TT-33 Tokarev vs Colt 1911?

I'm going to go with the 1911. Why?

Capacity! The 1911 holds 8! Oh wait, the TT-33 holds 8 as well.

Ok then, how about weight! Yeah that's it, the 1911 weighs 2.4 pounds! Oh wait, the TT-33 is lighter, weighing in at 1.8 pounds. Crap.

Ok then, how about the 1911 was designed by an American Icon, John Moses Browning! Ha! Oh wait...the TT-33 is a commie copy of the Colt 1903...also a JMB design. Crap again. Ok then. How about longevity of service! 1911 is now 102yrs old, the TT-33 is now 83 years old. Finally we have a winner! Another reason is the TT-33 needs a "tool" for disassembly, the 1911 does not. The TT-33 is a stronger gun due to the locking lugs alone. However, the 1911 design has it's strengths as well. How about we go with ammunition availability. 45ACP is so common 7-11 carries it! Well that's an exaggeration, but still, walk into just about any Walmart and you'll find 45ACP, not so much with 7.62x25. Also, as a handloader, I can reload 45acp much easier than the bottle neck cases of the Tokarev. That might not seem like a big deal to you, but to me it's a big deal.

First, I would not say the TT-33 and Colt 1911 have identical builds. Tokorev borrowed some ideas from the 1911, such as the short recoil barrel design and the basic trigger, but there are significant differences:

1. Drastically different caliber.

2. The TT-33 has not safeties. Not the grip safety or the manual safety.

3. The design of the of the action is completely different. Tokorev designed a simple drop-in system, whereas Browning also designed a simple system assembled into the frame.

I find both very comfortable. I was surprise how comfortable the Tokorev design was.

I am much more accurate with the 1911. I don't own a Tokorev, but the Yugo and Romanian knock-offs and I use surplus ammo, maybe that is the difference. I find the Tok design to be combat accurate, but not as accurate as a $400 1911.

The 7.62x25 is much higher velocity than the .45 ACP, so wind is not going to effect it as much as you think. Still a 10 mph wind at 50 yards is 1.3" more drift.

I don't understand what you mean that the 7.62x25mm "has more penetration" as if that is an advantage. The .45 ACP penetrates well enough to do the job and a FMJ 7.62x25mm is more likely to overpentrate in most circumstances.

The 7.62x25mm round, designed around 1930, is basically a beefed up 7.63 Mauser, both of which are pretty much obsolete because they do not fit a useful niche that aren't better fit buy other cartridges. The .45 ACP was designed for the 1911 and is still going strong after 100 years.

Tokarevs are fun to shoot. They might actually be easier to carry, but not as safe. The 1911 is my choice for target shooting and personal defense.

Tokarev Tt-33

Tt 33 Tokarev

Honestly, I have been waiting as I said once here, for someone to again make, a legendary bottle neck pistol cartridge. The new 5.7 attempt is a niche, but, on that idea. I truly feel a bottle neck handgun is the next evolution in handgun technology.

Now as far as the two compared handguns. The Tokarev has always been rather difficult to find ammo and reloading components for. Is relatively new to the American market. I do not remember ever even seeing one sold here before 1995. SO we do not have near as much experience with them as other countries. Accuracy wise, yes, the Tokarev may be better accuracy wise, stock. But, on the other hand, I have several 1911 race guns that do put 10 shots into a nickle sized bullseye at 25 yards ( if I could still hold them that well. LOL, down to good days and bad days now, personally, not to blame the guns )

Overall, I have never bought a Tokarev, likely won't either. BUT, I honestly do believe the bottle neck cartridge idea brought by the Tokarev, is the future of handguns advancement.

There is still the problem of energy. A handgun is supposed to have staggering impact. The Tokarev is way behind in that equation, to the big .45 caliber rock. A .45ACP seems better fit for the purpose of a handgun for protection, and last resort close range, results.

Of course a smaller bullet, a lighter bullet at higher speed will penetrate better. BUT, is that the purpose of a handgun ? Or is the thinking of the .45ACP more practical ? Designed by specification, " to faulter a horse ". For a handgun, I would like one capable of doing just that.

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RE:

TT-33 Tokarev vs Colt 1911?

It's time for this weeks comparison war! (yay!)

Since we had so much fun with the Mosin Nagant quandary, I thought I'd throw another one out there.

Which do you think is better and why: The TT-33 Tokarev vs Colt 1911?

Both were sidearms during WWII and both have very identical builds....

If I was someplace where the former Soviet Union had dumped a bunch of small arms to buy friends, I'd take the Tokarev. If I was in North America I'd go with the 1911. Anywhere else, I'd take a Browning Hi-Power or whatever other shootin' iron is available.

I'll take the 1911, why? Because it's not a Tokarev or one of it's clones.

I own both, almost - a TT33 and a Ballester Molina. As Lana said, both have lousy issue sights, but both also go 'bang' when you pull the trigger.

For carry, the -33 is flatter and lighter.

Even so, I like the .45...but the Tok is in the nightstand nearby.

Obviously the 1911. Browning was the god of all gun developers. And still is.