Baikal MP-18M
Baikal (Izhevsk Mechanical Plant) · Shotgun · In Production · 1964
Also known as: IZh-18M, MP-18EM-M, MP-18M-M
Overview
The Baikal MP-18M is a single-shot, break-action smoothbore shotgun produced by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant in Russia. A modernized member of the long-running IZh-18 single-barrel family (rebranded from IZh-18M to MP-18M for export), it is chambered most commonly in 12 gauge, with 16, 20, 28 and .410 bore variants also offered. It uses a hammerless internal-hammer mechanism cocked when the barrel is opened, a manual safety with a cocking indicator, a chrome-lined bore, a takedown design and a hardwood stock and fore-end. Simple, rugged and inexpensive, it is one of the most widely owned entry-level hunting shotguns in the former Soviet market.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2800 g (98.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1090 mm (42.91") |
| Barrel Length | 725 mm (28.54") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2560 J (1888 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 200 m (219 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
- 20 Gauge — also known as 20GA, 20 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Cocking Indicator
- Features: Takedown, Chrome Lined Bore, Cocking Indicator, Extractor, Iron Sights
Variants
- Baikal MP-18EM-M - Ejector
- Baikal MP-18MN - Rifled
Service history
Operators
- Russian civilian hunters · adopted 1964
Production
Production years: 1964-present
The IZh-18/MP-18 single-barrel family has been produced in large numbers since 1964
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Notes
Post-2008 Baikal export designation of the IZh-18M single-barrel shotgun. Barrel and overall length vary by gauge and market; the values here reflect a typical 12-gauge configuration. Rifled ('N') and ejector ('E') derivatives share the same frame.
Background
The IZh-18 that became the MP-18M was so cheap and durable that it sold for just 28 rubles when it launched in 1964, making it the workhorse first shotgun for generations of Soviet and post-Soviet hunters.