Yugo M57 Tokarev Problem

[Havok7416]

The last time I was home I bought an M57 Tokarev from my local gun store. I was planning a trip to see a friend out of state the next day so I packed the Tok without shooting it (I did clean it though). When we got to the range I loaded the magazine and started shooting. The gun bump fired (one mag only before I stopped). I did not modify the gun in any way and I now know that this is not unheard of with Toks. Does anyone know what could be wrong with my gun? I don't have the gun available to me right now since I work away from home but any (helpful) thoughts would be appreciated. I know these guns can have problems with cosmoline behind the firing pin but my gun did not have any cosmo on any of the parts I inspected. I know the gun is not legal in it's current configuration and I do not intend to leave it that way if the proper parts can be found.

 

[fpgt72]

Three words....will make that four

Stupid add on Safety.

I would assume that your pistol has this added to it and they can really mess up the gun. On mine it would go one second to full auto, the next it would have a 500lb trigger pull.

Remove that safety and all will likely be right with the gun...but you will be left with an ugly hole in the side.

I usually don't suggest such things, but this was put on the gun in this country to give the pistol enough points to be sold here....If you are unsure about what you are doing have someone that knows do it for you.

Other possibility is that the thing is just dirty....I know you said cleaned it but for different people that could be different things....but if I was on a TV game show I would take messed up add on safety for $100 Alex.

Just do a quick google on m57 and safety and you will get the kitchen sink.

While they do talk surplus stuff here there are forums that specialize in this stuff....checuout gunboards.com and you will find a wealth of info on your new pistol.

 

[brnmuenchow]

Check the safety for sure. I am always a little leery of aftermarket safeties being installed by god knows who just to appease all the restrictions these guns go through just to be sold here in the states. As for the cosmoline, I know you say you did not see any anywhere... but just for the sake of argument, I stripped mine all the way down to the frame including the firing pin and mags and cleaned them with carburetor cleaner just to be sure. So far never one single problem. I purchased mine through "Widener's Reloading shooting supply", and they all come with cosmoline and accessories as std. issue.

 

[MJ]

Plugged FP hole. If your tired of it I'll buy it for spare parts..

 

[Havok7416]

It is my understanding that these guns have the safety installed at the factory (but I never have claimed to understand very much). It certainly doesn't look like an add-on as it is under the grip. MJ I am definitely NOT tired of this gun! The little bit of firing I did showed me just how easy and fun these guns are to shoot! Besides it's on my collection list. I will have someone take the gun apart for me to check the firing pin hole and get back to you guys. Thanks for the help, hopefully I will be on the forums more often!

 

[GBExpat]

A warning for whoever works on your M57 ...

Unlike the TT33 design, the firing pin is not pin-captured.

It is retained by a little plate somewhat like on a 1911 ... BUT ... if you look very closely, the rear end of the firing pin is not the only thing in the hole in that retaining plate ... you will also see a ring that needs to be depressed along with the firing pin in order to slide the plate down and remove it.

Someone who is not aware of that additional retention device may apply too much force and damage the pistol.

 

[Havok7416]

It looks like this may end up going to a gunsmith now. I can't find anyone who I would trust to take the gun apart. Now I just have to describe the darn thing to someone so they can take it in!

 

[GBExpat]

Before searching for a gunsmith try this ...

Get an eyedropper and some mineral spirits (MS) ... remove the slide, hold it vertical and stream MS thru the firing pin (FP) hole on the breechface so that it exits thru and around that retention plate that I described.

Periodically push the FP in & out to feel how smoothly it moves (and help drain the MS). When you think that you have dissolved all/most of the cosmolene in that area (MS dripping out fairly clean & FP moves smoothly) dry the remaining MS with some compressed air (or overnight in vertical position) and then run some oil thru the FP hole until you feel the assy is adequately juiced. Allow any extra oil to drain out.

IF your M57's problem is a grease-clogged FP channel, this should correct it sans gunsmith. When you test it, use only 2 cartridges, one in the chamber and one in the mag.

Dis-/re-assembling the FP assy on these things is , um, challenging. Even with piece of properly sized drill rod that allows depression of the FP and Retainer, I found reassembly to be an exercise in patience & profanity.

I have 4 M57s. With all new milsurp (especially) acquisitions, I completely disassemble them (in the case of the M57s, trigger packs, too) so that I may thoroughly clean & inspect them. I was able to smooth-out all 4 triggers. One of them, with a HORRIBLE trigger action, sported an old, worn-out sear spring that had been reversed rather than replaced. Once I replaced it with a new unit and smoothed the contact surfaces, the trigger is quite nice.

 

[Havok7416]

Before searching for a gunsmith try this ...

Get an eyedropper and some mineral spirits (MS) ... remove the slide, hold it vertical and stream MS thru the firing pin (FP) hole on the breechface so that it exits thru and around that retention plate that I described.

Periodically push the FP in & out to feel how smoothly it moves (and help drain the MS). When you think that you have dissolved all/most of the cosmolene in that area (MS dripping out fairly clean & FP moves smoothly) dry the remaining MS with some compressed air (or overnight in vertical position) and then run some oil thru the FP hole until you feel the assy is adequately juiced. Allow any extra oil to drain out.

IF your M57's problem is a grease-clogged FP channel, this should correct it sans gunsmith. When you test it, use only 2 cartridges, one in the chamber and one in the mag.

Dis-/re-assembling the FP assy on these things is , um, challenging. Even with piece of properly sized drill rod that allows depression of the FP and Retainer, I found reassembly to be an exercise in patience & profanity.

I have 4 M57s. With all new milsurp (especially) acquisitions, I completely disassemble them (in the case of the M57s, trigger packs, too) so that I may thoroughly clean & inspect them. I was able to smooth-out all 4 triggers. One of them, with a HORRIBLE trigger action, sported an old, worn-out sear spring that had been reversed rather than replaced. Once I replaced it with a new unit and smoothed the contact surfaces, the trigger is quite nice.

My problem right now is that I am physically separated from my gun. I have no doubt I could take it apart if I was home but that is not an option. The reason I am sending it to a gunsmith is to clear up any potential legal problems with the gun ASAP.