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M57 Yugoslavian Tokarev Overview- Commonly found Cold War Pistol on the US Market


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M57 Yugoslavian Tokarev Overview

Background

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Surplus military  Tokarevs in the United States were common at the gun shows around the late 1980s. They were imported by the crate. First was the trickle of Russian import marked TT33s, followed by a flood of Polish and Romanian Tokarevs. Source of the above photos- web

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Later, around 2009, a few thousand Yugoslavian M57 Tokarevs appeared on the market. This was supposed to be a one time find of a rare version of Tokarevs. Most people purchased these at much higher prices than the $130 Polish or Romanian specimens. The joke was on the first time buyers. By 2010, a ton of Yugoslavian M57s flooded the U.S. market and the $300-$400 M57s dropped down in price to $200 or less. They have become the most common Tokarev found on the U.S. market. Then, around 2020, a batch of military Chinese M54 Tokarevs flooded the market. By then, prices had increased greatly, averaging around $400 each. Prior to this recent influx of surplus Chinese M54s, Chinese Tokarevs were generally not available on the U.S. market.

See M54, 2017 outdated historical information at:

https://web.archive.org/web/20210627212124/http://www.surplusrifleforum.org/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=4371

Only a few of us have Vietnam capture war trophy Chinese M54 pistols. For a view of an M20 bring back Chinese Tokarev, see:

https://www.gunboards.com/threads/chinese-m20-tokarev.1194985/#post-10758294

My bring back is shown below.

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Both Hungarian and North Korean Tokarevs are also a rare find in the United States. In contrast, the Hungarian Tokarevs are common surplus pistols in Canada. Unfortunately, none were imported into the United States. Likewise, it is rare to find the North Korean Tokarev. These are rarely found as war trophies. More common is the WW II Russian bring back Tokarev. For a review of mine see:

https://web.archive.org/web/20210627212906/http://www.surplusrifleforum.org/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=4540

Original war trophy Russian TT33s, Chinese bring backs, and North Korean Tokarevs are very collectible and demand a much higher price. In addition, both a Hungarian Tokarev and Egyptian Tokagypt also command a high price in the U.S. market.

 

Beginning with the influx of surplus M57 military pistols around 2010-2012, and combined with the influx of tons of ammunition tins, the M57 became a nice, desirable shooter to own. Suddenly, the Yugoslavian Zastava Arms M57 pistol became plentiful and a highly demanded surplus pistol for the civilian U.S. market. This was due to its inexpensive 7.62x25mm Tokarev ammunition and its very reasonable price at or around $200 a pistol. Every gun show, gun shop, and hardware store was selling M57s. I began purchasing some specimens as low as $159 a pistol. On my first two pistols I purchased, I noticed different versions of the Yugoslavian emblem on each and then began collecting Yugoslavian Tokarevs for their different crest types. I searched out specimens only in the best condition - some too nice to fire. On the early 2011 M57 imports, condition varied greatly from almost new to well used and worn specimens. They came in a box with the pistol, one or two magazines, a holster, a cleaning rod, and in some cases a cleaning brush.

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The M57 holster varied. Some were lighter colored early versions marked with the holster part number and a BK stamp, while most were darker later production versions. A gentleman from Slovenia posted a variety of military and police holsters on SRF years ago, but the Tokarev M57 holster reference posted on SRF and written by Charles Liscomb is long gone with the demise of the Surplusrifleforum. The M57 group photo is one I saved. White (2020:149) reviews holsters.image.jpeg.02e00d096b024275e935fcc8c8324331.jpeg

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I will review the Yugosalvian M57 Tokarev pistol, present some recent primary references for further reading, identify the M57’s unique features, review the different crest types, and provide recent M57 Production Charts from three primary references.

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Surplus M57 pistol, notice the non-original safety that has been added. Photo source :Wikipedia

 

 

 

The Military Model Yugoslavian M57

The M57 Tokarev is manufactured by the Yugoslavian Crvena Zastava (Red Banner) factory of former Yugoslavia. It was the standard sidearm of the Yugoslavian army. The M57 is a simple recoil operated, locked breech pistol that utilizes the Browning type action. John Browning’s innovations can be found throughout the Tokarev. The Tokarev has the familiar front bushing and locking lugs on the barrel similar to an USGI 1911 45 Auto. Unlike a USGI 1911, the Tokarev never had a manually operated safety level. All original condition military Tokarevs lack a manual safety except for a half-cock notch on its hammer. Magazines are single stack. Sights are fixed on the front of the slide. All Tokarevs lock back the slide on the last fired round indicating the magazine is empty.

All M57 pistols are marked with the distinctive, deeply embossed Yugoslavian crest on the rear top portion of the slide. These are tiny oval 13mm long crests that are difficult to see.

