IZh-59
The IZh-59 «Sputnik» is a Soviet double-barreled shotgun.
History
In the mid-1950s in Soviet Union began work on design the first model of double-barreled shotgun in over/under configuration. In 1959, the development of the model was completed and since 1960 Izhevsk Mechanical Plant began its serial production.Monetary reform in the [Soviet Union, 1961|Since January 1961], the price of one standard IZh-59 was 120 roubles.
In early 1960s, work began on creating a new model based on the IZh-59 design. In 1962, first IZh-12 shotguns were made, since 1963 began its serial production. In 1964, production of IZh-59 was discontinued.
In total, 21 218 shotguns have been made.
Design
IZh-59 «Sputnik» was the first model of Soviet over and under shotguns.It is a hammerless shotgun, with chokes at the muzzle end.
It has a walnut or beech stock and fore-end. Some shotguns were equipped with rubber recoil pad on its shoulder stock.
Variants
The shotguns were produced in eight versions, which had minor differences between them.IZh-59-2 «Sputnik-2» – was equipped with a second pair of 650mm detachable barrelsIZh-59-3 «Sputnik-3» – was the version of standard IZh-59 hunting shotgun with minor differences in trigger mechanismIZh-59-4 «Sputnik-4» – was the sporting version for skeet shooting, also equipped with a second pair of barrelsIZh-59-5 «Sputnik-5» – was the version of standard IZh-59 hunting shotgun with ejectorUsers
- – the import was allowed