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Baikal & Their Posh Cousin

TGS Outdoors
Published on April 14, 2020
Category: Reviews
Duration: 13:35

This video provides an in-depth review of Baikal shotguns, highlighting their reputation as robust, reliable, and utilitarian firearms. The speaker, an experienced firearms instructor, discusses the quality of Baikal barrels, the durability of their actions, and the reliability of their trigger mechanisms, despite acknowledging their aesthetic and ergonomic shortcomings. The review also touches upon the higher-end MTS series, contrasting them with the budget-friendly standard models.

Tags

Baikal MP-153
Baikal MP-27
Baikal MP-43
Baikal MP-18
Shotgun Durability
Russian Shotguns
Budget Shotguns
Shotgun Barrels
Shotgun Stocks
Shotgun Triggers
Shotgun Reliability
Baikal MTS Series

Quick Summary

Baikal shotguns are celebrated for their exceptional durability and reliability, functioning as robust workhorses built to endure abuse. While they may lack aesthetic refinement and possess utilitarian stock dimensions, their strong barrels, dependable triggers, and solid lock-up joints ensure longevity, with many models still performing after decades of use.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Baikal Factory
  2. 00:24Baikal Shotgun Models Overview
  3. 00:45Baikal Barrel Quality and Steel
  4. 01:36Positives and Benefits of Baikal Guns
  5. 02:09Baikal's Utilitarian Design Philosophy
  6. 02:24Action Lock Design and Over/Unders
  7. 02:37Semi-Automatic Reliability
  8. 02:53Baikal as a Superb Working Gun
  9. 03:03Barrel Strength and Safety
  10. 03:10Potential Barrel Alignment Issues
  11. 03:19Focus on Important Features
  12. 03:29Lock-up Joints and Triggers
  13. 03:53Ribs and Sighting Planes
  14. 04:03Stock Quality and Material
  15. 04:21Stock Dimensions and Ergonomics
  16. 04:53Designed for Snap Shooting
  17. 05:03Recoil and Stock Design Issues
  18. 05:28Addressing Stock Dimensions
  19. 05:53Ugly but Functional
  20. 06:05Passion for Baikal Ownership
  21. 06:24Loyalty to Baikal Guns
  22. 06:31Material Quality vs. Cosmetics
  23. 06:44Longevity of Baikal Firearms
  24. 06:55Abuse and Durability
  25. 07:15Weight and Handling Characteristics
  26. 07:37Stock Hardness and Material Myths
  27. 07:46Built for a Life of Abuse
  28. 07:58Skimping on Aesthetics
  29. 08:09Purpose and Target Audience
  30. 08:37Hidden Features and Functions
  31. 08:48Stock Design Criticisms
  32. 08:57Ejector Reliability Issues
  33. 09:19Baikal MP-153 Review
  34. 09:36General Baikal Gun Quality
  35. 09:49Baikal Models the Speaker Would Own
  36. 10:04The Higher-End MTS Series
  37. 10:14MTS Series Models
  38. 10:24Custom Hand-Finished Shotguns
  39. 10:45MTS Series Performance and Cost
  40. 11:22Awareness of Other Baikal Models
  41. 11:44Praise for MTS Series Craftsmanship
  42. 12:06Contrast with Budget Models
  43. 12:17Baikal as Great Workhorses
  44. 12:27Baikal vs. Alloy Action Turkish Guns
  45. 12:34Functionality vs. Finish
  46. 12:47Long-Term Ownership Considerations
  47. 13:03Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Baikal shotguns known for?

Baikal shotguns are renowned for their exceptional durability, reliability, and robust construction. They are built as utilitarian workhorses designed to withstand abuse and harsh conditions, making them dependable firearms for various tasks, even if they lack aesthetic refinement.

Are Baikal shotgun barrels made from quality steel?

Yes, Baikal barrels are made from good quality steel, offering strength and safety. While not specifically Magnum steel proofed, they are capable of handling steel shot and are considered strong and reliable for their price point.

What are the main drawbacks of standard Baikal shotguns?

The primary drawbacks of standard Baikal shotguns often lie in their ergonomics and aesthetics. Stock dimensions can be uncomfortable for modern shooting styles, and the overall finish is utilitarian rather than refined. Some users also note rough trigger pulls and potential issues with ejector reliability on certain models.

Are there higher-end Baikal shotguns available?

Yes, Baikal also produces the MTS series (e.g., MTS 107, MTS 109), which are custom, hand-finished shotguns built by gunmakers. These models offer significantly better fit, finish, and performance, contrasting sharply with the budget-friendly, utilitarian standard models.

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