Type 51 Chinese Tokarev?

[davethedog]

So this might be the right subforum to post this in. I have one made in 1952, 7.62 X 25. It has no english lettering at all, just some Chinese lettering on the RH side that translates to "Type 51" and a star, date and serial # on the LH side. The slide looks correct for what it is but has what looks to be a different serial number stamped on the top of it. It has a crudely done safety that looks like someone installed it as an afterthought. Where in the world would this thing have come from? I bought it back in the 1980's at a gun show somewhere. It looks like something put together from a parts box or something.

 

[gobsauce]

Could've been a factory refurb, could be a Frankentokarev. The different serial number suggests that it was probably repaired at an arsenal. The safety, normally an import thing.

 

[davethedog]

I'm inclined to think it is a "Franken-tokarev" also. It doesn't have any import marks but as best i remember it looked fairly new when i bought it back in the 1980's. Seems like the guy i bought it from had boxes of different types of surplus pistols and parts.

 

[Col. Harrumph]

Toks lacked a safety when shipped. Our rich uncle requires that imports sport a safety, hence the kludge.

 

[davethedog]

That explains the crudely done. I have a Norinco 213 and the safety looks a lot better.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Some had a primitive thumb safety added, others a weird Glock-style two-peice trigger safety.
Caution- the thumb safeties have a bad reputation for not actually preventing the weapon from being fired.

 

[gobsauce]

Some had a primitive thumb safety added, others a weird Glock-style two-peice trigger safety.
Caution- the thumb safeties have a bad reputation for not actually preventing the weapon from being fired.

At least the frame isn't poked at with a Glock style safety, I just bought a surplus trigger on eBay and called it good.

 

[Terry G]

I have a Chines M213 in 9 MM. It was new in box import with that darned safety tacked on. It's a very good shooter and I'm sure it's worth at least twice what I paid for it. I have seen some Chinese Tokarev's advertised as "Viet Nam War bring backs". No paperwork and that tell tale safety is a dead give away.

 

[davethedog]

I remember now the guy i bought it from had a box of old broomhandle mausers and parts. He lived next town over. Turns out when he put some of them together they were select fire. This was around 40 years ago.

 

[vintovka]

Just a heads up. Aftermarket side safety's on Tokarevs both russian and chinese have been known to malfunction. In some cases pistols equipped with these may fire when safety is released. We had a number of Chinese ones recalled by distributor way back before the ban. They offered to pick them up but we chose to drop them off instead. When we were there they took them and added them to several pallets of others. Were advised not to ask where they were going and not to discuss the recall. Prior to returning them i took one apart and found metal shavings that suggested the safety was added without fully disassembling or cleaning up after. Since then almost everyone seen has had the safety removed leaving the gaping hole and detent. Some have been welded over.

 

[gobsauce]

Just a heads up. Aftermarket side safety's on Tokarevs both russian and chinese have been known to malfunction. In some cases pistols equipped with these may fire when safety is released. We had a number of Chinese ones recalled by distributor way back before the ban. They offered to pick them up but we chose to drop them off instead. When we were there they took them and added them to several pallets of others. Were advised not to ask where they were going and not to discuss the recall. Prior to returning them i took one apart and found metal shavings that suggested the safety was added without fully disassembling or cleaning up after. Since then almost everyone seen has had the safety removed leaving the gaping hole and detent. Some have been welded over.

Others fill the hole with JB Weld.

 

[vintovka]

saw one so well done with TIG you could only tell from inside. Sadly New Owner paid big buxs for it,

 

[Appalachiannative]

Just a heads up. Aftermarket side safety's on Tokarevs both russian and chinese have been known to malfunction. In some cases pistols equipped with these may fire when safety is released. We had a number of Chinese ones recalled by distributor way back before the ban. They offered to pick them up but we chose to drop them off instead. When we were there they took them and added them to several pallets of others. Were advised not to ask where they were going and not to discuss the recall. Prior to returning them i took one apart and found metal shavings that suggested the safety was added without fully disassembling or cleaning up after. Since then almost everyone seen has had the safety removed leaving the gaping hole and detent. Some have been welded over.

I had a Norinco 213 with the safety and it caused malfunctions all the time because of the switch accidentally going into safe when the weapon was fired. I took it out and lost it. Just lived with the hole in the frame till I sold it