From EAA "What's New" (Nov 6), it looks like they will support Baikals:
http://www.eaacorp.com/news.shtml
It seems that EAA may have sold its Baikal interest to Remington but I am not sure how the details were worked out. Why wouldn't Remington take over Baikal support in the future if there are no major design changes between its new Spartan line and Baikal?

 

Well, If you can't beat them, buy them.

 

how does this apply to the mp-153's that remington doesn't carry? (probably because they're embarrased that it's a better auto than anything they make) will they still be available from eaa?

 

Earlier in the year, we heard rumors of a new semi-auto coming from Remington in 2005. I wonder if the 153 could be it.

 

I checked Remington.com and it shows new products for spring 2005, but no Baikal or Spartan. There is a separate Spartan site but it is not at Remington.com.

Spartan does offers only o/u, sXs, and single shot, no nickel or Sports model, no pump or semiauto. What is interesting is that one line of double guns has double triggers, which are cheaper than single trigger models.

 

I was really interested in a 153. I don't know what I am going to buy now. The auto was surely priced right and I don't think I can touch any other brand for the price.

 

Why those @$%*&&$@!....
Replacement parts shouldn't be a problem.... They don't break. But when they do, parts still shouldn't be a problem

 

Only the "IZH" series is being discontinued. EAA will still do warranty and parts. So go get that MP153... :idea:

 

so the 153's will still be imported and sold by eaa? i have 2 already, but several of my buddies want one this year

 

I checked the Spartan web site and the warranty address was the Cocoa, Fl address of EAA. Looks like nothing has changed there.

 

Got an email from EAA today saying the mp153 would become the spr453 for a few bucks more. This was in response to my question asking if Remington was going to be offering the mp153 as they are with other Baikal models. :?

 

I must be one of the luckiest SOBs around- I recently ordered both a IZH 20 ga O/U for my daughter and a IZH 12 gauge SXS for myself. My dealer did mention after I picked them up it was hard for them to get, but they did get them within 2 weeks.

Overall am very satisifed- took the guns out hunting and got 2 huns last weekend.

I saw both a Spartan O/U and a Savage SXS. O/U looked the same except the price tag was baout $60 more. The SXS had blond wood and a red fiber optic front sight- but again for $60 more.

All in all- am happy w/ these 2 guns. I ownother shotguns- Browning Citori O/U, Huglu SXS, and 3 pumps- Mossberg, ithaca, and Win 1300. These Baikals will fit right in as knock about hunting guns

 

These Baikals will fit right in as knock about hunting guns

Yeah they will...
Congratulations !

 

Overall am very satisifed- took the guns out hunting and got 2 huns last weekend.

I did not know it was legal to hunt Germans in this country.

 

Only the "IZH" series is being discontinued. EAA will still do warranty and parts. So go get that MP153... :idea:

Thats not what they said in the email. They said the entire Baikal line was being discontinued. Makes sense, as I am sure remington did not want the cheaper competition around.

 

mp-153 to spr453 huh? name's gonna change and i bet the price will rise $100--it's still worth it, i just hope remington doesn't "tinker" with the gun design in any way and ruin it, i just don't trust them--after all, look at their 3.5" auto :roll:

 

After I got that email from EAA about the change to spr-453 from mp-153 I emailed Remington about the availability since they don't show anything on the Spartan website about the semi-auto. Their reply is expected in 2 or 3 days according to the generated response. The "spr" does fit in with other model numbers shown on the Spartan website.
EAA did say that the mp-153 would continue to be sold by them until their stock ran out. :roll:

 

This below statement is currently posted under the "What's New" section on the EAA website. This in my mind is a shame because Remington surely will raise the price of these firearms. I guess (If you can't beat em, join them.) must be their new motto at Remington. I do hope Remington doesn't tinker with any internal working design of the MP153. (If it's not broke, don't fix it.) I hope is a new Remington motto regarding the Baikal line of shotguns.

Baikal:
On November 6, 2004 we let the cat out of the bag, so to speak. All of the guns we had been importing from Baikal of Russia (IZH models), will now be sold under the Spartan by Remington" name brand. We will continue to perform warranty work on the Baikal line. Spartan by Remington guns will be at a slightly higher price than similar EAA models, so buying an EAA model is a good investment since the price will only increase. If you are a dealer, stock up on all the EAA Baikal guns you can find and enjoy the profit. The change to Spartan by Remington was a positive change for the Baikal line and fully supported by EAA Corp. The Baikal plant in Russia will now be working with one of the oldest and largest names in the USA firearms business and we are proud to have had a part in this historic event.

We will keep all our IZH / Baikal models on the website for the time being while inventories are being sold off.

 

For anyone who hasn't seen this yet.

January 1, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Spartan Gunworks™ By Remington Introduces a New Line of Synthetic Autoloading Shotguns
Madison, NC - The Spartan Gunworks Model SPR453 line of synthetic autoloading shotguns features five ruggedly-designed 12-gauge (3.5-inch) offerings for scattergun enthusiasts, including camouflaged versions.
These durable autoloaders feature a hammer-forged chrome-lined barrel, hammer-forged steel magazine tube and a self-regulating gas system that can be adjusted to handle 2.75-inch light target to heavy magnum 3.5-inch loads. Each Model SPR453 is fit with a weather-resistant synthetic stock and fore-end, rubber butt pad and vent rib barrel with twin bead sights. Extended screw-in Spartan choke tubes are included and are all approved for use with lead, steel and Premier® Hevi·Shot® loads. Familiar cross bolt-style safety is located at the rear of the trigger guard. The purchaser has the option of the SPR453 autoloaders in either matte black synthetic in 26 or 28-inch barrel lengths with blued metalwork or fully camouflaged with Mossy Oak® New Break-Up® in 24, 26 or 28-inch barrel lengths. For the wingshooter and upland game enthusiast, no matter what his interest - waterfowl, turkeys or upland game, this can be either an all-purpose or single-purpose shotgun at a reasonable price. Suggested retail prices range from $390 to $419. For "Old World" craftsmanship, durability and great value look to Spartan Gunworks for your break-action shotgun needs.

Model SPR453 SPR453 Camo
Gauge 12 (3.5-inch) 12 (3.5-inch)
BBL Length 28 inches, 26 inches 28 inches, 26 inches, 24 inches
Chokes Extra Full, Full, Mod, IC Extra Full, Full, Mod, IC
Rib Type Vent Rib Vent Rib
Sights Bead Sight Bead Sight
Metal Finish Matte Blued Mossy Oak New Break-Up
Overall Length 49.5 inches, 47.5 inches 49.5 inches, 47.5 inches, 45.5 inches
Length of Pull 14.5 inches 14.5 inches
Drop (Comb) 1.5 inch 1.5 inch
Drop (Heel) 2.5 inches 2.5 inches
Stock Material Black Synthetic Camo-Covered Synthetic
Avg. Weight 8.2 lbs., 8.1 lbs. 8.2 lbs., 8.1 lbs., 8 lbs.
###
For more information on Spartan Gunworks by Remington
visit http://www.spartangunworks.com/
Spartan Gunworks™ by Remington is a trademark of RA Brands,