Torn between getting a surplus Tokarev or Zastava M57!

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Jabsy

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Hey everyone, new guy here.

Just passed my RPAL! :runaway:

It's finally time to get my first firearm! (and growing more concerned that this new hobby will sap me of funds in a short manner.....). Anyways, I've always wanted an Eastern Bloc sidearm and decided that the Tokarev would be my first. After doing some research on the many variants (and contending with supplies currently available on the market), the decision has sadly gotten much harder. I'm trying to make up my mind between purchasing the Zastava M57 which is readily available, or purchasing a surplus TT-33. Some places like Bulls Eye London have them for $300 dollars with an extra magazine and holster. I'm just on the fence whether I take the risk and purchase a surplus firearm only to find the bore in poor condition or body marked up to high heaven. I love that the Zastava is unused and straight from the factory, but the surplus Tok with a history behind it strikes my fancy as well (plus that experience of cleaning off a surplus pistol of cosmoline, taking it apart, cleaning it thoroughly and getting her back to shooting). I was looking for an unissued Polish TTC, but it's impossible to find one for sale thus far. Lever Arms has some Russians for sale, but without the extra magazine and holster, it seems lacking.

Anyone have a modern Zustava and a Russian/Polish Tokarev? How have you felt with them, given they're near identical price....

Glad to be here at the forums and looking forward to sharing with you my ongoing acquisitions.
 
I was I the same position a while ago and ended up buying both. Actually two TT-33's and an M57 Lol! Yeah, saping the funds out of you is an understatement. IMO the M57 wasn't worth it. After spending some of my own time to perform a sweet trigger job I had to return mine after very little use as the slide notch that accepts the hold open catch is completely milled out on the M57 and the metal was soft. It began to wear to the point it wouldn't hold the slide open. I think I read others experienced cracking at that point in the slide as well. TradeEx sent me a new one which I traded without ever firing a shot.

The TT-33's I have we're both in pristine condition with great triggers out of the box. The best example I got was from Lever Arms as a post war Russian. It looks unfired and doesn't bear any refurb marks. The other one I got from Weimajackhere on CGN and was also in new condition but with refurb marks. The slide notch on both of my TT-33's is only partially milled out on the outside of the slide allowing the catch to still slip up into the slide but the strength of having continuous metal run the length of the slide.

I've shot 1000's of rounds through the Weimajack TT-33 and it shows only typical signs of wear and has proven accurate to my abilities. I'd personally stay away from the M57. The only hang up I have on the TT-33 is the hand bite that some people experience where the hammer will pinch the top of your hand. I wear shooting gloves when I'm shooting a lot of rounds with mine.
 
If you plan to shoot often, buy a m70a and after 500 rounds, you wouldve saved enough money on ammo to buy a tt33. The tt33 could then stay in the display case. That is what a couple of us did at the club and it worked out great.
 
Or if you really are looking for a Polish TT33, I've got one that I could let go, I've polished it and it now have a mirror look, I shot 50 rounds with it and it worked flawless, barrell (bore) is mirror. it's a 1950.

only reason for selling it is that I have another TT33 and also a M70A.

Edit: by looking at prices on inernet I changed my mind, it work good so I'll keep it.


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I bought the Tokarev because I wanted a Soviet pistol (and my anti-Brother in law's last name is Tokarev so seemed funny). It's fun to shoot, but its not in regular range rotation. If I was looking for an everyday shooter, I'd probably go with the Zastava in 9mm.
 
Jabsy said:
Hey everyone, new guy here.

<snip>
Lever Arms has some Russians for sale, but without the extra magazine and holster, it seems lacking.

<snip>
Click to expand...

Go back and re-read that ad: it does come with a holster and 2 mags.

My experience is that the Sellier & Belott 7.62x25 ammunition was waaay too "snappy". After half a box, I got tired of it. In the end, I decided to reload for it using 110gr 30 carbine bullets. It ends up similar in recoil to a 9mm.

Trigger face is narrow, that can be an issue after a while, though hardly a big one. Rear sights need to be opened up a bit, mags need a wipe with a file in one corner to keep them from digging into your palm.

Lots of threads on this- use the search function and enjoy...
 
Given the worries and priorities you have stated, I would suggest that you seek out an unissued TT33, they are out there if you look. THen you don't have to worry about condition etc...
 
Just a thought... many ranges will not allow 7.62x25 because the ammo has a reputation for damaging backstops. Many ranges will do a magnet test, to check for steel cased and steel core bullets. Most 7.62x25 ammo fails this test.
 
tazik said:
Or if you really are looking for a Polish TT33, I've got one that I could let go, I've polished it and it now have a mirror look, I shot 50 rounds with it and it worked flawless, barrell (bore) is mirror. it's a 1950.

only reason for selling it is that I have another TT33 and also a M70A.
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Has that been refinished? The frame looks more mirrored and lighter than most Toks I've seen. It looks VERY clean!

And canmic, I'll keep an eye open for an unissued model. It seems they're getting rarer by the hour though. I'll stay on it, gives me time to debate either getting a Polish or a Zastava.
 
Jabsy said:
Has that been refinished? The frame looks more mirrored and lighter than most Toks I've seen. It looks VERY clean!

And canmic, I'll keep an eye open for an unissued model. It seems they're getting rarer by the hour though. I'll stay on it, gives me time to debate either getting a Polish or a Zastava.
Click to expand...

like I said in my post, I'ved polished it, it took me 8 hours of works..., frame and slide are mirror...
 
:sok2 Now this man loves his Tokarevs. If this should be my fate, I'd gladly accept it. Hahaha that's just a great sight.
 
tazik said:
Or if you really are looking for a Polish TT33, I've got one that I could let go, I've polished it and it now have a mirror look
Click to expand...

A polished Polish? Hahaha, say that ten times!

I haven't held an M57, but do own a TT-33 from 1944. My particular pistol isn't very accurate, but it is a hoot to shoot! You can't help but like the history that goes with the TT-33's as well. My vote would be TT-33, but search around for one without those ghastly markings on the right of the slide, there has to be some still out there for sale.
 
Id get Zastava, had Tokarev and there was nothing impressive about it. Unless you have to have 7.62x25 Id pass on that (outdated) design
 
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