TOZ TO3 Models in NA

Tula Arms Plant (TOZ) is one of Russia’s oldest and most influential firearms manufacturers, with roots dating back to 1712. In the 20th century, TOZ became synonymous with rugged, affordable .22 caliber rifles that trained generations of Soviet shooters and hunters.

From the single-shot TOZ‑8—designed for mass marksmanship programs in schools and paramilitary organizations—to the later magazine-fed TOZ‑17 and modern TOZ‑78 series, these rifles reflect both technological evolution and shifting social priorities within the USSR.

Often exported under the “Vostok” name, TOZ rifles gained a worldwide reputation for durability, simplicity, and accuracy, and today remain widely collected and used, particularly in countries like Canada where surplus imports were common.

1920s–1930s

TOZ‑1 → TOZ‑8
✅ Single-shot dominant
🎯 Mass training focus

1930s–1950s

TOZ‑8, TOZ‑9, TOZ‑11
✅ Peak single-shot doctrine
🎯 Schools + military prep

Late 1940s–1950s

TOZ‑11, TOZ‑16
✅ Transition phase
🎯 Hunting starts to influence design

Mid 1950s–1970s

TOZ‑17 series
✅ Magazine-fed introduced
🎯 Major shift to practical use

1970s–1980s

TOZ‑17‑01, TOZ‑18
✅ Refinement
🎯 Export + civilian growth

1986+

TOZ‑78
✅ Modern repeating rifles
🎯 Fully civilian/commercial orientation

Common suffix meanings

Suffix Meaning

–M Modernized/improved version

–01 Export or revised production variant

–02 / –03 / –04 Minor engineering or stock changes

OPF Licensed/foreign manufacture variant

Most common rifles you’ll see

TOZ‑8 / TOZ‑8M (often just called “Vostok .22”)
TOZ‑17‑01 (most common repeater)
TOZ‑78 (modern import)

Key collector realities

Magazines (TOZ‑17/78): scarce and valuable
Many rifles reblued or sanded → lowers value
Import marks often minimal → ID by pattern/features instead

Value drivers

Matching numbers

Original finish in Good condition

Presence of:

- Magazines, original Sling and Swivels,
- Soviet markings (vs export-only)
- Factory Optics
  1. TOZ-12 with Target site is desirable, as this model is a 'working man's' clone of the Winchester 52 model for iron site target shooting.
  2. TOZ-18 Rifles with PU 3.5x Optics were imported in very low numbers, and tend to be highly desired by collectors

Characteristics

Training & sporting prototypes. TOZ-1 was adopted for use as a sporting rifle, and almost never used for hunting. TOZ-1s were used from the late 1920s to the early 1930s for basic shooting training, until it was replaced by the improved TOZ-7.

The TOZ-1 rifle was designed in 1927 by V. Selivanov and Ya. Kanevsky, who worked thru prototype models until the mass production of the model 8.

It was produced for only one year, since it was shortly replaced by the improved TOZ-7.

Collector notes

Both TOZ-1 and TOZ-7 are very scarce or non-existent outside Russia, and rare in Russia. The TOZ-1 rifle is thought to have been shown being carried in a russian film, but this is not confirmed as there are limited photos and information of these firearms.

TOZ-1 Early (1927-32)

Core models

TOZ‑1 (Prototype / very early production variant)
TOZ‑2 (rare experimental)

Specifications

· Type: Bolt-Action Rifle

· Weight: 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg)

· Length: ????

· Barrel length: ????

· Caliber(s): .22 LR

· Feed system: Single-Shot

TOZ-7 (Early 1933-34)

TOZ‑7 / 7A

Specifications

Make: TOZ

Model: 07 / 7A

Action: Bolt Action Rifle Single Shot with manual feed ramp

Barrel Length: 24" Steel w/6 Groove Rifling.

Heavy Barrel called 'byk' (Bull) which originated the term 'Bull Barrel' for a heavy small caliber barrel used for accurate sport shooting.

Caliber: .22 LR with unique top-drop single shot action

Stock: One piece wood stock, smooth forarm and pistol grip with no cherckering.

