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George Layman

7.62x25mm Tokarev: The Many Copies Of The Combloc Icon

George Layman
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7.62x25mm Tokarev: The Many Copies Of The Combloc Icon
The Czech CZ 52 is the only “un-Tokarev” of the communist Eastern European semiautomatic pistol designs in the Soviet caliber of 7.62x25mm. Perhaps a more contemporary design, the CZ 52’s greatest drawback is the lack of a slide latch, and it depends upon an empty magazine to lock the slide to the rear. The Bakelite grips are fastened by a U clamp. At the range, the author feels it handles somewhat better than pistols of the Tokarev pattern.
The Czech CZ 52 is the only “un-Tokarev” of the communist Eastern European semiautomatic pistol designs in the Soviet caliber of 7.62x25mm. Perhaps a more contemporary design, the CZ 52’s greatest drawback is the lack of a slide latch, and it depends upon an empty magazine to lock the slide to the rear. The Bakelite grips are fastened by a U clamp. At the range, the author feels it handles somewhat better than pistols of the Tokarev pattern.

Among the best known Combloc pistols, true-to-life Russian Tokarev pistol specimens are few and far between stateside. But its clones abound.

Ironically, Russia never released the surplus Tokarev TT-33 semiautomatic pistols after the fall of communism. Chambered for the powerful, high-velocity bottlenecked 7.62x25mm cartridge, the Tokarev was well known, but not readily available in the West for over five decades. In reality, it used a round that was an almost identical, but hopped-up version of the old 7.63mm Mauser “Broomhandle” cartridge. Adopted by the USSR in 1933, those very few that have come into the United States were either wartime bring-backs, including a limited quantity of imports from the Ukraine. In years gone by, Service Armament (later Navy Arms Company) offered a handful in the 1960s, all of which were Spanish military surplus and were leftover Soviet “gifts” from the Spanish Civil War in 1936, however, most of those ‘60s imports came from Finland.

Manufactured at the Tula Arsenal, this eight-shot, short-recoil-operated semiautomatic pistol that takes much of its mechanics from both John Browning’s Colt Model 1903 and Model 1911, is probably one of the most widespread military handguns used throughout the world. Furthermore, it was licensed by the Soviet Union to at least three European countries behind the Iron Curtain, as we shall later see. Currently, aside from those 1990s arrivals from the Ukraine, the author has yet to observe any Russian-made Tokarev TT-33 in this country that came to our shore directly from its Motherland. Thus, the specimens most commonly available in this country are once again, more often than not, bring-backs from the Vietnam War, Korea or other former combat zones. For that short period of time in the mid- to late-1990s, the limited numbers of Russian-made TT-33 pistols imported by Century International from the Ukraine were equipped with a mandatory aftermarket manual trigger safety required by federal law. This unwanted addition was demanded by the BATFE on all pistols of Tokarev design. Nevertheless, though former Ukraine state property, all are marked “Russia” along with the importer’s address.

Shown here is the Romanian TTC and the Yugoslavian M-57 copy of the Russian Tokarev. It can be seen that physically the two differ primarily with the longer grip of the latter, which accepts a nine-round magazine in lieu of the standard Tokarev’s eight. Romanian TTC pistols were for the most part refinished prior to export, and the majority of the M-57 variety were imported in “as is” condition. Note the added thumb safety on the Romanian example – a feature demanded by the BATFE prior to import of any pistol of the Tokarev design. The M-57 is equipped with a far more cosmetically pleasing sliding safety adjacent to the left frame.
Shown here is the Romanian TTC and the Yugoslavian M-57 copy of the Russian Tokarev. It can be seen that physically the two differ primarily with the longer grip of the latter, which accepts a nine-round magazine in lieu of the standard Tokarev’s eight. Romanian TTC pistols were for the most part refinished prior to export, and the majority of the M-57 variety were imported in “as is” condition. Note the added thumb safety on the Romanian example – a feature demanded by the BATFE prior to import of any pistol of the Tokarev design. The M-57 is equipped with a far more cosmetically pleasing sliding safety adjacent to the left frame.

In the beginning, it appears that one of the earliest semiautomatic pistols in 7.62mm Tokarev caliber introduced to U.S. shores was the indigenously designed Czechoslovakian CZ-52. Between 1993 and 1996, Century Arms International was among the first to offer the CZ 52 on the American surplus market. Its arrival was certainly a welcome one as practically no American shooters or collectors had ever had the opportunity to examine, let alone own, one of these unique semiautomatic pistols. From 1952 to 1954, the Czech government manufactured a total of 200,000 CZ 52 pistols, which bear no resemblance to the Tokarev physically, nor internally, whatsoever. Its original Czech nomenclature was the Vzor or VZ 52 (Vzor translated to “Model” in Czech) is more commonly known to Americans with the prefix “CZ”, and was the brainchild of engineers, Jaroslav Kratochvil and Frantisek Myska who were fairly prominent in Czech ordnance circles.

