In the Soviet period, the Bear’s carbines were a rarity, therefore it was considered a great success to become the owner of this model. The weapon was intended for shooting large animals - it is precisely due to its effectiveness in bear campaigns that hunting lovers especially appreciate it. Today, representatives of this series are quite common in Russia and, as a rule, there are no problems with the purchase.
Technical specifications
Largely due to the operational characteristics, the IzhMash developers achieved the optimum performance indicators that the Medved self-loading carbine has in almost all versions. The main technical data are as follows:
- the barrel with four rifling has a length of 55 cm;
- carbine length - 111 cm;
- the minimum weight without an optical sight and bracket is 3.3 kg;
- a magazine with a capacity of three rounds (staggered or in-line), has an integral design;
- four-time optical or open sight - installation is carried out using a special bracket.
Depending on the version, this data may differ, but in the standard, the “Medved” carbine has exactly these characteristics. Now we can take a closer look at weapon modifications.
Modification of JUICE 9
The version has a 9 mm caliber and is designed for hunting cartridges with parameters of 9x53 mm - a soft-nosed bullet weighing 15 g is used. The IzhMash plant launched the production of this version in 1965.
The barrel length corresponds to the model standard - 55 cm. Most elements have anti-corrosion treatment, and the bolt, chamber, barrel, piston with frame and gas tube are provided with a chrome coating.
Auto-reloading is a key feature that distinguishes the Bear’s hunting carbine from the overall range of models of this type. It is produced thanks to powder gases, which are discharged from the barrel into a special chamber. In the process of gas expansion, pressure is formed, thereby exerting an effect on the piston. The latter, in turn, discards the frame, resulting in provoking compression of the spring. Thus, the shutter frame returns with a new cartridge to the front position.
The trigger system includes a special spring (combat performance) and a rotating carabiner trigger. At the moment of exposure to the trigger, the trigger hits the hammer, which leads to the activation of the igniter. The process of spring loading is carried out when the shutter returns to its main position.
Version "Bear 2"
This modification as a whole repeats the characteristics of the first versions - it is a carbine for hunting a bear with a 9-mm caliber for a cartridge with the same parameters 9x53 mm and a 15-gram bullet. Moreover, its release was established around the same years. The Bear 2 system differs from its predecessor by a detachable magazine for 3 rounds. When developing this carbine, for the first time in the series, a system for arranging cartridges in a row was used. This is one of the significant parameters that distinguish the first generations of weapons from more modern ones. The package includes three stores, as well as an optical sight. By the way, the set is not limited to four-fold optics - six-fold options are also offered.
Modification "Bear 3"
This specification has a caliber with a standard size of 7.62 mm and provides for the use of 7.62x51 cartridges (mainly domestic specimens are suitable) with a bullet of 9.7 grams. The short run production of this version began in 1976. Since the launch of the modification, serious discrepancies with the standard version followed, since the 9 mm Medved carbine provided for the use of other cartridges of a standard size.
The model added a little in weight (3.4 kg) and acquired a detachable type store for 4 rounds (in-line arrangement). The developers also offer the introduction of a flame arrester on special order - it acts as a replacement for the muzzle brake. In relation to other parameters, the carbine system remained the same, retaining the latest developments - for example, the possibility of using a six-time sight.
Version "Bear 4"
The last modification of the family, to which almost all the innovations for the "Bear 3" carbine have passed. However, a number of parameters have been adjusted. The four-cartridge store, which provides for a chess arrangement, is perhaps the main difference between the Bear 4 model. The carbine in this form was certified in 2001 and is currently a very common tool in the hands of hunters.
Features of the Bears
The carbine has many design features that are worth considering as advantages. In particular, a simple device ensures the safety and reliability of the weapon, and a small mass makes it more comfortable to use. Also, in the eyes of hunters, accuracy is appreciated, which stands out the hunting carbine "Bear", and appearance. It has a model and a number of other advantages, including:
- Reduced recoil effect. For this, the developers of IzhMash supplied the butt with a butt pad from a softening rubber base.
- Minimizing the risk of an unintentional shot - the action of the fuse that the Bear’s carbine is equipped with is designed directly for the sear.
- To facilitate the cleaning process, the trigger system is separated into a special box.
- There are several divisions for aimed shooting with a maximum distance of 300 m.
- The hunter has the opportunity to use an open scope even if the optics are not removed - this allows a special bracket.
- Trim for the trunk and butt are represented by high-strength wood species.
Cartridge Compatibility Nuances
The latest versions of the carbine do not use rifle cartridges of 7.62 mm, hunting specimens of 7.62x53, imported models of 7.62x51, as well as products of the Winchester 308 foreign line. Their parameters do not coincide with the caliber data.
The foreign Win series, which applies to frame size 7.62x51, also does not meet the requirements. The pressure of the gunpowder gases in the barrel, designed for such cartridges, suggests about 3,700 kgf / cm 2 , while the Russian "Medved" carbine is combined with cartridges of the same size, providing an average pressure of up to 3,300 kgf / cm 2 .
In addition, there are obstacles to compatibility with heavy bullets of foreign manufacture. These include FrankoniaJagd products. Since cartridges of the Winchester 308 type are designed for use in combined and magazine weapons, their use in the Bear’s carbine can cause a delay in the operation of automation. It is important to remember that the domestic model is self-loading, which causes limitations.
Disassembly process
All carbines of the family have the same disassembly procedure. You should start with the store, after which you need to install the shutter in the back position. Next, the trunk box is removed, and the return device is removed immediately with the liner. The frame is removed in the box, from which, in turn, the shutter is removed.
Lastly, bear 4. The trigger system is removed. The carbine must be periodically inspected for proper operation of all elements. In this regard, the gas outlet device is also disassembled.
To remove the ramrod, it is necessary to move its head down - this can be done by turning the stop flag in the opposite direction. There is a special latch on the gas pipe - you need to press and remove the element completely. The forearm ring moves forward, after which the Bear’s carbine will allow you to disconnect the linings for the barrel. Having moved the pusher to the maximum stop, it is necessary to remove its end from the piston niche. Then it is removed with a spring. A piston is removed from the gas pipe. After pressing the corresponding latch, the tube itself is also turned away. By simple manipulations with the false screw, the butt can be easily separated.
Reviews
The opinions of direct users about the carbine, despite the individual nature of the application in each case, agree on common points. Positive ratings mention the reliability and stability that the Bear’s carbine has. Reviews also note slaughter power, which, however, affects the quality of meat. Nevertheless, even at long distances and with medium flatness, the model pulls out and effectively "brings down" the beast.
Almost all claims relate to the convenience of using a carbine, but that is only in some aspects. For example, a weak fuse and integral design of the store are noted. On the other hand, many praised the Bear for its minimal impact, quality of materials and thoughtful trigger, which contributes to the comfort of the hunt.