There is an article in the June 2004 edition of American Rifleman about the Baikal IZH 27EM Sporting over and under shotgun. The writer concludes that the shotgun is good value as an entry level gun for clay birds. In fact handling is 'fully the equal of many far more expensive over-under shotguns'.
Suggested retail price is quoted as $589.00. I have been looking for an o/u for some time, but have been put off by the $2000C price tag (all in) and I really don't know enough to buy second hand.
Baikal Izh 46
A search which came up with a few comments generally suggested that shooters here are somewhat positive about earlier versions of Baikal shotguns. A couple of writers did note that there was some cast off on the stock which one had to adapt to. Is this a good, relatively inexpensive shotgun for clay birds? The review says it will be OK in the field as well for clays. It is chambered for 3 inch shells and comes with 5 interchangeable choke tubes.
Baikal Izh 35m Target Pistol
They are solid gun.in a way, typically Russian. It's the little things that they miss.but they are good solid guns that seem to wear well.On the plus side:Good quality wood.Simple strong mechanics.Well finished.On the minus:Style.they are a bit boxy.The checkering is poorly placed, but well done.They tend to be stiff when new.and still stiff when well used.As for the cast off.I like it. You may have to get use to it if you've been use to shooting 'straight stick' stocks. IF you are left handed, FORGET IT.it will slap your face with each shot.(The cast off is abasically an angled butt stock.when the barrels are point straight ahead, the stock is slightly angled, so that recoil tends to pivot the stock away from a right handed shooter's face. IF you were to shoot it from the left shoulder, it would pivot into your face.That same angle requires a face foward stance.you more fully face the target as the stock takes care of getting the sight to line you with your right eye.Some people like it (I'm one) as it may help to promoted binocular vision.depends if you are borad shouldered or not.)Have an older 'standard' model that has been used as a 'beater' for a couple of years.it goes out in the nasty areas. Double triggers, no ejector, and fixed choke (and I abused it with steel with no ill effects that I can find, but it isn't recommended).
Baikal Izh 43k
Believe I paid $170 or 175 for it.and have noticed that some wholesellers still list one like it for a little less than $200 (call it $220-$250 retail).Short of it is this: it's a better gun than many that cost much more and if I ever lose my old one, will buy one just like it. Thanks Ribbonstone. I am going to consider getting one of these if I can find one. The locals up here shoot a fair amount of trap and it looks like fun.
Most of them have over and unders. I really appreciated hearing about your experience with these guns and, especially your explanation of castoff. I think the question of cast off is one I will have to take a chance on. My guess is that it will be OK or maybe even a lot better. Both my other shotguns have straight stocks and, as far as I can see, they have little, if any, cast off.
I'm not all that crazy about the fit with either and was actually thinking of fooling around with the stock on my 870 at one time.