Sights: Fixed Rear site that is screw adjustable for elevation and non-windage adjustible

Buttplate: Metal

LOP: 14" LOP

Trigger: Non-Adjustable Trigger

Markings & Branding

Typical Soviet markings

“ТОЗ‑8” (Cyrillic)
Tula star arsenal mark
Year stamped on barrel/receiver

Export / Vostok

Marked:
- “VOSTOK”
- Sometimes dual-marked: TOZ + Vostok
- “MADE IN USSR”
- “MADE IN RUSSIA” (later re-imports)

Collector notes

Most common TOZ in Canada
Often mislabeled simply as “Vostok .22”
Early prewar examples are significantly rarer

TOZ-8 Family (1934-1959)

The foundation rifle of the entire TOZ production.

Model Description

TOZ‑8 Base single-shot trainer with 6 groove rifling

Early Design
Late Design

TOZ‑8M Postwar Sold as an 'Modified/Improved Version'

TOZ‑8‑01 Export/Version revision (later marking format, but lowest price point)

TOZ‑8OPF Licensed/foreign production variant

Make: TOZ

Model: 08

Action: Bolt Action Rifle Single Shot with manual feed ramp

Barrel Length: 26.5" Steel w/6 Groove Rifling. Heavy Barrel called 'byk' (Bull) which originated the term 'Bull Barrel' for a heavy small caliber barrel used for accurate sport shooting.

Caliber: .22 LR

Stock: One piece wood stock, smooth forarm and pistol grip with cherckering.

Sights: Graduated Rear Site in 25m Increments, Short Globe Front Sight w/Post

Buttplate: Metal

LOP: 14" LOP

Trigger: Non-Adjustable Trigger

Purpose & context

Built during early Soviet industrialization to support:
- Civilian sport shooting
- Red Army training pipelines

Social context

The Soviet state promoted mass marksmanship (DOSAAF programs) and youth training
Ammunition conservation + simplicity were critical → single-shot dominated

This era sets the philosophy:

“Every citizen a rifleman” but using cheap, safe, controlled-fire rifles

TOZ-8 (Early)

- 100m Graduated Rear Site in 25m Increments
- Small Sling Swivels
- Small Bolt Notch in Stock
- Nickle Plated Trigger
- Nickle Plated Bolt
- Markings are perpendicular to the barrel (text read from the side)
- Bakalite Buttplate with white lined spacer
- Marking as Parallel to the barrel (text read from the rear)

TOZ-8 (Late)

- Make: TOZ
- Model: 08
- Action: Bolt Action Rifle Single Shot with manual feed ramp. Large bolt notch in Stock. Nickle Plated Bolt
- Barrel Length: 26.5" Steel w/6 Groove Rifling. Heavy Barrel called 'byk' (Bull) which originated the term 'Bull Barrel' for a heavy small caliber barrel used for accurate sport shooting.
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Stock: One piece wood stock, smooth forarm and pistol grip with cherckering.
- Sights: Graduated Rear Site in 25m Increments, Short Globe Front Sight w/Post. Receiver grooved for 11mm scope mount
- Buttplate: Metal
- LOP: 14" LOP
- Trigger: Non-Adjustable Trigger. Stamped steel
- Wide Sling Swivels

TOZ-8-01

Make: TOZ
Model: 08-01
Action: Bolt Action Rifle Single Shot with manual feed ramp. Large bolt notch in Stock. Found with both Nickle coating or Carbon Steel Blued Bolt
Barrel Length: 26.5" Steel w/6 Groove Rifling. Heavy Barrel called 'byk' (Bull) which originated the term 'Bull Barrel' for a heavy small caliber barrel used for accurate sport shooting.
Caliber: .22 LR
Stock: One piece wood stock, smooth forarm and pistol grip with cherckering. Reciever Bolt proud (no significant notch in wood stock)
Sights: 200m Graduated Rear Site in 25m Increments to 100m with medium-duty early style elevator. Receiver grooved for 11mm scope mount
Buttplate: Metal Buttplate
LOP: 14" LOP
Trigger: Non-Adjustable Trigger. Stamped Steel Blued
Wide Sling Swivels
Markings are perpendicular to the barrel (text read from the side)
- Some models marked with 'CCCP'

