Baikal MP-153

Development of MP-153 began 1997 as 12/70mm design based on IZh-81M platform. With increasing market demand for magnum-capable shotguns, further development commenced February 1999 to create gun capable of firing both light skeet/trap loads and heavier magnum game loads. Self-regulating gas system eliminated need for manual gas adjustment that plagued earlier models, and MP-153 entered production 2000. Shotgun quickly gained popularity as affordable, reliable semi-automatic for hunters and sport shooters. By November 2010, Izhevsk Mechanical Plant (now part of Kalashnikov Concern) had produced over 500,000 units. Production continues today, with MP-153 remaining one of Russia's most successful export shotguns. Long-stroke piston with annular gas valve design proved remarkably versatile, allowing seamless transitions between light 2¾" shells and heavy 3½" magnums without mechanical adjustment. Affordability (originally around $269 from some distributors, now $390-$527) made it popular in export markets, particularly United States before 2014 sanctions. Reputation for reliability despite low price point established it as 'working man's' semi-automatic shotgun. Import to US effectively halted after 2014 Russian sanctions.