Tokarev

Tokarev

The TT-30 pistol was created in the 1930s by Fedor Tokarev for use by the Soviet Union's military during World War II. Designed as a replacement for the Nagant revolver, the pistol was known for its accuracy, durability, and ease of use. After some small design changes, the weapon was renamed the TT-33 Tokarev.

If you're interested in outfitting a Tokarev with new grips, options include grips that are designed with a safety as well as grips with unique textures. Things to look for when deciding on a new grip include the following:

• Safety - Some Tokarev models were not manufactured with a built-in safety switch.
• Texture - Some owners prefer smooth grips with no bumps or other textures while others prefer a bit of texture to enhance grip.
• Weight - While the Tokarev pistol itself weighs a little less than 2 pounds, the grip can add a significant amount of weight. Consider your preferred weight when checking the specifications for individual grips.

The TT-30 and the TT-33 both use the 7.62mm by 25mm Tokarev cartridge. The pistol's cartridge is designed to go through body armor and protective clothing worn by soldiers. It has a flat trajectory of 7.62mm by 25mm. The original magazine held eight cartridges for a total of nine bullets with one round in the chamber.

With the gun being over 70 years old, Soviet firearm collectors may need to replace some parts over time. Parts are possible to find as there were over 100,000 Tokarevs manufactured. The parts of the pistol that can be replaced include the barrel, magazine, base plate, and hammer. Smaller items, which may only need to be replaced rarely, include the pistol's barrel bushing pins and slides. Consumable items for the gun, which will need to be replaced more often, include the 7.62mm by 25mm ammunition, and the grip, which may wear down with handling.

For this Soviet pistol, the barrel of the gun is a little over 4 inches long, and the entire pistol is a little over 5 inches tall. The length of the entire Tokarev gun is 7 inches, so you'll need a specialty holster designed for that size. As always, conceled carry rules and appropriate firearms will depend upon your carry license and the restrictions of the state where you are licensed.