72 usmc Posted November 19, 2022 Share Posted November 19, 2022 Baikal MP 656K Tokarev BB pistol A REAL STEEL REPLICA AIR GUN I have a few real military collectable bolt action firearms, but I cannot shoot them in my yard. I am a type collector that only needs one type specimen of a specific firearm. What makes air guns appealing in America is their reasonable price, cheep ammo, shot range, and the ability to shoot them in the yard. Some collectors specialize in a certain era, while others concentrate on specific types of airguns like military trainers, Centennial models, or air guns of specific manufacturers. Some collect rifles, some only pistols, some just collect only new in the box like Umerax military or cowboy western replicas. Some concentrate on BB versions, while others concentrate on pellet versions. A few collectors are competition shooters and strive for very high end pellet rifles. Then some are eclectic collectors that search out and love the odd ball or strange airguns. Collecting and shooting air guns is popular in America. I collect military air gun replicas. Some are NOS in the box and are never fired. I like the real version of a firearm, then a BB or pellet replica version, and also a .22 caliber trainer version of the same firearm. Two of the old time great BB replica hand guns that are difficult to find in the United States are the Baikal Makrov MP 654K and the Baikal Tokarev MP 656K. Both are rare finds in the United States. These are considered the Holy Grails of any BB pistol collection. In the late1990s, Baikal started converting surplus Russian military pistols into BB guns that contain mostly real parts from the genuine surplus pistol or new original non hardened parts to make their replica BB shooters. For a short time, both models were imported into America by Pyramyd Air which is one of the more popular and larger sellers of air guns in the U. S. Shortly after their introduction and early sales, the importation of these two Russian BB pistols, that were made at the same factory that manufactured the real pistols, was stopped by the ATF because of the assumed possibility of conversion back into a functioning firearm that would again be able to fire live ammo. In 2001 the ATF stopped importation of the Baikal Makrov MP 654K. Only Generation 1 and 2 pistols were sold by Pyramyd Air. This was the first model to be halted. As part of the introduction I will briefly show the Baikal Makrow, this post will primarily discuss the second model, the Russian Baikal Tokarev MP 656K. For reference, I am providing below some photos of my Generation 1 Makrov MP 654K dated 1998. For background information please see the following links: (Some of the current links all show out of stock prices and the old information that may be removed as out dated. Consequently, I saved some links on the Wayback Machine Archive in an effort to preserve the information. I will provide both sources.) See the Wayback machine archive for the old blog, Just like a REAL gun! Tom Gaylord (B.B. Pelletier) August 8, 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20210802205154/https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2005/08/just-like-a-real-gun/ The Markrov air pistol, parts 1-6 a review by Tom Gaylord (B.B. Pelletier) May 17, 2022 This is an up date of old information by the author. Part 1 https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2022/05/makarov-co2-bb-pistol-part-1/?swcfpc=1 Part 2 https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2022/05/makarov-co2-bb-pistol-part-2/?swcfpc=1 Part 3 https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2022/06/makarov-co2-bb-pistol-part-3/?swcfpc=1 Part 4 ….https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2022/06/makarov-ultra-co2-bb-pistol-with-blowback-part-4/?swcfpc=1 Part 5….https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2022/06/makarov-ultra-co2-bb-pistol-with-blowback-part-5/?swcfpc=1 part 6 the Baikal https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2022/07/makarov-co2-bb-pistol-made-from-a-firearm-part-6/ Below is a photo of a Generation 1 (1998) and a Generation 3 (2006) Makarov Mp 654K. The Mp 656K The second Baikal model that is sought after is the Tokarev MP 656K that was imported into the U. S. during late 2009 to 2010. This model was built utilizing surplus military Tokarev pistols. I have seen three versions: some MP 656K BB pistols have matching slides and frames and retain their original military markings, others maintained their original markings, but had mismatched slides and lowers, and a third version has scrubbed components lacking the original Russian markings. On their exterior, the top of the slide and the left side of the frame are devoid of all original