Russian Tula TT-33 Tokarev 4.5” 7.62x25mm Semi Automatic Pistol, 1939 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,125.00

LSB#: LSB260618MR048

Make: Tula Arsenal / Century Import

Model: TT-33

Serial Number: UI970

Year of Manufacture: 1939 / C&R 

Caliber: 7.62x25mm

Action Type: Short-Recoil, Locked-Breech, Single-Action, Hammer-Fired Semi-Automatic Pistol Fed by Detachable Magazine. 

Markings: The top of the slide is marked, “UI970” Tula Star “1939. The left side of the frame is marked, “UI970” Tula star, and “1939”. The barrel is marked “UI970”. The trigger pack is marked “70”. The inserted magazine is marked, “UB776”. The uninstalled magazine is marked “AD02129”.

Barrel Length: 4.5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a U-notch dovetailed to the slide.  

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece serrated synthetic panels. There is handling wear. Both sides of the panels are marked with a star and “CCCP”. There are scratches and nicks throughout. A few of the serrations have chipped off. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips rate in about Fair – Good condition. 

Magazine Quantity & Condition: Two 8rd magazines.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is defined. There is light erosion in the bore. There is light to moderate pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 5.5 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about none of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are scratches and thinning throughout. Most of the finish has turned to a patina or gone to the white. There is corrosion pitting throughout. The pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fair – Good condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly.  We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories:  This pistol comes with a total of two magazines and a holster. 

Our Assessment: The Soviet TT-33 Tokarev was adopted in 1933 as a simplified development of Fedor Tokarev’s earlier TT-30 and became one of the principal Soviet service pistols of World War II. Chambered in the high-velocity 7.62x25mm Tokarev cartridge, the TT-33 uses a Browning-derived short-recoil, locked-breech action with a removable hammer and sear assembly and an 8-round detachable magazine. This example was manufactured at Tula in 1939 and retains matching original serial “UI970” on the frame, slide, and barrel, with the trigger assembly correctly marked “70” to match the final two digits. The star-and-“CCCP” grip panels are characteristic of Soviet TT-33 production, while the two included magazines are nonmatching.

This pistol retains virtually none of its original blue finish, with most of the metal worn to patina or bare steel accompanied by scratches, thinning, and corrosion pitting throughout. The serrated Soviet grip panels rate in Fair-Good condition with handling wear, scratches, nicks, and several chipped serrations but no cracks. The bore is semi-bright with defined rifling but shows light erosion and light to moderate pitting, rating 5.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly, though we did not fire this pistol. Two 8-round magazines and a holster are included. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P