Type 51

History of the Type 51

China's Type 51 is nothing more than a domestic replica of the famous Soviet series of Tokarev TT-33 semi-automatic pistols. The TT-33 itself was developed during World War II and is a production friendly version of the original TT-30 series.

Additionally, the TT-30 itself was developed from the world-famous Colt-Browning M1911 pistol.

While the Chinese Type 51 is often considered a direct copy of the Soviet style, it has more grooves (and a narrower shape) on its slides. Furthermore, the two pistols are almost identical in form and function. The Type 51 brought the heavy recoil of the Soviet models, which made them somewhat imprecise - especially in the hands of new operators. The Type 51 also uses the 7.62x25mm Soviet M30 cartridge, a detachable eight-round magazine that fits in the pistol grip.

There are sights on the front and rear, and overall, the Type 51 has most of the looks found in many semi-automatic pistols after the Colt M1911 was introduced.

Specification

Basic

Year of Operation

1967

Origins

China

Categories

semi-automatic pistol

Manufacturer

NORINCO - China

Carrier

China

Roll

Pistol/Pistol

Compact design for close work or general self-defense.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

193mm

7.60 inches

Barrel length

116mm

4.57 inches

Cured weight

1. 12 lbs

0.51 kg

Attractions

Front and back

Action

Semi-automatic; backflush operation

Semi-automatic

One shot per trigger; self-loading or self-loading action supported by internal mechanisms; stroke management (and initial cocking) typically required by operators; subsequent shots assisted by unlocking/moving bolts.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

7. 62x25mm Soviet M30

Circle/Feed

Detachable 8 round box

Strength

Mile speed

1,375 ft/s

(419m/s)

Variants

TT-33 - Soviet production model, Type 51 is a direct replica with some external and minor differences. Type 51 - Chinese production code for the Soviet TT-33. M48 - Polish and Yugoslav production designation for the Soviet TT-33. M65 - Hungarian model designation for the Soviet TT-33.

M68 - The designation for the Soviet TT-33 model produced by North Korea.