PLEASE NOTE: Due to incorrect info the originally titled AND NARRATED video stating this to be of a 'KWA' branded pistol has now been correctly titled but not edited to state its an 'SRC' branded weapon. Many apologies to my viewers and subs. Im not one to shy away from errors on my part as I do strive to give out correct and worthy information as best I can but we all make mistakes (Doh!!) Though in my defence I was given incorrect info to start with so will do a little more digging in future me thinks ;-) This is my review of the fairly recent release by SRC of the Tokarev TT33 pistol. Potted history: The TT-30 "7.62 mm Tokarev self-loading pistol model 1930") is a Russian semi-automatic pistol. It was developed in the early 1930s by Fedor Tokarev as a service pistol for the Soviet military to replace the Nagant M1895 revolver that had been in use since Tsarist times, though it never fully replaced the M1895. Externally, the TT-33 is very similar to John Browning's blowback operated FN Model 1903 automatic pistol, and internally it uses Browning's short recoil dropping-barrel system from the M1911. In other areas the TT-33 differs more from Browning's designs - It employs a much simpler hammer/sear assembly than the M1911, with an external hammer. This assembly is removable from the weapon as a modular unit and includes cartridge guides that provide reliable functioning. The Soviet engineers also added several other features such as locking lugs all around the barrel (not just on top), and made several alterations to make the mechanism easier to produce and maintain, notably a captive recoil spring secured to the guide rod which does not depend on the barrel bushing to hold it under tension. Production even machined the magazine feed lips into the receiver to prevent damage and misfeeds when a distorted magazine was loaded into the magazine well. The TT-33 is chambered for the 7.62x25mm Tokarev cartridge, which was itself based on the similar 7.63x25mm Mauser cartridge used in the Mauser C96 pistol. Able to withstand tremendous abuse, large numbers of the TT-33 were produced during World War II and well into the 1950s. Airsoft replica: The SRC TT33 pistol itself is very well made and to some degree better than TMs 1911!!! Its full metal and has very few plastic parts. Its thinner than the 1911 and is much lighter even though its full metal. Its locking lugs are better designed and I doubt will cause possible jamming to the slide mortices. All controls are fairly well placed but it has no safety's at all other than your trigger finger staying outside the trigger guard. The magazine has only a 10 shot capacity but is easy to load by use of a stop for the BB follower to lock into when loading is being done. I believe spare magazines can be easily sourced however. Base pads are pinned and if maintenance is required then problems may occure with leaks. It has lanyard loops to both the frame and the mag. Function of cycling, though stiff, is good and positive. Trigger action is very hard and can be likened to a DA type in weight of pull. The hammer is a rounded and serrated type with a half cock position which works well but adds no real useful addition to the action or function of the pistol. The slide lock works well and is a simple pad design. To take down you first detach the slide locks ' circlip then take out the slide lock. You dont have to align the slide with a notch as there isnt one! Take off the slide by a forward movement and thats it. The internals of the slide are easy to remove and though cheap looking actually work well and are better laid out in design than the Browning 1911. Power is good, accuracy is ok but does not do aswell with its shot placement as a TM hop based pistol. It does have a hop and its adjustable with an Allen key just at the upper edge of the inner barrel chamber unit. Reliability is yet to be proven but going by what ive seen it should be good as the build quality is quiet robust. Markings are ok but poor, then again those markings are in Russian (but for the year 2012) so who cares. Sights are ok but rate similar to the 1911, poor. Grips are plastic and held on not by screws but by a movable friction clasp. Not very robust but thats how the real steel ones are! Conclusion: Good value, good action and function, looks are typical to the original but range along with accuracy is only fair. Overall its well built but not a very worthy first buy skirmish pistol, unless you are a 'gear-do' and must have it to complete your particular loadout or a collector. Ok but not highly recommended. Thanks for watching and if you have a question please comment below. Remember guys and girls... Stay sharp but stay safe ;-)

• published: 12 Jan 2013
• views: 4626