TOZ-35
Tula Arms Plant · Pistol · In Production · 1962
Also known as: Vostok TOZ-35, TOZ-35M
Overview
The TOZ-35 is a Soviet single-shot .22 LR free pistol designed for the ISSF 50-metre free pistol event. Designed by Yefim Khaidurov in the early 1960s, it uses a tilting/falling-block action with a set trigger and an orthopedic walnut grip, and places the bore axis unusually low, nearly in line with the shooter's hand, to minimize muzzle rise. Built at the Tula Arms Plant, it became one of the most successful and widely used Olympic target pistols of the Cold War era, with the improved TOZ-35M following in the late 1970s.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1130 g (39.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 440 mm (17.32") |
| Barrel Length | 300 mm (11.81") |
| Sight Radius | 360 mm (14.17") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Orthopedic Grip, Set Trigger, Adjustable Sights, Free Pistol Configuration, Low Bore Axis
Variants
- TOZ-35M - Improved
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Olympic Shooting Team · adopted 1962
Production
Production years: 1962-present
Improved TOZ-35M introduced in the late 1970s; produced for competitive free-pistol shooting
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Yefim Khaidurov
Notes
A 'free pistol' has essentially no rule restrictions beyond caliber (.22 LR) and a 50 m course of fire, allowing extreme grips, set triggers, and refined sights. The TOZ-35 was renowned for its accuracy and won numerous Olympic and world championship medals.
Background
Designed by Soviet sport-shooter and gunsmith Yefim Khaidurov, the TOZ-35 became the standard free pistol of the Soviet bloc and a fixture on Olympic 50 m firing lines for decades, prized worldwide for its match-grade accuracy.