Vostok MC-55
TsKIB SOO (Central Design and Research Bureau of Sporting and Hunting Arms), Tula · Pistol · Discontinued · 1962
Also known as: MTs-55, MTs 55-1, MU-55, MC 55-1, Vostok MC55-1
Overview
The Vostok MC-55 is a single-shot precision target pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle, built by the TsKIB SOO design bureau in Tula and exported through the Soviet 'Vostok' marque. It is a free pistol designed for the ISSF/Olympic 50 metre free pistol event, in which competitors fire single shots at a stationary target. The action is opened, the cartridge loaded by hand, and the bolt closed and the striker cocked manually; an extremely light, fully adjustable set trigger breaking at a fraction of a newton lets the shooter release the shot with minimal disturbance. The pistol carries an anatomically shaped walnut grip with an adjustable palm rest, replaceable front and rear sights, and an adjustable sight radius for fine-tuning the sight picture.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1000 g (35.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 430 mm (16.93") |
| Barrel Length | 280 mm (11.02") |
| Sight Radius | 360 mm (14.17") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Set Trigger |
| Trigger Pull | 0.5 N (0.1 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 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: Manual Single Loading
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Adjustable Set Trigger, Adjustable Palm Rest, Anatomical Walnut Grip, Replaceable Front And Rear Sights, Fully Adjustable Rear Sight, Adjustable Sight Radius
Variants
- Vostok MC-55-1 - Improved Model
- Vostok MTs 55-1M - Modernized Model
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Union national shooting team
Production
Production years: 1962-1980s
Small-series target arm hand-built by TsKIB SOO; succeeded by the MC-55-1 and MTs 55-1M variants.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: TsKIB SOO, Tula
Notes
Often catalogued under the Cyrillic-derived spellings MC-55, MTs-55, MU-55 and MC 55-1; the 'C' renders the Russian letter Ц. The improved MC-55-1 and modernized MTs 55-1M succeeded the original. Free pistols of this type were used to win Olympic and World Championship medals.
Background
The 'Vostok' (meaning 'East') brand was used by the Soviet state to export precision sporting arms to Western competitors during the Cold War, with these Tula free pistols earning a reputation for outstanding accuracy on the international circuit.