Da … We Have More Combloc Guns:

  • Is A Mosin-Nagant Still Worth The Money?
  • The AK-47: Rifle for the Motherland
  • SKS Collecting: The Last Hold Out?
  • The Makarov And Other 9x18mm Pistols
  • The Peculiar Pioneer Arms PM-63C Pistol
  • Nagant Revolver: Unique Relic From Behind The Iron Curtain

The entire mechanical concept of their design was unlike any other semiautomatic military pistol manufactured to date. The action of this unique eight-shot, single-action pistol utilizes a roller-locked, short-recoil system equipped with a cam block that is quite efficient at allowing the use of both standard velocity or high-pressure submachine gun ammunition. Similar to that of the German MG 42 machine gun, the CZ 52’s beefy lock-up system has never been applied to another semiautomatic pistol. Czech military’s reasoning behind this was to allow the use of one cartridge for both pistol and submachine gun, a logistically clever move precluding the requirement to maintain and identify two varieties of cartridges for two different firearms. Design-wise, no screws are used in its construction and its multiposition, manually operated safety system allows it to be de-cocked and locked with a round in the chamber as the firing pin has a sear block system allowing safe carry. The red-lined Bakelite grips are retained by a “U” clip and unless reworked, most pistols have a phosphate-like finish similar to Parkerization. The CZ 52 remained in uninterrupted service until it was replaced in 1982 by the CZ 82 in 9mm Makarov caliber.

At the range, the Romanian TTC performs superbly at ranges up to 50 yards. This tight group was fired at 15 yards using surplus Romanian 7.62x25mm ammunition. Much of it is surefire, 1980s manufacture, and is still readily available.
At the range, the Romanian TTC performs superbly at ranges up to 50 yards. This tight group was fired at 15 yards using surplus Romanian 7.62x25mm ammunition. Much of it is surefire, 1980s manufacture, and is still readily available.

A word of caution on the CZ 52 drop safety is that many of these are well known for worn safety disconnectors, and may inadvertently fire when using the de-cock feature on a loaded chamber if such parts are not replaced. The best advice is not to use the de-cock feature at all on a loaded CZ 52 chamber. Replacement parts for the CZ 52 may be found at harringtonproducts.com.

Three post-World War II Soviet satellites opted to build copies of the Russian TT-33 Tokarev in their own factories, and examples of these were seen for the first time in the 1990s when these countries began selling off their Soviet-era hardware. Among the first licensees to manufacture a clone of the Russian Tokarev service pistol was Poland. Since 1922, Poland’s Fabrika Broni, located in Radom and known also as Lucznik Arms Factory Number 11, had a reputation for producing high-quality military arms, and were temporarily taken by Germany during the Nazi occupation. FB continued to remain active following the end of World War II when Soviet domination dictated Poland’s governmental affairs. In late 1946 the Polish military adopted the Russian Tokarev as their standard military sidearm and received licensing rights to manufacture the pistol domestically. Earlier that year, tooling and gauges were shipped to Poland from Russia’s Tula Arsenal with production of the PW wz.33 copy of the Tokarev commencing soon after.

The surplus M-57 pistols made prior to the early 1980s have “29 November 1943 Yugoslavian Republic” crest representing the date of the council at Jajce, located on the rear of the slide. Highly detailed when seen magnified, its presence will increase prices on pistols.
The surplus M-57 pistols made prior to the early 1980s have “29 November 1943 Yugoslavian Republic” crest representing the date of the council at Jajce, located on the rear of the slide. Highly detailed when seen magnified, its presence will increase prices on pistols.

The Polish variant is practically identical to its Russian counterpart – with the physical exception of its grips. The Soviet version has a five-point star with CCCP in between the star points (USSR in the Cyrillic alphabet), whereas the hard rubber grips on the Polish copy have vertical striated lines from top to bottom minus the circle and star logo. Serial numbers are located on the left frame and upper slide along with the year of manufacture and Factory’s Circle 11 logo. In regression, as the original Tokarev’s sole safety feature is a half-cock position on the hammer, the BATFE-added trigger safety is located beneath the slide catch. The most commonly encountered type of supplementary safety found on Tokarev imports is a rotating thumb-type affair. Though noble in concept, the unsightly addition simply detracts from the Tokarev’s original cosmetics. Having long since sold out from import surplus distributors, they are regularly encountered on Internet websites.

A peculiar note is appropriate regarding the Tokarev copies. Along with the former Soviet Union, the one Eastern European nation that did not export their Tokarev copies is Hungary. Receiving their license rights to build the Tokarev at the Budapest Fegyvar factory in 1948, their variant is known as the Pistoly M48. From the end of the Cold War to the present, Hungary has not released any domestically produced Tokarev copies and the reasons are yet unknown. Hungary did export their 9mm Makarov caliber surplus handguns as shall be seen later. With very limited numbers of the M48 pistols in the United States, it should be considered the rarest of Eastern European Tokarev copies. Currently, most are found ranging in price from $1,600 to $2,500 on the surplus firearms circuit.

From left is 1980s Romanian surplus ammo, of which is presently the most plentiful and packed at 72 rounds per box. The center is the Czech M-48 submachine gun ammo, 40 rounds per box in stripper clips. This is no longer as common as it was 15 years ago and is the most expensive.
From left is 1980s Romanian surplus ammo, of which is presently the most plentiful and packed at 72 rounds per box. The center is the Czech M-48 submachine gun ammo, 40 rounds per box in stripper clips. This is no longer as common as it was 15 years ago and is the most expensive.

