
| Folded Length | 800 mm (31.50") |
| Barrel Length | 700 mm (27.56") |
| Action Type | Pump Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2560 J (1888 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine, Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Trigger Block
- Features: Pump Action, Interchangeable Barrels, Tubular Magazine
Variants
- Baikal IZH-81KM - Detachable Magazine
- Baikal IZH-81M - Magnum Chamber
Service history
Operators
- Russian Private Security Companies
Production
Production years: 1994-2000
Produced at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant; civilian and security market only
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Izhevsk Mechanical Plant
Discontinued: 2000
Notes
The IZH-81 was sold in the United States by European American Armory (EAA) as the IZH-81. The IZH-81M is chambered for 3-inch (76mm) magnum shells, while the IZH-81KM combines the magnum chamber with detachable box magazines.
Background
Developed as Izhevsk's entry into the booming 1990s Russian civilian self-defense market, the IZH-81 offered a domestic pump-action alternative to imported shotguns. Variants included the pistol-gripped Jaguar and the side-folding Foxterrier.