Tokarev TT33 any good for first gun?
- Thread starter Philip 1911
- Start date
Still alive
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Rainy mosquito infested part of BC
Honestly, no. Not for a first handgun. And not if you want to learn to shoot accurately.
What is your budget?
For a first handgun, I would go with a .22. If you must have a centerfire, go with a 9mm.
What is your budget?
For a first handgun, I would go with a .22. If you must have a centerfire, go with a 9mm.
I got an m57 or jogoslavian version . It holds one extra round vs the Russian and Chinese . It’s clearly an eastern block pistol but it’s fun to shoot and the 7.62x25 is a hot round and fun .
Imo you will definitely enjoy it
greywolf67nt
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Stony Plain, AB
Save and get something else.
Mine was NOT very accurate so that could be discouraging to a new shooter.
Most ranges will not let you shoot the surplus ammo so you wind up spending as much as you would on 9mm anyway.
Get one AFTER you have learned proper technique. They are a lot of fun.
Mine was NOT very accurate so that could be discouraging to a new shooter.
Most ranges will not let you shoot the surplus ammo so you wind up spending as much as you would on 9mm anyway.
Get one AFTER you have learned proper technique. They are a lot of fun.
maple_leaf_eh
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Buy one and a spam can of ammo. Shoot it until you reach the bottom of the can. Then decide what you have learned about shooting a Tok' and what you need to correct.
FWIW, many CGN'ers learned pistol shooting with Her Majesty's free 9mm ammo and Browning HP pistols. For not much more money you can trade up to a clone Browning or a genuine Glock in 9mm.
FWIW, many CGN'ers learned pistol shooting with Her Majesty's free 9mm ammo and Browning HP pistols. For not much more money you can trade up to a clone Browning or a genuine Glock in 9mm.
You'll hear a lot of "no". Here is the bottom line.
These are excellent quality pistols. Get one made for the Chinese military in the 60's.
Wider trigger than the Russian one, chrome lined barrel and chamber, cheaper.
As good quality as Russian. Remember military type 54. Not Norinco. There is a difference.
Buy a spam can of ammo and learn how to clean your pistol, because this ammo is corrosive.
That's why it's so cheap. You can learn shooting on TT as good as on any, other pistol.
These are rock solid, made in millions. Noting to brag about, but very accurate and reliable.
Cleaning them properly is the key. Enjoy!
These are excellent quality pistols. Get one made for the Chinese military in the 60's.
Wider trigger than the Russian one, chrome lined barrel and chamber, cheaper.
As good quality as Russian. Remember military type 54. Not Norinco. There is a difference.
Buy a spam can of ammo and learn how to clean your pistol, because this ammo is corrosive.
That's why it's so cheap. You can learn shooting on TT as good as on any, other pistol.
These are rock solid, made in millions. Noting to brag about, but very accurate and reliable.
Cleaning them properly is the key. Enjoy!
.30/06 FTW
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Thunder Bay, Ontario
To be honest they’re not a very good first pistol. Terrible triggers and weird ergonomics. Learn on a reasonably priced 9mm and then get a Tokarev after. If you want to compete at all or even try competing most pistol sports are 9mm and above so you can’t shoot 7.62x25. Once you know what you’re doing, then get a Tok. Russian, Chinese, Yugo, Romanian, Polish, they’re all interesting guns historically speaking and 7.62x25 is an awesome cartridge. But it’s not great for beginners.
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
Buy one, but not as a first pistol. They’re really fun to shoot once you know how to shoot a pistol properly, if you can find a post war Russian or a Polish TT they are pretty accurate for a surplus pistol shooting surplus ammo. Buy a better modern gun first and learn the fundamentals, then buy a TT and have fun with it.
The TT-33 was one of my first pistols, but I didn't have it long and ended up selling it.
The grip is pretty small on this pistol, it gave me hammer bite, the trigger pull was heavy, and overall it was a bit rough. I think the pistol was a refurb so maybe after 1000 round it would have softened up a bit as the parts wore in a bit better. The ammunition is cheap, but depending on the source it may not be all that reliable. The Czech surplus I had sometimes didn't go off without cocking the hammer and firing it again. This may not be a problem with Norinco ammunition.
I think the biggest problem with the TT-33 is that it can't really grow with you. The hammer/trigger module is pretty tiny and it has a lot of fine and small parts making it a challenge to smith and reassemble correctly. So you're kind of stuck with the trigger it has. The lack of an external safety and the low power factor of the ammunition make it unusable for most shooting sports like IDPA and IPSC (if you ever want to try an action shooting sport then you would likely have to buy another gun). There are very few, if any, aftermarket parts. So if you grow as a marksman and want to improve aspects of the pistol you're pretty much out of luck.
Ammunition is pretty cheap, but you pretty much have to buy it in bulk. If you decide the pistol isn't for you then you have to find a buyer for the ammo too. Ammo is often a tough sell sometimes.
