Izhevsk · Shotgun

IZh-43

Name: IZh-43
Brand: Izhevsk

Break action · 12 Gauge · introduced 1986

Also known as IJ-43, Baikal MP-43, MP-43

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About the IZh-43

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.

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.

IZh-43 specifications

General

Type: Shotgun
Action: Break action
Firing mechanism: Hammer-fired
Trigger: Double action
Calibres: 12 Gauge, 16 Gauge, 20 Gauge
Magazine capacity: 2 rounds
Magazine: Internal

Dimensions

Barrel length: 725 mm (28.5 in)
Overall length: 1155 mm (45.5 in)
Weight (empty): 3.40 kg (7.50 lb)

Barrel

Rifling: None

Materials

Barrel: Steel
Receiver / frame: Steel
Stock: Wood
Finish: blued

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical): 400 m/s (1312 fps)
Muzzle energy (typical): 2560 J (1888 ft·lb)
Effective range: 40 m

History

Introduced: 1986
Production status: In production
Country of origin: Soviet Union

Available calibres

12 Gauge16 Gauge20 Gauge

Features

Side by side barrels
Hammerless boxlock action
Double trigger
Extractor
Chrome lined bores
Interchangeable chokes

Safety

Manual safety
Automatic tang safety

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.

This is a variant of the IZh-58MA.