TTC/TT-33 thoughts?

overkill556x45 · April 23, 2009, 06:09 PM

I just ordered a Romanian TTC from J&G sales, and yes, I paid the extra $10 for a hand picked one. I also just threw down some cash on a spam can of Romanian 7.62x25mm. At least I'll be able to shoot over the summer now. My pile of .22lr and 9x19mm is dwindling to dangerous levels. Tokarev ammo seems to still be plentiful and cheaper than the alternatives.

Like I said, I've already spent money, so I'm not looking for advice so much as tales of wonderment involving your TTC/TT-33. For the price of the pistol and ammo, you'd think everyone and their dog would have one...or two.

So, does anyone else own a TT-33 or TTC? If so, is it as much fun as I think it will be? My only experience with the TT-33 is from when an EOD technician nearly shot himself in the foot with one while I was in Trashcanistan.

Thanks.

fat old gun nut · April 23, 2009, 07:09 PM

Saw one in a pawn shop that was chambered in 9x19 (Lugar). Any thoughts on that?

overkill556x45 · April 23, 2009, 07:14 PM

Careful- that may be 9mm Largo. I've seen a lot of "drop-in" kits to convert them to 9x23mm (Largo).

huchahuchax · April 23, 2009, 09:52 PM

I just got mine from J&G yesterday. I spent most of this afternoon cleaning it. I forgot to pay the "hand pick" fee, but the finish on mine is pretty decent. The barrel is pitted pretty bad but all the rifling is still there. I haven't got a chance to shoot it yet. From what I have heard, they are a handful to shoot, and that is just the kind of guns I like - I'm looking forward to it.

grimjaw · April 23, 2009, 11:27 PM

I've had the Polish and Romanian versions of the TT-33. The Polish one was better finished, but the barrel crown was pitted. I don't know if that's what led to it shooting poorly, but it did shoot poorly with both Yugo and Romy surplus. The Romanian version I had was a good shooter, and of course the finish was typical for a Romanian product. The triggers on both were nothing to write home about, but they pistols functioned 100%.

I had fun with mine, but I didn't have enough fun to keep it. Others will have different experiences.

jm

timgd · April 24, 2009, 09:11 PM

I had a chicom type 54 that came home with me in 68 it was fun to shoot and fairly accurate but would not cycle reliably. I don't know if it was poor quality ammo, captured , or the shrapnel wounds to the frame and slide. With ammo cheap and plentiful I would certainly consider getting another one if I could find one without the retro fit safety.

Tamara · April 27, 2009, 12:02 PM

I have a Polish Tokarev, made by Radom. It's pleasant to shoot, within the constraints of its heavy trigger and dinky sights.

overkill556x45 · April 27, 2009, 04:02 PM

I can deal with a heavy trigger. I think the Rommies have bigger sights, but that's not a huge deal either. Being 24, I still have most of my vision.

I'm mainly buying the TTC so I can keep shooting something centerfire over the summer. There ain't nothin' on the ammo shelves here in the flatlands-- but 7.62x25mm is in stock and cheap at most online retailers. The TTC looks like a good farm companion too. Never know when a 'yote will sneak into the feed lot!

My TTC should be here tomorrow or Wednesday. Thanks for all the input! I can't wait to get the cosmoline out of it and put some rounds downrange.

jsmaye · April 28, 2009, 07:39 AM

Quote:

I'm mainly buying the TTC so I can keep shooting something centerfire over the summer.

That's one of the reasons I bought a CZ vz-82. The 9x18 round is a little anemic compared to my others, but it's the only round on the shelves these days, along with the 7.62x25mm.

overkill556x45 · April 28, 2009, 08:02 AM

I thought about getting a vz-82 as well, but 7.62x25mm costs about half what they charge for 9x18mm. I've always wanted a Bulgarian makarov, so if I ever go the 9x18 route, that'll be my platform.