TOZ-8M

Make: TOZ
Model: 08M
Action: Bolt Action Rifle Single Shot with manual feed ramp. Large bolt notch in Stock. Nickle Plated Bolt
Barrel Length: 26.5" Steel w/6 Groove Rifling. Heavy Barrel called 'byk' (Bull) which originated the term 'Bull Barrel' for a heavy small caliber barrel used for accurate sport shooting.
Caliber: .22 LR Single Shot
Stock: One piece wood stock, smooth forarm and pistol grip with cherckering. Forward Grooved Stock
Sights: Graduated Rear Site in 25m Increments to 100m, Short Globe Front Sight w/Post. Receiver grooved for 11mm scope mount with heavy-Duty Elevator
Buttplate: Metal
LOP: 14" LOP
Trigger: Non-Adjustable Trigger. Nickle plated trigger
Wide Sling Swivels

Social Significance

The model 8M was produced into a worldwide market that subscribed to what is known as the “single-shot doctrine”. The single shot models produced by TOZ after the 8M weren't able to command the market presence that the 8M enjoyed.

Why single-shot persisted “single-shot doctrine”:

Forces deliberate shooting discipline
Minimizes ammunition waste
Easier maintenance for rural/remote users

But the limitation:

Slow rate of fire
Not ideal for:
- Hunting efficiency
- Advanced training drills

TOZ-9 (1946 - 1957)

Make: TOZ
Model: 09
Action: Bolt Action Rifle Single Shot with manual feed ramp. Large bolt notch in Stock. Nickle Plated Bolt
Barrel Length: 26.5" Steel w/6 Groove Rifling. Heavy Barrel called 'byk' (Bull) which originated the term 'Bull Barrel' for a heavy small caliber barrel used for accurate sport shooting.
Caliber: .22 LR Single Shot
Stock: One piece wood stock, smooth forarm and pistol grip
Sights: Graduated Rear Site in 25m Increments to 250m, Short Globe Front Sight w/Post. No scope mount with heavy-Duty Elevator
Buttplate: Metal
LOP: 14" LOP
Trigger: Non-Adjustable Trigger. Nickle plated trigger
Wide Sling Swivels

TOZ-11 (1946 - 1957)

Model Description

TOZ‑11 Hunting/lightweight carbine

Characteristics

Single-shot
Lighter stocks
Hunting-focused ergonomics

Purpose

The TOZ-11 purpose was to adapt the TOZ‑8 platform into:

- Civilian hunting tools
- Lighter field carbines

Social shift beginning

Post‑WWII USSR sees:

Increased civilian hunting demand
Less emphasis on “strict training discipline only”
More practical needs:
- Faster follow-up shots
- Higher efficiency in the field

Collector notes

Less common than TOZ‑8
Transitional importance (pre‑magazine era)

Collector Note

Completely different category from hunting TOZ rifles
“Vostok” here = branding tied to sports shooting prestige
Patterened after the Winchester 52 to compete and gain market share

TOZ-12 Target Rifle

The model 12 was introduced as the target orientatied heavy-weight. This rifle platform was introducted to compete directly with the Winchester 52 which it was pattered after. The model 12 procuction ended in 1960 with the introduction of the Model 14 repeater

Make: TOZ
Model: 12
Action: Target Heavy Bolt Action Rifle Single Shot with manual feed ramp. Large bolt notch in Stock. Nickle Plated Bolt
Barrel Length: 26.5" Steel w/6 Groove Rifling. Heavy Barrel called 'byk' (Bull) which originated the term 'Bull Barrel' for a heavy small caliber barrel used for accurate sport shooting.
Caliber: .22 LR
- Single Shot
Stock: One piece bench wood stock, smooth forarm and pistol grip with cherckering. Forward Grooved Stock Notched Stock for Bolt
Sights: Target Rear Peep Sights w/ hooded extended front sight (Globe)
Buttplate: Metal
LOP: 14" LOP
Trigger: Non-Adjustable Trigger. Blued Steel
Wide Sling Swivels

Examples

Vostok Ural
Vostok MTs series
Vostok Target

Characteristics

Precision competition rifles
Often single-shot for accuracy
Olympic / ISSF use

TOZ-14 Target Rifle

The model 14 replaced the model 12 as the target orientatied heavy-weight and introduced the magazine repeater. This rifle platform had a short production run, due to the North American market having low cost scope options available that negativly impacted the added cost of the peep site. It is believed to have only been imported in 1961, then again in 1964, with very few examples imported over the 5 year period. Due to the lack of popularity, TOZ focused on obtaining PU scopes from the mosin series of rifles for export in 1966 to attempt to attract buyers of target shooting rifles.

