Margolin MTsU
Izhevsk Mechanical Plant · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1955
Also known as: MCU, МЦУ, Margolin MCU
Overview
The Margolin MTsU (МЦУ) is a Soviet .22 Short blowback-operated semi-automatic target pistol, a rapid-fire variant of the Margolin family introduced in 1955. Chambered for the low-recoil .22 Short cartridge, it was purpose-built for rapid-fire (silhouette) competition shooting, where minimal recoil allows faster follow-up shots. Like its siblings it uses a fixed-barrel blowback action with adjustable target sights and anatomical wooden grips, and was produced at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant.
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 |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Short · primary — also known as .22 Short, 5.6mm short
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Adjustable Target Sights, Anatomical Wooden Grips, Muzzle Weight, Target Trigger
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Soviet sport shooting societies (DOSAAF) · adopted 1955 · as MTsU
Production
Production years: 1955-onwards
Specialized rapid-fire competition variant; production figures not separately published from the wider Margolin series
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Mikhail Vladimirovich Margolin
Notes
The 'U' variant of the Margolin was rechambered from the standard .22 LR to .22 Short specifically to reduce recoil for the rapid-fire shooting discipline. It shares the frame and blowback mechanism of the base Margolin/MCM target pistol.
Background
Designed by Mikhail Margolin, who was completely blind from a Civil War-era head wound, the MTsU adapted his acclaimed target pistol to the low-recoil .22 Short round so competitors could shoot the demanding Olympic-style rapid-fire silhouette event faster.