I also bought the TTC because mags and parts (even aftermarket!) are widely available and pretty cheap. As soon as my accounts recover, I'm going to build an "oh crap kit" with replacement springs and an extra firing pin or two. Of course I need about a half dozen magazines first.

jsmaye · April 28, 2009, 08:18 AM

I would have bought a Makarov if I could have found one.

lagavulin62 · April 28, 2009, 07:45 PM

I like your ammo reasoning for buying the tt33. been considering one myself but really the 199 price is what has kept me from buying. for that price I could pickup another p64 from j&g. really need to get a second one in case my first has problems. still the tt33 and different round is tempting in this "hard times" environment. i'll be much interested to know how your first experience at the range goes so please keep us posted.

huchahuchax · April 29, 2009, 05:21 PM

Just got back from shooting my Tokarev - not what I expected, but in a good way. I guess it was more noisy than most pistols, but recoil was hardly noticeable. I only put 50 rounds through it, but the gun cycled perfectly. The trigger on my gun seems light and smooth - I prefer it to any of my 1911's. The hardest part of shooting this gun is finding the front sight, but I wasn't rapid firing, so that wasn't too big of a deal.
Let's talk about accuracy - WOW! I was concerned because the inside of my barrel looks frosted up or pitted. I'm not worried anymore. This gun is a tack driver! Those pinko, commie, bastards were really onto something with this cartridge. It didn't take long to get bored hitting my target (a 4 inch post it note) at 10 yards, so I had to move out to 15 yards for a challenge. Even then, the challenge was finding the front sight.

All in all, I am really impressed with this gun.

Catfish25p2000 · April 29, 2009, 06:06 PM

I just put about 100 rds through one of mine today. Great guns and you will NEVER find cheaper center fire ammo.

Webleymkv · April 30, 2009, 11:29 AM

I had a Norinco 213 (their version of the Tokarev) 9mm for a while. It wasn't particularly pretty and the safety was extremely awkward to manipulate (a safety on a TT is kind of an afterthought anyway), but it was very reliable and quite accurate.

kwells6 · April 30, 2009, 01:18 PM

I've seen a TTC in .32acp at a local pawn shop here...

overkill556x45 · April 30, 2009, 08:19 PM

I got my TTC today. It had about 10 metric tons of cosmoline in it. A couple of hours and several ounces of Hoppe's Elite Solvent (highly trained solvent?) later it was clean and looking good. I am glad I opted for "hand select". The bore is bright--not mirrored--but very bright. The rifling is high and sharp. It looks like it has been very well redone. The finish is almost glossy, and there is no pitting or surface rust on it anywhere. There are a few dings along the back right side of the frame, but not a big deal.

The trigger is NICE. It has a bit of slack, but it is light and crisp once you get past the slack. Sort of like a badly done 1911. The only complaint is that the import-required thumb safety is HARD to engage. It disengages very crisply, but getting it back into position is a chore.

I will put pics up as soon as I can and a range report. My wife just got in a car wreck (she's fine, but the car is done for) so I'll be pretty busy in the near future.

huchahuchax · April 30, 2009, 10:46 PM

My safety was hard too. It has taken a little bit of fighting with it, but mine has loosened up.

454 gunner · May 1, 2009, 12:05 AM

If you want to get ALL of the cosmoline gone, use gasoline, it seems to melt off very quick compared to other methods. Less time cleaning, more time shooting your new toy.

jsmaye · May 1, 2009, 07:27 AM

To me, the extra flammability hazard of gasoline (and acetone) is not worth the few minutes saved by their expediency.

