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Tokarev TT-30

1930 WORLD WAR 2

History of the Tokarev TT-30

The Tokarev TT-30 is a semi-automatic pistol, essentially a Soviet copy of the Browning-Colt design, intended to replace the Nagant M1895 series revolvers. Developed in the late 19th century, the M1895 served the Tsarist Russian Empire for decades until a suitable replacement was finally found.

The revolver itself proved to be very sturdy and was still in heavy service during World War II. While the TT-30 itself appeared in limited numbers and for a limited time, it paved the way for the much-improved TT-33 series to replace the Nagant after 1945.

By 1930, the Revolutionary Military Council was looking for a new Red Army pistol to replace the old M1895 revolver and other similar revolver systems. Tests were conducted to find a replacement in early 1931, and a Fedor V. Tokarev design from the 1930s, known as the TT-30, was preferred.

1,000 prototypes were ordered for this model for further testing by the Soviet Army, after which it was officially designated as the Soviet Army's standard sidearm. Production is handled by the Tula Arsenal.

Much of the basic design of the TT-30 owes much to the work of John Browning (especially the M1911), with some Soviet modifications resulting in better weapons in terms of maintenance and local production, while retaining the former's design power. The hammer and locking mechanism are fabricated into a removable module to aid cleaning and servicing, which are removed through the top rear of the receiver. The magazine advance "lip" has been machined directly into the receiver to combat misfiring.

In general, the Soviets produced a greatly improved product compatible with the expected field abuses on the Eastern Front and beyond.

However, just three years later, a new and improved version of the TT-30 appeared in the form of the 1933 TT-33. This type has been redesigned with a new trigger and locking lugs around the barrel. just at the top.

The TT-33 was produced in much larger numbers and quickly replaced the TT-30 as the standard sidearm. This type did not replace the Nagant M1895 revolver until after 1945, but eventually production exceeded 1.7 million.

The TT-30 takes its name from its place of manufacture (Tula Arsenal) and the designer's last initial (Tokarev) and the first year of release ("30") to complete the full "TT- 30" name.