The IZH-81 pump action shotgun, also known by its trade mark “Baikal”, was designed in 1993 by Izhevsk Mechanical Plant (IMZ). It was produced by the same factory between 1994 and 2000, for the domestic Russian market and for export. During the 1990’s it was quite popular in Russia for home defense and private security use, especially in the more compact “Jaguar” and “Foxterrier” versions.
The IZH-81 shotgun is a manually operated, slide or “pump action” shotgun of fairly conventional design. It was sold in a variety of configurations, with fixed choke barrels 560, 600 or 700 mm long, and with a variety of stocks. Basic IZH-81 shotguns were chambered for 12 gauge 2 3/4” (70mm) shotgun shells, IZH-81M version was chambered for 3” (76mm) Magnum shells. The underbarrel tubular magazine held 4 rounds. Versions with an extended tubular magazine held 6 (12/76) or 7 (12/70) rounds. The basic version was stocked in wood, with a simple round forend and butt with semi-pistol grip. The IZH-81 “Jaguar” shotgun was provided with a wooden pistol grip and no shoulder stock. IZH-81 “Foxterrier” featured the unusual combination of a wooden pistol grip and plastic side-folding shoulder stock, adapted from the AK-74M rifle.
The IZH-81K shotgun, as well as its “Magnum” version IZH-81KM, differed from the basic model by using detachable box magazines. Its standard capacity was 4 rounds for IZH-81 and 5 rounds for IZH-81KM. Box magazines were not compatible between standard and Magnum models.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Full text name | IZH-81 IZH-81K IZH-81KM pump action shotgun (Russia) |
Caliber cartridge | 12 Gauge |
Action type | manual |
Trigger type | sa |
Barrel length, mm | 560. 600. 700 |
Weight empty, kg | 3.2 -3.4 |
Magazine capacity, rounds | 4, 5, 6, 7 |