wnycollector
Member
I'm looking for a 7.62x25 cal pistol. The pistol would exclusivley be a range/plinker. Which pistol would be best for this? CZ-52, tokarev...????
Which 7.62x25?
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metrotps
Member
I have 2 CZ52’s ( arsenal rebuild and unissued) and a Tok. I shoot them all when at the range and I enjoy all three. I have small to medium sized hands and the Tok fits slightly better. If your hands are large you might be better served with a CZ52. The CZ52 is most likely a more robust pistol and the quality of construction is second to none IMO. Out here the Tok goes for more $ than a CZ.
Having owned both, I definitely prefer the tok. To me, it's a much smoother, much more appealing pistol. As far as the CZ-52 lasting longer, I've yet to see anyone prove that with facts. There's someone over on the tok forum that has 50k+ rounds through one of his with nary a parts breakage. Obviously springs would need replaced regularly.
tinygnat219
Member
I have 2 TT-33s, and I have owned 4 CZ-52s. I only have one of those now.
Get either one. Both are fantastic guns to shoot and both will cause heads to turn at the range.
Pros CZ-52: Inexpensive, unique operating system (NOT based on the Browning design), easy to field strip, nice feel.
Cons CZ-52: Ergonomics (totally subjective here), brittle firing fin (NOT a problem if you don't dryfire), decockers tend to be warn.
Pros TT-33: Inexpensive, easy to field strip (minus the bushing), hammer group can be removed for easier cleaning, Simple to operate.
Cons TT-33: Ergonomics (totally subjective here), no manual safety (one that is on the Romanian imports is BATF mandated for import).
Prices on both and on surplus ammo represent one of the last true C&R deals out there right now. Where else can you walk away with a handgun and 1200 rounds of ammo for under 400 bucks right now?
Get either one. Both are fantastic guns to shoot and both will cause heads to turn at the range.
Pros CZ-52: Inexpensive, unique operating system (NOT based on the Browning design), easy to field strip, nice feel.
Cons CZ-52: Ergonomics (totally subjective here), brittle firing fin (NOT a problem if you don't dryfire), decockers tend to be warn.
Pros TT-33: Inexpensive, easy to field strip (minus the bushing), hammer group can be removed for easier cleaning, Simple to operate.
Cons TT-33: Ergonomics (totally subjective here), no manual safety (one that is on the Romanian imports is BATF mandated for import).
Prices on both and on surplus ammo represent one of the last true C&R deals out there right now. Where else can you walk away with a handgun and 1200 rounds of ammo for under 400 bucks right now?
Deer Hunter
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The CZ52 is prettier than the TT-33.
gb6491
Member
They're both butt ugly; I'll take the skinny one
Regards,
Greg
makarovnik
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Get the "original". The one the round is named after.
woad_yurt
Member
One of each!!!
I have two Norinco TT33 clones and two CZ 52s. They're all great. The Norinco versions of the TT33 have the least objectionable safety location, btw. It doesn't get in the way. If the safeties are removed, even better.
PS Always replace the CZ 52 firing pin with a machined aftermarket piece or else you'll be dead in the water when the original breaks. It's not necessary to dry fire to make it fail; they just will sooner or later.
I have two Norinco TT33 clones and two CZ 52s. They're all great. The Norinco versions of the TT33 have the least objectionable safety location, btw. It doesn't get in the way. If the safeties are removed, even better.
PS Always replace the CZ 52 firing pin with a machined aftermarket piece or else you'll be dead in the water when the original breaks. It's not necessary to dry fire to make it fail; they just will sooner or later.
wnycollector
Member
thanks for the replies. I am leaning twords the TT-33. Any suggestions about who has the best quality pistols for the best price?
woad_yurt
Member
Norinco!
The Norinco ones you'll probably see will be the ones that were offered for sale commercially back around 15 years ago. They didn't sell well because the 7.62 ammo was hard to find back then. So, if you do find one, it's probably going to be in relatively unused condition compared to the military ones from any country, which were used by troops who weren't that well trained or motivated. I recently got an unfired Norinco 54 in the original packaging w/all of the original papers for only $233 on Gunbroker. It was as perfect as it was when it was brand new. Look at the pictures. Two weeks before this one popped up, there was another like-new one that sold for $180-something without any box. I didn't get it because I got distracted by work and forgot to bid. They are around if you look. The military ones I've seen have usually been pretty well used. They might be refinished but they still have lots of miles on them.
wnycollector: How are you paisan? I'm originally from NY, too. Glad to see someone with an interest in these pistols. They are the great underrated, underpriced gun. I'd take a TT33 or a CZ 52 over a .45ACP anyday. Same amount of rounds with a lot more power! Try the Wolf hollowpoints sometime. You'll be amazed at the exit hole.
The Norinco ones you'll probably see will be the ones that were offered for sale commercially back around 15 years ago. They didn't sell well because the 7.62 ammo was hard to find back then. So, if you do find one, it's probably going to be in relatively unused condition compared to the military ones from any country, which were used by troops who weren't that well trained or motivated. I recently got an unfired Norinco 54 in the original packaging w/all of the original papers for only $233 on Gunbroker. It was as perfect as it was when it was brand new. Look at the pictures. Two weeks before this one popped up, there was another like-new one that sold for $180-something without any box. I didn't get it because I got distracted by work and forgot to bid. They are around if you look. The military ones I've seen have usually been pretty well used. They might be refinished but they still have lots of miles on them.
wnycollector: How are you paisan? I'm originally from NY, too. Glad to see someone with an interest in these pistols. They are the great underrated, underpriced gun. I'd take a TT33 or a CZ 52 over a .45ACP anyday. Same amount of rounds with a lot more power! Try the Wolf hollowpoints sometime. You'll be amazed at the exit hole.
wnycollector
Member
Yep NY here, upstate though (niagara falls). I have my eye on a lnib norinco locally.
Prince Yamato
Member
get the Norinco. You'll get a cold-war pistol right from the cold war factory.
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