Izhevsk USSR Margolin MCM .22 LR Semi-Auto Olympic Target Pistol, 1972
Sold For: $3,235
LSB#: 200827DW05
Make: Izhevsk Arsenal, USSR
Model: Margolin MCM
Serial Number: X6272M
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1972 (XX8 date code)
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Single Action, Detachable Magazine Fed, Semi-Auto Pistol with Cocking Indicator
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, “6272” 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. The right shoulder of the chamber ring has “rnc” in diamond, the right has Italian proofs and “XX8” date code.
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. Additional notches are included for the rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black plastic with a thumb-rest at the top of the left panel for a right-handed shooter and Izhevsk arrow in shield arsenal markings on each panel. The bottom of the right panel is relieved for the included adjustable palm-shelf. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few scattered faint marks in the smooth portions. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine-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.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is thinning at some edges and corners, most notable on the front sight assembly and muzzle brake. The action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a lever on the left of the frame which serves as both the safety and the slide stop. 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. The case has scattered nicks, dings, scratches and scuffs on the exterior with some light wear from the contents on the interior, in about Good-Very Good condition. The accessories show little sign of use except for one of the magazines which has operational wear. Both magazines have intact feed lips and strong springs, in about Very Good and Excellent condition, respectively.
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 has Italian proof marks from 1972, and the pistol is in Fine-plus condition. It comes with a proper case and accessories. This would make a fine target pistol, and one with a great history. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This Pistol is on the Roster of Exempted Olympic Competition Pistols and CAN be sold as a dealer sale in California. It CAN be transferred as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) as our Simi Valley location. All cartridge firearms must be transferred through your local dealer OR at our Simi Valley location. Out of state residents can disregard the previous section – your local laws apply.
