Description
I was walking the back forty, looking for a tool that could handle a Missouri dove hunt, a weekend of clays, and maybe even a turkey in the spring without breaking the bank. I needed a workhorse, not a show pony. That’s when I got my hands on the Concern Kalashnikov MP-27EM-1C Baikal Shotgun 12 Ga 28″ Barrel Blue Finish with Nickel Finish Receiver Walnut Stock. Here’s what I found after putting a few cases through it.
Answer Capsule: The MP-27EM-1C is a classic, over-under shotgun built by the Russian Concern Kalashnikov group under the Baikal brand. It’s a 12-gauge with a 28-inch barrel, a durable blue steel finish, a distinctive nickel-plated receiver, and a functional walnut stock, designed as a reliable and affordable entry into double-barrel shooting.
Built Like a Tractor, Priced Like a Tool
Look, this isn’t a fancy Italian gun, and it doesn’t pretend to be. What it is, is robust. The action is tight—maybe a little stiff out of the box—but it wears in nicely. The 28-inch barrels are choked Improved Cylinder and Modified (IC/M), which is just about perfect for the vast majority of field and sporting clays work you’ll do. That nickel receiver isn’t just for looks; it’s a solid piece of steel that resists fingerprints and the occasional ding better than a standard blue. The walnut is utilitarian, but it’s real wood with decent grain, not some plastic impersonator. At a total weight of around 7.3 pounds, it swings smoothly and doesn’t feel like a club by the end of the day.
Where This Baikal Shines (And Where It Doesn’t)
Here’s the thing—the value proposition is undeniable. For $536.64, you’re getting a brand-new, mechanically simple over-under from a legendary manufacturer. The single selective trigger and automatic ejectors worked flawlessly for me. It’s a no-fuss design that fits out of the box and gets you on the range or in the field with minimal ceremony. It’s compatible with a huge range of standard 12-gauge ammunition, from light target loads to 3″ magnums, giving you tremendous versatility. I’ve run everything from cheap #8 target loads to heavy #4 buckshot through it without a hiccup.
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3″ Chamber) |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Chokes | Fixed Improved Cylinder & Modified |
| Finish | Blue Barrel, Nickel Receiver |
| Stock | Walnut |
| Overall Length | Approx. 45.5 Inches |
Pros & Cons: The Straight Talk
Pros: Exceptional value for a new O/U. Simple, proven boxlock action. Durable finishes that handle wear well. The fixed IC/M choke combo is incredibly practical. It’s a genuine Kalashnikov/Baikal product with a reputation for toughness.
Cons: Fit and finish is functional, not exquisite. The action will be stiff initially. The walnut is plain. It lacks the cachet and refined handling of guns costing three times as much.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the shotgun for the Missouri shooter who wants to step up to a double-barrel without a four-figure commitment. It’s for the new hunter who needs a single, do-everything gun for upland birds, waterfowl (with steel shot), and clays. It’s for the practical person who views a firearm as a tool—reliable, effective, and priced right. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, following all applicable FFL transfer requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the chokes really fixed? Can I change them?
A: Yes, on this specific MP-27EM-1C model, the chokes are fixed as Improved Cylinder (lower barrel) and Modified (upper). They are not interchangeable. This is a cost-saving measure that adds to the gun’s durability and simplicity.
Q: Is the receiver actually made by Kalashnikov?
A: Yes. “Concern Kalashnikov” is the parent conglomerate that includes the original Izhevsk factory. While distinct from their rifle lines, this Baikal shotgun is produced under that umbrella, inheriting a manufacturing philosophy focused on reliability.
Q: What’s the fit like? Is it suitable for smaller-framed shooters?
A: The stock dimensions are fairly standard. The length of pull is around 14.5 inches, which works for most adults. For a significantly smaller frame, a pad or minor stock work might improve fit, but for the average shooter, it handles well as-is.
If you’ve been eyeing an over-under but balked at the prices, the Baikal MP-27EM-1C presents a compelling, no-nonsense alternative. See if it’s the right fit for your rack.
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