Tokarev TT-33



Overview


TT-33

Right side view of Soviet TT-33.
Source: www.deactivated-guns.co.uk - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Pistol
Entered service
1930
Status
Limited service
Development
Late 1920’s
Developer
Soviet Union
Fedor Tokarev
Production
1930 - 1954 (USSR)
Producer
Soviet Union
China
Poland
Hungary
North Korea
Romania
Yugoslavia
Number produced
About 1.7 million
Designations
7,62 mm Samozaryadnyj Pistolet Tokareva obraztsa 1930 goda (official designation)
Pistole 615(r) (Nazi German designation)
Type 51 (Chinese production)
Type 54 (Chinese production)
M57 (Yugoslav production)
Type 68 (North Korean production)

Description


Introduction

The Tokarev is a pre World War 2 era pistol of Soviet origin. It was developed in the late 1920's to replace the Nagant M1895 revolver. The designation TT-33 stands for “Tula Tokarev 1933”. The Tokarev was widely used during World War 2 and is one of the iconic Soviet firearms. Many Tokarev pistol and derivative models have been produced under license in nations with close ties to the USSR.

Design

The Tokarev is a single action pistol that employs the short recoil mechanism and has a locked breech. The design seems to be inspired by the FN Mle 1903 and Colt M1911 pistols, but differs in several areas. The pistol has a large steel frame, plastic grip plates and a steel slide with fixed sights.

Firepower

The Tokarev is a semi-automatic pistol that fires the 7.62x25mm round from an 8 round magazine. Outside the USSR various 9x19mm models have been produced, although the vast majority of foreign production was in 7.62x25mm as well. The maximum effective range is a few dozen meters.

Users

The Tokarev was widely used by Soviet forces during World War 2. After the war it remained in use and large quantities were exported and produced under license. The Tokarev was replaced in Soviet service by the Makarov pistol in 1952. Nowadays the Tokarev remains in use, especially in many third world nations.

Details


Facts TT-33
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Pistol
Caliber
Caliber
7.62x25mm Tokarev
Feed system
8 round detachable box
Barrel length
116 mm
Rifling
4 grooves, right hand twist
Muzzle velocity
420 m/s
Operation
Action
Short recoil, locked breech
Fire selector
0 - 1
Rate of fire
Semi-automatic
Dimensions
Length
196 mm
Weight
0.85 kg empty
Sights
Mechanical
Iron sights, fixed, post front and notch rear

Media


Related articles


Nagant M1895

The Tokarev was developed to replace the Nagant M1895 series of revolvers.

Makarov PM

In Soviet service the Tokarev was replaced in 1952 by the Makarov pistol.