Make: TOZ
Model: 14
Action: Target Heavy Bolt Action Rifle Repeatert with manual feed ramp. Small Bolt notch in Stock. Nickle Plated Bolt
Barrel Length: 25-1/4" Steel w/6 Groove Rifling. Heavy Barrel called 'byk' (Bull) which originated the term 'Bull Barrel' for a heavy small caliber barrel used for accurate sport shooting.
Caliber: .22 LR
- Removable Metal 5 round Magazine 22Lr
Stock: One piece standard wood stock, smooth forarm and pistol grip with cherckering. Industrial grade Siberian Larch Stock w/морилка (cherry wood stain)
Sights: Target Rear Peep Sights w/ hooded extended front sight (Globe)
Buttplate: Metal w/Wide Sling Swivels
LOP: 13-7/8" LOP
Trigger: Non-Adjustable Trigger. Blued Steel

TOZ‑14 Repeater Heavy Barreled Target Model

Mechanical changes

5-round detachable magazine
Bolt-action retained
More advanced trigger & stock design

TOZ-16 (1957-1966)

The model 16 replaced the model 11 as the lightweight field carbine. This rifle platform had a 9 year production run being removed from production with the box mag model 17 introduction. The model 16 is commonly available in the used market.

Make: TOZ
Model: 16
Action: Bolt Action Rifle Repeatert with manual feed ramp. Small Bolt notch in Stock. Nickle Plated Bolt
Barrel Length: 21" Steel w/6 Groove Rifling. Machined lightened barrel retaining the flared muzzle tip.
Caliber: .22 LR
- Removable Metal 5 round Magazine 22Lr
Stock: One piece standard wood stock, smooth forarm and pistol grip with cherckering. Industrial grade Siberian Larch Stock w/морилка (cherry wood stain)
Sights: Conventonal iron sights,
Buttplate: Metal Butt Plate and Swivels
LOP: 13-7/8" LOP
Trigger: Non-Adjustable Trigger. Blued Steel
Wide Sling Swivels

Industrial grade Siberian Larch Stock w/морилка (cherry wood stain)

TOZ‑16 Improved field carbine

TOZ‑16‑01 / ‑02 / ‑03 / ‑04 Minor production revisions

Mechanical changes

5-round detachable magazine
Bolt-action retained
More advanced trigger & stock design

Markings & Export Branding

Soviet domestic

Cyrillic “ТОЗ‑17”
Tula star

Export / Vostok

VERY common:

“VOSTOK” prominently stamped
Often reads:
- “TOZ‑17‑01”
- “MADE IN USSR”

Example marking pattern:

Barrel: TOZ‑17‑01 CAL .22LR
Receiver: VOSTOK

In many cases:

“Vostok” = branding for export sporting rifles, not a separate factory

Canadian import details

Import waves

1970s–1980s (Cold War Surplus)
1990s post‑USSR liquidation

Typical features

Detachable steel magazine (often missing in used market)
Dovetail for optics (later examples)

Markings seen

“MADE IN USSR”
“MADE IN RUSSIA”
Import marks may be minimal or absent

TOZ 17 (1966-1977)

The model 17 replaced the model 16 with minor changes, but included a 11mm scope mounting groove and introduced the defining feature: the detachable box magazine. This rifle remainded popular with a long production run, and is commonly available in the used market.

Make: TOZ
Model: 16
Action: Bolt Action Rifle Repeatert with manual feed ramp. Small Bolt notch in Stock. Nickle Plated Bolt
Barrel Length: 21" Steel w/6 Groove Rifling. Machined lightened barrel retaining the flared muzzle tip.
Caliber: .22 LR
- Removable Metal 5 round Magazine 22Lr
Stock: One piece standard wood stock, smooth forarm and pistol grip with cherckering. Industrial grade Siberian Larch Stock w/морилка (cherry wood stain)
Sights: Conventonal iron sights to 200m, with a machined 11mm scope mount
Buttplate: Metal Butt Plate and Swivels
LOP: 13-7/8" LOP
Trigger: Non-Adjustable Trigger. Blued Steel

Industrial grade Siberian Larch Stock w/морилка (cherry wood stain)

Model Description

TOZ‑17 First repeating version (~1956 design)