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The Yugoslavian emblem featured five or six torches in the center of the crest surrounded by stalks of wheat on each side with a star at the top. What made these Yugoslavian Tokarevs fun to collect was the many different crest variations. In 2010, there was little history or information written in English about the pistol or its attributes. The primary goal of this paper is to show photo examples of the many crest variations that changed by production year and/or suffix and prefix serial number codes. Variations in the five or six flames that join together as one torch represents the brotherhood of the six federal republics that form Yugoslavia: Serbia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Slovenia. The crest variations act as a primary diagnostic attribute utilized to assemble my collection of M57 pistols. Crest styles changed over time. For a detailed discussion of the crest’s iconic symbolic meanings see White (2020:148).

In summary, all Tokarevs are a Russian simplification of the basic John Browning early semiautomatic pistol design. Externally, they appear similar to a USGI 45 automatic, only thinner in profile. Internally, they are also similar to the 1911 45 automatic pistol. Below is a photo of the parts associated with a USGI 1911 so the reader can see part similarities. For an in-depth review of each pistol and to see the photo’s source (5/24) refer to:

https://www.firearmsnews.com/editorial/tokarev-tt33-pistol-and-its-copies/380327

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USGI  1911 parts

 

All Tokarevs use a Western-style magazine release button similar to the USGI 1911 45 automatic. I love Tokarevs because they are like a slimmer version of the USGI 45 that I used as a  M48A3 tanker in the Marine Corps. The grip is made for normal hands although one’s pinky finger is off the grip on a TT33. If you have larger hands, it is rather uncomfortable because the grip is slim and short causing both of your lower fingers to fall off the grip.

Most Tokarevs from other countries are clones to the Russian TT33. While the Yugoslavian military model M57 is chambered for 7.62x25mm and is a straightforward copy of the Soviet Tokarev, the M57 has some unique Yugoslavian designed features very unlike a Russian TT33. These attributes will be reviewed in three parts: as attributes visible on the exterior of the pistol, as attributes visible on the interior of the pistol, and as general characteristic features and markings. Diagnostic photos obtained from my pistols or other references will be shown to highlight each feature. In order to define the differences more clearly, I will make a comparison between a Russian TT33 and a Yugoslavian M57

Below is a photo of my Russian TT33 bring back and a view of an M57.

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Note no hole is drilled, however an add-on Glock -like trigger is present and easy to switch out. This is an U.S. import.

 

 

References

Four years in the making and a noteworthy reference, Mr. Cameron S. White PhD. wrote a Tokarev reference that is in English: The Complete Book of Tokarev Pistols, 2020, is published by Mowbray Publishing Co.

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This is a fantastic paperback book full of detailed information reviewing the Russian, Polish, Hungarian, Romanian,Yugoslavian, and Chinese pistols. The book covers the M57. It has a multitude of clear, high quality photos There is a great deal of information on pistol variations, holsters, ammunition, and disassembly. The amount of detail is overwhelming. Anyone interested in the Tokarev must add this book to their reference library. Here is a review by Ian McCollum:

A Book Review: The Complete Book of Tokarev Pistols By Ian McCollum Forgotten Weapons

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3ioSS2w6sc

 

A second favorite reference is a web page specific to the M57. My copy is in English. However, this link is not:

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JUGOSLOVENSKI TETEJAC – PRIČA O ZASTAVINOM PIŠTOLJU M57

30/09/2018 by Branko Bogdanović

https://oruzjeonline.com/2018/09/30/jugoslovenski-tetejac-prica-o-zastavinom-pistolju-m57/

 

My third favorite reference is the best link that I have found for the M57’s disassembly. It is worth making a copy of this reference if you own an M57.

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Yugoslavian Tokarev: A Guide – part 1

https://gunningtx.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/yugoslavian-tokarev-a-guide-part-1/

 

 

The Parts of an M57 Yugoslavian Tokarev

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Source Numrich

For those that might want to also review the Russian TT33 dissemble procedure as a fast 3 minute pictorial video see this lower link. Viewing this video may make the photos of the various parts more understandable if you are unfamiliar with a standard Tokarev.

Tokarev TT: full disassembly & assembly

Si vis pacem , para bellum, 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y70Lq0ixcM8

 

 

Other easy web access M57 references include:

1) Zastava M57: The Yugoslavian-Made Clone of the Legendary Soviet TT-33 Pistol by Eric Son 2023

https://special-ops.org/zastava-m57-a-yugoslavian-version-of-tt-pistol/

 

2) Tokarev Pistols: Browning's Legacy in a Russian Gun

https://www.guns.com/news/reviews/tokarev-pistols-brownings-legacy-in-a-russian-gun

 

3) Yugoslavian Tokarev M57 7.62 Tokarev About $250

https://s30380.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/YUGOSLAV-TOKAREV.pdf

 