Russian markings. The third version was renumbered with a new dot matrix fourteen digit serial number on the left side of the frame, while the top of the slide remained unmarked. These three versions were sold for a very short time by Pyramyd Air in 2010. By 2011, importation of the Baikal Tokarev MP 656K was also halted by the ATF. In late fall of 2010, the $200 BB pistol went on sale for $149 and the few they had left sold quickly. Since this time, the prices on both of these Baikal Russian made - now banned - BB pistols has skyrocketed due to the limited number found in America. Most are in the hands of collectors. Few are found for sale. I have no idea how many Pyramyd Air imported and sold. The numbers seem small and are possibly less than a thousand. No references seem to indicate how many were sold. Both of these Baikal BB pistols were Co2 conversions made with real steel parts. Their parts were machined at the original factory or taken from junk surplus military pistols. Most replicas like Umarex or Gletcher are made with the more common aluminum zinc alloy (Zamac) or the ABS or nylon polymer plastic found in airsoft replicas. As stated, the Tokarev MP 656K has hardened steel parts obtained from surplus military pistols. In contrast, the Makrov contains some newly made CNC machined steel parts. In some countries of Europe both BB pistols can still be obtained. The Makrov MP 564K has evolved into five generations: Gen 1 1998-1999 The hardest to find and most desired & closest to a real pistol. Gen 2 2000-2003 The second hardest to find. Gen 3 2004-2009 Some of the best quality shooters Gen 4 2010-2012 Lower quality build Gen 5 2013 to present A return to a high quality product Please consult these specific references for further information about the Baikal Makrov: The Pistol Place Baikal MP-654K Review DECEMBER 1, 2013 BY STEVEMACG 1) https://pistolplace.wordpress.com/2013/12/01/baikal-mp-654k-review/ https://web.archive.org/web/20211206091219/https://pistolplace.wordpress.com/2013/12/01/baikal-mp-654k-review/ A repeat, but an interesting source for additional air gun reviews: The World of Replica Air pistols: Baikal MP-654K January 11, 2017 by Stevemac in Replica Air Pistol Review 2) https://worap.wordpress.com/2017/01/11/baikal-mp-654k/ The Gletcher Makrov https://pistolplace.wordpress.com/2020/08/27/gletcher-pm-1951/ THE MODEL T 656 The Tokarev MP 656K is still made in Europe, but in an improved form. The Tokarev T 656 is an updated model sold by Russ-guns-de.net. It is expensive at 699 euros( that is approximately $723 in 2022) and there is a wait for the build. In the US real Soviet block Tokarevs can be had for around$400. The T 656’s main difference is the updated, redesigned magazine that makes it look like an original Tokarev and the use of newly made parts to build the pistol. Information can be found here: 1) https://www.russ-guns-de.net/tt33-vollstahl-t656-air-gun-4-5mm-steel-bbs The TT33 (T 656) model Tokarev is a steel air pistol that fires 4.5mm steel BBs with an improved, realistic size magazine that holds the Co2 and BBs. Because of the unique redesigned magazine, no Co2 cartridge is fit into the grip. As a result, no modifications to the pistol’s grip occurs. Grip panels are like originals - no screw holds on the grips. Consequently, the model T 656 maintains an authentic look. This is one of the most realistic looking BB replicas of the Russian Tokarev. In contrast, the Baikal model, (MP 565K) has an enlarged magazine that hold the Co2 cartridge and has a turn key positioned at the bottom of the magazine. The grip of the original surplus pistol was cut out and the insides modified so that the Co2 cartridge fit into the pistol’s grip. The T 656 and the MP 656k have very different magazine designs. The MP 656K looks like a BB pistol whereas the T 656 looks like a real Tokarev. I have not seen or inspected an actual version of the T 656 Tokarev BB replica. Very little information in English can be found on the web about these air pistols. It is possible some German air gun forums may have additional information. The German company MWM Gilman Gmb H offers a variety of military replicas. THE BAIKAL MP 656K What follows is a discussion and examination of the early Baikal MP 656K. It is an air pistol replica of a Russian Tokarev that is very difficult to find since the ATF stopped importation and ended sales at Pyramyd Air in early 2011. Most were sold in 2010. When the MP 656K first appeared on the market, Tom Gaylord wrote a four part review of this BB pistol. It still remains the best source of photos and information about the Russian made MP 656K air gun. These reviews can be found on Pyramyd Air’s reference page at the following links: IZH MP-656K or TT33 BB pistol – Part 1-4 by Tom Gaylord (B.B. Pelletier) May 28, 2010, 2 June 2010, 9 June 2010, AND 16 June 2010 Part 1 of review: https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2010/05/izh-mp-656k-or-tt33-bb-pistol-part-1/ Part 2 https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2010/06/izh-mp-656k-or-tt33-bb-pistol-part-2/ Part 3 https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2010/06/izh-mp-656k-or-tt33-bb-pistol-part-3/ Part 4 https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2010/06/izh-mp-656k-or-tt33-bb-pistol-part-4/ For old sale information from Germany, see muzzle.de (2012) and from America, Pyramyd Air (2010): https://web.archive.org/web/20200205200028/http://www.muzzle.de/N6/CO2/Baikal_MP-656K/baikal_mp-656k.html http://www.muzzle.de/N6/CO2/Baikal_MP-656K/baikal_mp-656k.html German sale source photo of the MP 656K Pa sale source photo of the MP 656K Source has been removed due to age by PA. These photos from my files. date 2010 GENERAL DESCRIPTION MP 656K The MP 656K is an air gun replica of an older military Russian Tokarev TT33 pistol from WWII. It is a military service pistol converted to an air gun with Co2 propellent. This BB replica is assembled from many of the same machined, hardened steel parts derived from the original firearm.The air gun utilizes the original Tokarev frame, slide, trigger group, and CCCP marked grips. Most examples sold by Pyramid Air (PA) came in a black plastic case and maintained their original historical markings. The first examples of the MP 656K were introduced in August of 2010 (part #IZH MP-656K) by PA, but because of the price of $200 (when surplus Polish and Romanian T 33 pistols sold around $175-225 in the U. S.), it was a rather expensive BB pistol geared toward the collector market. The MP 656K was not marketed for the casual shooter that were accustomed to paying $30-$50 for BB pistols. Below is a parts list from a German web page. This list is also shown in the instruction booklet that comes with the MP 656K. Baikal MP656K German parts list. The source is: http://www.muzzle.de/N6/CO2/Baikal_MP-656K/baikal_mp-656k.html https://web.archive.org/web/20200205200028/http://www.muzzle.de/N6/CO2/Baikal_MP-656K/baikal_mp-656k.html The MP 656K has the same weight and heft as the original pistol. Obviously, because it utilizes the same frame and slide, it is the exact size as the original T33. The replica is manufactured in Russia by the Baikal company (Izhevsky Mekhanichesky Zavod factory). Baikal modified excess original surplus Tokarevs to utilize a Co2 cartridge to fire .177 cal BBs. Just like the original T33s, the MP 656K is made entirely of steel parts except for the plastic grips. While some are found matching, others are found mismatched or sterile. However, all three versions retained many of the original WW II Tok parts and the dark blue finish of the original WWII Russian military T33.The MP 656K is designed to be a single fire BB gun and lacks a blowback feature. The slide is functional and cocks the hammer. The hammer must be manually cocked for each shot. Like a real Tokarev, cocking the firearm is accomplished by pulling back on the hammer with your thumb or by racking the slide. You cannot fire the replica by simply pulling the trigger. It cannot fire pellets, only BBs. The magazine holds 13 steel BBs. The magazine holds both the BBs and the Co2 cartridge and is much wider than an actual Tokarev eight round magazine. In order for this magazine to fit into the MP 656K, the pistol’s grip has been modified. It has been cut and milled out removing the grip panel locks and a portion of the frame so the wider magazine will fit into the air gun’s grip. There is a small screw that is not found on an original T33 to hold the plastic original grips in place. Trigger pull is about the same as a real Tokarev. Baikal used the original firearm barrel as a sleeve to align the BB barrel in the pistol. The BB barrel is the same diameter, but it is recessed about 3/4 of an inch so it’s difficult to tell if it is a BB barrel from a distance. The muzzle end looks similar to a real T33. The barrel is a smooth bore. Both sights have been ground in order to correct the aim so the BB hits the target. Two parts are left off of the air gun version. On the slide, the extractor and ejector were left off of the gun. The air gun does not require an extractor. Consequently, Baikal simply left the parts off of the air gun. When you open the plastic case and take your MP 656K out, you will need to realize that these parts will be missing on your air gun. The take down of the air gun is basically the same as an original T33 Tokarev with some slight differences. The grips are different because they no longer have the T shaped latch