Zastava Tokarev M57/M88

First, mandatory disclaimer: I have not shot a M57/M88A, nor do I own one.

However, I've done quite a bit of research and talked to owners. Here's the takeaway:

PLUS
  • Cheap
  • Thin
  • All-metal
  • Field-strips a lot like a 1911, with the added bonus of a nifty removable trigger unit
  • Cheap
  • Usually reliable
  • Safety functions well, and is NOT a chintzy importer add-on as with other Toks
  • Has grip screws rather than usual Tok rotating tabs, so you can replace the grips more easily
  • Did I mention cheap? ;)

MINUS
  • Consistent reports of 9mm models shooting well below POA, which is not easily correctable due to tallish and non-elevation-adjustable rear sight
  • Speaking of which, the tall, skinny, and sharp-edged rear sight is NOT CCW-friendly
  • Grip angle feels weird to most shooters accustomed to Western pistols
  • Slide-mounted, up-for-fire safety may feel awkward to use, YMMV
  • Internal sharp/rough edges
  • Finish isn't pretty
  • Inconsistent trigger pull between individual pistols; some have VERY stiff triggers, recommend trying before you buy
  • Has grip screws rather than usual Tok rotating tabs, so it's possible for screws to "shoot loose" and become lost
  • Future factory support is a big question mark
  • Not THAT much cheaper than some modern designs from big and well-established US gunmakers
  • Not THAT much cheaper than various well-reputed, popular, and inexpensive-but-functional Filipino 1911's and/or Turkish Tanfo/CZ knockoffs
Despite all the minuses, I'm planning on buying one once my cookie jar is a bit more full. I find 'em intriguing. :)
 
Got it. Love it.

Now, for MY plus/minus:

Plus
--------
- cheap way to get into the Tokarev cartridge. You ARE going native, right? 7.62x25 Tok or there is no reason to play.

-going milsurp, right? Great way to get a piece of ComBloc history.

-makes a bang.

-makes a flash

Minus
--------
Cheap - this ain't no Sig, accept it on those terms

Functional, but truly fifth-market sights. Any adjustment is done with a file.

Disconcerting takedown - when the fire control module drops onto the table for the first time, you will swear the pistol is irevocably envicerated.

The trigger works, but don't expect a lot of feedback

Tok ammo a challenge to find. Great cartridge, but not commonly stocked.


Summary:

Total blast to shoot, for me it has been totally reliable thru...maybe 300 rounds. Not as accurate or as easy to shoot as the CZ52.

Would I bet my life on it? Yes, if I didn't have something else.

The M57 is built to a price point. But it is a reliable pistol, if totally, unalterably and irredeemably devoid of the slightest hint of refinement.
 
Got one and I really like it. Not a bad pistol for the price. I wish the ammo was more readily available. You can get the 9mm in the same format but it just isn't a 7.62x25 speedster.
 
Just got rid of my last M 57. Sold it to a pawn shop for what I paid for it awhile ago. It shot alright. I reloaded for it and it really sprays the brass(about 30 ft. by my estimations) My 1911's don't sprays the brass near that far and usually all land in a small circle! They did go bang every time I pulled the trigger though.
 
My intro 15 years ago was an ex US soldier telling me that he took them off dead Viet Cong and carried them around to remind themselves of how primitive the enemy was outfitted.

I got one and it was cheap.
But the more I shot it and looked at the design, the more I liked it.
By 2005 I was on an internet crusade to disagree with the books that said that the CZ52 was stronger than the Tokarev. I had measurements, calculations and experiments. What I got was flames for years, and then some of the same individuals turned around on this. As Marge Simpson says, it it just goes to show that anyone can make a difference.... but they probably shouldn't.

I have reviewed the collector's book by Remling.
http://www.amazon.com/A-collectors-guide-Tokarev-pistols/dp/B0006ECTX6

TokarevBarrelLathe2small.jpg

I have made my own Tokarev barrels

I have converted Tokarevs to 9x23mm and loaded them to atomic levels.
Just for fun, and not practical, as the recoil would damage hand joints and nerves.

TokarevDSCF0002small-1.jpg

I have shot groups at 100 yards.
 
Clark, I woke up today not expecting to be impressed by anything. I am now impressed! My hat's off to you! The Tok's really don't get the level of attention they deserve in my book so anyone who puts that kind of effort into them has my appreciation. Great job!

I picked up a Yugo and Romanian Tok here a year ago from SOG. Both were unissued (as in new, not rebuilds) and appear to be nice weapons. Haven't gotten around to shooting either one yet but will soon. I like the fit and finish of the Yugo much better than the Romanian. Zastava builds good guns. Got a CZ999c incoming as well. I think the Toks are a good bargain considering you're not only getting a good, shootable pistol but a piece of military history as well.
As far as the sights, you might be surprised how well they actually work. Those small narrow notches allow a fine bead that once mastered allows fun plinking on small objects. Hard to hit coke cans or dirt clods when the front sight covers six square feet at 50yds. Bad if POI is off too far but if it hits where you aim and the particular pistol is accurate I like them.
 
If anyone is looking for replacement grips for Zastava M57 and M70A, I have imported two different types. They might need minor modifications depending on your model, but these grips will improve the grip angle, reduce recoil and eliminate hammer bite. You can check them out at razor.arms.com or you can send me private message. Grips are shipped out of Pittsburgh, PA.
 
My Tok is a Chinese 9mm. It is much less sophisticated than my other 9mm pistols, but it goes bang every time and is reasonably accurate.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top