4) Zastava M57 and M70A: The Yugoslavian Tokarevs

By Adam Borisenko - May 28, 2021

https://gundigest.com/gun-reviews/military-firearms-reviews/zastava-m57-and-m70a-the-yugoslavian-tokarevs

 

5) The History of the Zastava M57

https://zastavam57.com

 

6) M70A commercial, American Rifleman Zastava M70A 9 mm Pistol   by B. GIL HORMAN, May 6, 2013

https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/zastava-m70a-9-mm-

pistol/

 

7)  Tokarev TT-33 Pistol and Its Copies, Firearm News

https://www.firearmsnews.com/editorial/tokarev-tt33-pistol-and-its-copies/380327

 

 

8  ) Gunboards the M57 Tokarev Survey, 2009-present 

https://www.gunboards.com/threads/yugo-m57-tokarev-survey.103742/

 

 

 

The Exterior Attributes

From a distance, the M57 Tokarev has the same general overall appearance as any other Tokarev. It cocks and fires in the same manner. However, the Yugoslavian designers made some visible changes to their pistol.

1)  The most obvious attribute that sets the Yugoslavian M57 apart from any other countries’ Tokarev is the grip size. The grip has the same thickness as Soviet-pattern clones, but it is longer. With the extended pistol grip, the M57 feels more like a USGI 1911 when positioned in one’s hand. The grip’s design avoids the shooter’s fingers hanging off of the bottom.

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2)  The Russian TT33 and its Soviet clones all employ the standard eight round Tokarev magazine. In contrast, unique to the Yugoslavian M57, this pistol employs a nine round magazine. Therefore, the design of the extended frame and grip is appropriately longer to compensate for the unique Tokarev nine round magazine. The M57 carries one extra cartridge. The standard Tokarev eight round magazines will fit into the pistol, but will not lock in or function. The shooter must use a Yugoslavian magazine.

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I have noticed that not all military M57 magazines are similar. Some lock in and some do not. There appears to be some slight variations among M57 military magazines or pistols. The shooter must fit the mags to the pistol. Some may work, some may not. After market magazines can be problematic in the M57. Another design feature common to all Tokarev pistols is that the cartridge feed lips are machined into the Tokarev’s frame. Unlike the 1911, the shooter does not have to worry about bent or cracked feed lips on the magazine.

 

3) Since the 1968 Gun Control Act, the U.S. requires all imported handguns to have a manual safety. This does not include war trophy bring back specimens. While all military Tokarevs have the half cock hammer safety, all imports are also required to have an added safety. These are not all the same. A variety of different aftermarket safeties are being installed on handguns to make them legal for sale in the U.S. market. Unfortunately, most of these unoriginal, cheaply added on safeties ruin the appearance of the pistol and some are applied so poorly that they can impede its function. After purchase, most shooters simply remove the ugly add-on safety leaving a small hole in the frame where it was once installed. Some owners weld over these holes. Below is a sample of different add-on safety devices placed on the Polish, Russian, Romanian and Yugoslavian Tokarev imports.

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The M57 add-on safety is a lever device that requires four modifications to the original pistol.

First, a holes is drilled through the frame, the result is one on each side, in perfect alignment.

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 Next, a notch is cut into the lower edge of the slide. Two blind catch stops are drilled into the frame.

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Finally, the left side upper panel is cut and ground to allow for the safety lever’s movement.

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When applied the add-on safety blocks the sear. The fitting of the M57 add-on safety involved the exact drilling of a hole through the frame near the upper rear of the frame just above the grip panel and precise notching of the slide. Not all holes were aligned properly. On some pistols this machine work was poorly done causing miss fires, jamming of the slide, and inoperable safeties. Some just do not function properly because the pistol fires with the add-on safety in the “safe” position. Consequently, to resolve these problems some shooters simply remove the add-on safety.

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I should mention there are very few M57s that are war trophies in the United States. Such a Tokarev lacking the added on safety would be a jewel in anyones collection. However, on some of the last imports to arrive in the U.S. in 2018, some of the M57 military Tokarevs have a different style Glock-like trigger safety that did not require modifications to the grip, slide, or the drilling of the frame. The importer got smart by adding a modified, new trigger assembly as a safety. While the function of this trigger is miserable, the pistol’s owner simply has to replace the trigger safety device with an original M57 replacement trigger. When doing this, the owner now has an M57 lacking an add-on safety that has no holes in the frame. Only the ugly import mark gives it away as an import. Classic Arms was the first to offer this special batch with Glock-like triggers in April 2018. These were all military crested M57s, offered at $220.

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Later, a batch of Chinese imported Tokarevs also utilized this Glock-like style safety. Most buyers changed out the trigger.

