title: IZh-59
text: # IZh-59
  
  The IZh-59 «Sputnik» (ИЖ-59 «Спутник») is a Soviet double-barreled shotgun.
  
  ## History
  
  In the mid-1950s in Soviet Union began work on design the first model of double-barreled shotgun in over/under configuration. In 1959, the development of the model was completed and since 1960 Izhevsk Mechanical Plant began its serial production.
  
  Since January 1961, the price of one standard IZh-59 was 120 roubles.
  
  In early 1960s, work began on creating a new model based on the IZh-59 design. In 1962, first IZh-12 shotguns were made, since 1963 began its serial production. In 1964, production of IZh-59 was discontinued.
  
  In total, 21 218 shotguns have been made.
  
  ## Design
  
  IZh-59 «Sputnik» was the first model of Soviet over and under shotguns.
  
  It is a hammerless shotgun, with chokes at the muzzle end.
  
  It has a walnut or beech stock and fore-end. Some shotguns were equipped with rubber recoil pad on its shoulder stock.
  
  ## Variants
  
  The shotguns were produced in eight versions, which had minor differences between them.
  
  * IZh-59-2 «Sputnik-2» (ИЖ-59-2 «Спутник-2») - was equipped with a second pair of 650mm detachable barrels
  * IZh-59-3 «Sputnik-3» (ИЖ-59-3 «Спутник-3») - was the version of standard IZh-59 hunting shotgun with minor differences in trigger mechanism
  * IZh-59-4 «Sputnik-4» (ИЖ-59-4 «Спутник-4») - was the sporting version for skeet shooting, also equipped with a second pair of barrels
  * IZh-59-5 «Sputnik-5» (ИЖ-59-5 «Спутник-5») - was the version of standard IZh-59 hunting shotgun with ejector
  
  ## Users
  
  * Soviet Union
  * USA - the import was allowed
  