April 23, 2009, 06:09 PM	#1
overkill556x45 Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 624	TTC/TT-33 thoughts? I just ordered a Romanian TTC from J&G sales, and yes, I paid the extra $10 for a hand picked one. I also just threw down some cash on a spam can of Romanian 7.62x25mm. At least I'll be able to shoot over the summer now. My pile of .22lr and 9x19mm is dwindling to dangerous levels. Tokarev ammo seems to still be plentiful and cheaper than the alternatives. Like I said, I've already spent money, so I'm not looking for advice so much as tales of wonderment involving your TTC/TT-33. For the price of the pistol and ammo, you'd think everyone and their dog would have one...or two. So, does anyone else own a TT-33 or TTC? If so, is it as much fun as I think it will be? My only experience with the TT-33 is from when an EOD technician nearly shot himself in the foot with one while I was in Trashcanistan. Thanks.

April 23, 2009, 07:09 PM	#2
fat old gun nut Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Posts: 244	TT-33 thoughts Saw one in a pawn shop that was chambered in 9x19 (Lugar). Any thoughts on that? __________________ "I may disagree with what you say but will defend to my death your right to say it"- T. Jefferson

April 27, 2009, 12:02 PM	#7
Tamara Moderator Emeritus Join Date: March 11, 2000 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 16,002	I have a Polish Tokarev, made by Radom. It's pleasant to shoot, within the constraints of its heavy trigger and dinky sights. __________________ MOLON LABE! 2% Unobtainium, 98% Hypetanium. The Arms Room: An Online Museum.

April 28, 2009, 08:18 AM	#11
jsmaye Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2008 Location: Amarillo, Tx Posts: 616	I would have bought a Makarov if I could have found one. __________________ No matter how big and tough you are, when a two-year-old hands you a toy phone you'll answer it.

April 30, 2009, 01:18 PM	#16
kwells6 Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 437	I've seen a TTC in .32acp at a local pawn shop here... __________________ "Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it."

April 23, 2009, 07:14 PM	#3
overkill556x45 Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 624	Careful- that may be 9mm Largo. I've seen a lot of "drop-in" kits to convert them to 9x23mm (Largo).

April 23, 2009, 09:52 PM	#4
huchahuchax Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2007 Posts: 298	I just got mine from J&G yesterday. I spent most of this afternoon cleaning it. I forgot to pay the "hand pick" fee, but the finish on mine is pretty decent. The barrel is pitted pretty bad but all the rifling is still there. I haven't got a chance to shoot it yet. From what I have heard, they are a handful to shoot, and that is just the kind of guns I like - I'm looking forward to it.

April 23, 2009, 11:27 PM	#5
grimjaw Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2005 Location: Arkansas Posts: 359	I've had the Polish and Romanian versions of the TT-33. The Polish one was better finished, but the barrel crown was pitted. I don't know if that's what led to it shooting poorly, but it did shoot poorly with both Yugo and Romy surplus. The Romanian version I had was a good shooter, and of course the finish was typical for a Romanian product. The triggers on both were nothing to write home about, but they pistols functioned 100%. I had fun with mine, but I didn't have enough fun to keep it. Others will have different experiences. jm

April 24, 2009, 09:11 PM	#6
timgd Member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Location: SF bay area Posts: 85	I had a chicom type 54 that came home with me in 68 it was fun to shoot and fairly accurate but would not cycle reliably. I don't know if it was poor quality ammo, captured , or the shrapnel wounds to the frame and slide. With ammo cheap and plentiful I would certainly consider getting another one if I could find one without the retro fit safety.

April 27, 2009, 04:02 PM	#8
overkill556x45 Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 624	I can deal with a heavy trigger. I think the Rommies have bigger sights, but that's not a huge deal either. Being 24, I still have most of my vision. I'm mainly buying the TTC so I can keep shooting something centerfire over the summer. There ain't nothin' on the ammo shelves here in the flatlands-- but 7.62x25mm is in stock and cheap at most online retailers. The TTC looks like a good farm companion too. Never know when a 'yote will sneak into the feed lot! My TTC should be here tomorrow or Wednesday. Thanks for all the input! I can't wait to get the cosmoline out of it and put some rounds downrange.

