My first impression of the TOZ-122 was “this might be the near perfect loaner or first rifle”.
TOZ-122
Chambered in .308 Winchester, the TOZ-122 has that look that most of us associate with Russian built guns, how do I say this diplomatically? Rough, serviceable, but rough. The birch wood stock is stained to a reddish tinge, the checkering is coarse but serviceable, and the metal work has enough sharp edges to be a copy of a Swiss Army Knife.
The more I played with a number of them, the more I came to appreciate the TOZ-122’s positive features. The stock is well designed, fore end is cut so the barrel is free floating, and actually has a recoil pad that is matched to the scale of the rifle and the caliber. The rifle swing into position naturally with the sights quickly lining up, without any problems, and factory installed sling swivels are included.
The iron sights are again a bit crude in the manufacturing, but idea is rather elegant by design. The rear sight is a two blade setup similar to express sights normally seen on very expensive African caliber rifles and can be sighted for two different distances with just a flip of the sight blade and is drift adjustable for windage. The front sight has a sun shade and is adjustable for elevation (the adjustment tool is provided). Also included is a set of scope rings that match the mounting slots on the receiver and allow the use of the iron sights as well as a scope. These are all nice touches rarely seen in this day and age, especially on a rifle of this price range.
The bolt handle is the European “Butter knife” style mainly seen on Steyer Mannlicher rifles that seem like a throwback to the days of “form over function”, but don’t let it fool you, with a little practice you’ll find that there is plenty of bolt for fast and sure operation.
Other nice features include two ten round detachable box magazines and a chrome lined bore.
Then there’s the trigger… The ones I’ve tried have a plenty of take up and then they break like that proverbial “glass rod” we all read about, but rarely find on unmodified factory rifles especially in this price range. The trigger alone should sell this rifle!
My first impression of the TOZ-122 haven’t changed, I still believe that it’s the near perfect loaner or first rifle, I also now also know it will make a great rough use rifle to keep in your truck or take out on those bad weather hunting days when you can’t bring yourself into taking your “pet” rifle out.
All of these features at a great price plus the tough economic picture should make the TOZ-122 a must have for all of us.
**** UPDATE ***** Watch a quick video review here.
Tags: Product Reviews
thats funny how you talk about this russian made rifle is a must have because of the tough economic picture.start buying more american made and we wont have a tough economic picture.you can keep it compared to US made rifles i havent seen there best out run our cheapest.ill buy a remington or savage wal-mart combo any day before ill buy this
In response to Dan. When Remington or Savage can produce a rifle in the price range that some of these imports are in with the durability and satisfactory accuracy that is built into their offering then more people will “buy American” But I have a small issue with your stance on that. Your car, television, stereo, clothes, Bank, Gas Station, and on and on and on all have some if not a mojority of foreign parts or ownership. I am an Old Guy and a Vietnam Combat Veteran, I love my Country and my weapons and own both American and Foreign makes. I am also an FFL Dealer. This article is excellent and the opinion of the author after taking the time to investigate the rifle thoroughly and with no bias I can see I feel his conclusion is spot on. As far as the economic times, he is correct in stating thst this rifle is priced so that those who may not have the larger dollars to purchase a Remmington or a Savage will be able to purchase this rifle to do what they want it to do and not have to break the bank. Some people like Fords, some Chevys, some like Ranch Houses, and some Split Foyer, some swear by a .45, and others a 9mm, Some like foreign, and some like domestic. No one is right and no one is wrong they just have an opinion on what they like or prefer. The author gave his opinion and you have yours but there is no place for espousing a narrow minded rant that says American only or you are unpatriotic. This countrys greed and this governments socialistic leanings have caused the economic problems we have not the Citizens, so if a product comes along that serves a persons needs at an affordable price and is not American that person has the right to purchase what they want. If I am financially strapped and I can buy a Russian .308 for $299.00 that will serve my purpose than why would I buy a Remmington .308 for $799.00 Just because it is American Made…I think not!
[...] a quick video review of the TOZ-122. You can see a full write up from Clyde here. We’re still building our “studio”. We should have more videos soon. [...]
Nice review. It’s funny reading posts that complain that you should not buy it because its not American. If that’s true, a lot of Fudds will have to turn in their Steyr, Benelli shotguns, and FN rifles. Hell, even the US military uses foreign made weapons like the Beretta and the FN M249. The Russians produce weapons to be actually used by average day men not to be safe queens and held with pinky’s in the air.
Hi, I bought a TOZ 122-11 two years ago in Sydney, Australia, but it only came with one 5 round mag. Had to buy the second one myself. Who is making 10 round mags for them, and where can I get one from?
As for the rifle, I just love it. Simple, robust, feeds well from its original mag, but as the instruction booklet says, they are definitely not intended for a humid climate.
As long as they are kept well oiled though there are no problems.
I noticed that the one in the photo has no sight rail. Was it removed, or did it come without one?
I also want to start loading my own to tune a load for it.