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For a review of the newly discovered hoard of imported M54 Chinese Tokarevs see American Rifleman:

https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/review-norinco-type-54-from-aim-surplus/

 

To swap out the Glock-like trigger and how easy of a procedure it is see:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhBkoHw1w0Q

 

 

4)  Looking at the slide, one notices that the front of the M57 sight is different from the standard Tokarev which has a fixed blade sight that is machined integral with the slide. On the M57 the front sight is attached differently. It is a better design because it is sliding adjustable to the left and right and is dovetailed onto a small, uplifted ramp at the front of the slide. Below are the two sights, the improved M57 sight and then the TT33 sight.

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5)  On the grip, the shooter will notice that the M57 magazine release button is a little larger than the other Tokarev variants. This magazine release button is slightly concave, having a concentric circular ring textured pattern for better feel. This Yugoslavian M57 design is different from the standard smaller, oval top, smooth rounded magazine release button found on other Tokarevs.

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6)  On early M57 pistols with serial number suffix A thru J prefix, odd part numbers are found on most of the larger parts. These start with numbers 0-00.001 to 4-00.100. For an in depth discussion see White (2020:146). Some smaller parts are observed with BK or a BK in a box markings. The BK can be stamped or electro-pencil engraved. These are unique Yugoslavian markings.

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The part or drawing numbers are found on early M57s. Later pistols are devoid of these stamped part numbers. Early M57 nine round magazines are marked with the part number 4-00.100 on the base plate and the side of the magazine. They do not have serial numbers that match to the pistol. The trigger is marked 2-00.004. The hammer group has 3-00-001, the hammer 3-00.002. On the three major components, the frame is numbered 2-00.101, the slide is marked 1-00.001, and the barrel is marked 1-01.001. The grips are marked 2-00.201 and the early holster is marked 5-00.000.

The part numbers are shown in the lower photos:

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7)  Finally, the M57 imports will have a clearly visible ATF required import mark that is generally rather large, although its size and location varies by importer. In 2002, the ATF demanded more prominent import marks that are typically done with dot matrix impingement, stamping, or laser etching. The ATF requires a minimum height of 11/16 inch and a minimum depth of .003 inch for serial numbers and all other import related markings. Two of the largest import companies currently in business in the United States are Century Arms International, whose marks typically read "C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT.”or "C.A.I. Georgia VT." and P.W. Arms Company whose mark reads "PW ARMS REDMOND WA". Both import marks are found on M57 Tokarevs. The PW mark is more common. The U.S. import mark contains the following information: serial number, name of the import company with its city and state, the firearm’s country of origin, model designation, and its caliber/ammunition type. For additional information please see:

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/firearms-guides-importation-verification-firearms-ammunition-firearms-verification-overview

Below are some views of different import marks found on M57 Tokarevs:

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Interior Attributes Not Easily Identified

1)  The M57 military Tokarev has an internal electro-penciled identical assembly number written at four locations inside the pistol (frame, slide, barrel, and hammer package).  More clearly defined, these four locations include the inside bottom frame of the magazine well. This number is only seen when the magazine is removed. When the slide is pulled back, an assembly number is seen on the right side of the slide through the ejection port. The other assembly number locations are discernible only when the pistol is taken down for cleaning. These locations include markings on the lower chamber of the pistol’s barrel, and the upper support bar of the hammer package. Note, in an effort to provide the best photos, I used photos from two different pistols (5988 & 1324) to show the locations of the assembly numbers. All four numbered parts are identical on a matching M57. 

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2)  The M57 trigger is different. Unlike a standard Tokarev, the M57 trigger bar has a notch on its upper edge as a magazine safety feature that locks into a spring and prevents its movement. The trigger cannot be pulled if the magazine is removed. To drop the hammer, one must insert an empty magazine. Below are shown three triggers: the M57 Glock-like safety trigger, a TT33 Russian trigger, and the original M57 trigger:

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3)  In addition, the frame has a leaf spring that acts as a magazine safety assembly that corresponds with the notch on the trigger bar.

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This spring is located on the frame inside and under the left grip at the top the grip cutout. Located on the left end of the grip cutout, this flat leaf spring has a projection on the spring’s end that fits into the trigger notch and prevents movement of the trigger when the magazine is removed. In order to pull the trigger, the magazine must be inserted in the pistol so the mag pushes the spring back and allows the trigger to function. This spring is pushed back by the magazine and leaves a telltale rub mark on the left side of M57 magazines.

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This trigger safety mechanism is a unique Yugoslavian feature not found on other Tokarevs. One must use caution because if you have a M57pistol with an imported Glock-like trigger safety, this spring bar may have been removed. Many buyers snap it off to render this original M57 safety feature inoperative. One should always check to see that their pistol still maintains its original condition.

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4)  The recoil spring is designed differently on the M57. On a standard TT33 or its clones, the recoil spring is a separate coil spring that slides onto the tube-like recoil spring guide. Below is a Numrich schematic of the TT33 Tokarev parts.

