Basic information on elastic, plastic and viscous properties of metals and alloys is given. Standard methods for determining the characteristics of mechanical properties under various types of loading, including shock-wave loading, are considered. A brief description of some test machines and installations is given. The relationship of the characteristics of mechanical properties with the composition and structure of the metal is shown. The properties of alloys at high temperatures are described. Modern approaches to the problem of destruction of metals and alloys are shown.