Izhevsk USSR Margolin MCM .22 LR Semi-Auto Olympic Target Pistol, 1963
SOLD FOR: $2,355.00
LSB#: LSB260220SB001
Make: Izhevsk Arsenal, USSR
Model: Margolin MCM
Serial Number: MB68
Year of Manufacture: 1963 / C&R
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Single Action, Detachable Magazine Fed, Semi-Auto Pistol
Markings: The serial number is marked on the chamber ring (integral to the frame) and the left of the slide. The numerical portion of the serial number, “68” is marked on the bottom of each magazine floorplate and hand-scribed on the rear face of the muzzle brake. The right of the slide is marked “MADE IN USSR”, the top has an arrow in shield Izhevsk Arsenal marking. Each side of the trigger guard has inspection marks.
Barrel Length: The barrel is approximately 6?, 7 3/8? to the end of the muzzle brake.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post mounted to a serrated, ramped base at the muzzle, adjustable for elevation. The rear sight is a “U”-notch in a base mounted to the frame which bridges over the slide, adjustable for windage. Comes with an additional rear sight u-notch leaf.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood with finger shelves on each grip. The bottom of the right panel is relieved for the included adjustable palm-shelf. There is little handling wear. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is very little handling or operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is an over-travel adjustment screw in the bottom of the trigger guard. The trigger is light and crisp. We did not fire this gun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a wood case with an interior fitted for the pistol and included accessories. Accessories include a screwdriver, punch, two barrel weights, palm-shelf, cleaning rod, oiler, and an assortment of spare parts including hammer, firing pin, rear sight leaves, front sight posts, springs and other small parts, and a total of two 10-round magazines.
Our Assessment: Incredibly, this Olympic Target pistol was designed by a man, Mikhail Margolin, who had been wounded during the Russian Civil War rendering him blind. By modeling parts in clay, wood, or even cardboard parts pinned to a backing to demonstrate interaction of moving parts, he was still able to have a successful career as a firearms designer. His target pistols were some of the best of their time, with a barrel fixed to the frame and sights fixed to the frame and barrel, respectively. This meant that the sights never reciprocated when fired and stayed in a fixed position relative to the bore. Additionally, with a slide locking system similar to Browning’s design for the Colt 1900, the slide removed to the rear, only ever moving in one plane on the frame. The result is a fantastically accurate pistol. While Margolin would never be able to see his designs, their success in the hands of Soviet and even British target shooters would certainly have made him proud. This example was made in 1963, and the pistol is in Excellent condition. It comes with a proper case and accessories. You might even recognize this as the dainty blaster that Princess Leia carried in the very first Star Wars movie. The design features were so radical, so otherworldly, that the moviemakers didn’t have to do much more than put it in the Princess’s hand. This would make a fine target pistol, and one with a great history. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.