Following Poland, it appears that both Romania and Yugoslavia began exporting their surplus licensed Tokarev pistols with the former appearing about 1997 up until 2013, when supposedly the final lots were received. Romania’s licensing rights to manufacture the Tokarev began about 1952 and ceased production in 1959. Known as the TTC or Tulskiye Tokarev Cugir, they were produced at the Romanian military arms factory at Cugir and remained in regular service until the Romanian revolution of 1989. Practically identical to the Polish version, its major differences are the narrow, rear slide grip serrations, whereas the Polish copy had the spaced oval serrations, similar to those found on the original Russian TT-33. Also, the Romanian TTC has the hard rubber grips with a circled five-point star. The lettering located between the star points is “RPR,” an abbreviation for Republica Socialistica Romania. The Romanian TTC has its serial number and year of manufacture on the rear left frame with import markings and country of origin usually on the center of the left slide flat. The identical, and non-original, swiveling thumb safety is located similar to that of the Polish variant. Incidentally, some gunsmiths have removed these, filling the space with a dummy pin. However, this can be a tricky procedure and are perhaps best left alone.

Research has found that PW Arms of Washington state possibly imported the most recent, and perhaps final batches. Many of the TTC pistols included an original military-style brown flap holster and a cleaning rod, and the majority were refinished and in crisp mechanical condition. The author has fired this pistol with hundreds of rounds of fresh, but corrosive, Romanian surplus 7.62x25mm ammunition loaded with 86-grain copper jacketed bullets; and it is a superb performer at the range. At 50 yards, 3- to 4-inch groups were commonplace on a half-size silhouette target. Overall, it’s a great combination for the shooter searching for economy, satisfactory accuracy and a piece of Iron Curtain history, to boot.

At right is the Polish-made 7.62 Tokarev ammunition that is still for sale at various times. The string-tied, blue-paper wrapped Bulgarian surplus ammo is presently available in large quantities. It is sold in either the 16-round pack as shown, or in sealed zinc cans of 440 or 600 rounds.
At right is the Polish-made 7.62 Tokarev ammunition that is still for sale at various times. The string-tied, blue-paper wrapped Bulgarian surplus ammo is presently available in large quantities. It is sold in either the 16-round pack as shown, or in sealed zinc cans of 440 or 600 rounds.

The last of the licensed Tokarev copies imported into the United States are those from the former Yugoslavia, a former communist country that broke off relations with the USSR in 1948. The Yugoslav M-57 is believed to have first appeared on the U.S. surplus market sometime around 2000 to 2004. We must remember that the Balkan wars in Bosnia and Kosovo ended just a short time earlier and most of the old Yugoslav republics hung on to much of their obsolete surplus firearms. Licensed to Yugoslavia during Premier Tito’s reign in 1957, manufacture of the M-57 was produced at the Crvena Zastava arms factory in Serbia.

There are a few twists to this particular pistol that differs from the standard Tokarev design. First off, the grip of the M-57 is some 15 millimeters longer than the standard Tokarev and was purposely lengthened to accept a nine-round magazine. The eight-round standard Tokarev magazine, however, is not interchangeable – nor vice versa. Furthermore, the M-57 has a magazine disconnector, which will not allow it to fire without a magazine inserted. In addition, the forward portion of the upper slide flat is serrated to reduce glare and it has a dovetailed front sight base to adjust windage. Also, the firing-pin retaining system differs by way of a three-piece “U” clamp assembly rather than the simple crosspin retainer of the standard Tokarev. Apparently, the engineers at Yugoslavia’s former state factory at Zastava sought to improve building a better Tokarev using reverse engineering. Perhaps the most cosmetically appealing, but non-original, feature is the sliding frame safety, which is installed along the left frame panel above the inner grip. This was by far a better approach to satisfy the BATFE demands for the added safety. For this reason the M-57 is advertised in the United States as an M-57A, the A indicating alteration for installation of the required safety. Be that as it may, the left slide flat remains stamped with M-57 as most military surplus variants were manufactured up to the late 1980s.

The author has found that the Yugoslav imports are in varying grades of condition from good to near excellent. It serves to be noted that the values of the M-57 for the collector have increased, especially those with the presence of the old Yugoslavian republic crest on the upper rear of the slide. Most of these pistols were produced before 1989, prior to separation of the six republics of Bosnia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Macedonia, Croatia and Serbia. This crest has a typical communist wreath with six flames, a star, and 25 November in Roman numerals and the year 1943. Prior to 1964, another crest with five flames was stamped in the same location and represented the five ethnic groups of Yugoslavia. Several U.S. importers have handled the M-57/57A with import marks of various countries of origin from within the former Yugoslav republics.

In addition to the availability of these pistols for the past two-plus decades, American shooters can also consider themselves quite fortunate to have been able to obtain substantial quantities of 7.62x25mm surplus ammunition. Prior to the end of the Cold War, this cartridge was practically impossible to obtain in the West, and what was available at the time was prohibitively expensive. Military surplus ammunition from Romania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Poland are where the majority of 7.62x25mm fodder has originated and it is all corrosive. Quality of the ammunition varies with some showing chronic evidence of case splitting after firing, particularly in some lots of the Polish and Bulgarian varieties. Being Berdan primed, none of it was intended to be reloaded. The occurrence of minor case neck splitting after firing is not dangerous to the shooter, but can raise eyebrows. However any loaded ammunition with any such visible deficiencies should not be fired. Examine before you purchase. Perhaps the smallest quantities of imported 7.62×25 surplus ammunition is from Czechoslovakia. The majority that has been available is of the M 48 submachine gun variety, which are packed with five, eight-round stripper clips, 40 rounds to a box. As previously noted, the action of the Czech CZ 52 pistol was purposely built to be able to handle both standard and high-pressure submachine gun ammunition.