April 28, 2009, 08:02 AM	#10
overkill556x45 Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 624	I thought about getting a vz-82 as well, but 7.62x25mm costs about half what they charge for 9x18mm. I've always wanted a Bulgarian makarov, so if I ever go the 9x18 route, that'll be my platform. I also bought the TTC because mags and parts (even aftermarket!) are widely available and pretty cheap. As soon as my accounts recover, I'm going to build an "oh crap kit" with replacement springs and an extra firing pin or two. Of course I need about a half dozen magazines first.

April 28, 2009, 07:45 PM	#12
lagavulin62 Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2008 Location: Montgomery, Texas Posts: 222	I like your ammo reasoning for buying the tt33. been considering one myself but really the 199 price is what has kept me from buying. for that price I could pickup another p64 from j&g. really need to get a second one in case my first has problems. still the tt33 and different round is tempting in this "hard times" environment. i'll be much interested to know how your first experience at the range goes so please keep us posted.

April 29, 2009, 05:21 PM	#13
huchahuchax Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2007 Posts: 298	Just got back from shooting my Tokarev - not what I expected, but in a good way. I guess it was more noisy than most pistols, but recoil was hardly noticeable. I only put 50 rounds through it, but the gun cycled perfectly. The trigger on my gun seems light and smooth - I prefer it to any of my 1911's. The hardest part of shooting this gun is finding the front sight, but I wasn't rapid firing, so that wasn't too big of a deal. Let's talk about accuracy - WOW! I was concerned because the inside of my barrel looks frosted up or pitted. I'm not worried anymore. This gun is a tack driver! Those pinko, commie, bastards were really onto something with this cartridge. It didn't take long to get bored hitting my target (a 4 inch post it note) at 10 yards, so I had to move out to 15 yards for a challenge. Even then, the challenge was finding the front sight. All in all, I am really impressed with this gun.

April 29, 2009, 06:06 PM	#14
Catfish25p2000 Senior Member Join Date: April 26, 2009 Posts: 263	I just put about 100 rds through one of mine today. Great guns and you will NEVER find cheaper center fire ammo.

April 30, 2009, 11:29 AM	#15
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	I had a Norinco 213 (their version of the Tokarev) 9mm for a while. It wasn't particularly pretty and the safety was extremely awkward to manipulate (a safety on a TT is kind of an afterthought anyway), but it was very reliable and quite accurate.

April 30, 2009, 08:19 PM	#17
overkill556x45 Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 624	I got my TTC today. It had about 10 metric tons of cosmoline in it. A couple of hours and several ounces of Hoppe's Elite Solvent (highly trained solvent?) later it was clean and looking good. I am glad I opted for "hand select". The bore is bright--not mirrored--but very bright. The rifling is high and sharp. It looks like it has been very well redone. The finish is almost glossy, and there is no pitting or surface rust on it anywhere. There are a few dings along the back right side of the frame, but not a big deal. The trigger is NICE. It has a bit of slack, but it is light and crisp once you get past the slack. Sort of like a badly done 1911. The only complaint is that the import-required thumb safety is HARD to engage. It disengages very crisply, but getting it back into position is a chore. I will put pics up as soon as I can and a range report. My wife just got in a car wreck (she's fine, but the car is done for) so I'll be pretty busy in the near future.

April 30, 2009, 10:46 PM	#18
huchahuchax Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2007 Posts: 298	My safety was hard too. It has taken a little bit of fighting with it, but mine has loosened up.

May 1, 2009, 12:05 AM	#19
454 gunner Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 152	If you want to get ALL of the cosmoline gone, use gasoline, it seems to melt off very quick compared to other methods. Less time cleaning, more time shooting your new toy.

May 1, 2009, 07:27 AM	#20
jsmaye Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2008 Location: Amarillo, Tx Posts: 616	To me, the extra flammability hazard of gasoline (and acetone) is not worth the few minutes saved by their expediency. __________________ No matter how big and tough you are, when a two-year-old hands you a toy phone you'll answer it.