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This T33 spring can be cumbersome to handle when assembling a TT33 Tokarev. For detailed TT33 assembly and disassembly procedures with excellent close up photos see White (2020: 209-215, Chapter 14).

In contrast, the Yugoslavians designed a better system using a captive recoil spring unit (a self contained rod and spring) having an internal bending articulating recoil spring guide rod inside the length of the spring. It comes out as one unit and makes assembly of the pistol an easier task.image.png.aeb2f900037472bc400b00eb4e73da08.pngimage.jpeg.91b220facd58f98410cd3b296539ac7c.jpeg

 

5)  A drastic internal design innovation is observed in the M57 firing pin group. It is similar to a USGI 1911 design, but much more complicated and very challenging to remove for cleaning because if one is not careful the many parts fly all over the place and are lost.

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This is an intricate system containing two firing pin springs: the firing pin’s longer spring and a smaller outer firing pin guiding spring. Additional parts include the firing pin, the firing pin extension collar piece and the assembly retainer slide stop plate. This stop plate is similar to the USGI 1911 firing pin stop. On the M57 there is no firing pin retaining split pin to be driven out for the firing pin’s removal. Instead, one simply removes the retaining plate and the M57 firing pin assembly and its five small parts fly out. Because the M57 pin is under spring tension, the shooter should use a rag to prevent the small parts from flying out and getting lost in the field. See the above link (A Guide - Part 1) for clear, detailed instructions about its removal. Equally difficult is attempting to get the firing pin assembly back in. Have three hands and be sure the retaining plate is facing in the correct position.

 

 

6)  The TT33 and M57 firing pin systems are very different.

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As a function of the redesign of the firing pin assembly on the M57, machining changes were made to the slide. The M57’s rear portion of the slide is very different from the standard TT33 slide. The firing pins are different shapes and are not interchangeable between models. The springs are also different. There is no firing pin retaining split pin on an M57 as is found on a TT33.

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The M57’s firing pin assembly is held in place like a USGI 1911’s firing pin with a small, flat, firing pin retaining plate that fits into a milled slot on inside of the slide.

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7)  There is an additional modification to the M57 slide. On the TT33, the slide grip seriations cut into the rear outside of the slide are positioned vertically. TT33 patterns can differ in width, but they are always vertically positioned. Although hardly noticeable, on the M57 these are cut at a slight slant with the top facing forward on the slide. They are not positioned perpendicularly. It is possible that this was done to provide a better grip.

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8 )  The M57 nine round magazine’s spring is longer and has a stronger spring than the standard eight round TT33 magazine. The magazine springs are not interchangeable. All eight round magazines fit all the other Soviet clone Tokarevs and are easily interchangeable. However, only a Yugoslavian nine round magazine will function in an M57 Tokarev. 

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General Characteristic Features and Markings

1)  The bore of the barrel on an M57 is not chrome lined. A large number of surplus M57 imports vary in condition due to poor barrels.The first photo shows a pitted bore the second photo shows a normal bore.

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To simplify production, all Tokarev barrels have locking rings machined completely around their circumference, unlike a USGI 1911 barrel.

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M57 barrel shown above.

 

2)  The left side of the pistol has the identification markings “7.62mm M57” stamped on the slide.

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3)  Pistol grips are marked with a star similar to most Tokarev grips and embossed with letters. However, while similar in construction, Yugoslavian grips are longer than other Tokervs and are not interchangeable. The letter codes are particular to Yugoslavia.

There are two styles of grip panels. The early style Yugoslavian pistol grips are marked with the letters FNRJ (Federal Peoples Republic Yugoslavia), and may be found on 1963-1968 pistols. The later style Yugoslavian pistol grips are marked with the letters SFRJ (Socialist Federated Republic Yugoslavia), and are found on 1968-1982 pistols. Most imports seem to have the later style grips (White 2020:148).

On Gunboards in 2009, Kubura states:

Quote

“FNRJ (from 1946-1963)

Federativna Narodna Republika Jugoslavija

Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia

 

SFRJ (from 1963-1991)

Socijalisticka Federativna Republika Jugoslavija

Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia”

End of Quote

Source is Kubura: https://www.gunboards.com/threads/letters-on-yugo-tokarev-grips.103995/

 

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The early grip is marked in the following pattern. The N is positioned to the left upper corner of the star and the R to the right upper corner. The F is to the lower left corner of the star and the J is to the lower right corner. The later grip is marked with the F positioned to the left upper corner of the star and the R to the right upper corner. The S is to the lower left corner of the star and the J is to the lower right corner. For some reason, the early grip panels (FNRJ) are very difficult to find. It seems most may have been replaced with later (SFRJ) grips. These are original military grips, not commercial grips. On imported M57s in the U.S., the left side grip was altered by milling out the upper right hand corner to allow for movement of the add-on M57 safety lever.

