From RedAllianceWiki

The TT-33 (Tokarev Tula- 1933) pistol was conceived by renowned weapon designer, Fedor Tokarev. During the 1920’s the Red Army conducted trials to chose a new semi-auto service pistol to replace the outdated 1895 Nagant revolvers and foreign manufactured side arms. Tokavrev’s design, barrows greatly from the Browning pattern of pistols that also spawned the m-1911 Colt pistol. Improvements to the Browning design include a modular hammer assembly that was easily removed for ease of cleaning. By late 1930 the Red Army had decided on Tokarev’s pistol and took delivery of several thousand pieces to be issued as field trials. After several refinements and modifications the Red Army officially adopted the TT-33 in early 1934. Primary production of these pistols took place at the Tula Arsenal. By the time the Germans attacked the USSR in June 1941, nearly 600,000 pistols had been produced. This still could not meet the needs of the Red Army. Many of the Nagant revolvers and German manufactured C-96 Mauser pistols remained as sidearms until the end of the second world war. Thanks to many pictures the TT-33 became (and remains) the iconic Red Army’s sidearm of The great Patriotic War.

Production of the TT-33 outlasted the war. The USSR stopped production in 1952. From the late 40’s thru the 50’s TT-33’s were produced under permission in various communist countries.

• China
• Egypt
• Hungary
• North Korea
• Romania
• Poland
• Yugoslavia

These countries kept the basic design and 7.62x25mm cartridge. Some latter “export” models were manufactured in 9mm luger. Soviet Armed Forces continued to use the TT-33 well into the 60’s Soviet “Militia” aka MVD or Police issued the TT-33 into the 70’s. Unfortunately this pistol only exists in the Airsoft world as a cheap spring gun. No gas guns are being produced at this time. Real TT-33’s do become available on the American Market from time to time. Mostly of Polish or Romanian origin. These are a fine relic of the days of the cold war.

Gallery

TT	TT (right) and experimental model TT 1930 year