Baikal MP-43
Baikal (Izhevsk) · Shotgun · In Production · 1986
Also known as: IZh-43, IJ-43, MP-43, Baikal IZh-43
Overview
The Baikal MP-43 is a side-by-side double-barrel break-action shotgun produced by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant in Russia. Introduced in 1986 as the IZh-43 and redesignated MP-43 in 2008, it is a robust hammerless boxlock smoothbore chambered most commonly in 12 gauge, with chrome-lined bores and screw-in chokes. Widely exported as an affordable, hard-wearing hunting and utility shotgun, it is offered with double or single triggers and extractor or selective ejector options across 12, 16, 20, 28, 32 and .410 gauges.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1255 mm (49.41") |
| Barrel Length | 750 mm (29.53") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 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, 12x70mm, 12x76mm
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Chamber
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Automatic Tang Safety
- Features: Side By Side Barrels, Boxlock Action, Chrome Lined Bores, Interchangeable Chokes, Extractor
Variants
- Baikal MP-43-1C - Single Trigger
- Baikal MP-43E - Ejector
- Baikal MP-43KH - External Hammers
Service history
Operators
- Civilian hunters and sport shooters
Production
Estimated total produced: 300,000 · Production years: 1986-present
Approximately 300,000 units produced between 1986 and 1995; production continues under the MP-43 designation.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Izhevsk Mechanical Plant
Notes
Renamed from IZh-43 to MP-43 (Mechanical Plant-43) in 2008 following the Izhmekh corporate rebranding. 750 mm barrels are offered only in 12 gauge; other gauges top out at 710 mm.
Background
Developed at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant from 1984, the IZh-43 replaced the earlier IZh-58 on the production line and became one of the most widely exported Russian sporting shotguns, prized for its low cost and durability.