Tokarev half-cock

[Onmilo]

JohnnyFlake
I have owned at least a half Dozen Tokarevs over the years, I own a Romanian now.
Shot thousands of rounds through the guns.
They are decent pistols, no doubt.
Advocating for one as a carry pistol in this, the modern world, is simply ridiculous in my humble educated opinion.

Heck, I don't even mind the possibility of the Cops keeping or holding a $600 handgun until things are sorted out if that's what I used to defend myself.

I own several other good modern choices I can carry while I'm waiting to get the weapon returned to me.

Would I use a Tokarev to defend myself?
Yep, in a heartbeat or less if that is all I had at hand, but realistically I would be saving my pennies for something better and I sure wouldn't risk snapping the sear off the half cock notch, possibly causing a neg discharge and certainly rendering the gun useless until repaired.
Again, advocating that manner of carry FOR ANY HANDGUN as a sound practice is in poor form and poor judgement, in my humble opinion.

 

[JohnnyFlake]

JohnnyFlake
I have owned at least a half Dozen Tokarevs over the years, I own a Romanian now.
Shot thousands of rounds through the guns.
They are decent pistols, no doubt.
Advocating for one as a carry pistol in this, the modern world, is simply ridiculous in my humble educated opinion.

Heck, I don't even mind the possibility of the Cops keeping or holding a $600 handgun until things are sorted out if that's what I used to defend myself.

I own several other good modern choices I can carry while I'm waiting to get the weapon returned to me.

Would I use a Tokarev to defend myself?
Yep, in a heartbeat or less if that is all I had at hand, but realistically I would be saving my pennies for something better and I sure wouldn't risk snapping the sear off the half cock notch, possibly causing a neg discharge and certainly rendering the gun useless until repaired.
Again, advocating that manner of carry FOR ANY HANDGUN as a sound practice is in poor form and poor judgement, in my humble opinion.

Like you said, you have an opinion, almost everyone on this forum does. However, you have a few points wrong!

I do not advocate the carrying of a Tokarev, I simply stated that I have no concerns about carrying one. That's my choice. I personally don't care what anyone chooses to carry, except members of my family. What one chooses to carry is all subjective!

I personally have no concerns about the cops holding or keeping any gun I may be forced to use in a defensive scenario. I don't care what it cost. I never said anything like that, so I am not sure why your preaching that to me.

I have never advocated caring a Tokarev at half cocked. I don't do it and would not ever suggest it. I carry mine at full cock, on an empty chamber. It super easy to pull and rack that way. You may wish to re-read some of the post in this thread.

Finally, I do not need to save my pennies, for something better than a Tokarev. I have lot's of guns!

BTW, where are you located in IL.? I was born, raised and lived, 59 years of my life in Elmwood Park, IL. a N/W Suburb of Chicago. Left there in 2000 for Henderson, NV. where I have been living ever since.

 

[Snowdog]

Onmilo, I understand your point of view and somewhat share it myself. However, though I do believe the Tokarev is obsolete, I wouldn't consider it ineffective; it will put a threat down without issues.

I guess it's like those who have the option of driving a 2016 Mustang but drive a nicely preserved or restored '67 fastback instead.

 

[PabloJ]

If you want utterly reliable handguns there are other far better and affordable options. For example on my last trip to Cabela's I have seen commercial Russian Makarov in excellent condition for $214. Unlike some like KBI imports this one was nicely polished and blued just like Bulgarian military ones. The only downsides were 9x18 chambering and spare mags are about $30 each. I hold on to couple of spare magazines so if this was 9mm Browning I would have bought that gun.

 

[Onmilo]

JohnnyFlake

I live down in the Lost World area of west central Illinois.
I envy your choice of Nevada.

If you pay attention to the mess this state and especially Chicago have become then you well understand.

 

[Onmilo]

If you want utterly reliable handguns there are other far better and affordable options. For example on my last trip to Cabela's I have seen commercial Russian Makarov in excellent condition for $214. Unlike some like KBI imports this one was nicely polished and blued just like Bulgarian military ones. The only downsides were 9x18 chambering and spare mags are about $30 each. I hold on to couple of spare magazines so if this was 9mm Browning I would have bought that gun.

You make some good points in this post concerning magazine availability.
Things I look for in a self defense firearm are ready access to spare magazines at reasonable cost.
Ready access to spare parts in the event of a breakdown, and that magic "Utter reliability".
These requirements mean I would and will continue to suggest the "Obsolete" 1911 platform for a low capacity single column feed device option over a Tokarev, Walther P38, and most of the older Beretta pistols.

 

[amd6547]

Obsolete is difficult to define, in this case.
The Tokarev offers high reliability in a very thin pistol with a fairly short grip. I can't think of another service sized, 5" barreled pistol as concealable. Plus, I can reach out to 100yds with its flat trajectory, and punch through a car body at normal range.
As for carry mode, in a high threat environment, fully loaded, half cock. The Tokarev is very easy to thumb cock. For normal low threat, chamber empty, full cock.
There are not many handguns with the combat proven track record of the Tokarev. With its Browning heritage, forged steel construction, and some care to learn its capabilities, it is a unique and useful pistol in a very useful chambering.

 

[JohnnyFlake]

JohnnyFlake

I live down in the Lost World area of west central Illinois.
I envy your choice of Nevada.

If you pay attention to the mess this state and especially Chicago have become then you well understand.

Yes, sadly I have hear a lot of bad things that are now happening in Illinois, especially in the greater Chicago Area, but also down South in the St Louis Area.

Relocating to Nevada, was without any doubts, one of the very best decisions I ever made in my life!

 

[JohnnyFlake]

Obsolete is difficult to define, in this case.
The Tokarev offers high reliability in a very thin pistol with a fairly short grip. I can't think of another service sized, 5" barreled pistol as concealable. Plus, I can reach out to 100yds with its flat trajectory, and punch through a car body at normal range.
As for carry mode, in a high threat environment, fully loaded, half cock. The Tokarev is very easy to thumb cock. For normal low threat, chamber empty, full cock.
There are not many handguns with the combat proven track record of the Tokarev. With its Browning heritage, forged steel construction, and some care to learn its capabilities, it is a unique and useful pistol in a very useful chambering.

Very well stated!

Nothing about a Tokarev is obsolete. Yes, it's old, but parts are easily available from several sources. Springs are available from Wolf and brand new, Korean made, 8 round magazines are available for $14 each. I have four and they are as well made as any magazine, for any caliber gun, from any company, is made and they are solid steel. Newly manufactured ammo, is available, from at least 4 different companies.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I've been thinking about picking up a Tokarev. Anybody know anyone selling these for a good price?