arrangement. The grips are held on by a screw. The firing pin has also been modified. In order to insert the BB magazine you must draw back on the slide to allow the magazine to slip into position. While the MP 656K is steel and has the same weight and shape as an authentic Tokarev, the look of the magazine definitely gives it away as a BB replica. The best photographic review of the different parts is found in Tom Gaylord’s Part 2 review: Source: https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2010/06/izh-mp-656k-or-tt33-bb-pistol-part-2/ https://web.archive.org/web/20220528110826/https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2010/06/izh-mp-656k-or-tt33-bb-pistol-part-2/ This review has remained in the PA reference section since 2010 and is rather old. I will reproduce some of Mr Gaylord’s excellent photos here as a record in case the old PA links vanish. Most old forum posts about the MP 656K from 2010-2011 have vanished. These photos are from the above source. Finally, the T 656 replica is like the MP 656K. However, the T 656’s magazine was redesigned to appear as a normal Tokarev magazine. Below are views of the magazine from each replica so the reader can see the difference. T The two different magazines are the primary attributes used to identify each model at a glance. The MP 656K has a fat magazine that holds the BBs and Co2 cartridge. On its bottom is a turn key used to tighten and seal the Co2 cartridge. It does not look anything like a real Tokarev magazine. In contrast, the later, improved T 656 has a flat narrow magazine that is the same shape and size as is found on an original Tokarev. It does not hold the Co2 cartridge. The T 656’s magazine is modified to allow for the transfer of Co2 gas from a Co2 cartridge utilizing a special adapter into a side valve on the T 656 magazine. After the gas transfer, the Co2 gas is held in the newly designed, more authentic looking magazine. It slides into the grip like a normal Tokarev magazine. Once loaded into the grip, the magazine appears no different from a normal Tokarev magazine. As a result of the redesign, it is difficult to tell if the T 656 is a real military pistol or an air gun replica. As a replica, the T 656s realism is astounding. However, after all of the effort to improve the magazine and the overall pistol’s realism, it is odd that the T 656 does not duplicate the Russian markings as found on an original Russian T33s frame and slide. Unfortunately, the T 656 is not imported into the U.S. and due to its cost, it is definitely a high end collectable. The MP 656K pistol that Pyramid Air sold in the summer of 2010 came in a black plastic pistol case. At least the three I have seen. Included the box was the air gun, one magazine, a thin owner’s manual in English, a combination wrench and extra replacement seal kit in a plastic bag, and a small plastic packet of steel BBs. Pistols sold in Europe and Canada came in a plain paste board box with the pistol wrapped in a brown wax paper preservative wrap. The same accessories were included in the cardboard box. I do not know if the MP 656K was sold in the cardboard box in the U. S. It is possible that when they were originally imported by Pyramid Air, the pistols arrived in the paste board box from Baikal and PA up-graded the packaging to the plastic case. I find this unlikely because the few I have seen are marked with a “BAIKAL” logo. I can find no information regarding the packaging. Plastic case photo and cardboard box photo For BB gun collectors, the Holy Grail of air pistols is a steel version of the Baikal MP 656K. The best specimen is one that matches and has its Russian markings intact (the serial number and factory mark - Tula or Izzy) and the Russian proof and inspection marks remain on the parts. Below are two photos showing examples of the original Tokarev markings found on a Russian WW II Tokarev: T33 photos of slide and receiver In his book, The Complete Book of Tokarev Pistols, Cameron S. White (2020:63) mentions the Baikal MP 656K air pistol. He includes some short comments with close up views of the pistol’s markings, the multi-tool and seal kit, and views of some pages shown in the instruction book. While there are a variety of replica BB and airsoft pistols made, he does not discuss them because they are not conversions from a real Tokarev. MP 656 K box Most Tokarev replicas will be Co2 or green gas. All are made from ABS plastic or Zamac, a metal zinc and aluminum alloy. However, only a few shoot steel BBs. Most are airsoft blowback replicas. These different replicas can range from toylike to fairly accurate representations of a Tokarev. None are made of steel like the MP 656K or the T 656. As far as quality is concerned, Japanese made