What to look for when buying a TT-33

[Zack]

What should I look for when buying a TT-33 ? I bought a mosin nagant and I know tulas are what people want. I notice GB prices on TT-33 are $270+!! I saw at gunshows recently they where $230 and I wanted to get one before they go up in prices.

 

[grimjaw]

If you want to shoot it, look at bore/barrel condition, and lockup. If you can whack on it with your hand a bit, make sure the hammer doesn't drop under moderate impact. Beyond that, check for rust.

jm

 

[Shadow 7D]

mainly check the bore, the TT shoots corrosive ammo and some to many have bad barrels

 

[machinecraig]

You might try and find a model 57 - I do believe that model has a slightly longer grip and the magazine has an extra round in it.

I purchased a Romanian tokarev from Southern Ohio Gun last year. Shipping was prompt, and the gun was in excellent condition. I paid for handpick, and I think my total was around $215 excluding shipping. If you have your C&R license, I would heartily recommend SOG. If you don't have your C&R license - I would start by getting it. I don't think SOGs prices on tokarevs have budged much from what I paid a year ago.

Of course, the really highly desirable tokarev would be one without import markings and the fairly hideous import safety added.

I've seen chinese made tokarevs on gunbroker that come with a 9mm barrel included. That could also be fun.

 

[-v-]

Romanian TTs tend to be the better of the bunch.

What to look for? Check for rust in the bore. Check that the slide and trigger lock up when the gun is put to half-cock. Additionally, do a function test to make sure the trigger functions and returns to battery properly. (Cock the gun, pull the trigger, rack the slide while holding the trigger, release the trigger and make sure everything functions properly)

If there are any flaws, haggle for a reduced price and go to omega weapons systems to get replacement parts. The TT33 is easier to work on than a Glock.

 

[Mastiff]

I actually much prefer the Yugo M-57's. They are an updated version of the TT-33 with a captive recoil spring, a firing pin retainer similar to the 1911, the best manual safety of any of the imports (it works like the 1911) and it holds one more round (9+1 vs 8+1).
The only problem was the lack of mags, but that has been solved. Aftermarket CZ-52 mags work fine with just a notch dremeled in for the magazine catch. They cost around $20 each.

Always check the manual safety. These are all added to meet import regulations and some do not work, or work poorly.

 

[-v-]

Well, the manual safety is not really a safety. The TT33's true safety is the half-cock notich as it LOCKS (yes, locks) The Slide, Trigger, and Sear.

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't the safety on the Yugo M57 also just a trigger bar lock, not a true sear lock? As far as I remember, only the Chi-com TT33's had a true sear-locking safety...if my memory is right.

 

[Mastiff]

I used the half cock notch on my Tok's as a safety for over 15 years. I learned to take it from half cock to full cock as part of my draw. I never had any problem leaving any of my Toks on half cock with one in the chamber. No way was that pistol going to fire.
Since I got the M-57's I exclusively use them for carry over my other Toks, primarily because the safety is OPERATED just like my 1911. I couldn't tell you how the safety works mechanically. I just know that the slide won't move and the pistol will not fire even when I pull the trigger with that safety on. It's good enough for me. Having all my carry pistols using the same manual of arms seems to me to be a good thing. Just one less thing to worry about,

 

[Lakeshore]

One more in addition to the many foregoing excellent suggestions: be aware of the finish. Some of the TT-33 arsenal refinish jobs (esp. on the Romanians) were done with the equivalent of K-Mart BBQ grill spray paint. It'll float right off if you use the wrong cleaning chemicals. If I buy another one it'll have to be the original finish.

 

[Onmilo]

I fixed the goofy Romanian import safety on mine.
Drilled out and tapped the holes, soldered in plug screws, and replaced the hogged out slide stop.

 

[junkman306]

I used the half cock notch on my Tok's as a safety for over 15 years. I learned to take it from half cock to full cock as part of my draw. I never had any problem leaving any of my Toks on half cock with one in the chamber. No way was that pistol going to fire.
Since I got the M-57's I exclusively use them for carry over my other Toks, primarily because the safety is OPERATED just like my 1911. I couldn't tell you how the safety works mechanically. I just know that the slide won't move and the pistol will not fire even when I pull the trigger with that safety on. It's good enough for me. Having all my carry pistols using the same manual of arms seems to me to be a good thing. Just one less thing to worry about,

This is what I was looking for on Tok safeties. I've read countless threads about people being leery of the half cock safety, yet no one has really proven that it's dangerous or prone to failure. Mine has the import trigger safety and I use it and the half cock safety and I leave the chamber empty.

 

[harmon rabb]

Mine has the import trigger safety and I use it and the half cock safety and I leave the chamber empty.

why on earth do you bother with the half-cock and trigger safety if the chamber is empty?

 

[junkman306]

To make the wife happy. It's not always on safe. And since no one can decide on a straight answer about whether the safety works or not, I don't leave one in the chamber.