Chinese Factory 66 M20 Tokarev 7.65×25 Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1954-1965 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1776.99
LSB#: 210423DW26
Make: Chinese, Possibly Factory 66 due to “A” factory marking on the right trigger guard bow.
Model: M20 Tokarev
Serial Number: N013956
Year of Manufacture: 1954 – Early 1960’s
Caliber: 7.62×25 Tokarev
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Single Stack 8 Round Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number “N013956”. The top of the slide is marked “M20 / N013956”. The left side of the trigger guard bow is marked “M”. The right side of the trigger guard bow is marked “A”. The bottom rear of the mag well is marked “16”.
Barrel Length: 4 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a tall “U” notched leaf dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are black serrated hard rubber panels, each with a smooth circle around the grip pin. There are scattered fine handling marks and a few nicks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. There is erosion and light pitting that is most notable on the back strap and slide. There is thinning at all prominent edges. There are a couple notable scratches on the right side of the frame towards the rear. The action shows moderate operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked yet serviceable as are the pins. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Good-Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a bit of play between the slide and the frame. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Two 8-round magazines and a brown leather holster with corduroy interior are included. The magazines show operational wear with some thinning at the feed lips and minor scratches and oxidation on the body. The magazines rate in about Good-Very Good condition. The holster shows scattered scratches, light scuff marks, and areas of darker discoloration throughout. The corduroy is ripped where it makes contact with the hammer. There is verdigris at the base of the flap button. The stitching is intact and strong. Overall, the holster rates in about Good condition.
Our Assessment: This is a Chinese M20 Tokarev. Essentially the cousin of the Type 54, what makes this piece interesting is its rarity and slight ambiguity. As stated in The Complete Book of Tokarev Pistols, “It is generally believed that that the M20 was a sanitized version of the Type 54 that was intended for clandestine use or for export sales, but it is hard to believe that anyone would think that these were anything other than Chinese pistols. It is not known how many M20s were produced or who they were sold to. A number of these pistols were brought back to the U.S. by returning service members who captured or traded for them in Vietnam.” Two distinct serial blocks were used for the M20, some having seven digits and others having six. Those with seven digits starting with “11” or “12” are believed to have been manufactured in 1964 and 1965 respectively. Those with six digits, like this example, are not definitively known when to have been manufactured. Any collector worth their salt would be jumping at the opportunity to have this piece. Please see our photos and good luck!