The M48 cartridge is loaded with an 85-grain steel jacketed, or copper-cased bullet, which is the average weight for most 7.62 Tokarev ammunition manufactured in former communist arsenals. The heaviest bullet weight loaded were some Russian-made varieties with a 90-grain projectile. In addition to surplus fodder, there are ample numbers of commercial ammunition makers in Europe and the United States that offer the 7.62x25mm cartridge. For those bent on reloading this number, Boxer-primed Winchester 7.62x25mm ammunition is available in their Metric Cartridge Line. Actually manufactured in the Czech Republic, nonetheless, they are of the highest quality, adhering to the typical Winchester standard. Average muzzle velocity for the 7.62 x25 mm is in the 1,230 to 1,350 feet per second range, however, the surplus Czech M 48 submachine gun cartridge attains a whopping 1,730 fps on average.

Editor's Notes: This article originally appeared in Gun Digest 2018, 72nd Edition.

The Makarov And Other 9x18mm Pistols

George Layman
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The Makarov And Other 9x18mm Pistols
An almost identical comparison is the 9mm Russian-made Makarov at top, with a Bulgarian-licensed copy at bottom. This particular Russian example is one of those that mistakenly entered the United States with import marks of “Germany.” Actual legal Russian importing lasted but a few years.
An almost identical comparison is the 9mm Russian-made Makarov at top, with a Bulgarian-licensed copy at bottom. This particular Russian example is one of those that mistakenly entered the United States with import marks of “Germany.” Actual legal Russian importing lasted but a few years.

A cloak-and-dagger icon from the Cold War, the Makarov 9x18mm still delights collectors today … if they can get their hands on one.

How The Makarov Pistol Became A Cold War Icon:

  • Designed around the Walther PP/PPK series of pistols.
  • Like the German handguns, the Makarov is straight blowback-operated and can be shot in double action.
  • Its cartridge, the 9x18mm Markorov, has a no-typical diameter—.365″.
  • Due to trade restrictions, the pistol had a very short importation window–3 years.
  • While wildly used in Soviet satellite countries' militaries, it was not universally adopted.

The Makarov Pistol is Born

In 1949, the Soviet Union was searching for a replacement for their aging Tokarev TT-33 pistols. By 1951 they had adopted a completely new design that ended up being licensed to two Eastern European countries, and to China as well. Manufactured at Russia’s Izhevsk factory, the Pistolet Makarova or Makarov Pistol was the brainchild of Nikolai Fyodorovich Makarov, who designed his new double-action, straight blow-back pistol around the proven Walther PP/PPK series of pistols.

After World War II, the Russians had access to the Walther factory in Germany and shipped much of its tooling back to the USSR. Nikolai Makarov opted for a cartridge developed by Boris Semin, who in 1946 developed it from the older Walther 9mm Ultra, an experimental cartridge originally intended for the Luftwaffe. Christened the 9x18mm Makarov, its bullet diameter is an odd .365” unlike the typical .355” of the 9mm Luger and the .380 ACP (9mm Browning). The idea behind it was in the case of a supposed contingency where stocks of 9mm Makarov ammunition might be captured by an enemy, that the cartridge could not be used in standard 9mm Luger pistols.

The Makarov semiautomatic pistol incorporates many features of the Walther in that it disassembles identically by grasping the trigger guard, bringing it downward, and pulling back the slide and upward to disengage it from the frame. Additionally, its double-action safety features are similar in that a cartridge can safely be carried in the chamber with the hammer down. With the hammer at full cock, thumbing the manual de-cock safety upward allows the hammer to fall and subsequently blocks the loaded chamber by use of a transfer bar on the safety, preventing contact with the firing pin. The eight-shot, medium-weight pistol with its 3.68-inch barrel uses a single screw in its assembly to secure the rear fastened grip. The checkered red Bakelite grips also have a circled star in the center. Markings on the Russian Makarov are the serial numbers on the left slide flat and frame with a Cyrillic prefix, and the year of manufacture is at the rear of the left frame.

Russian variant shows the identifying markings of the Izshevsk Arrow in a circle with the production year of 1976 at rear. Serial numbers are located on the frame and slide with a Cyrillic prefix. Equally as well manufactured, the Bulgarian version is still available from some distributors.
Russian variant shows the identifying markings of the Izshevsk Arrow in a circle with the production year of 1976 at rear. Serial numbers are located on the frame and slide with a Cyrillic prefix. Equally as well manufactured, the Bulgarian version is still available from some distributors.

It is important to reiterate that importation of the Russian Makarov lasted but a few short years between 1992 and 1995 due to the eventual trade restriction on Russian military imports during the Clinton administration. Soon after, this also included military arms from China as well. Ironically, a number of Russian-made Makarov pistols inadvertently entered the United States between 1998 and 2009 and have become known as the “sneak” Makarovs. These pistols were imported from Bulgaria and East Germany and were marked with the country of origin, as each of these nations obtained a quantity of the Russian-made versions in the 1970s and ‘80s as supplementary arms to make up for shortages in their ordnance inventories. Apparently, some of these Russian versions were mixed in and marked with the aforementioned two countries as the origin of manufacture until close BATFE inspection revealed the Russian Izhevsk Triangle cartouche on some of the pistols. These are rather desirable on the collector’s market because of this import marking error.

