Baikal IZH-27 (MP-27)

IZh-27 was designed early 1970s as successor to earlier IZh-12 model, representing Soviet firearms industry's answer to growing popularity of over-and-under shotguns for sporting and hunting purposes. First standard serial shotguns rolled off production line 1972, with full mass production beginning 1973 at Izhevsk Mechanical Plant. IZh-27 became one of most successful Soviet/Russian shotgun exports, with over 1.5 million units produced during its production run. Design featured chrome-plated barrels made from heat-treated 50RA steel for durability and corrosion resistance, with traditional double triggers and extractors on base models. Higher-grade variants offered single selective triggers and ejectors. In 2005, Remington Arms began importing IZh-27 shotguns from Russia, marketing and distributing them as Remington Spartan 310. This partnership brought affordable Russian O/U to American shooters who might otherwise be priced out of over-and-under market, typically dominated by expensive Italian and Japanese models. Gun found particular favor with hunters and casual clay shooters looking for reliable, budget-friendly option. In September 2008, following reorganization at manufacturer, IZh-27 was officially renamed MP-27, though both designations remain in use. Gold medal winner at 1986 Leipzig Trade Fair. Production continues under MP-27 designation.