replicas are known for having the highest quality and realism. Taiwan made replicas are considered average. Korean and Chinese made replicas are known for lower quality workmanship. However, most of these replicas are airsoft versions with the red/orange tip. BB guns are not required to have a colored tip. Only the Gletcher TT NBB (alloy, SA,$160) and the KWC TT33(alloy, blowback, $129) remain as the only BB Tokarev replicas in production on the U.S. market. Photo of a Gletcher insert photo 34 Source: 1) https://www.airgundepot.com/gletcher-tokarev-tt-air-pistol.html https://web.archive.org/web/20201025231734/https://www.airgundepot.com/gletcher-tokarev-tt-air-pistol.html 2) https://www.replicaairguns.com/posts/2015/1/14/gletcher-tt-tokarev-co2-blowback-bb-pistol-table-top-review https://web.archive.org/web/20190316095930/https://www.replicaairguns.com/posts/2015/1/14/gletcher-tt-tokarev-co2-blowback-bb-pistol-table-top-review Photo of a KWC Source: 1) https://www.replicaairguns.us/kwc-tt-33-tokarev-co2-nbb-bb-pistol https://web.archive.org/web/20220125235030/https://www.replicaairguns.us/kwc-tt-33-tokarev-co2-nbb-bb-pistol 2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6equfsOUf8 Both have attributes that make them look unrealistic. Their realism factor is at best average; they are only a representation of a Tokarev. Both the Gletcher and the KWC air guns have seams down the center of the frame from two halves screwed together. They are not solid cast or milled frame versions. The MP 656K puts them to shame. To my knowledge, the best Tokarev replica currently offered would be the T 656 sold in Europe at 699 euros (around $723 in U.S. cash). Some Airsoft Tokarev replicas sold in the States include: Toystar ABS plastic, SA, $40 Hudson HDS T33 ABS plastic, blowback, $149 KTW TT33 alloy, blowback, $105WE TT alloy, blowback, $129 SRC33 alloy, blowback, $95 KSC TT33 Joker alloy, blowback, $230 Toyo Marui KSC alloy, blowback, $530 Airsoft replicas are considered toy guns. They fire 6mm plastic spherical projectiles. Most do not stand up to heavy use. U. S. Federal law does not consider an airsoft replica to be a firearm, but it does mandate that it has an orange tip on its muzzle. These are low power, smooth bore shooters. Some Japanese replicas are quite realistic even with their orange tip. PHOTO DOCUMENTATION What follows are some pictures of my Baikal MP 565K sterile pistol that came in a cardboard box. It has no Russian markings. It has no factory Baikal logo, and no “Made in Russian” import mark. I believe the slide, trigger, and hammer package are original surplus parts. The frame may be a new CNC steel part. All accessories are Baikal (seal kit and multi -purpose tool). No instruction book was included. This was purchased from an ebay seller that had no idea what he had because the instruction book and inventory sheet was not present. The pistol is new NOS in the box. It has a few tiny rust spots from being stored dry in the paper wrap. It appears to have never been taken out of the wrap. No label is on the box. I will compare some of the Baikal parts to my original T33 Russian pistol’s bring back parts. Photos will be arranged with the Baikal on the top or left and the Original T33 Tokarev on the bottom or right. All single part views are of the MP 656K. Here is an old archived post showing my original 1941 Tula Tokarev: Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20210627212906/http://www.surplusrifleforum.org/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=4540 The Box & my MP 565K Pistol. This is how it came. The Slide The Sights The Multipurpose Tool The Grips The comparison of the Mp 656K and the T33 parts The Grip Close up views Barrels Chrome MP 565K Pistol Part Outlay. The Tokarev take down. The Mp 656K Magazine close up views View of both magazines from each pistol mp 656K on top T33 on bottom. View of both hammer groups MP 656K on top or right T33 on the bottom left Close up views of MP 656K hammer group. Metal finish found on the Mp 656K 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72 usmc Posted November 19, 2022 Author Share Posted November 19, 2022 Anyone that owns one of these and can document the ones sold in Europe, please add some photo documentation and information. I would love to hear from owners. Anyone have a T 565 and any updated information on there quality, production, history? 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gildwiller1918 Posted November 19, 2022 Share Posted November 19, 2022 Interesting items, I do not have any, as it is not an area of interest for me. But still an interesting read, thanks for posting! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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