IZh-43
Izhevsk Mechanical Plant (Baikal) · Shotgun · In Production · 1986
Also known as: IJ-43, Baikal MP-43, MP-43
Overview
The IZh-43 is a Russian side-by-side double-barreled break-action hunting shotgun produced at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant and marketed abroad under the Baikal brand as the MP-43. Introduced in 1986 as the successor to the IZh-58 family, it uses a hammerless boxlock action with two horizontally arranged smoothbore barrels, twin triggers and an automatic tang safety, and is offered in 12, 16, 20, 28, 32 gauge and .410 bore with chrome-lined barrels.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1155 mm (45.47") |
| Barrel Length | 725 mm (28.54") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| 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 | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
- 16 Gauge — also known as 16GA, 16 Bore
- 20 Gauge — also known as 20GA, 20 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open 2 Round
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Automatic Tang Safety
- Features: Side By Side Barrels, Hammerless Boxlock Action, Double Trigger, Extractor, Chrome Lined Bores, Interchangeable Chokes
Variants
- IZh-43E - Ejector
- IZh-43-1C - Single Trigger
- IZh-43K - External Hammers
- Baikal MP-43 - Export Designation
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Russian civilian hunters · adopted 1986
Production
Production years: 1986-present
A high-volume Izhevsk sporting shotgun still in production; large numbers exported worldwide under the Baikal MP-43 designation.
Origin
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Notes
Widely exported and sold in North America under the Baikal/MP-43 name. Standard guns have double triggers and an extractor; the IZh-43E adds a selective automatic ejector, the IZh-43-1C uses a single trigger with a barrel selector, and the IZh-43K features external hammers. Barrels are typically supplied with interchangeable screw-in or fixed chokes.
Background
Sold in the United States for well under $400, the Baikal MP-43 earned a reputation as one of the most affordable new side-by-side shotguns on the market, prized by budget-minded hunters for its rugged Soviet build and chrome-lined bores rather than fine finish.