Zastava M57

[Meroh]

I know a few people with surplus Russian T-33s, and they love them and the cheep ammo. I found one at a dealer, their last one, for less money than I could find a surplus T-33 ($239.99), New, unused, with 2 mags.

Anyone else have one? If you do, how do you like them? Anything I need to be mindful of?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Calahan]

I don't have an M57 myself - I was considering an M57, and ended up buying a (Chinese) Norinco Type 54. From what I've heard, all the various Tokarevs work well.

The M57 has a longer grip than the rest of the Toks, and as I see it, that gives it a couple of advantages and one disadvantage:

Advantages: The M57's longer grip is much more ergonomically correct (the standard Tok has a grip that is very short compared to similar sized pistols). The M57 also holds an extra round in the magazine due to the longer grip.

Disadvantage: The M57 is not compatible with standard Tokarev magazines, so you may find that extra mags are harder to find / more expensive.

 

[MuthaFunk]

I had a problem with my slide retaining notch rounding off. Also the slide release pin wore out quickly so it was rounded and wouldn't hold the slide open. I always used my thumb to release the slide. It only lasted about 300-500 rounds. Zastava service wasn't the best but TradeEx sent me a replacement pistol in quick order.

I'd suggest you practice pulling the slide back to release it to save on wear and tear.

 

[grelmar]

I have a TT-33, and really enjoy it. Fun little gun to shoot, pretty accurate too. Pre-war production, so the fit and finish on it are quite good, and it comes from before all the laser etching crap that's all over the side of the new imports.

The ammo isn't as cheap as it once was, but it's still cheap. Don't panic about it being corrosive - you just have to clean it the same day you shoot it. And these guns are crazy easy to strip and clean.

Biggest downside to the M57 is mags. You can find them, but not as easy or cheap as TT-33 mags, and the two aren't interchangeable.

TradeEx has the TT-33's for $199, both pre- and post- war ...

https://www.tradeexcanada.com/content/post-war-russian-tokarev-tt33-pistol-762x25

https://www.tradeexcanada.com/content/wwii-russian-tokarev-tt33-pistol-762x25

 

[Meroh]

I'm thinking I might get a T-33 mag to see if it can be modified. I'm pretty good with tool and die work.

 

[Meroh]

I had a problem with my slide retaining notch rounding off. Also the slide release pin wore out quickly so it was rounded and wouldn't hold the slide open. I always used my thumb to release the slide. It only lasted about 300-500 rounds. Zastava service wasn't the best but TradeEx sent me a replacement pistol in quick order.

I'd suggest you practice pulling the slide back to release it to save on wear and tear.

I'm already doing this with my High Standard, but thanks for the advice.

 

[cheb]

I have a M57. I prefer it to my TT-33 as it feels better in the hand, IMO. As mentioned above, the mags are not interchangeable, but I managed to find enough for my purposes. The recoil spring on the M57 is self-contained (not sure how else to describe it...) and is less likely to fly off during disassembly. This is not a big problem with the TT-33 mind you, but it is another plus in my book for the M57.

There is also the M70A pistol, which is essentially a M57 in 9mm instead 7.62x25mm. The mags are not interchangeable though... Just buy all three! Variety makes life more interesting...

 

[cheb]

I'm thinking I might get a T-33 mag to see if it can be modified. I'm pretty good with tool and die work.

TT-33 mags are shorter and contain one less round than M57 mags. Unless you can stretch steel, this will not work, unfortunately...

 

[Meroh]

TT-33 mags are shorter and contain one less round than M57 mags. Unless you can stretch steel, this will not work, unfortunately...

You should see some of the stuff I have modified over the years... I would not be concerned about the extra round, I was thinking more about modifying it to make it a bit longer; a bit of sheet metal and a tig welder works wonders on fine stuff like that. If not successful, no big deal; but nothing ventured, nothing gained either, as they say.

 

[Meroh]

I have a M57. I prefer it to my TT-33 as it feels better in the hand, IMO. As mentioned above, the mags are not interchangeable, but I managed to find enough for my purposes. The recoil spring on the M57 is self-contained (not sure how else to describe it...) and is less likely to fly off during disassembly. This is not a big problem with the TT-33 mind you, but it is another plus in my book for the M57.

There is also the M70A pistol, which is essentially a M57 in 9mm instead 7.62x25mm. The mags are not interchangeable though... Just buy all three! Variety makes life more interesting...

I'm encouraged that I made a good choice! I have heard tell of some trying a 9mm conversion, but with limited success. Mags too long, and mag safeties interfering with firing. It would be cool if they did offer such a conversion though.