 

4)  The M57 military pistols’ serial number locations can vary. In contrast to most standard Tokarevs from Russia, China, Romania, Poland, Hungry, and North Korea, where the serial number is found on the left side and on the top of the pistol (on the slide), the M57 is unique in that it has its serial number on the right side of the frame and slide. The serial number is not found on the top of the slide.

In 1961, there were only a few zero series M57 trial pistols made that have only numerical serial numbers. Generally, Yugoslavian serial numbers will have a letter suffix used only during the 1963, 1964 and 1965 production, or the more commonly found letter prefix that originated during the 1965 production. The use of a prefix in the serial number continued until the end of production in 1982.

M57 Tokarevs have three identical serial numbers visible on the exterior of the pistol. The barrel is marked with the serial number lacking its suffix or prefix and is visible in the ejection port. The two other serial numbers are found on the right side frame and slide. Their locations can differ. It seems most M57 specimens are found with the other two serial numbers toward the rear of the pistol. Located on the frame, the serial number’s location is just to the rear edge and above the upper edge of the grip panel between the slide and grip. This is positioned about an inch behind the take down slide stop retainer clip. On the slide, the identical serial number is located slightly forward of the frame's serial number. It is positioned directly in front of the slanted slide grasping seriations and above the take down slide stop retainer clip. Generally, the slide exhibits the suffix or prefix letter code included with the serial number while the frame has only the number.

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On other examples, the M57 can have a different location for the serial number. On these pistols, the serial number’s location is found forward of the trigger guard toward the front of the right side of the pistol. On the frame, its location is positioned just behind the front edge of the frame and forward of the trigger guard. On the slide, it is positioned at the bottom edge of the slide in front of the ejection port directly above the serial number found on the frame.

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In summary, serial numbered parts include the frame, slide, and barrel. As standard convention, only the slide generally has the suffix or prefix letter stamped in combination with the number. The barrel and frame generally only exhibit the number. At these two locations, the suffix or prefix is not stamped as part of the serial number. However, a third marking arrangement can exist. Some M57 pistols can have the suffix or prefix letters stamped at both locations. It is stamped on the frame and on the slide.

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Still others can lack a suffix or prefix at both locations. Several variations exist when viewing M57 pistols.

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The M57 magazines do not have the pistol’s serial number stamped on them. In contrast, Russian TT33 magazines are serialized. Example photos of the lower plate on each magazine are shown below:

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Production Tables 

White (2020;157), Sof 2023, and Bogdanović (both web sources) provide M57 production tables by years, letter codes, and serial number ranges.

Each table is slightly different. The first table is found in White’s Tokarev Pistols book on page 157.

White's  chart  found on page  157           image.thumb.jpeg.eedbf27e040af568770214f5eb835d26.jpeg

 

The second table is from Eric Sof, 2023 and this table is an English version of the Bogdanović table. Its source is:

https://special-ops.org/zastava-m57-a-yugoslavian-version-of-tt-pistol/

 Eric Sof's  Table, 2023

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The third table is from the Branko Bogdanović, a Yugoslavian source presented in the web link:

https://oruzjeonline.com/2018/09/30/jugoslovenski-tetejac-prica-o-zastavinom-pistolju-m57/

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5)     Crest Types Examples

On top of the military M57 slide, directly in front of the rear sight, is the tiny Yugoslavian crest. Several different artistic styles of this emblem are known to exist on the Yugoslavian Tokarev. These correspond to the date of manufacture. Most differences are seen in the rendering of the flames and the number of flame tips, touch base dots, and base ribbons. There is also slight artistic variations to the top star. Most shooters do not even know there are differences, but collectors are keenly aware of this fact.

The following section lists examples of M57 crests by letter codes A thru P and a view of a sterile receiver pistol. Included are views from my few remaining pistols, photos from the old SRF and Gunboards posts, as well as Timbuktu’s pistols. Unfortunately, most of both collections have been sold, but the crest photo files have been retained. Most photos date to 2009 or later. Sources will be listed as most of the provenances were saved on the photos.

Quote

The emblem was created by Dorde Andrejevic-Kun, an artist from the capital city of Belgrade in 1943. The emblem for socialist Yugoslavia consisted of five torches that were burning together as a single flame being surrounded by wheat. This represented the unity and brotherhood of the five nations of Yugoslavia which included, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia, but left out the ethnic Muslims. Then in 1963, the name of the country was changed to the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the crest was redesigned with six torches to represent the six Yugoslavian federal republics, Bosnia- Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia.

