Russian Izhevsk TT-33 Tokarev 4.4” 7.62×25 Semi Auto Pistol, MFD 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,950.77
LSB#: WY250310TP034
Make: Izhevsk Mechanical Plant
Model: TT-33
Serial Number: EB2471
Year of Manufacture: 1942
Caliber: 7.62x25mm
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Single Action, Tilting Lock, Magazine Fed
Markings: The Top of the slide is marked, “EB2471 / 1942” The left side of the frame is marked, “EB2471 / 1942” The mag is marked, “EB2471”.
Barrel Length: 4.4”
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 checkered wood panels. There are pressure dents, scratches, and small nicks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is lightly worn. Overall, the grips rate at a Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 8rd magazine in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is mostly sharp. There is light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 10% of its metal finish. There is heavy patina throughout with moderate thinning and spots of rust throughout. There is bluing remaining mostly on the hammer and trigger. The pins are serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about 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 one magazine.
Our Assessment: The Russian Izhevsk TT-33 Tokarev, manufactured in 1942, is a historic wartime semi-automatic pistol, embodying the Soviet Union’s push for rugged, efficient, and mass-producible sidearms during World War II. The TT-33 was developed as a replacement for the Nagant M1895 revolver, providing Red Army soldiers with a modern, high-velocity semi-auto sidearm chambered in 7.62x25mm Tokarev. The Izhevsk arsenal, one of the Soviet Union’s primary arms factories, produced this pistol during one of the most demanding years of the war, ensuring that this piece carries a deep connection to the Eastern Front and the Soviet war effort against Germany. With its simple yet robust design, the TT-33 was built for reliability under extreme battlefield conditions, a trait that has made it a favorite among military surplus collectors. One of the defining features of this wartime TT-33 is its stripped-down, utilitarian construction, reflecting the Soviet Union’s focus on speed and efficiency in arms production. Unlike earlier models, the 1942 production TT-33s omitted the pre-war frame safety and polished finishes, resulting in a pistol that is purely functional, with minimal refinements. The original blued finish has worn to a heavy patina, with thinning, rust spots, and handling wear, all of which are consistent with a wartime-issued sidearm that likely saw extensive service. The grips, made from checkered wood instead of the more common Bakelite, further indicate this pistol’s unique production characteristics. Despite its visible wear, the bore remains in strong condition, with sharp rifling and only light erosion, suggesting that this pistol remains a shootable relic of Soviet military history.
For collectors, military historians, and Tokarev enthusiasts, this 1942 Izhevsk TT-33 is a remarkable piece of World War II firearms history. Its matching serialized magazine and original wartime markings make it a highly desirable collectible, offering a tangible connection to the Soviet war machine and its battle-tested weaponry. Whether preserved as a historical artifact, displayed as part of a military collection, or taken to the range for an authentic shooting experience, this TT-33 serves as a testament to Soviet engineering, wartime necessity, and the resilience of one of history’s most iconic pistols. -R.E.