The TT-33 is kind of an acquired taste; it's mostly for the kind of guy who likes archaic firearms from ages past, like surplus collectors. You know, people who have a poster like this on the wall of their man cave (myself included):
Here's a coupe of alternatives for you to consider:
A used Norinco pistol copy of a m1911, SIG, or CZ chambered in 9mm:
You can find a decent Norinco pistol on the gun boards here for $300, which isn't too much more expensive than a TT-33 purchased from a store. All of these guns are clones, which means if you love the gun you can move up to the real thing in the future and have a 99% certainty that you'll like the real thing even more.
9mm isn't as cheap as 7.62 Tok, but you can buy it in smaller batches than 1200 rounds in one shot. 9mm is easy to find reloading components for if you decide to reload later on, I'm doing that right now with brass I collected 10 years ago. BTW - brass for 9mm is free for the taking. If you are absolutely stuck on 7.62 Tok then you can buy the Nornico P226 copy chambered in 7.62 tok.
All of the above guns can be upgraded with grips, sights, magazines, trigger springs, and a plethora of other parts. Holsters are common and easy to find.
They maintain a decent re-sale value.
All of the clones can be used in action shooting sports.
A used 22 pistol:
You can find an older 22 pistol or revolver for $250 that's still in good shootable condition:
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1695877-High-Standard-Supermatic-Heavy-ported-BBL-with-weights-model-101
22 Rimfire is cheap and plentiful.
22 pistols are perfect for learners, for obvious reasons.
Most 22 handguns have excellent sights and excellent triggers.
You can shoot 22 rimfire at rimfire only ranges - this keeps the noisy riff raff off your back
You may never sell your 22 handgun, most people keep one around for the kids, or friends, and are quite popular with the ladies.
The grip is pretty small on this pistol, it gave me hammer bite, the trigger pull was heavy, and overall it was a bit rough. I think the pistol was a refurb so maybe after 1000 round it would have softened up a bit as the parts wore in a bit better. The ammunition is cheap, but depending on the source it may not be all that reliable. The Czech surplus I had sometimes didn't go off without cocking the hammer and firing it again. This may not be a problem with Norinco ammunition.
I think the biggest problem with the TT-33 is that it can't really grow with you. The hammer/trigger module is pretty tiny and it has a lot of fine and small parts making it a challenge to smith and reassemble correctly. So you're kind of stuck with the trigger it has. The lack of an external safety and the low power factor of the ammunition make it unusable for most shooting sports like IDPA and IPSC (if you ever want to try an action shooting sport then you would likely have to buy another gun). There are very few, if any, aftermarket parts. So if you grow as a marksman and want to improve aspects of the pistol you're pretty much out of luck.
Ammunition is pretty cheap, but you pretty much have to buy it in bulk. If you decide the pistol isn't for you then you have to find a buyer for the ammo too. Ammo is often a tough sell sometimes.
The TT-33 is kind of an acquired taste; it's mostly for the kind of guy who likes archaic firearms from ages past, like surplus collectors. You know, people who have a poster like this on the wall of their man cave (myself included):
Here's a coupe of alternatives for you to consider:
A used Norinco pistol copy of a m1911, SIG, or CZ chambered in 9mm:
You can find a decent Norinco pistol on the gun boards here for $300, which isn't too much more expensive than a TT-33 purchased from a store. All of these guns are clones, which means if you love the gun you can move up to the real thing in the future and have a 99% certainty that you'll like the real thing even more.
9mm isn't as cheap as 7.62 Tok, but you can buy it in smaller batches than 1200 rounds in one shot. 9mm is easy to find reloading components for if you decide to reload later on, I'm doing that right now with brass I collected 10 years ago. BTW - brass for 9mm is free for the taking. If you are absolutely stuck on 7.62 Tok then you can buy the Nornico P226 copy chambered in 7.62 tok.
All of the above guns can be upgraded with grips, sights, magazines, trigger springs, and a plethora of other parts. Holsters are common and easy to find.
They maintain a decent re-sale value.
All of the clones can be used in action shooting sports.
A used 22 pistol:
You can find an older 22 pistol or revolver for $250 that's still in good shootable condition:
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1695877-High-Standard-Supermatic-Heavy-ported-BBL-with-weights-model-101
22 Rimfire is cheap and plentiful.
22 pistols are perfect for learners, for obvious reasons.
Most 22 handguns have excellent sights and excellent triggers.
You can shoot 22 rimfire at rimfire only ranges - this keeps the noisy riff raff off your back
You may never sell your 22 handgun, most people keep one around for the kids, or friends, and are quite popular with the ladies.
Still alive
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Rainy mosquito infested part of BC
^^^^great post!