End of Quote

Source:   https://web.archive.org/web/20181106131243/http://zastavam57.com/

Their can be more than one crest style per serial number prefix or suffix. Their can also be a crest style continued over a two or three year production span. A crest style was not limited to just one year’s prefix or suffix. Generally, the early production pistols have five touch tips while later production pistols have six touch tips. The official name of Yugoslavia was changed on April 7, 1963, to the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (S.F.R.J.), and a new coat of arms with six flames was adopted. However, viewing the gun boards serial number survey found in the above references, it appears it was not until around the C code pistols (1965) that most of the M57 crest styles were changed to all six flame crests. Both the 1963 A pistols and 1964 B pistols exhibit five flame crests. Some crests have less defined indistinct flames. Consequently, it is difficult to identify how many torch tips are actually present. A few crest styles are rather crude.

Many people sent me photos of their M57 pistol’s crest resulting in photo size and clarity differences. In some cases, a variety of views will be shown of the same crest for each production year and alphabetical code. Some provided clear close ups of the crest, while others provided views of the slide with its tiny crest. If a portion of the slide is shown, it is sometimes difficult to clearly identify the crest. Some letter codes will have two or three photos of the same crest, but each photo is from a different person’s pistol. In other words, three examples of the same crest are shown, each from a different pistol.

Other letter codes will show an overview of the entire pistol, and then show photos that provide the views of two different crest styles found for that same letter code. In other words, there are two different crest styles for a single alphabetical suffix or prefix. For example, two different pistols each with a different crest, but both pistols have an A suffix serial number. This is shown below: see (White 2020:152)

 

M57 A Suffix Code Crests

Alphabetical suffix codes were only utilized in the early first two years of production, A in 1963, and B in 1964. Specimens of both of these pistol codes are difficult to find, specially the A code M57. Highlighted is Timbuktu’s A code with a very early M57 cleaning rod made from a Yugoslavian rifle rod. This is very different from the standard M57 cleaning rod later produced. Two crest types shown in White (2020:152) are provided as well as Timbuktu’s pistol with its crest. I was never lucky enough to find an A suffix example.

Views of two different crests from A suffix pistols are shown in White (2020:152) - serial number 0360A and 2323A. He includes many more photographs in his book.

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Next, two photos provide views of M57 A suffix pistols, but neither owner provides views of their crest - 3453A and 4606A. Their source is lost.

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The next two views provide the best photos of the pistol and its crest taken from Timbuktu’s A suffix example. In addition, four photos show an early M57 cleaning rod that came with the pistol and was made from what I believe is a Yugoslavian Mauser’s cleaning rod’s tip. Both an M57 early and standard cleaning rod are shown.

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M57 B Suffix Code Crests

1964

My B code M57 is a rare find. The other photo is from one sold by Atlantic. Four photos are shown. First is two views of B suffix pistols. The first is the Atlantic specimen and the other is 4499B that has an unknown owner. Neither provided views of the crests on these specimens.

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Following the above is two views of the hard to find B suffix crest: 13114B-unknown and my pistol 743XB-lm.

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The format I will use is to first write the serial number, then the owner or “unknown” if its source is lost or not recorded. Note that any “X” at the end of the serial number indicates a blocked out concealed serial number digit. Generally, owners names are listed as forum user’s names.

 

 

M57 C Prefix/Suffix Code Crests

Three C coded pistol variations exist (C suffix, C prefix, and C commercial pistol). My 1992 Commercial M57 is stamped with matching C prefix serial numbers on the right side on the frame. The year date of “92” is also stamped on the right side of the frame just under the retaining clip. A photo is shown.

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White (2020:157) indicates that the use of prefix C on M57 Tokarevs began in 1965. However, military M57 C code crests can have both a common C prefix code and, more rarely, the C code suffix. I will provide detailed photos of a rare C code suffix M57 purchased in 2010 from SOG and owned by Timbuktu. Most do not believe C suffix pistols exist. Both Military models and Commercial pistols share C prefix codes. Commercial Zastava Tokarevs have different markings, grips, and finishes than the original military pistols. Commercial Zastava Tokarevs are covered in detail by White (2020: 157-180) and the web page by Branko Bogdanović:

JUGOSLOVENSKI TETEJAC – PRIČA O ZASTAVINOM PIŠTOLJU M57

All photos shown below are of Military C code Tokarevs. First shown is a C code prefix pistol and then a C code suffix pistol owned by Timbuktu.

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Next is a view of Timbutu’s crest on 1775XC. Two photos are presented of his crest from the suffix 1775XC pistol. This is the only suffix C pistol I have seen.

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Five C prefix crest views are shown in the following order: C2822, C1076X, C287XX-Jeff, and owners Web and Mr m57 that did provide their serial numbers.

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M57 D Prefix Code Crests

1966

Four D prefix crest views will be shown. The first is mine. Then follows D prefix pistols in the following order: D383XX-J&G, D3414X-polish ron, D42843-ptrthgr8.

