Russian "survival rifle". TK502
Smoothbore gun TK502, photo: forum.guns.ru
At an international exhibition weapons and goods for hunting ORЁLEXPO 2021, which took place in Moscow from October 14 to 17, 2021, the Izhevsk arms company "Techkrim" presented its new products. The greatest interest among the visitors of the exhibition was aroused by the compact single-barreled gun TK502.
This model has already been christened and “survival weapon", And"weapon of survival", As well as an expeditionary gun. One thing is for sure - the weapon is fully consistent with these definitions. The gun can really be taken with you on hikes, it is compact and does not take up much space. At the same time, in addition to compactness, the TK502 has a lot of other features.
Shotguns with a twist from the Tekhkrim company
"Tekhkrim" is not the most famous Izhevsk arms company, but it is an enterprise with history and your own unique weapon models. The enterprise has existed in Izhevsk since 1991, it was formed in the form of a closed joint stock company. Most citizens are familiar with the company as a manufacturer of cartridges for firearms and traumatic weapons, as well as test cartridges.
At the same time, the enterprise is truly diversified. In addition to cartridges, Techkrim produces special equipment for state paramilitary organizations, gas canisters, sports and service pistols, as well as blank models of pistols.
Cartridges 345TK, photo: techcrim.ru
Hunting rifles can be singled out separately. The company's website contains information on two models of firearms. Until recently, this segment was represented by the TK509 and TK527 guns. Both models are unique in their own way and at one time attracted enough attention from the audience.
TK527 is a hunting smooth-bore double-barreled shotgun. A feature of the model is that it is a combined weapon. Combined hunting rifles are a special segment of firearms. The TK527 has two barrels: the upper one chambered for 12/76 cartridges, the lower one chambered for the 9,6x53 Lancaster cartridge.
The 9,6x53 Lancaster cartridge is an independent development of the Tekhkrim company based on the 7,62x54 mm R cartridge case. The development was carried out jointly with the Molot Arms enterprise, as a complex consisting of a weapon and a cartridge. The weapon chambered for this cartridge has a Lancaster drill, which, according to Russian law, belongs to a smooth-bore weapon. At the same time, the 9,6x53 Lancaster cartridge itself is similar in ballistic characteristics to rifled cartridges.
The second no less interesting model of the company is the hunting single-barreled smooth-bore self-loading gun TK509 chambered for 345TK. This is another Techkrim ammunition in the Lancaster execution format and pistol form factor. These cartridges work with magazines designed for 9x19 mm cartridges. Additional attention to the TK509 hunting carbine for a pistol cartridge is riveted by the fact that this weapon is built on the popular AR-15 platform.
Single-barreled smooth-bore self-loading rifle TK509, photo: techcrim.ru
Experts note that the TK509 model chambered for 345TK allows you to confidently hit targets at a distance of 150-200 meters. The 345TK cartridge itself was created at one time as a counterbalance to the 9x19 mm Parabellum combat cartridge widespread throughout the world, but for the civilian arms market.
"Survivalist's Weapon". Folding gun TK502
The new rifle of the Izhevsk company Tekhkrim TK502 is also not the most common example of small arms, successfully continuing the model range described above. At least, the model is already arousing interest from potential consumers, which was evident from the reaction of visitors to the ORЁLEXPO 2021 exhibition, who actively discussed, examined and photographed the Izhevsk novelty.
Like the TK509 self-loading smoothbore rifle, the new development of the Techkrim company uses the same cartridge that we already wrote about above - this is the 345TK cartridge. At the exhibition, representatives of the enterprise said that they hoped to send weapons to stores in the very near future and were counting on interest from consumers.
TK502 is a single-shot smoothbore hunting rifle chambered for the 345TK pistol cartridge. This single shot breakout gun is very compact and lightweight. When folded, the length of the weapon does not exceed 500 mm, when unfolded - 890 mm. The weight of the model is 1,7 kg.
Smoothbore gun TK502, photo: forum.guns.ru
The dimensions are largely dictated by the current Federal Law "On Weapons". At the same time, the model will meet the requirements of the law in the new edition of 2022. Those for whom this weapon will become the first firearm in their collection will be able to buy the model. The barrel of the TK502 gun does not contain rifling, it is a completely smooth-bore weapon.
The receiver of the Izhevsk rifle was originally equipped with a Picatinny rail. The presence of this bar allows you to install various mechanical sighting devices or place a collimator sight. At the same time, holes are provided on the right and left sides of the receiver, which will also allow the owner of the weapon to place additional strips, if he has such a need.
The trigger mechanism for the TK502 model is hammer, single action. The shooter can gain access to the chamber using a lever located in front of the trigger guard. At the same time, the weapon does not have a separate fuse. In general, the model is distinguished by a minimalist design and simple technical solutions, which is typical for such weapons. For this, as they say, and love.
Smoothbore gun TK502, frame from the video of the YouTube channel Lazarev Tactical
The manufacturing company positions the TK502 as a lightweight folding smooth-bore weapon of a compact form factor, an expeditionary gun. The weapon's dimensions and light weight make it easy to carry the gun in a bag or backpack, which is very convenient on long hikes. In addition to the gun itself, the delivery set will include a case, a belt, as well as woven linings for the barrel and butt.
The Izhevsk rifle had predecessors
It should be noted that Techkrim did not reinvent the wheel. Before them, guns of this form factor had already been produced in the world. The first known survival rifle was the American Ithaca M6 USAF survival weapon. This combination shotgun model was created by Ithaca Gun back in the early 1950s. The weapon was in service with the US Air Force and was part of the wearable emergency stock of American pilots.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, the American company Springfield released an updated version of this weapon for the civilian market under the name Springfield M6 Scout. This weapon was also produced under license in the Czech Republic. The adaptation of the model was also presented in Italy.
The Italian model Chiappa Little Badger is perhaps the most recent adaptation of American designs from the 1950s with a modern twist. This model was introduced in 2018 and has been produced by Chiappa Firearms ever since. Up to 60 thousand of these guns are sold annually in the world.
Chiappa Little Badger is a single-shot breaking rifle with a total length of 790 mm, barrel length 420 mm, model weight - 1,3 kg. The model had the most lightweight wire stock, as well as a holder for 12 rounds. "Little Badger" is designed to use the following ammunition: .22LR, .22 WMR, .17WSM and .17MP.
Chiappa Little Badger chambered for .22LR, photo: chiappafirearms.com
The Izhevsk TK502 smoothbore gun from the Tekhkrim company is a domestic adaptation of the Italian Chiappa Little Badger gun. This is an independent development of Izhevsk designers, who adapted an interesting model to our realities and a patron of their own design. Thanks to the TK502, Russia has its own “survival gun”. At the same time, the Russian model will probably cost less.
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