Thread: Baikal IZH 18

I have one in 223 and really like it. I didn't like the stiff action so I filed down the retaining clip just enough to free it up (not much).

This guy filed down the locking lug, but that's part of the barrel... the clip side is probably cheaper to replace if you botch the job!

The previous owner removed the iron sights for some reason, I can't think why. I've hunted goats in Northland with my T3 and its bulky 3-9x40 scope, and the bush is so dense that magnification is a hindrance, so open sights would be ideal.

Since the iron sights were removed permanently I fitted a $40 5-MOA reflex sight (1x25) from ebay which fits well on the dovetail. I took it to the range last weekend and got about 3-4" groups at 25m -- about the size of the dot through my fuzzy eyes, which I'm happy with. Having both eyes open, unlimited field of view and eye-relief are great drawcards. Just remember to turn off the LED, and keep a spare battery handy.

Spare battery:

Red/green with three intensity levels:


What I like:
*Solid build
*Simple design, easy to dismantle and service
*Taking down is two quick actions
*Accurate enough for me (I've tested it with a scope at 100m)
*Cheap. Can be had new for $280-$400
*Short and compact, easy to carry and stow in the pack
*It looks nice
*Cheap to run on steel-case ammo
*I like that it's a single shot. I can reload in a couple of seconds so this is less of a pain than I thought it could be.

What I dislike:
*The trigger isn't very nice. A friend compared it to dragging a spoon through mud.
*The action lever is too stiff and isn't long enough -- only covers half my middle finger.
*Watch out when attaching the forestock. The lever bites.
*It's heavier than my 308

Originally Posted by ebf

Hey Pete,

Let me know about the 12ga, will be interested to hear if it works.

Yup, mines a 7.62x39 about to get the chop to 18 inches, got a DPT can for it. And you're spot on about the boot, even the x39 has a noticeable shunt, just goes to show that it is the rifle, not necessarily the caliber.

EBF

I tried the 12ga but it does not fit.

Cheers
Pete

Hi guys, reviving this thread as im thinking of getting one in 223...just want a cheap bush gun i can throw in the pack when tramping in case i 'run into anything'.....if you get my drift....

pro's and con's please, i just like the fact that it 'breaks down' and is cheap as chips if it doesnt get fired that much, $400 at Reloaders.....

If you run into anything its no use being in the pack

On to it Tobes, more like when im tramping in Tongariro and i start seeing sign (which ive done a couple of times) it would be nice to 'load up' and go for a stalk....

bearing in mind you cannot fire on a DOC track or 500 mtrs from a 'Great walk hut'.....i know my shit.......

That is why I bought one. Haven't done anything with it yet. A trigger job, shortening and suppression are on the cards.

Originally Posted by gadgetman

That is why I bought one. Haven't done anything with it yet. A trigger job, shortening and suppression are on the cards.

Cheers GM, whats it like straight out the box, any good? i will probably keep 'as is'.....when im away for the weekend, its either tramping OR hunting, never both.....(armed tramping aside!)

but a couple of times now ive stumbled across 'sign' and only been armed with the usual flatulence, halitosis & colourful language!!!!....well not anymore.....now ill be 'packing'

only need to remember to print off a hunt permit when i go, ive got no problem with the extra weight, its good 'training' and only have to take 3-4 rnds, goats, deer, pigs.....all good!

The trigger is awful at the range. Other than that is seems pretty simple and robust and breaks down nicely. I wasn't impressed with the accuracy but that is more me trying to predict when it is going to do something. I know it will shoot better.

Scouser

My Baikal in .223 shoots well enough at the range except for the trigger

I've shot Goats at 200m.

They fell over so can't complain.

I'll be keeping this one for a few years yet.

Cheers
Pete

Thanks guys, it will only be used/taken out about 3/4 times a year, thats why i wanted a cheap option.....

plus 'take down' capability.....

Got the idea after seeing a Brno K1 on tard me for $1,250.......this is a 1/3 of the cost......

Originally Posted by Scouser

Got the idea after seeing a Brno K1 on tard me for $1,250.......this is a 1/3 of the cost......

Yep they are a third of the cost, unfortunately they not a BRNO either

Cheers
Pete

Originally Posted by P38

Yep they are a third of the cost, unfortunately they not a BRNO either

Cheers
Pete

But they're honest, not pretentious. I'm looking forward to having a good nosey at mine.

Got one from Reloaders at the w'end, $395, got the rail scope mount too....seems well made and very robust, got the synthetic, trigger is better than i had hoped....will go for a play soon and see what it groups like!!!!!

I brought a 223 off here awhile back brand new in the grease (which it still is) haven't shot it yet I do have plans to chop it etc but if anyone really needs/wants one I may let it go as I have a couple of 223s so not too attached to it