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M57 E Prefix Code Crests

1967

Only one E prefix crest example was saved and is provided by ron john. No serial number is recorded. 

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 A second example surfaced on Ap 2023 E5159/ jjindustrial on GB. This is a rather exciting pistol lacking a safety. Speculation is that it is a possible Canadian import or bring back???

 

M57 F Prefix Code Crests

1968

Three F prefix examples are shown, first F616XX-polish ron and then F8520X-kyptonic ron and F6400X -J&G

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M57 G Prefix Code Crests

1969

Four G prefix pistol crests are shown in the following order: G8332X-m67, G8332X-solovenia, and two examples lacking recorded serial numbers, a G prefix having an unknown owner, and second G prefix pistol purchased by m67 that exhibits a textured background inside the crest.

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M57 H Prefix Code Crests

1970

H prefix code pistols are fairly common. Five examples will be shown in the following order: H1083X-creek, H 21XXX-lm, H10306X-lm, H4828-todd, and H2122XX-Byhisello (positioned right of mine). I have added H219824 due to its clear photo. A total of six examples. 

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M57 I Prefix Code Crests

1971

I prefix code pistols are also fairly common. Five crest examples will be shown in the following order: I12251X-ptrthgr8, I12018X-bg, I11302X-lm, I122505X-lm, and I unknown-dfassbender.

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M57 J Prefix Code Crests

1972

Two J prefix examples are shown: first J1311XX-thegate, and then J127XX-helpifucan.

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M57 K Prefix Code Crests

1973

Two K prefix examples are shown: first K with an unknown serial number-camaron, and then K134XX-1939mosin.

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M57 M Prefix Code Crests

1974

One M prefix crest example is shown, M1445XX-camarox00.

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M57 N Prefix Code Crests

Generally, each M57 suffix or prefix letter was assigned to a single year although crest styles cross over to multiple years. However, the N prefix pistols experience a complete change in methodology. The N code prefix was utilized for six consecutive years of production,1975 through 1980. Most own N prefix pistols because they are common due to higher production numbers. Three N prefix examples will be shown in the following order: N25539X-mark, N2602X-paladin8, N25538X-classic.

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M57 O Prefix Code Crests

1981

O prefix pistols are not very common and I have never owned one. I have two specimens saved. The first is a view of the entire pistol with serial number O17196X from AIM and a view of its crest. This follows with a view of the crest from O1618XX-unknown source.

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M57 P Prefix Code Crests

1982

The last used alphabetical prefix is P and is found on 1982 production pistols. Again, this is a difficult code to find. I have never owned one and only two crest views of the 0-prefix have been saved: the first is P2673XX-ron john and then P2675XX-speedicut.

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M57 No Crest, A Sterile Slide on the Pistol

Shown below are two views of military version M57s lacking a crest. Could these be possible field replacement slides? At one time I had a photo of an arsenal field Russian Tokarev repair kit in a large wood box, but lost this photo. If I remember correctly, the repair kit contained a spare slide.

The first example is owned by Mr Hunt and the other is owned by me (lm). No serial numbers are provided. I believe sterile slides lacking a crest are more common on commercial pistols produced by Zastava. It is rare to find a military version M57 lacking its crest.

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Conclusion

When the M57 Yugoslavian first appeared on the market around 2009, there were no books or production tables known. Shooters and collectors found the M57 appealing because the pistol and the ammunition were plentiful and inexpensive. Ammunition was cheep at approximately eight cents  per surplus cartridge. Shooters loved the M57. Collectors began to collect them by crest type or by suffix and prefix. Buyers attempted to determine years of production. Unfortunately, most shooters never gave much thought about their pistol’s production history. The M57’s value was as inexpensive shooters. While some buyers were inquisitive about their pistol’s year, few were concerned with the Yugoslavian emblem variations, let alone posting information or photos of the serial number associated with the crest variation. The sample is small for pistols with recorded serial numbers and their associated crest variation.

In the last six years, shooter and collector interest has declined due to a drastic increase in the cost of ammunition, currently 75 cents or more per round, and the average cost of a single pistol hovering around $400 to $550. In addition, the supply of these pistols has gone somewhat dry. They are no longer found at most stores or shows. It is now rather costly to assemble a collection of all production years (20 pistols), or a group of different crest variations. When I sold off my collection, I believe I had at least nine or ten different crest variations. I only purchased a pistol if it had a crest variation that I did not already own. At that time, I did not own any A, J, O, or P coded pistols. I hope to print out the crest photos shown in this post and compare them to ones shown in White’s book and determine actually how many different versions are present in the small sample. At a later date after some study, I hope to present the results and provide a photo of each different crest variation as an addition to this conclusion.

 

 

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Thanks for sharing this USMC what a comprehensive post, well done :thumbsup: 

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Another well done post, great job!

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