building up a pistol from frame, DIY or Gunsmith

heliwrench

heliwrench

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Hey guys,

I have a Norinco Type 54 Frame (Tokarev TT-33 Copy).

I have heard of these being converted to 9mm. True? How?

I was thinking it to be an interesting chalenge to build it up myself and try to keep it under the 179.99 price for a new one!

Having very little gunsmithing expierence I would think it a bad idea to do it all myself. probably be a "My gun blew up" thread in the future.

Any gunsmiths do the 9mm conversion out there? anyone want to bild it up for me?

Thanks, if you think i'm nuts feel free to let me know:runaway:
 
I will never be one to discourage someone from a DIY project. I think it is the best way to learn. However, if you are building it up from just a frame, you will probably be above the price of a new one in no time.
 
The Tok's are coverted simply with a barrel change. Even the mags are the same. You may want to play with recoil springs with the 9mm by the standard spring does work.

Given how inexpensively a finished Tok is, just go buy one. The cost of parts will be insanely more expensive. if you could find any.

Also consider the M-77 Norinco. A way better 9mm that is built like a tank. Ergonomics are head and shoulders better then a Tok and quite decent compared to modern HG's. Feeding RN CMJ bullets without a hitch.

A converted Tok can have feeding issues.

Jerry
 
I don't think it would be economic, even if you did it yourself - and filed almost all of the parts from scrap metal. I'm also not sure about the quality of technical support that you could expect, if you happened to need some. $179.99 isn't much, and the smallest of "issues" that you might face might just take all of the fun out of the equation.

If it is a project that you are looking for, I'd consider a 1911. A build on a 1911 frame might not be economic either, but it would be an interesting challenge, and - with the widespread availability of quality parts, tools, and quality 1911-specific pistolsmithing manuals - it would be guaranteed to be a heck of a lot less frustrating.
 
It is a 30 second process and I do it all the time...no feed or recoil spring issues whatsoever, but I have dedicated 9mm magazines...I'd suggest posting a WTB in the Parts EE and waiting until somebody wants to part with their 9mm barrel and mags.

Count on paying about $100 for a barrel and mag.
 
I bought a Tok brand new in 1990 that came from the factory with the 9mm barrel and magazine as well.Although the mags are very similar there is a difference.After much searching I was able to get another 9mm mag for it from mil-arms but had to pay seventy bucks for it.Another Tok mag only cost forty bucks.
 
I did it. Found a "parts kit" at a show. Bought a 9mm barrel and frame from Marstar. After fiddling around and buying more parts to insure 100% functioning, it still doesn't work right (trigger gets hung up in the frame) So, like others said, in the long run it will cost you more than a new one, but if you just want to tinker around, then go for it.

Cheers,
Rich
 
Buy 9 mm barrel (around $30-50) and 9 mm mag (around $25) to insure smooth feeding. That's all. I bought Norinco already with 2 barrels and mag as 9mm & 7.62mm package. There is nothing special to this.

My biggest fun was putting Nagant revolver and Browning 1907/1903 from parts (in both cases it was cheaper than buying a gun). I think TradeEx still has some 1903 frames left for $10, but parts are hard to find nowdays.
 
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