all texts and some pictures
copyright © 1999-2009
by Max R. Popenker
and can not be used without author permission

Contact E-Mail
ICQ:

Your banner or text ads at Modern Firearms website: click here

Molot "Bekas" 12M shotgun (Russia). 

Bekas 12M shotgun with 535mm barrel, hunting / home defense version

Bekas 12M shotgun with 535mm barrel and pistol grip, home defense version

Type: pump-action
Gauge: 16 or 12, 70mm (2 3/4") chamber
Length: 1067 mm (with 535mm barrel and stock); 844 mm (with 535mm barrel and pistol grip)
Barrel lengths: 535, 680, 720 or 750 mm
Weight 3.4 - 3.6 kg  depending on configuration
Capacity: 6 rounds in underbarrel tube magazine

The "Bekas" (Snipe) pump-action shotgun was brought to the Russian hunting / home defense weapons market in 1997, chambered for once popular 16 gauge (70mm / 2 3/4") shells. The popularity of the 16 gauge, for various but mostly unknown reasons, dropped significantly since Soviet times, so the gun was eventually redesigned to handle 12 gauge (70 mm / 2 3/4") shells, and this version was designated "Bekas M". It must be noted, however, that modified "Bekas" shotguns are still manufactured in both gages - 12 and 16, all being made to similar configurations. These shotguns are somewhat popular among Russian hunters and people who buy guns for home defense (it is legal in Russia), because of good handling and inexpensive price. These guns certainly lack the lackluster of European or American-made shotguns, and do not carry modern 'tactical' features such as polymer stocks, Picatinny rails etc, but they still can get the job done, be that bringing the meat to the table or protecting the one's home from criminals. 

The Bekas shotgun uses traditional pump action with sliding wooden forend that has dual action bars. Locking is achieved by a tilting locking piece, which is installed in the bolt and engages the notch in the barrel extension when in battery. Feed is from tubular underbarrel magazine which holds 6 rounds. Barrels can be easily removed, and available in a variety of lengths and styles (with ventilated ribs or with no rib and rifle-type sights). Barrels are equipped with interchangeable choke system. Some Bekas guns are sold as kits with two barrels (long ribbed and short with rifle sights) and with optional wooden pistol grip which can be easily installed by the user instead of the traditional wooden stock.

---