Thanks to INGO and my unnatural weakness for rimfire fun, I recently ended up with this interesting little .22 LR military trainer rifle
I didn't know much about this rifle beforehand so it was a bit of a gamble for me. All the fellow INGOer told me was it worked, the safety was stiff, and its difficult to scope. I gladly handed him the money and off I went.
The niche the TOZ 17 fills for me is a fun milsurp bolt gun. I like my milsurp rifles but rarely shoot them due to ammo cost.
The TOZ 17 scratches several itches
- Mosin sights for that milsurp feel
- fast cock on close bolt, like an Enfield
- laquer and bakelite for milsurp look
- 22 LR cost superiority
- magazine design keeps the fun going
Here you can see its mosin style graduated sights. I assume these are in meters..... Although it seems off. 75 setting hits dead on at 50 yards.
The front sight base is dovetailed so I think it can be drift adjusted. Wasnt necessary for mine.
Classic Mosin look
As I tore it apart to clean / inspect I noticed several good and bad things.
- action and stock are attached with 2 bolts.. One threaded machine bolt up front.... And a coarse thread wood screw in the tang, not a good choice IMHO
- barrel is pinned into the reciever, might be handy depending if you like to tinker
- feed ramp, and ejector are a seperate piece that can be removed for cleaning / polishing.
- trigger is very simple, and light, but had wore a deep grove in the bottom of receiver. Perhaps the reciever is soft?
Now the only real bad part, the safety.
Its a total POS. Really, it's that bad. Basically doesn't work. It appears to be an afterthought to make import regulations. So in traditional Russian fashion , I removed it. The safety now is leaving an empty chamber just like many milsurps.
The seller was totally right about the safety, he was also right about scoping it. Notice the bolt handle clearance, and the rear sight clearance. This 4X leupold has less than 1/8" forward/ back movment. But I did it! Its scoped!
Don't buy one of these expecting to put optics on it. The TOZ 17s charm is really with its iron sights. I mounted only to see how accurate I could make it.
Uncommonly perfect February day. Range all to myself. The sun shining off laquer finish. Don't get much better than this folks.
I chose some Aguila 40 grain HV plated and some Aguila 40 grain SV Lead. This ammo is plentiful and cheap in my neck of the woods. Its also what I've been stockpiling due to my 10/22 preference.
I was NOT EXPECTING the humble Russian 22 trainer to perform this well! Shots at 50 yds, right side group hard to see, because all the holes are touching and in the black!
Following this exceptional grouping, I removed the optic to fully enjoy the experience of the rifle. Took it to 40 yards on steel... With iron sights...Running the bolt fast and with my middle finger on the trigger. THIS is when the little Baikal shined. Maximum fun, minimal cost.
Well worth the money folks, I'm sure enjoying mine and think its earned a permanent spot in the collection.
What say you INGO?
I didn't know much about this rifle beforehand so it was a bit of a gamble for me. All the fellow INGOer told me was it worked, the safety was stiff, and its difficult to scope. I gladly handed him the money and off I went.
The niche the TOZ 17 fills for me is a fun milsurp bolt gun. I like my milsurp rifles but rarely shoot them due to ammo cost.
The TOZ 17 scratches several itches
- Mosin sights for that milsurp feel
- fast cock on close bolt, like an Enfield
- laquer and bakelite for milsurp look
- 22 LR cost superiority
- magazine design keeps the fun going
Here you can see its mosin style graduated sights. I assume these are in meters..... Although it seems off. 75 setting hits dead on at 50 yards.
The front sight base is dovetailed so I think it can be drift adjusted. Wasnt necessary for mine.
Classic Mosin look
As I tore it apart to clean / inspect I noticed several good and bad things.
- action and stock are attached with 2 bolts.. One threaded machine bolt up front.... And a coarse thread wood screw in the tang, not a good choice IMHO
- barrel is pinned into the reciever, might be handy depending if you like to tinker
- feed ramp, and ejector are a seperate piece that can be removed for cleaning / polishing.
- trigger is very simple, and light, but had wore a deep grove in the bottom of receiver. Perhaps the reciever is soft?
Now the only real bad part, the safety.
Its a total POS. Really, it's that bad. Basically doesn't work. It appears to be an afterthought to make import regulations. So in traditional Russian fashion , I removed it. The safety now is leaving an empty chamber just like many milsurps.
The seller was totally right about the safety, he was also right about scoping it. Notice the bolt handle clearance, and the rear sight clearance. This 4X leupold has less than 1/8" forward/ back movment. But I did it! Its scoped!
Don't buy one of these expecting to put optics on it. The TOZ 17s charm is really with its iron sights. I mounted only to see how accurate I could make it.
Uncommonly perfect February day. Range all to myself. The sun shining off laquer finish. Don't get much better than this folks.
I chose some Aguila 40 grain HV plated and some Aguila 40 grain SV Lead. This ammo is plentiful and cheap in my neck of the woods. Its also what I've been stockpiling due to my 10/22 preference.
I was NOT EXPECTING the humble Russian 22 trainer to perform this well! Shots at 50 yds, right side group hard to see, because all the holes are touching and in the black!
Following this exceptional grouping, I removed the optic to fully enjoy the experience of the rifle. Took it to 40 yards on steel... With iron sights...Running the bolt fast and with my middle finger on the trigger. THIS is when the little Baikal shined. Maximum fun, minimal cost.
Well worth the money folks, I'm sure enjoying mine and think its earned a permanent spot in the collection.
What say you INGO?
Last edited:
