is the IZH-46M Baikal. Mainly a match gun for the ISSF/NRA 10 meter Air Pistol competition where precision, accuracy and consistency are the key elements for winning, it also excells as a Metallic Silhouettes air pistol, short range pest control and very accurate plinking gun. It is based on a single stroke pneumatic powerplant which generates a very consistent muzzle velocity of 475 fps with 8 grain pellets for 4 fpe, with no felt recoil and without the expense of CO2 or SCUBA air nor laborious pumping. It features a blued 10" hammer forged steel rifled barrel, blued steel air cylinder, anodized aluminum frame and cocking lever. It has a fully adjustable rear sight with two notch sizes, replaceable front sight blade, adjustable hardwood grips, two-stage trigger adjustable for lenght of pull, 1st stage travel, 2nd stage travel, weight of release and over travel. The sights and the trigger on this pistol are comparable to those found on European match air guns costing between $800-$1350. This pistol is capable of one hole five shot groups at 33 ft with no hesitation all day long. Made in Izhevsk, Russia by Izhevsky Mekhanichesky Zavod it is sold in the USA for $245-$275 being the best deal for a real match gun. It also includes a cleaning rod, drift punch, screwdriver, replacement seals and instructions. If you want to scope it there is an aftermarket mount (BS17900) available from B-Square. Bought mine a few months ago and after fitting the grips to my hand I've being able to shoot the same scores I do with my Feinwerkbau 90S($750 in 1986) and Steyr LP10 ($1300 in 2004). If you are in the market for a real match air pistol or a superb silhouette air pistol at a budget price, take a serious look at the IZH-46M Baikal, you won't regret.