TOZ‑17‑01 Improved export/commercial variant with sights

Mechanical changes

5-round detachable magazine
Bolt-action retained
More advanced trigger & stock design

**TOZ 18

Position

The TOZ-18 is the Premium evolution of TOZ‑17

Model Description

TOZ‑18 Higher-quality sporting/hunting version

Features

Improved finish
Better stock quality
Select offerings were shipped with optics

Collector notes

Less common than 17‑01
Sometimes sold as “deluxe Vostok”

Characteristics

Improved:
- Fit/finish
- Reliability
- Accuracy
Still:
- Bolt-action
- Magazine-fed

Social context

USSR increasingly exports sporting arms
Civilian shooting culture expands
Rifles move from pure state tools → consumer goods

Make: TOZ
Model: 18 DELUXE
Action: Bolt Action Rifle Repeatert with manual feed ramp. Small Bolt notch in Stock. Nickle Plated Bolt
Barrel Length: 21" Steel w/6 Groove Rifling. Machined lightened barrel retaining the flared muzzle tip.
Caliber: .22 LR
- Removable Metal 5 round Magazine 22Lr
Stock: Deluxe Siberian Larch Stock w/морилка (cherry wood stain) and forward and pistol grip checkering
Sights: Conventonal iron sights, with a machined 11mm scope mount
Buttplate: Metal Butt Plate and Swivels
LOP: 14" LOP
Trigger: Non-Adjustable Trigger. NIckle Plated

Toz 18 w/PU 3.5 Scope

Imported in 1966 in very low volume (under 200), this model 18 is highly collectable by TOZ enthusiasts with less than 250 examples imported in 1966.

Make: TOZ
Model: 18 PU SNIPER DELUXE
Action: Bolt Action Rifle Repeatert with manual feed ramp. Small Bolt notch in Stock. Nickle Plated Bolt
Barrel Length: 21" Steel w/6 Groove Rifling. Machined lightened barrel retaining the flared muzzle tip.
Caliber: .22 LR
- Removable Metal 5 round Magazine 22Lr
Stock: Deluxe Siberian Larch Stock w/морилка (cherry wood stain) and forward and pistol grip checkering
Sights: Conventional Iron Sights, and removable side mounted PU 3.5x Scope was sourced from Mosin Nagant inventories
Buttplate: Metal Butt Plate and Swivels
LOP: 14" LOP
Trigger: Non-Adjustable Trigger. Nickle Plated
Low light yellow filter and Eye Shade

Markings

“TOZ‑78”
“Baikal” (sometimes)
“Made in Russia”

Canadian context

Imported mainly post‑1990
Higher fit/finish than earlier rifles
Less “surplus feel,” more commercial

TOZ-78 (1986+)

Late Soviet → modern crossover platform

Core models

TOZ‑78
TOZ‑78‑01
TOZ‑78‑04 / ‑05 / ‑06 [gunboards.com]

Variant breakdown

Model Description

TOZ‑78 Base model

TOZ‑78‑01 Standard export version

TOZ‑78‑04/05/06 Stock / sight / configuration variants

Features

Magazine-fed (continuing TOZ‑17 philosophy)
Multiple calibers:
- .22 LR
- .22 WMR
- .17 HMR (later)

Use cases

Civilian hunting
Sport shooting
Export/commercial markets

Social meaning

Now fully transitioned to:

Market-oriented firearm design
End of purely state-driven training model

This is the complete normalization of repeating rifles over single-shot.

Vostok Trainer Single Shot

Make: VOSTOK

Model: CM-2

Action: Bolt Action Rifle Single Shot

Barrel Length: 26.5"

Caliber: .22 LR

Stock: One piece wood stock, checkered forearm and thumb rest pistol grip, cheek rest

Wood Stock

Target Front and rear sights.

Vostok CM-2

Make: VOSTOK

Model: CM-2

Action: Bolt Action Rifle Single Shot

Barrel Length: 26.5" Hammer Forged

Caliber: .22 LR

Stock: One piece wood stock, checkered forearm and thumb rest pistol grip, cheek rest. Two piece rail under forearm with hand stop, various holes including some plugged ones in bottom of forearm.

Sights: Globe front sight missing insert, fully adjustable rear peep sight with large eye cup

Buttplate: Grooved black polymer butt plate with spacer,

LOP: 13.5" LOP

Trigger: Adjustable trigger

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse