Soviet arms designers created a lot of shooting models. Each of them has its own design features and characteristics. The TOZ-87, according to experts, was the first mass-produced rifle to use gas exhaust automation. This rifle unit was created over ten years. Information on the device, modifications and technical specifications of TOZ-87 is contained in this article.
Meet the weapons
The model was designed under the leadership of the Soviet designer N.V. Babanin in 1987 at the Tula Arms Plant. Hence the name of the gun - TOZ-87. The characteristics of the weapon allow hunter-hunters and amateurs to use it in a wide variety of conditions, and even where a humid tropical climate prevails. TOZ-87 is certified as a civilian hunting rifle in Russia and Kazakhstan.
Description
Due to its characteristics, TOZ-87 is suitable for many running hunts. Weapons with a fixed barrel and a chrome channel. The Tula developers themselves rigidly connected the barrel to the receiver. For this purpose, special protrusions were made in it. If necessary, the forend can be removed. It is attached using a special cap. Shotgun with an underbarrel tube magazine designed for 4 ammunition. To exclude accidental firing, the weapon system was equipped with a push-button fuse, through which the trigger is locked. Thus, the fuse, which was equipped with the front part of the launch bracket, locks the hook, blocks the firing pin with the help of the fighting stop, preventing it from inertially pricking the cartridge capsule. The material for the manufacture of stock and forend served as a tree of walnut or beech. The butt of the gun is semi-pistol type and has a rubber back.
According to the TOZ-87 specification, firing is carried out with 70-mm rounds of 12 gauge (12/70) with non-metallic shells. It was at 12 gauge that the chamber was drilled in the gun. The sighting system is only one fly. Unlike the base sample, in its modifications the shooter can also use aiming bars.
Device
Tula gunsmiths decided to use an under-barrel magazine as a gas outlet system in weapons. Thus, the location of the cartridges, magazine springs and pusher was the inner part of the gas chamber rod. According to experts, such a design is uncharacteristic of any domestic or imported semiautomatic device.
By combining the underbarrel magazine and the gas system into a single unit, it was possible to improve the characteristics of the TOZ-87, namely such parameters as the balance and overall weight distribution of the rifle unit. The return mechanism is equipped with two springs.
The place of placement of one was the store, and the second - the neck of the butt in the rear of the sliding shutter frame. They locked ammunition in the barrel chamber. It is enough for the arrow to put the bolt on the combat stop. With his ledge, he will enter the window at the rear of the trunk. TOZ-87 comes with a trigger mechanism, adapted only for firing single. The vent system is devoid of a gas regulator. Therefore, this nuance will have to be considered by the owner, choosing ammunition, namely the type of gunpowder and shotgun.
How does the system work?
This automatic weapon uses the energy generated by the combustion of gunpowder. After the shot, powder gases are removed from the barrel channel into the gas chamber. Especially for this purpose, the barrel was equipped with two small holes. During firing, ammunition is automatically fed to the chamber by moving the slide gate forward.
How to use?
Before loading a hunting rifle, you need to check the ammunition. Do this using the control sleeve. Cartridges can be considered serviceable if they enter this sleeve freely. It is important that their edges do not protrude from the end part. If the ammunition has not entered, then it is calibrated using the feed ring. Next, such a cartridge should be checked with a sleeve again. The loading procedure is as follows. First, the shutter frame and shutter are retracted to the rear extreme position. As a result, the trigger will be located on the cocking, and the bolt will be on the lever in the feeder. Now the gun must be put on the fuse in position "A". The button moves from left to right. Next, the ammunition is inserted and the feeder is latched. After performing these steps, the spring will begin to act on the shutter. Thus, he will move forward and send the ammunition to the chamber. The arrow remains only, holding the latch, bring the feeder all the way. Then the fuse is removed: the lever is moved back to the left. The gun is now ready for use. For a shot to occur, the hunter needs to push the trigger.
TTX
The following tactical and technical characteristics are inherent in TOZ-87:
- By type, this rifle unit is a gun.
- Country of origin: USSR.
- The model was produced at the Tula arms factory.
- The TOZ-87 weighs 3.2 kg.
- The total length of the gun is 83 cm, the barrel - 71.1 cm.
- TOZ-87 reaches 6 cm in width and 20 cm in height.
- It functions due to the removal of powder gases.
- Shooting is carried out by cartridges 12/70.
- Shotgun with ammunition in store.
TOZ-87 served as the basis for the design of several modifications that have other technical characteristics.
TOZ-87-01
Unlike the basic model, a ventilated aiming strip is provided for this shooting unit. In addition, judging by the reviews of the owners, the TOZ-87-01M is characterized by improved disassembly. This sample is equipped with a standard muzzle constriction - choke. The gun weighs 3.2 kg, like its counterpart. Barrel length 71.1 cm.
TOZ-87-02M
As with the previous two models, the weight of this gun does not exceed 3.2 kg. Rifle unit also with improved disassembly. The advantage of TOZ-87-02M is the availability of interchangeable muzzle nozzles. If necessary, the shooter can use choke, payroll and cylinder. The minus of the model is that it is not equipped with a ventilated reticle.
About the technical characteristics of TOZ-87-03M
This rifle unit with improved disassembly and interchangeable muzzle contractions. In addition, the Shotgun Weaver is mounted on the TOZ-87-03 rifle. At the bottom of this device there is a special selection in the form of a semicircle, exactly along the radius of the receiver. The bar is attached to the weapon by means of three M4 bolts. The characteristics of TOZ-87-03 are as follows:
- The weight of the gun is 3.2 kg.
- The barrel length, as in previous models, is 71.1 cm.
- It functions due to the removal of powder gases.
- Ammunition is fired 12/70.
Models of guns with shortened trunks
On the basis of TOZ-87, Tula gunsmiths created three rifle units, which, unlike the previous versions, have barrels 54 cm long. A shortened barrel is typical for TOZ-87-4M. For TOZ-87-5M, in addition, replaceable muzzle nozzles are provided. The owner of TOZ-87-06 has the opportunity to use the muzzle nozzles and the “Paradox” optical sight. The characteristics of this device allow you to hit a 200 mm target from a distance of 100 meters. Due to the fact that the weapon is equipped with a special extension cord, TOZ-87-06 is suitable for various types of hunting. Short-barreled shotguns weigh 3.1 kg each.
About ammunition
For the reason that the automation of this hunting rifle was worked out with the Sokol gunpowder, as the owners claim, it is with this brand of TOZ-87 that it functions best. Judging by numerous reviews, these rifle units can be loaded with Taiga ammunition if they are equipped with Italian-made gunpowder MV-36, G-300, F2x28. Also, the guns work well with the "Joker" and "Nitrogen" cartridges with the "Sunar" gunpowder from the KNIIHP. They will work a little worse with the domestic P-125 and Sunar-SF. With the first brand, reliable operation of automation is not ensured, with the second - the sleeve flange is too inflated, as a result of which the extraction of the shot ammunition from the chamber is significantly more difficult. Some hunters for TOZ-87 buy gunpowder “Sunar-Magnum”. According to experts, when the ammunition is equipped with ammunition, 42 g is considered to be an acceptable shot fraction. However, this should not be practiced regularly, since this gun does not have a gas regulator. Otherwise, the sliding shutter will roll back much faster, which will lead to an increase in recoil, which may adversely affect the accuracy of the battle. In addition, the shock load on the receiver, namely on its back, will increase. As a result, the operational life of the rifle unit will be significantly reduced. For those who wish to increase the effective range of the battle, experienced hunters are advised to pour a shotgun shell weighing 34 g with starch.
Consumer Opinions
Judging by the numerous reviews of the owners, the TOZ-87 hunting models have both advantages and disadvantages. The strengths include the short stroke of the piston and the lightness of the weapon. In addition, guns are well balanced and applied. Consumers highly appreciated the presence in the design of a mechanical push-button fuse. However, guns are very demanding on ammunition. There were times when the system failed during reloading. This fact, according to experts, is caused by the presence of two return springs, which complicate the operation of the entire mechanism. In those places where powder gases erupt, the fore-end often burns out, which is also a drawback. Due to the fact that the neck of the box has become the location of one of the return springs, the owner cannot change it. The ammunition loading process is inconvenient. This is caused by the fact that the arrow during the supply of cartridges to the store must be made using a special button to lock the feeder. Despite the weaknesses that are inherent in the TOZ-87 rifle products, these guns have excellent combat and accuracy, which many hunters like.