Baikal Izh-43

The ones I have seen have good and bad points. The good:

Well regulated barrels shoot to point of aim.

Stout and "strong like bull".

No problems observed with the single selective trigger.

The bad:

Fit and finish is very rough.

Barrel bolting rough and very tight when new (read - hard to close).

The bead always seems to be askew

The stock is short - normal adults have to fit a pad.

Heavy - the 12 gauge is about 8 lbs. OK for a clays gun but too heavy in the field. Even the .410 weighs 7.25 lbs.

I see these guns as something of a kit. New, you should be prepared to do a little clean up and fitting. Be ready to mount a pad. Try and find a dealer with a bunch in stock, and look them over carefully. Choose the best one you can find - they vary quite a bit.

Sharptail
 
I had two Baikal sxs and o/u in 12ga. Although you can't compare those to let's say a Browning's fit and finish quality but both had very nice wood, bluing was acceptable. As stated above, performance is very good + IMHO. The actions are somewhat overtight when new and loosens to normal with use.

Overall, build/performance is very satisfactory. From what I have observed, Baikals can take a lot of abuse and continue to perform. I put up mine as partial trade for a couple of CZ Bobwhites in 12 & 20 cause of the double triggers/straight stock that I prefer.
 
For what it's worth, I bought a 410 sxs back in February last year. I have been very happy with it. I have not had any problem with the bead coming loose. It shoots quite well. One chamber is a little rough but I will polish that out eventually. Like previously mentioned it is a work out to open and close. This gun isn't anywhere near the quality of my Parker or Smith but for the money it is a very dependable field gun.
 
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