Tokarev TT-33
Tula Arms Plant · Pistol · Discontinued · 1933
Also known as: Tokarev, TT, Type 51, TTC
Overview
The Tokarev TT-33 is a Soviet single-action, short-recoil semi-automatic pistol chambered in the high-velocity 7.62x25mm Tokarev cartridge. Designed by Fedor Tokarev as a replacement for the Nagant M1895 revolver, it adapted John Browning's locked-breech action from the Colt M1911 and FN Model 1903 while pioneering a removable hammer/sear module for ease of maintenance. Rugged and simple, it served as the standard Soviet sidearm through World War II and was widely copied across the Eastern Bloc and China.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 840 g (29.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 910 g (32.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 194 mm (7.64") |
| Barrel Length | 116 mm (4.57") |
| Height | 130 mm (5.12") |
| Width | 28 mm (1.10") |
| Sight Radius | 156 mm (6.14") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 420 m/s (1378 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 485 J (358 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Bakelite |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x25mm Tokarev · primary — also known as 7.62x25mm, 7.62 Tokarev, Type 51
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Browning Locked Breech, Removable Hammer Module, Exposed Hammer
Variants
- Tokarev TT-30 — Early Production
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Armed Forces · adopted 1933 · as TT-33
- People's Liberation Army · adopted 1951 · as Type 51
- Korean People's Army
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
- Korean War (1950-1953)
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Production
Estimated total produced: 1,700,000 · Production years: 1933-1952
Approximately 1.7 million produced in the Soviet Union; millions more made under license as the Polish wz.33, Hungarian 48M, Romanian and Yugoslav M57, and Chinese Type 51/54.
Origin
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Designer: Fedor Tokarev
Discontinued: 1952
Notes
The TT-33 omitted a manual safety, relying only on a half-cock notch, which made many militaries treat it as carry-on-empty-chamber. It evolved from the earlier TT-30 with a simplified frame and locking lugs.
Background
The TT-33 became one of the most recognizable Soviet wartime pistols, carried by officers across the Red Army. Its potent 7.62x25mm round could defeat early body armor and remained feared for its penetration long after the pistol itself was retired in favor of the Makarov PM.