Don - thank you! The 1960s were indeed the peak of Russian (Soviet) industry development, not only guns, but it's safer to say that Russian guns came in many forms and shapes, only a few of which were available abroad.

Do I get it right that Baikals aren't much valued by CAS shooters? This is a sphere of shotgunning I know almost nothing about.

Ed - thank you for your suggestion! I will definitely mention this model, although I am not sure it deserves a separate chapter. Two paragraphs - one covering the difference from the base Izh43 (side plates) and one telling the story of the gun - definitely, but is there more?

Russian Hunting Shotguns