Baikal MP-60/61 owners - different side levers

[Stinger177]

I just got an MP-61 off eBay. It has a different side lever release than my other three 60's, one of which is a steel breech version. On the older ones, there is the button under the lever handle that you press to release it from the main tube. On this 61 you simply lift up to release it from the peg on the tube.

Anyone else have this version, or can someone explain when/why the change was made?

Stinger

[Artie]

Cost savings is the reason why. Same reason they dumped the steel action.  I've got an original steel IZH 61 and it's a hoot to shoot. Accurate doesn't describe how well the gun shoots. Gotta love that trigger too. It alone is worth the $100 I paid for the gun maybe 10 years ago? Sure, it only shoots high 400's, but so what? I could shoot it blindfolded and probably still be on target.

[Stinger177]

That's what I figured. I described this difference to a guy in Russia that I buy parts from and he has never heard or seen of that lever difference. Sent him pics this afternoon, waiting to hear what he says when he wakes up.

I just picked up a steel 60 in rather rough shape, but restorable. Man, is that cocking handle roughly milled! No beauty contest winner there, but I know how well these things shoot. Will never let go of my other two plastic 60's.

Have several other Baikals (see list) and they all are of really good build quality, even if not beauty queens.

See attached pic for the difference re: this topic. 61 up front, 60 in back. White paper inside lever to show the slotted area I'm talking about.

[Artie]

I see them on eBay occasionally. I saw a steel 61 some months back, I don't recall what it sold for. Is it the Blackbird that is kind of pricey? Anyway those seem to pop up now and then for sale.

[Stinger177]

Yes, the Drozd Blackbird. They're all over eBay right now fo $500 to 750. CO2 powered. Select fire. 1 shot, 3 shot, 6 shot modes are stock, but there are mods to make it full auto for the duration of the magazine, which I think is around 30 BB's. There is the original yellow Bumblebee around as well. Those go for around $200 - 250. There is a Black version of the Bumblebee. There are so many versions these days I can't keep them all straight. They all go by the model number of 661K. Some conversions use an accessory air supply from a compressed air bottle.

Do a Google Image search for Baikal Drozd and you'll see what I mean.

[Artie]

You mentioned the looks of the 60/61. I always liked it, it was unusual for its time but not at all by today's standards. I kinda feel it was ahead of its time. Bullpup?
I like the extendable stock. Mine came with a Williams peep rear sight and globe front sight with interchangeable inserts. It also has a very small offset dovetail mount and Bugbuster scope that can be used in lieu of iron sights. Perfect, quality gun for a youth or female. I doubt I'll ever part with it due to the no longer available steel action.
I think a new gun of the original 60/61 quality would cost $300 to $350 in today's US market.

[Stinger177]

My Mention of the looks was more about the crude metal cocking handle on my steel 61. All that you say above is right on though. Way ahead of it's time, yes. I bought my 60's a couple years ago when Pyramyd sold them with the Airventuri peep sight. They modded the front globe to accept multiple inserts as well. They aren't the type that you describe though, which are on my steel 61. Those are the type used on Weirauchs and such. I think I paid around $135 for them. Wish I had bought about three more.

Both of my 60's now sport UTG's, one a BugBuster. Look at the pic below (and the previous post) for the mount style. Air Venturi Intermount I think. That's a UTG 3-12x40. More scope than it needs but looks cool. You would think it would be hard to load the pellet but it's really quite manageable. The pic is of my "night stalker" setup. Has a laser in the front sight housing. I don't use it for killing anything as I just don't do that. Mostly 10M targets. Dime sized groups all day long. Gets a bit boring so this was more of a project to see what could be done. I like to tinker with them as much as shoot them. All that added weight though makes for a very stable platform. In the pic in the previous post you can see the bolt handle I made for it.

The dovetail grooves on the receiver itself are pretty useless for a scope IMO.

You mention it as a gun for a youngster or a female, and that it is, but it's also a wonderful shooter for anyone.

Putting together a list of parts right now for my contact in Russia. Need some stuff for other Baikals in my arsenal as well.

Nice to chat with someone who likes these as well as I do.

Stinger