Soviet Pistols

Mehr zum Buch

This absorbing narrative details the development, combat use, and legacy of influential sidearms employed by the Soviet armed forces. Through a blend of archival and contemporary photography, along with specially commissioned artwork, the story unfolds around the pistols that equipped Soviet and allied troops during and after World War II. In 1930, the TT, a single-action semi-automatic pistol designed by Fedor Vasilyevich Tokarev and chambered for 7.62×25mm ammunition, began to replace the Nagant M1895 revolver in Soviet military service. From 1933, the simplified TT-33 was also issued, arming Soviet and proxy forces globally throughout and after the war. In 1951, Nikolay Fyodorovich Makarov's new pistol entered service, becoming the primary sidearm for Soviet military and police during the Cold War, remaining in use into the 21st century. The 9×18mm Makarov round was utilized in various weapons by Soviet allies, including the Czech vz 82 and the Hungarian FÉG PA63. The PM was soon accompanied by the Stechkin machine pistol, with specialized versions like the PB suppressed model and the compact 5.45×18mm PSM emerging later. Notably, the improved PMM version was developed in 1990 to enhance stopping power. Weaponry expert Leroy Thompson explores the development, combat use, and enduring legacy of the Tokarev, Makarov, Stechkin, and other handguns in this comprehensive study.