Russian MP-153 Semi Auto?

[General Tso]

After looking at the Turkish guns my buddy may be bringing back, I decided to look around and see what other affordable semi-auto's were available. I'd like an 11-87 or something but that's pretty much out of the question budget wise right now .

So, after some looking I stumbled onto the Russian Baikal MP-153. Fairly impressive looking package for a sub $400 semi. Capacity is 4 or 6 with a 2 shot extension tube, barrel lengths appear to be 24"-28", all models come with screw in choke tubes and it's got a 3 1/2" chamber. It's supposedly got a unique gas system that allows you to mix and match anything from trap loads to 3 1/2" mags without adjustment.


http://www.eaacorp.com/firearms/shotguns/mp153/index.html


http://baikalinc.ru/eng/prod/rifle/mr153_/


NRA reviewed the MP-153 in American Rifleman and gave it a pretty good review:

http://baikalinc.ru/eng/prod/rifle/mr153_/statia/


Anyone actaully handled or shot one yet?

 

[BAD_KARMA]

I have handled one but not shot it. Looked pretty good for the price. I thought it was front heavy though. The model I looked at had a 28 inch barrel. Every thing internal is chrome lined. They are 280 +- at CDNN with a 28 inch barrel.

You might want to look at the al-2100 that Traditions firearms is bringing in. I looked at one in 12 guage and was impressed for 320. Chromed barrel, nice wood. 3 inch chamber uses barretta tubes. The finish on part of the bolt was kind of rough. I am waiting to see the 20 guage version and if it is in the same class I will buy one.

http://www.traditionsfirearms.com/

 

[General Tso]

I actully got a chance to handle one of these whileon vacation these past couple days. It was a pig . Pretty beefy design and I agree, front heavy. It was $399 at a Gander Mountain store. Metal and wood finish looked okay but the wood to metal fit had a lot to be desired. I'm more concerned with function over appearance but a clean wood to metal fit woulda been nice.

I think I'll keep looking at this point.