what does firebird, West Germany mean?
- Thread starter MarkdevCanada
- Start date
Firebird
Firebird (from collectiblefirearms.c o m)
"Hungarian Tokarev M.1933 semi-automatic pistol manufactured for the German market. Right side of the slide displays wording, "West Germany", while the left side is marked, "Parabellum Cal. 9mm". West German commercial proofs
FEG MODEL 58 "TOKAGYPT"
Type: recoil operated automatic pistol
Chambering: 9mm Parabellum
Length overall: 7.56in (192mm)
Barrel: 4.53in (115mm) rifled
Weight unladen: 32.1oz (910g)
Magazine: 7-round detachable box
A modification of the Soviet Tokarev TT33 for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge. This had a new safety catch fitted on the left top side of the receiver, a one-piece wrap-around plastic grip and a finger support on the magazine. It was produced to meet a contract placed by the Egyptian Army in 1958, but the army authorities changed their mind and the guns went to the Egyptian police. Apparently the police didn't like it either and, after the first few batches had been delivered, the contract was terminated. This is difficult to understand; the concept was sound, and the pistols were well made. Perhaps the decision was more political than technical. The remaining guns were released to the commercial market, many being sold in West Germany under the name 'Firebird'. About 15,000 Tokagypts are believed to have been made. 7.62x25 replacement barrels and magazines were also manufactured."
They're a decent little 9mm.
Da Moose
Firebird (from collectiblefirearms.c o m)
"Hungarian Tokarev M.1933 semi-automatic pistol manufactured for the German market. Right side of the slide displays wording, "West Germany", while the left side is marked, "Parabellum Cal. 9mm". West German commercial proofs
FEG MODEL 58 "TOKAGYPT"
Type: recoil operated automatic pistol
Chambering: 9mm Parabellum
Length overall: 7.56in (192mm)
Barrel: 4.53in (115mm) rifled
Weight unladen: 32.1oz (910g)
Magazine: 7-round detachable box
A modification of the Soviet Tokarev TT33 for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge. This had a new safety catch fitted on the left top side of the receiver, a one-piece wrap-around plastic grip and a finger support on the magazine. It was produced to meet a contract placed by the Egyptian Army in 1958, but the army authorities changed their mind and the guns went to the Egyptian police. Apparently the police didn't like it either and, after the first few batches had been delivered, the contract was terminated. This is difficult to understand; the concept was sound, and the pistols were well made. Perhaps the decision was more political than technical. The remaining guns were released to the commercial market, many being sold in West Germany under the name 'Firebird'. About 15,000 Tokagypts are believed to have been made. 7.62x25 replacement barrels and magazines were also manufactured."
They're a decent little 9mm.
Da Moose
