Baikal IZH-46M

Infobox Weapon
name= Baikal 46


caption= Baikal IZH 46 pistol with Left Hand grips
origin= Russia
type= Air Pistols
is_ranged=yes
designer=
design_date=
manufacturer= IZH
production_date=
number=
variants=IZH-46 / IZH-46M
weight=2.86 lbs.
overall length=16.53"
barrel length= 11.02"
cartridge= Pellet
caliber= .177
action= Hinged Breech Action, pneumatic pump
rate= Single Shot
velocity= 470 feet per second
range=
max_range=
feed=
sights=Open Micro Adjustable

The Baikal IZH-46M is a competition-grade, single-shot pneumatic air gun, with a hammer-forged, rifled barrel. The gun is charged with a single stroke of an underlever cocking arm.

Unlike guns intended only for plinking, several features of competition guns such as the IZH-46M mark it as designed for high-precision shooting. For instance, the IZH-46M's rear sight can be adjusted for windage/elevation, and the trigger is adjustable for position, travel, and pull. The gun can also be dry-fired without charging. The ergonomic grip features an adjustable handrest.

The Baikal IZH-46M is the current production run of the original Baikal IZH-46. The only visible and mechanical difference is the IZH-46M is built with a slightly longer (0.5" or 12mm +/-) air compression cylinder. As all other components except chamber length and piston stroke are the same, visually the original IZH-46 barrel appears to extend further beyond the air compression cylinder than the current IZH-46M. The extra length of the air compression cylinder allows the 46M to have a 60fps increase in muzzle velocity over the original 46. The IZH-46M has a muzzle velocity of approximately 470 fps.¹ In either original IZH46 or current IZH46M form, the pistol is a very consistent shooting precision 10m airgun.

Though more expensive than many commonly available airguns, the IZH-46M is inexpensive in comparison to many similarly featured competition guns.

References

* [http://www.baikalcanada.com/air_pistols_izh46m.htm Baikal Canada's page on the IZH-46M]
* [¹ http://www.pilkguns.com/izh46detail.shtml Pilkington Competition Equip., LLC IZH 46M page]