Baikal Russian MP-221 MP221 .45-70 Government Gov’t SXS Double Rifle, 2012
SOLD FOR: $1600
LSB#: 210926GY03
Make: Baikal
Model: MP-221
Serial Number: 1222120204B
Year of Manufacture: 2012
Caliber: .45-70 Gov’t
Action Type: Side-by-Side Double Barrel Rifle with Adjustable Regulation Barrels, Dual Triggers & Extractor
Markings: The right barrel is import-marked “USSG-ROCKLEDGE, FL. IMZ. RUSSIA” and is marked “READ OWNER’S MANUAL / BEFORE USE”. The left barrel is marked “WARNING MAXIMUM OPERATING / PRESSURE 2200BAR OR 31900HST” and “45-70 GOVT”. The left of the receiver is marked “MR221 MP-221”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “Baikal. The top tang and right barrel flat are each marked with the serial number “1222120204B”, the top of the forend iron is marked “20204B”. The bottom of each barrel is marked with a Russian proof and “12” date code. The left barrel flat is marked “45-70 Govt” and with an inspection mark, the right has a Russian proof and “12” date code. The water table is also marked with a Russian proof and “12” date code.
Barrel Length: 23 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post which is adjustable for elevation in a serrated, ramped base integral to the front barrel band. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed and screw-set to the barrels’ ventilated quarter-rib, adjustable for windage. The rib is grooved with a notch at the rear for installing an optic mount with a base and 1″ rings installed.
Weight: 6 lb., 14.4 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered wood with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, ventilated black rubber Baikal recoil pad and a sling swivel in the belly (there is another swivel mounted to the bottom barrel rib, forward of the forend). The stocks have only a few scattered light marks most at the toe and in the front of the grip, and there are a few small voids in the forend’s finish along the bottom-right. The checkering is generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/8″ and 13 1/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the recoil pad, 13 1/4″ and 12 1/4″ to the back of the wood. Drop at comb is approximately 1 3/4″, drop at heel 2 3/8″. The pad has minor wear and has hardened some with age. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bores.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The action shows minor operational wear. Three are a few light marks on the trigger guard and one small mark on the left of the receiver at the bottom-rear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock up to the receiver with no play. The safety engages automatically when the action is opened. There is a mechanism in the barrel rib to adjust regulation of the barrels for use with different loads at different distances. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the installed scope mount.
Our Assessment: The double rifle has a long hunting history. When taking large, dangerous game and predators, a rapid follow-up shot can be the difference not only between a humane kill, but between the life and death of the hunter. The double rifle allows this without the need to manually cycle an action or to trust a semi-automatic design, which really only became reliable enough for such an application in the mid-20th century. This example is a fairly recently produced gun, made in Russia by Baikal in 2012. It is chambered for .45-70 Government, a fairly popular big-game cartridge here in the US, and one which has seen something of a revival lately due to improvements in projectiles and loads for the cartridge. With its ability to adjust the regulation of the barrels, this rifle can be used with a variety of loads and a variety of expected distances for your shots. This rifle would be a nice addition to any collection and shows little sign of use. Please see our photos and good luck!