TT-33 (Tokarev) Questions

[Dolomite_supafly]

I am going to be buying the Yugoslavian M-57 with the 1911 style thumb safety.

I was just wondering what to look for as far as quality and potential problems with these pistols.

I am intimately familiar with the round itself but not so much on the TT-33. I have built several AR's and several bolt guns that shot the round. I would shoot both surplus and handloads that were loaded with heavy bullet at subsonic velocities. I absolutely love the round and all it is capable of, after all it will defeat body armor as well as PAGST helmets where most other handgun calibers won't.

I am going to do something I have planned for a long time, build a "Tactical Tokarev". Basically bring it into a more modern configuration with better sights, better grips and possibly better internals.

Any help is greatlyu appreciated.

Dolomite

[1gewehr]

While better sights and grips are not a problem, I am not aware of any better 'internals'. About all I know you can do is get a 9x19mm barrel and shoot 9mm Luger. On previous imported versions of the TT-33, the stupid ATF-required manual safety was a major reliability problem. Original TT-33s do not have a manual safety. The half-cock position is particularly robust, and was used as the safety when carrying a round in the chamber. Many people just remove it and plug the hole.

People either love or hate the grip design. I find it awkward. The overall design of the pistol is an interesting modification of the 1911, designed for fast production. The design of the hammer/sear mechanism as a removable component is rather clever and solves the problem of being able to clean within the frame without losing pins and springs.

People have gotten some very impressive velocities from the TT-33 using .30 sabots and a .224 bullet. I haven't personally done this, but I imagine that the muzzle blast and flash must be impressive as well.

[Murgatroy]

I would be excited to see this.

[A.J. Holst]

DS,

Have you looked at the CZ-52?

Not sure of availability or price compared to the TT, but I have been VERY pleased with my CZ75B Omega

[TNWNGR]

The Tok is a rather awkward looking service pistol that just doesn't feel right when handled or shot alongside 1911 Colt's or P35 BHP's. Nonetheless it work's rather well and isn't very picky about what it has run through it in the field or at the range. The concept of firearm's safety was secondary to the mission it was designed for as getting it made cheaply and quickly was more important. You can improve the action with a little bit of effort but it will still be uncomfortable. By all mean's give one a try and see what the project turns into.