Margolin MCM
Izhevsk Mechanical Plant · Pistol · In Production · 1948
Also known as: MTsM, Margolin pistol, MCM, Margolina
Overview
The Margolin MCM (MTsM) is a Soviet .22 Long Rifle blowback-operated semi-automatic target pistol designed for ISSF 25 m precision and standard pistol competition. Notable for its frame-mounted adjustable sights, weighted muzzle compensator, and anatomical wooden grips, it earned a reputation for exceptional accuracy and reliability, remaining serviceable after well over 100,000 rounds. It is famous for being designed by Mikhail Margolin, who was completely blind.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 900 g (31.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 245 mm (9.65") |
| Barrel Length | 152 mm (5.98") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 320 m/s (1050 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 130 J (96 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Frame Mounted Adjustable Sights, Muzzle Compensator, Anatomical Target Grip, Lightened Slide
Variants
- Margolin MTsZ-1 - Inverted Competition
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Union · adopted 1948
- DOSAAF
Production
Production years: 1948-present
Produced by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant; long-running production for Soviet and post-Soviet sport shooting
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Mikhail Vladimirovich Margolin
Notes
Sources vary on barrel length, citing figures from roughly 130 mm to 152 mm depending on whether the muzzle compensator is included. The pistol debuted internationally at the 1954 World Shooting Championships in Caracas and saw extensive Soviet sport and DOSAAF training use.
Background
Mikhail Margolin lost his sight entirely at age 18 from a head wound during the Russian Civil War aftermath, yet went on to design one of the most successful and enduring Soviet target pistols entirely by touch, using clay and wire models to work out the mechanism.