Baikal IZH-46M Review

Overall Rating

Most inexpensive quality air competition pistol in the market. Very accurate and powerful (equal to or more than the top competitive air pistols).

If you have to dig deep and compare it to a $1,500 pistol, the grips may be a little odd (but you can sand it down to your fit) appears a little heavy (but your arm muscles adjust after you shoot for a while)
Overall, no bad points for the quality and price.

Baikal IZH-46M: I read numerous reviews, Pardini, FWS, Gammo, Daisy, Baikel, Beeman, and finally I decided I wanted a good quality air competition pistol, but was not yet ready to spend 1200 to 1500 dollars plus accessories like CO2s, air compressor or air pump. I decided on the 46 M Baikal and I can say it was the best buy, no regrets, shoots very very accurately, great price, very powerful 500 fps (similar to competitive air pistols) and no expensive accessories with it. I bought my 46M for $269.00 from pyramid air; they have a toll free number and will provide you with advice on your weapon. The Baikal reviews on this page and others are accurate. It's a great bargain air pistol, not a toy like Daisy and you will enjoy it for years. The FWS and Pardini's are nice, but I would buy the Baikal first, try it out for a year or so, put 10,000 rounds through it, then think about the higher expensive models, but I am certain you will not be disappointed with this air pistol. I also realized how therapeutic air pistol shooting can be, it's very challenging and it takes a lot of concentration to put a .177 pellet into a 10 ring from 10 meters. I have experiences with all kinds of firearms, .22 to .40 calibre pistols etc...., and this pistol is not a toy. You won't regret buying this pistol. I have no regrets and I would recommend it. I'm leaving a 9.8 for overall rating, just because you will have a FWS owner tell you his pistol is better, and he may be right, but again he paid $1500 dollars for it. Start with the Baikal, it really is a professional air competition air pistol, no regrets.

Members' Comments onjcs's Review

• lmedina on 31st Aug 2004

  More of a question for the experts. Is this pistol considered a "Match" or "Competition" pistol?. The reason being is that the rules state that the overall length of any pistol not to exceed 400 mm. This pistol is listed at 420 mm.
  
  
  
  I'm considering buying the 46M as a starter but I'd like to be able to compete (if I get that good) a few times before I think about spending the cash for a Pardini or a FWB.
  
  
  
  Thanks in advance for your input!

• Bertie on 31st Aug 2004

  jcs from Montevideo: If English is not your first language, then my congratulations on your expertise with it. Even if it IS your first, you write well.
  
  Imedina: Surely, in the class of pistols we have here, the accuracy will be only as good as the shooter's. You guys could probably do better with a Gat than I could with a Pardini!

• jcs on 31st Aug 2004

  I have to leave the regulation specifics to the experts too. I found an email where the 46m was used in competition and scored 500 something with the Morinis and Pardinis. I also read it was used in other competitions. You hear a lot about the Morinis, Pardinis and FWS because it’s easier to use in competition. They are lighter approx 300 grams lighter, have electronic triggers and don't require you to manually pump after every shot which might cause muscle fatigue. I have had the 46m for a month, shot 400 plus pellets from it indoors and outdoors, and it’s a very accurate and powerful air pistol. I would definitely start off with this one and see if you like the sport. I too was wondering if I should have bought the more expensive models, but that worry left quickly after shooting the 46m. At first it might feel a little uncomfortable, with the weight and grips, but after a short while with good site picture, you should start hitting the 8,9, and 10 rings more often from 10 meters (33 feet). (Competition is 60 shots from 10 meters in 1 hour 45 minutes). I really enjoy the 46m and maybe in a year or two if I really don't mind spending the money I might buy a Morini (swiss). For now, I'm having tons of fun with it and the pistol is built strong enough for years of shooting (with proper care of course). Good luck.

• jcs on 17th Sep 2004

  I wanted to include a web site that should answer most of your questions about what air pistol to buy including a two page review on the IHK-46 and other air pistol FAS, FWB, Pardini, Morini ect..... and interviews with the top air pistol shooters in the world, including this year's gold medalist with a short video of him shooting at the range. Its the best site for airpistol fanatics. www.pilkguns.com

• rakeshb on 25th Nov 2004

  Hi Imedina, Please refer to the ISSF.ORG for the rules and pistol specs, it states that the pestol specs to be. 420 x 200 x 50