This is the fascinating story of the evolution, wartime use, and legacy of the influential pistols used by the armed forces of the Soviet Union.
With archival and contemporary photography and specially commissioned art, this is the story of the pistols that equipped the forces of the Soviet Union and its allies during and after World War II. In 1930, the TT, a semi-automatic pistol designed by Fedor Vasilyevich Tokarev, began to supplement the old Nagant M1895 revolver in Soviet military service. From 1933, the simplified version TT-33 was also in circulation, used by Soviet and allied forces worldwide during and after World War II.
In 1951, a new pistol designed by Nikolay Fyodorovich Makarov entered Soviet service, making it the main pistol of the army and police during the Cold War and remained in use until the 21st century. The 9x18mm Makarov round was used in various weapons employed by Soviet allies, such as the Czech vz 82 and the Hungarian FEG PA63. The PM was soon accompanied by the Stechkin pistol. Other specialized versions of the Makarov were developed, including the PB version and the more compact 5.45x18mm PSM.
This study, by distinguished firearms expert Leroy Thompson, tells the story of the Tokarev, Makarov, Stechkin, and other pistols that were in service with Soviet and other forces worldwide, exploring the development, wartime use, and legacy of these powerful weapons.
Pages: 80, Year of Publication: 2023, Dimensions: 18.4x18.4cm
