Tanchika long gun , very interesting.

[Ivo]

Hello all,
these days arrived my last purchase.
Arnautka /Tanchika / in great condition - but in it there is something very interesting and atypical. A very large caliber 20.5 мм.,5.2 kg.
Elgood describes the maximum caliber - 18 mm.
What is the idea - monastery rifle or /rampart gun / ?
What is your opinion ?

[kahnjar1]

Hi Ivo,
Lovely Tanchika. Thanks for showing.
Is it possible that the muzzle is slightly belled at the mouth?. This could explain the apparent large bore....
Stu

[Ivo]

Hi Stu,
I do not think that type Tromblon /blunderbuss /, inside the barrel is the same size.
Barrel front is typical / see picture 7 - I shot with my other Tanchika /
The barrel of this is much more massive.

Regards,
Ivo

[BANDOOK]

IVO,NICE GUN ALWAYS WANTED ONE,BUT FAR TOO EXPENSIVE AND SHIPPING AND NOWDAYS NZ CUSTOMS BIG HASSLE
AM SURE KUBUR AND RICK WILL ABLE TO TELL YOU MORE,REGARDS RAJESH

[rickystl]

Hi Ivo.
That is a VERY NICE Tanchika!!! And, one of the more interesting ones I've seen. The first thing I noticed was the two-position REAR sight. Done similar to Ottoman, and some Afghan barrels. This, coupled with the extra large breech area and .80 caliber, tells me this gun was designed for long range shooting capable of handling a large powder charge. Not necessarily a wall gun per say.
And at 11.5 pounds (5.2kg) makes the gun on the heavy side.

As a comparison, all three of my Tanchika's range from .62 to .70 caliber (16mm to 18mm). The longest having a 55.5" (141cm) length barrel, and weighing 9 pounds (4kg).

All other Tanchika's I've seen have the more traditional rear notch sight mounted about 1/3 the way down the barrel. So your's is a very interesting example. And appears in nice condition. Also, I very much like the hexagonal ramrod!! Very decorative.

A super nice example with an interesting variation. Congratulations. Nice addition to a collection. I would sure like to own that one myself. LOL

Rick.