Is Norinco Model 54 Tokarev TT33 Pistol OK?

[ccftca]

Just find out a store is selling Norinco Model 54 Tokarev TT33 Pistol in 7.62x25,
compare with Poland's and Russia's TT33,which one is better?

 

[Hitzy]

Polish and Russian before Nork.

 

[gewehr76]

they are as good as russian or polish.

 

[red_bailey]

I've got several each of Soviet, Polish, Hungarian, Yugoslavian, and Chinese TT pistols, and I haven't found a bad one yet. Buy them all!

I'd agree with the poster above and go closer to the origin first, but that could be a partially emotional response. The Chinese don't look quite as nice by a couple percentage points, plus the slide markings can be a little crude (‘Imported by Norinco’ and all). At least the 54 doesn't have the needless, ugly safety lever added, like the later Chinese versions (unless it was imported into the U.S.A.).

Some things to consider: currently what's being imported is some very nice Russians and the sweet un-issued Poles; Chinese (unless there is a new batch*) are several cycles ago and sold out, thus harder to find. Also, the Type 54 should come with the up-dated ‘hump hammer,’ which is a minor performance improvement that should extend firing pin life (thread here).

* Did TradeEx bring in a whole stack of these, or did they just turn up a small supply somewhere?

 

[tetra]

I would go Polish or Russian as well, I went Russian because it is the real deal.
The Polish might be nicer since it probably was unissued, but gotta go with the real thing.

 

[CDNGN]

I picked up a Polish Tokarev and then promptly picked up a second one. They are awesome pistols.... Get one, you won't regret it .

 

[Ganderite]

I have 2 Russian, 2 Chinese and 2 Poles. The Chinese and Poles shoot the best groups. The Chinese does not feed HP ammo.

 

[phin11]

I have 2 Russian, 2 Chinese and 2 Poles. The Chinese and Poles shoot the best groups. The Chinese does not feed HP ammo.

Does the Chinese shoot surplus ammo O.K. ?

 

[Ganderite]

Yes, Norinco 54 groups fine with surplus.

 

[Lexthedestroyer]

I picked up a Russian a few years ago. (although if I had to do it today, I'd probably get a Polak) It's a sweet little pistol, the 7.62x25 is LOUD, and yet has a very enjoyable recoil impulse (all steel, would be my guess) and it throws the empties almost as far as the projectile (which is FAR, for the record. The 7.62x25 is a flat shooter).

 

[machman]

Don't forget to take a look at the Serbian made TT, the Zastava M57 in 7.62x25 & the M70A in 9mm.
Both Trade Ex & Marstar have them in stock, but neither seem to have a good parts supply.