Soviet Satellite Makarov Clones

Regarding licensed Eastern European versions of the Makarov, East Germany was the first of the Soviet satellites to manufacture them, beginning in 1958. Made at the Ernst Thaelmann State Factory, the first two years of production saw some difficulties in getting off the ground, with full-scale manufacture underway by late 1959 and early 1960. In the United States, the East German Makarov has become one of most highly sought of their ilk given the beautiful dark blued, smooth finish, coupled with jet-black checkered plastic grips. The East German pistols also have their internal parts marked by electro pencil with the last two digits of the serial number. Production ceased in 1965. It appears that those with small, unobtrusive import marks together with condition, determine the higher price and overall desirability.

Da … We Have More Russian Guns:

The final licensed Makarov in communist Europe was the Bulgarian version. Given the green light for licensing rights in 1970, few were produced until five years later. Actual production took place at the Friedrich Engels Machine Works – known also as “Factory 10.” The Soviets supervised and trained the Bulgarians to manufacture the Makarov, and remained in charge of all production throughout 1975. The next year saw the Bulgarians assume control, and they steadily continued production of the Makarov up to 2007, some 15 years after the fall of communism. Prior to their sale on the U.S. surplus market, Bulgaria sold quantities of Makarov pistols to Slovenia, well past the communist break up. Most from this country were imported to the U.S. following Bulgaria’s and Slovenia’s admission to NATO in 2004.

The East German copy of the Makarov seems to be the most desirable among collectors and shooters given its silky smooth blue finish and black plastic grips. They are readily identified by the “K100” in a rectangle on the left frame along with a triangle cartouche and a circle within. Gun condition and discreet import marks have an influence on current prices. (Photo courtesy the author’s collection)
The East German copy of the Makarov seems to be the most desirable among collectors and shooters given its silky smooth blue finish and black plastic grips. They are readily identified by the “K100” in a rectangle on the left frame along with a triangle cartouche and a circle within. Gun condition and discreet import marks have an influence on current prices. (Photo courtesy the author’s collection)

Identical to the Russian version with the checkered, red Bakelite grips with a circled star along with the Russian dark blue finish, the Bulgarian Makarov is unquestionably a high-quality copy that prior to 1975 used some Russian internal components until the factory became entirely self-sufficient. Marked with an encrypted prefix for the production year, and followed by the serial number on the left slide and frame, quick identification of the Bulgarian variant is the presence of the Circle 10 stamped on the left frame. Surplus Bulgarian Makarov pistols are still available as of this writing from some U.S. distributors.

Breaking From The Herd

Interestingly, not all former European communist block countries opted for licensing rights to produce a Makarov clone. Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Poland, which all had established arms factories, were quite nationalistic regarding their choice of a 9x18mm-caliber military pistol. Hungary was the first to stick with an indigenous design. The FEG factory in Budapest introduced the first 9x18mm Makarov in 1959, which was the RK-59. For economic purposes, Hungarian engineers decided to build their pistol with an aluminum frame and fashion it almost directly after the Walther PPK. The RK-59, however, was a blunder from the start as it was learned that after about 1,000 rounds, the aluminum frames developed hairline cracks and galling, which eventually deemed them unserviceable. However, Hungary quickly went back to the drawing board and after one year found its solution. Adding a 1 percent mixture of Titanium to the aluminum alloy sufficiently hardened the frame, and after a 5,000-round test, it was found that evidence of stress cracks was now passé. Thus, their second 9mm Makarov pistol was introduced in 1961 and appropriately named the R-61. This straight-blowback, semiautomatic pistol seemed to fill the bill, however, its biggest drawback was a small capacity, six-shot magazine and heavy felt recoil, a similar problem later to be seen with Poland’s first pistol of like caliber. Marked with the crest of Hungarian communist premier Janos Kadar on the left slide flat, the R-61 would last in regular service for a mere three years, but remained as a reserve sidearm until 1972.

Hungarian arms engineers were ordered to find a replacement and introduced the larger framed, PA 63 in early 1964. This seven-shot semiautomatic pistol remained in standard service until 1996, and thousands were imported to the United States beginning about 1999, and are commonly encountered on the American surplus circuit. In regression, its predecessor the R-61 was imported in limited numbers and many distributors had them rechambered to the popular .380 ACP. Those in the original 9mm Makarov chambering, however, will reap a higher price. Aside from minor dimensional contours, the Hungarian PA 63 with its 3.9-inch barrel is cosmetically close to the Walther PP and has become a favorite carry arm for American shooters. Supplied with a thumb rest left grip made of black plastic, aftermarket copies of the early flat grips are available from suppliers. The light aluminum/titanium frame has a more significant degree of felt recoil than the all-steel Walther. What is unique about both the R 61 and PA 63, is that neither have an external slide catch, and rely upon an empty magazine to lock the slide to the rear.