There is one problem with people shooting handguns in Canada, so take this into account when asking for an advice. They are usually recreational shooters with very little patience, usually blaming the pistols or revolvers for their own lack of skills. Handgun is the most difficult firearm to master. So, take the cost of ammo into account when planning your purchase. Tons of handguns on the exchange forum with "one or two boxes of ammo through it". TT is as good as any other pistol to start on...if you are committed to learn. If you can, go out and get some, professional guidance. The only safety you need is your brain. I've seen quite a few NDs with the safest pistols out there. Stay focused, stay sharp and stay committed. You can buy the aftermarket grips and magazine extensions that will make the pistol more ergonomic in your hand. Otherwise you won't need more than just time and practice.
There are just so many better options for a first pistol these days I just don't see a valid reason to start with this? They have their fans, and for a reason I'm sure, but to recommend this as a first pistol just makes me shake my head. Hell, any Norinco semi is a much better choice, and with M&P 9's showing up on the EE for as little as $350 for a Gen 1, why bother with the TT?
Buy a modern semi as a first and buy the TT down the road for sh*ts and giggles once you have learned how to shoot.
Buy a modern semi as a first and buy the TT down the road for sh*ts and giggles once you have learned how to shoot.
The TT-33 was one of my first pistols, but I didn't have it long and ended up selling it.
The grip is pretty small on this pistol, it gave me hammer bite, the trigger pull was heavy, and overall it was a bit rough. I think the pistol was a refurb so maybe after 1000 round it would have softened up a bit as the parts wore in a bit better. The ammunition is cheap, but depending on the source it may not be all that reliable. The Czech surplus I had sometimes didn't go off without cocking the hammer and firing it again. This may not be a problem with Norinco ammunition.
I think the biggest problem with the TT-33 is that it can't really grow with you. The hammer/trigger module is pretty tiny and it has a lot of fine and small parts making it a challenge to smith and reassemble correctly. So you're kind of stuck with the trigger it has. The lack of an external safety and the low power factor of the ammunition make it unusable for most shooting sports like IDPA and IPSC (if you ever want to try an action shooting sport then you would likely have to buy another gun). There are very few, if any, aftermarket parts. So if you grow as a marksman and want to improve aspects of the pistol you're pretty much out of luck.
Ammunition is pretty cheap, but you pretty much have to buy it in bulk. If you decide the pistol isn't for you then you have to find a buyer for the ammo too. Ammo is often a tough sell sometimes.
The TT-33 is kind of an acquired taste; it's mostly for the kind of guy who likes archaic firearms from ages past, like surplus collectors. You know, people who have a poster like this on the wall of their man cave (myself included):
Here's a coupe of alternatives for you to consider:
A used Norinco pistol copy of a m1911, SIG, or CZ chambered in 9mm:
You can find a decent Norinco pistol on the gun boards here for $300, which isn't too much more expensive than a TT-33 purchased from a store. All of these guns are clones, which means if you love the gun you can move up to the real thing in the future and have a 99% certainty that you'll like the real thing even more.
9mm isn't as cheap as 7.62 Tok, but you can buy it in smaller batches than 1200 rounds in one shot. 9mm is easy to find reloading components for if you decide to reload later on, I'm doing that right now with brass I collected 10 years ago. BTW - brass for 9mm is free for the taking. If you are absolutely stuck on 7.62 Tok then you can buy the Nornico P226 copy chambered in 7.62 tok.
All of the above guns can be upgraded with grips, sights, magazines, trigger springs, and a plethora of other parts. Holsters are common and easy to find.
They maintain a decent re-sale value.
All of the clones can be used in action shooting sports.
A used 22 pistol:
You can find an older 22 pistol or revolver for $250 that's still in good shootable condition:
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1695877-High-Standard-Supermatic-Heavy-ported-BBL-with-weights-model-101
22 Rimfire is cheap and plentiful.
22 pistols are perfect for learners, for obvious reasons.
Most 22 handguns have excellent sights and excellent triggers.
You can shoot 22 rimfire at rimfire only ranges - this keeps the noisy riff raff off your back
You may never sell your 22 handgun, most people keep one around for the kids, or friends, and are quite popular with the ladies.
If a person wants to learn to shoot pistol well, they should start with a .22; a Tok is brutal. I am fairly experienced, had one, and got rid of it. I could not shoot it accurately; it annoyed everyone else at our range, but it was fun!! The .22 linked above; I considered buying for parts, but too pricey for parts presently; I have two other High Standards, and wanted to refinish that barrel and use it on my "Sharp-shooter"; but it is rough. Slide stop is missing, A new shooter can do better. A Ruger standard or No. I or II; there are lots of others available from time to time. Same goes for 9mm; bottom line; .22 ammo is cheap, you will shoot more, you will get better, you will be ready to move up to something with a bit more or a lot more recoil once you decide what your needs are and they type of shooting you like to do.
