Tokarev Model 1933 Semi Automatic Pistol

Invented in 1930 at Tula Arsenal by Fyodor Tokarev, this semi-automatic, originally designated as the TT-30, was the standard Soviet handgun during World War II. SN 2412

The Tokarev 7.62 mm. automatic pistol was developed by F. V. Tokarev, a Soviet Russian arms designer, and was adopted by the Soviet government about 1930. Basically similar to the U.S. Model 1911 pistol developed by John M. Browning, the Soviet Tokarev was produced in two models, the 1930 and the 1933. Both fire the Soviet 7.62 mm. pistol cartridge, a rimless bottleneck round interchangeable with the 7.63 mm. Mauser cartridge used in the Mauser Military Model pistol. Of short-recoil design, the Tokarev has locking ribs on the barrel that engage shoulders in the slide.

After the period of initial high pressure, the barrel pivots down on its link for unlocking, and the slide moves rearward independent of the barrel. A slide stop on the left of the receiver holds the slide open after the last round is fired. Unlike the M1911 pistol, however, the Tokarev has only one safety, the half-cock position of the hammer. Another major mechanical difference between the M1911 and Tokarev is the Tokarev hammer mechanism that can be lifted out of the receiver as a unit. This facilitates cleaning, lubrication, and repair. Initial production of the Tokarev Model 1930 pistol was assigned to the main Russian arsenal at Tula, and by early 1933 serial numbers of the model had reached 2000.

In 1933 the Colt-type locking lugs on top of the barrel were changed to locking rings encircling the barrel. Production of the Model 1930 continued until 1935. At that time, the Model 1933 was introduced incorporating the modified barrel as well as a redesigned receiver, hammer mechanism, and trigger. Design of the Model 1933 was unchanged from 1936 through 1946 although Russia's entry into the Second World War led to the introduction of a few variant grip designs. These included checkered or grooved wood grips, and plastic grips with a triangular emblem.

A small quantity of pistols was produced in 1939 with barrels of original Model 1930 design with lugs on the top only. Many Tokarev pistols were produced in Soviet satellite nations following the Second World War. While the Tokarev pistol was replaced as the sidearm of the Soviet Armed Forces many years ago, it is still extensively used by the former Soviet satellite nations.