The much-improved Polish P-83 that replaced the P-64 offered a wider, Makarov-like frame, as well as grips with a width that greatly assisted in control of recoil. Though large numbers were imported to the United States in the late 2000s and later, many are still retained by Poland in reserve.
The much-improved Polish P-83 that replaced the P-64 offered a wider, Makarov-like frame, as well as grips with a width that greatly assisted in control of recoil. Though large numbers were imported to the United States in the late 2000s and later, many are still retained by Poland in reserve.

Following Hungary, the next former Soviet bloc country to opt for a domestically produced 9mm Makarov pistol was Poland. As with the PW wz.33 Tokarev copy, Poland once again manufactured the new replacement at the Lucznik factory Number 11 in Radom. The development of their new military pistol was the culmination of a six-man team at the WITU, a Polish acronym of the Military Institute of Armament Technology. Beginning in 1958, it would be three years later that this group of engineers would come up with a pistol coined at first as the CZAK, taking its initials from the names of some of the designing members. The new blowback semiautomatic pistol was one of two former test versions: the Model W with a longer barrel and the Model M with a shorter 3.3-inch barrel, the latter of which was approved for adoption.

This pistol was similar to the Walther PPK in many respects, but utilized a small-capacity six-round magazine. The final nomenclature for the approved pistol was the 9mm Pistolet wz.1964 – abbreviated as the P-64. Adopted in 1965, the pistol was unique in that like the former Hungarian 9mm Makarov family of semiautomatic pistols, it did not have an external slide catch and relied on an empty magazine to lock the slide in the open position. Though very compact and concealable, its main drawbacks were excessive recoil and a six-shot magazine. The P-64 has been imported into the U.S. since 2005 and was retained by Poland for a time as a reserve weapon. As of 2016, it appears that Poland released the greater majority of them, as it is now being offered in large numbers by several dealers and distributors, and is by far the lowest priced Eastern Bloc surplus pistol of its caliber.

It wasn’t until 18 years later that Poland finally adopted a much-needed replacement for the P 64. In 1983 a new pistol christened the P-83 Vanad was adopted by the Polish military and police forces. A great improvement over its predecessor, this eight-shot blowback semiautomatic pistol is dimensionally close, but slightly wider than the Russian Makarov. The P-83 began to surface in the United States around 2009-2010 and remains in Polish service as a reserve police arm. It was officially replaced by the 9mm Luger Glock 19 and the WIST 94, both of which conform to NATO standards.

Shown with its original military holster, the Czech CZ 82 is the most advanced of all of the Soviet Bloc 9mm Makarov caliber pistols made during the Cold War. With an ambidextrous safety and magazine catch, and a 12-shot staggered magazine, it is the most highly sought after of all pistols of like caliber. Serial numbers and government ownership marks are located on right frame and slide.
Shown with its original military holster, the Czech CZ 82 is the most advanced of all of the Soviet Bloc 9mm Makarov caliber pistols made during the Cold War. With an ambidextrous safety and magazine catch, and a 12-shot staggered magazine, it is the most highly sought after of all pistols of like caliber. Serial numbers and government ownership marks are located on right frame and slide.

The P-83 has rubber-lined, semi-wrap-around grips, and recoil is far more controllable compared to its predecessor. As with the P-64, it has a protruding loaded-chamber indicator. The one important addition was its external slide latch, and its most unique modification was its stamped-steel trigger guard. In lieu of pulling the trigger guard down and to preclude the occasional back snap of the guard during disassembly, the P-83 has two striated grips on both sides of the frame and when pulled down, allow the trigger guard to remain in place, unlocking the slide rail latch when pulling the slide back and up for removal from the frame. It is obvious from the number available in the United States, that substantial quantities likely remain in Polish government inventory.

Perhaps the top of the line semiautomatic pistol in 9mm Makarov caliber is the Czech CZ 82. Here we have the pistol that finally replaced the already 30-year-old CZ 52, and it appears Czechoslovakia was the last Eastern European country to comply with Russia’s directive to switch over to the official Warsaw Pact caliber of 9x18mm Makarov. There couldn’t have been a better pistol that took its time to kowtow to Soviet demands. By far the most up-to-date double-action blowback pistol mentioned thus far, it offered an ambidextrous safety and button-type magazine release, as well as a high-capacity 12-shot staggered magazine. Adopted in 1982, this semiauto is a design that has contemporary features acceptable by even today’s standards. Fewer of these have been seen on the U.S. surplus scene compared to the others simply because the Czech and Slovak Republics still maintain it as a police reserve arm. This pistol is also used by the People’s Republic of Vietnam, Kazakhstan, with known sales to North Korea as well. Accuracy wise this pistol is very effective out to 50 yards. Loading the 12-round magazine, however, becomes work after the sixth or seventh round is inserted due to its extremely stiff spring. Its most unattractive point is the black paint-like finish that easily chips off with use over time.

Keeping A 9x18mm Fed

No surplus 9mm Makarov ammunition has yet to be released in quantity by former communist nations. As can be seen, however, there is plenty of commercially available ammo. All appears to be made in Eastern European countries as well as in Russia, with Winchester even offering it in their metric cartridge lineup. Interestingly, Winchester’s high-quality product is made in the Czech Republic.
No surplus 9mm Makarov ammunition has yet to be released in quantity by former communist nations. As can be seen, however, there is plenty of commercially available ammo. All appears to be made in Eastern European countries as well as in Russia, with Winchester even offering it in their metric cartridge lineup. Interestingly, Winchester’s high-quality product is made in the Czech Republic.

