M57 7.62 TOKAREV
Posted May 25, 2023
The M57 7.62 Tokarev is an iconic military pistol that has been used by armed forces around the world for many years. First adopted in 1952, the M57 has served in almost every major conflict since, including the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and is still in active service with many nations today. It has gained notoriety as a reliable and rugged military pistol capable of withstanding harsh conditions.
The M57 7.62 Tokarev is a semi-automatic handgun with a single action short recoil operated system. This system was designed to reduce overall firearm length and increase reliability in extreme areas such as jungle or desert environments. The M57 has a striker-activated firing mechanism, meaning the gun must be manually cocked to fire. This helps to avoid accidental discharges in the heat of battle.
This pistol is chambered in the 7.62×25 Tokarev cartridge, which is a powerful round developed for use in submachine guns. It has a larger capacity than the 9mm Parabellum cartridge, allowing for more ammunition on one’s person, but at the cost of increased felt recoil. The combination of this round and the M57’s fixed sight design make it a formidable short- to mid-range firearm.
The M57 7.62 Tokarev’s design is remarkably simple. It is made from steel and is equipped with a 4.7-inch barrel and a fixed sight. It features a manual safety, a lever located to the left of the frame and a grip safety, which is another safety feature located just above the trigger. The barrel features a muzzle brake designed to reduce felt recoil. The pistol has a blued finish and a two-piece wooden stock with a checkered pattern for better grip performance. This oft-imitated design has been replicated and improved upon by other firearms manufacturers over the years.
The M57 7.62 Tokarev is a legendary firearm that has served militaries around the world for many years. It has a relatively simple design that is both reliable and easy to handle. Due to its use of the powerful 7.62×25 Tokarev round, it is also an effective short- to mid-range firearm. The manual safety, lever safety, and grip safety make it incredibly safe to use, and its steel construction makes it incredibly durable. Lastly, its iconic design has been replicated and improved upon by other firearms manufacturers over the years. For these reasons, the M57 7.62 Tokarev is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an iconic and reliable pistol.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good stopping power: The 7.62x25mm Tokarev round used in the M57 is powerful enough to provide an effective wound channel and reliable stopping power.
- Reliability: The M57 has been deemed very reliable in field tests and remains in use in many militaries around the world as a sidearm.
- Durability: The M57 is built to withstand rugged conditions and can easily take a beating.
- Accessibility: The M57 is relatively common and can be found in surplus stores, pawnshops, and gun shows.
Cons
- Unreliable mags: A common complaint with the M57 is its magazines, which can be unreliable and wear out easily.
- Bulk: The M57 is a bulky handgun, and its weight can be off-putting for some shooters.
- Ammunition availability: Ammunition for the M57 can be difficult to find, and is often expensive.
- Short barrel: The M57's 3.75-inch barrel makes it less accurate than other handguns at longer ranges.
Who Should Buy
The M57 7.62 TOKAREV is a Russian-made semi-automatic handgun that’s been around since 1957. It’s designed as a self-defense sidearm and is commonly used by law enforcement officers.
Those who should buy it are law enforcement officers who use the gun for self-defense, gun enthusiasts, and hobbyists who appreciate the gun's craftsmanship and history.
Those who shouldn't buy it are individuals who want to use it as a target shooting gun due to its relatively low muzzle velocity and dull trigger pull, and inexperienced shooters who could find it difficult to handle due to the 9-lug rotary bolt system that can be hard to operate for new users.
Comparisons
| Product | Caliber | Capacity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| M57 7.62 TOKAREV | 7.62×25mm | 8+1 | 2.35lbs |
| T68 9mm Tokarev | 9×19mm | 8+1 | 2.45lbs |
| Jericho 941 | 9×19mm | 16+1 | 2.5lbs |
| CZ-83 | 9x18mm Makarov | 12+1 | 2.15lbs |
| CZ-82 | 9x18mm Makarov | 12+1 | 2lbs |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: 7.62x25mm Tokarev
•Action: Short Recoil
•Capacity: 8-round detachable box magazine
•Overall length: 199 mm (7.8 in)
•Barrel Length: 98 mm (3.8 in)
•Height: 135 mm (5.3 in)
•Weight: 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)
•Sights: Iron Sights
Popular Accessories
pistol?
The most popular accessories for the M57 7.62 TOKAREV pistol are extra magazines, gun cases, recoil buffers for reducing muzzle flip, concealed carry holsters, rail adapters for mounting optics, and shooting gloves.
Accuracy
The M57 7.62 TOKAREV has a well-established reputation for accuracy. It is capable of delivering accurate shots for distances up to approximately 200 yards, though its accuracy at further ranges may incur additional uncontrollable factors. Moreover, the relatively lower level of recoil when compared to its siblings make it ideal for target shooting; the sights are suited for quick target acquiring, and the gun itself is well-known for its reliable functioning, allowing for quick follow-up shots. This makes the M57 a desirable option for a wide range of shooters.
