MTs 110

Lore & Background

The MTs 110 was designed by TsKIB SOO and produced in small numbers. In 1976, the MTs 110-12 shotgun received the golden medal of the Zagreb Fair and was offered for export. By December 1987, a custom MTs 110 shotgun cost 1,300 roubles, while the MTs 110-07 or MTs 110-09 rifle cost 1,500 roubles. All MTs 110 guns are side-by-side hammerless designs with detachable barrels, a safety mechanism, and an ejector. They feature a walnut shoulder stock (with or without cheekpiece) and fore-end; some were decorated with engravings. Hunting rifle variants could be equipped with the PO-4×34 optical sight made by the Zagorsk Optical-Mechanical Plant. The family includes four main variants: the MTs 110-07 (7.62×51mm rifle, 600mm barrels, 3.6 kg), MTs 110-09 (9×53mmR rifle, 600mm barrels with 6 right grooves, 3.6 kg), MTs 110-12 (12/70 smoothbore shotgun, 750mm barrels, 3.1–3.3 kg), and MTs 110-20 (20/70 smoothbore shotgun, 675mm barrels, 2.7–2.9 kg). Users include the USSR, Moldova (where MTs 110-12 smoothbore shotguns are allowed as civilian hunting weapons), and the Russian Federation (where since August 1996, only MTs 110-12 smoothbore shotguns are allowed as civilian hunting weapon).

Reader's Guide

The MTs 110 family represents a niche of Soviet and Russian high-quality custom hunting arms, produced in limited numbers by TsKIB SOO. Its significance lies in its combination of traditional side-by-side hammerless design with detachable barrels and optional engraving, appealing to discerning hunters. The 1976 golden medal at the Zagreb Fair for the MTs 110-12 variant underscores its international recognition and export potential. The pricing in 1987—1,300 roubles for a shotgun and 1,500 for a rifle—reflects its custom, premium status within the Soviet system. The inclusion of both smoothbore and rifled variants (7.62×51mm and 9×53mmR) demonstrates versatility for different game. Its legacy is further defined by its legal status: while the USSR originally used it, post-Soviet Moldova and Russia permit only the MTs 110-12 smoothbore shotgun as a civilian hunting weapon, indicating a narrowing of its civilian availability. The MTs 110 remains a collectible example of Soviet craftsmanship, with its small production run and custom features ensuring its place in firearms history.

Did You Know?

• The MTs 110-12 shotgun won the golden medal of the Zagreb Fair in 1976.
• Since August 1996, only the MTs 110-12 smoothbore shotgun is allowed as a civilian hunting weapon in the Russian Federation.