As noted earlier, it is very apparent that none of the aforementioned countries have released any sizeable quantity of surplus ammunition for the 9mm Makarov cartridge, due to several countries holding numbers of pistols in this caliber as contingency war stock. Fortunately, there are about nine different ammunition makers worldwide that offer the 9x18mm Makarov. Prices vary from $11 to $24 per 50 rounds, and in some cases are less in cost than that of the popular 9mm Luger. Hornady, Brown Bear, Silver Bear, Privi Partizan and Sellier & Bellot are just a few of those companies that offer the 9mm Makarov. The author’s personal favorite is Russian-made TulAmmo. Loaded with a 95-grain bullet and steel cases, TulAmmo offers several American calibers in their line as well, but they do not list the 7.62x25mm Tokarev – which is rather peculiar. TulAmmo’s Berdan-primed, steel cases are naturally not reloadable, in this case however, the attractive prices of most loaded ammunition in this caliber alone are almost enough to omit the procedure. For those who insist on cooking up their own fodder, Winchester, Sellier & Bellot and PPU offer this cartridge with Boxer-primed cases. The author has used each of the above-mentioned brands of factory loads and has found that all perform equally as well in all of the above-listed pistols.

Editor's Notes: This article originally appeared in Gun Digest 2018, 72nd Edition.

Nagant Revolver: Unique Relic From Behind The Iron Curtain

George Layman
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Nagant Revolver: Unique Relic From Behind The Iron Curtain

The seven-shot Nagant 1895, though sturdy and well-made, is not a tack-driver at even seven yards when using it in double-action mode. Single-action firing makes for far better results.
The seven-shot Nagant 1895, though sturdy and well-made, is not a tack-driver at even seven yards when using it in double-action mode. Single-action firing makes for far better results.

The Nagant M1895, or plain old Nagant Revolver, has long served the Russian military and is among the most unique handguns from behind the former Iron Curtain.

This seven-shot, 7.62x38mm revolver originally designed in Belgium by Emil Nagant, was adopted by Russia in 1895. It was soon after manufactured under license in Russia and is perhaps the longest lasting surplus military handgun that has spanned Imperial and communist times, right into the current Russian Federated Republic era.

This sturdy revolver is long known for its unique gas seal principle – whereupon rearing back the hammer, or a double-action pull of the trigger, allows the cylinder to move forward into the forcing cone providing a tight gas seal upon ignition. The odd-appearing cartridge has its bullet seated about 3/16 of an inch beneath the case mouth, which also expands during firing, providing an even more complete seal with practically no gas escaping.

Though loading and extraction are very slow and clumsy by today’s standard, the Nagant 1895 remained in service until 2009 with the Russian court bailiff system, and right up to 2014 with the Ukrainian railroad security police. Those that began appearing around 1997 have, for the most part, come from the Ukraine complete with quantities of sealed tins of 1950s to ‘70s Soviet-manufactured surplus ammunition.

At the range, this revolver is far more accurate in the single-action mode, as the heavy double-action pull appears to break at the 25-pound mark, which does nothing for accuracy. These revolvers can be found with both Imperial Russian or Communist “Bolshevik” markings.

Early variants prior to the communist era have Cyrillic markings of the Tula factory on the rear left frame with year of manufacture. From 1929 on they normally have a star on the left frame with a year of production. In World War II-era models made from 1942 to 1945, however, there may be found three different sets of markings on the rear left frame. Most of those imported are in superb condition and appear to have been refinished years earlier, and are often accompanied by a fabric holster and a cleaning rod fitted to loops on the front.

Many of these surplus revolvers are complete with holster and cleaning rod. Note the ammunition pouch that accepts standard 14-round Russian ammunition packs.
Many of these surplus revolvers are complete with holster and cleaning rod. Note the ammunition pouch that accepts standard 14-round Russian ammunition packs.

For both shooters and collectors, the appearance of handguns long unavailable to the West, have really made an exciting dent in the firearms market in the span of a little over 25 years. It’s a completely new and exciting field of shooting and collecting that has opened up a formerly prohibited area that continues to flourish.

Editor's Notes: This article originally appeared in Gun Digest 2018, 72nd Edition.

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Surplus Soviet Pistols: Makarov 9mm

George Layman
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Surplus Soviet Pistols: Makarov 9mm
  • The Makarov 9mm is a Russian-designed double-action, straight blowback pistol.
  • The 9x18mm Makarov cartridge is distinct from the 9mm Luger, uses an odd-sized .365-inch bullet.
  • Russian Makarov imports lasted only a few short years due to the Clinton import ban.
  • Bulgarian Makarov copies are available on the surplus market and are a good find.

Makarov 9mm
The East German copy of the Makarov seems to be the most desirable among collectors and shooters given its silky smooth blue finish and black plastic grips. They are readily identified by the “K100” in a rectangle on the left frame along with a triangle cartouche and a circle within. Gun condition and discreet import marks have an influence on current prices. (Photo courtesy the author’s collection)

History of the Makarov 9mm

Manufactured at Russia’s Izhevsk factory, the Pistolet Makarova — Makarov 9mm — was the brainchild of Nikolai Fyodorovich Makarov, who designed his new double-action, straight blow-back pistol around the proven Walther PP/PPK series of pistols.

