IZh-56
Soviet over-and-under combination gun designed in 1956.
The IZh-56 «Belka» is a Soviet over-and-under combination gun, with one barrel stacked above the other. It was designed in 1956, building on the earlier IZhK model. The stock and fore-end are made from birch or beech. All versions come with iron sights and can accept a scope base for the PVS-1 optical sight; the PVS-1 scope itself weighs 150 grams without its base. The IZh-56-3 variant can also use the PO-2 optical sight.
Starting in 1961, a new, improved varnish was used to protect the gun’s wooden parts. In December 1964, a standard IZh-56-3 cost 45 roubles.
Three main variants were produced. The IZh-56-1 «Belka» was the first model, manufactured from 1956 to 1958, with 31,903 guns made. The IZh-56-2 «Belka» was the second model. The IZh-56-3 «Belka» was the third model, produced from 1958 to 1964, with 77,043 guns made.
The IZh-56 was used by the USSR, and imports were allowed into the United States.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- USSR
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Designer
- A. A. Klimov
- Manufacturer
- Izhevsk Mechanical Plant
- Production Date
- 1956 - 1964
- Weight
- 3.0 - 3.15 kg
- Part Length
- 650 or 720mm
- Caliber
- 28, 32 gauge / .22 LR
- Action
- Break-action
- Rate
- variable
- Sights
- iron sights / optical sight
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The IZh-56 «Belka» was designed in 1956, building upon the earlier IZhK model. It is an over-and-under shotgun with one barrel above the other, featuring a stock and fore-end made of birch or beech. All IZh-56 models are equipped with iron sights and can be fitted with a scope base for the PVS-1 (ПВС-1) optical sight; the PVS-1 scope itself weighs 150 grams without the base. The IZh-56-3 variant additionally accepts the PO-2 (ПО-2) optical sight.
Production of the first model, the IZh-56-1 «Belka», ran from 1956 until 1958, with 31,903 guns made. The second model, IZh-56-2, followed, and the third model, IZh-56-3, was produced from 1958 until 1964, totaling 77,043 guns. In December 1964, the price of one standard IZh-56-3 was 45 roubles. Starting in 1961, a new varnish with improved characteristics was used to protect the wooden parts of the gun.
Reader's Guide
The IZh-56 «Belka» represents a notable Soviet design in the category of combination guns, serving as a practical tool for hunters. Its over-and-under configuration, with one barrel above the other, was a departure from side-by-side layouts common at the time. The gun's ability to accept optical sights—the PVS-1 on all models and the PO-2 on the IZh-56-3—indicates an effort to improve accuracy for hunting applications. The use of birch or beech for the stock and fore-end reflects typical Soviet materials of the era. The production figures show substantial output: over 31,000 of the first model and more than 77,000 of the third model, suggesting widespread adoption. The price of 45 roubles for the IZh-56-3 in late 1964 provides a concrete reference for its economic accessibility. The import of the IZh-56 into the United States was allowed, indicating some international reach. The introduction of improved varnish in 1961 points to ongoing refinement of the gun's durability and finish. Overall, the IZh-56 «Belka» stands as a functional, mass-produced Soviet hunting arm with a clear lineage from the IZhK model.
Did You Know?
- The IZh-56 «Belka» was designed in 1956 and based on the IZhK model.
- All IZh-56 models can be equipped with a scope base for the PVS-1 optical sight, which weighs 150 grams without the base.
- The IZh-56-3 variant could also be fitted with the PO-2 optical sight.
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