After World War II, the Russians had access to the Walther factory in Germany and shipped much of its tooling back to the USSR.

Nikolai Makarov opted for a cartridge developed by Boris Semin, who in 1946 developed it from the older Walther 9mm Ultra, an experimental cartridge originally intended for the Luftwaffe. Christened the 9x18mm Makarov, its bullet diameter is an odd .365-inch unlike the typical .355-inch of the 9mm Luger and the .380 ACP (9mm Browning).

The idea behind it was in the case of a supposed contingency where stocks of 9mm Makarov ammunition might be captured by an enemy, that the cartridge could not be used in standard 9mm Luger pistols.

The Makarov semi-automatic pistol incorporates many features of the Walther in that it disassembles identically by grasping the triggerguard, bringing it downward, and pulling back the slide and upward to disengage it from the frame.

Makarov 9mm
Shown with its original military holster, the Czech CZ 82 is the most advanced of all of the Soviet Bloc 9mm Makarov caliber pistols made during the Cold War. With an ambidextrous safety and magazine catch, and a 12-shot staggered magazine, it is the most highly sought after of all pistols of like caliber. Serial numbers and government ownership marks are located on right frame and slide.

Additionally, its double-action safety features are similar in that a cartridge can safely be carried in the chamber with the hammer down. With the hammer at full cock, thumbing the manual de-cock safety upward allows the hammer to fall and subsequently blocks the loaded chamber by use of a transfer bar on the safety, preventing contact with the firing pin. 

The eight-shot, medium-weight pistol with its 3.68-inch barrel uses a single screw in its assembly to secure the rear fastened grip. The checkered red Bakelite grips also have a circled star in the center. Markings on the Russian Makarov 9mm are the serial numbers on the left slide flat and frame with a Cyrillic prefix, and the year of manufacture is at the rear of the left frame.

Russian Makarov 9mm Importation

It is important to reiterate that importation of the Russian Makarov lasted but a few short years between 1992 and 1995 due to the eventual trade restriction on Russian military imports during the Clinton administration. Soon after, this also included military arms from China as well.

Ironically, a number of Russian-made Makarov 9mm pistols inadvertently entered the United States between 1998 and 2009 and have become known as the “sneak” Makarovs.

These pistols were imported from Bulgaria and East Germany and were marked with the country of origin, as each of these nations obtained a quantity of the Russian-made versions in the 1970s and ‘80s as supplementary arms to make up for shortages in their ordnance inventories.

Apparently, some of these Russian versions were mixed in and marked with the aforementioned two countries as the origin of manufacture until close BATFE inspection revealed the Russian Izhevsk Triangle cartouche on some of the pistols. These are rather desirable on the collector’s market because of this import marking error.

Makarov 9mm
A comparison of the CZ 82 (top), the Bulgarian Makarov (left) and the Hungarian PA 63 (right) shows a marked difference in the choice of some Eastern Bloc countries regarding adoption of a 9mm Makarov semiautomatic pistol. Thus Mother Russia didn’t always have the last word

Regarding licensed Eastern European versions of the Makarov, East Germany was the first of the Soviet satellites to manufacture them, beginning in 1958.

Made at the Ernst Thaelmann State Factory, the first two years of production saw some difficulties in getting off the ground, with full-scale manufacture underway by late 1959 and early 1960.

In the United States, the East German Makarov has become one of most highly sought of their ilk given the beautiful dark blued, smooth finish, coupled with jet-black checkered plastic grips.

The East German pistols also have their internal parts marked by electro pencil with the last two digits of the serial number.

Production ceased in 1965. It appears that those with small, unobtrusive import marks together with condition, determine the higher price and overall desirability.

Bulgarian Makarov

The final licensed Makarov in communist Europe was the Bulgarian version. Given the green light for licensing rights in 1970, few were produced until five years later. Actual production took place at the Friedrich Engels Machine Works — known also as “Factory 10.”

The Soviets supervised and trained the Bulgarians to manufacture the Makarov, and remained in charge of all production throughout 1975.

9mm Makarov ammo.
No surplus 9mm Makarov ammunition has yet to be released in quantity by former communist nations. As can be seen, however, there is plenty of commercially available ammo. All appears to be made in Eastern European countries as well as in Russia, with Winchester even offering it in their metric cartridge lineup. Interestingly, Winchester’s high-quality product is made in the Czech Republic

The next year saw the Bulgarians assume control, and they steadily continued production of the Makarov up to 2007, some 15 years after the fall of communism.

Prior to their sale on the U.S. surplus market, Bulgaria sold quantities of Makarov pistols to Slovenia, well past the communist break up. Most from this country were imported to the U.S. following Bulgaria’s and Slovenia’s admission to NATO in 2004.

Identical to the Russian version with the checkered, red Bakelite grips with a circled star along with the Russian dark blue finish, the Bulgarian Makarov is unquestionably a high-quality copy that prior to 1975 used some Russian internal components until the factory became entirely self-sufficient

Marked with an encrypted prefix for the production year, and followed by the serial number on the left slide and frame, quick identification of the Bulgarian variant is the presence of the Circle 10 stamped on the left frame. Surplus Bulgarian Makarov pistols are still available as of this writing from some U.S. distributors.

Editor’s Note: This excerpt is from the article, “Pistols From Behind the Iron Curtain,” which appeared in the Gun Digest 2018 annual.

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