GBB SR33 pistol, powered by green gas, by Star Rainbow Company,

is a replica of the Tokarev (TT-33).

A BIT OF HISTORY

TheTT-33 , Tula, Tokarev pistol is a Soviet Union model 1933. The first version of this weapon was adopted for use in 1931, but it was modernized in 1933 and as the model 1933 was mass produced since 1936.

The weapon is a shirt barrel recoil operated, chambered for 7,62 x 25 mm TT rounds. It is feed from a steel magazine housing 8 rounds. When designing the pistol Tokarev took inspiration from works of John Browning. Externally the TT was modeled on  M1903, and the locked breach on M1911.

The TT pistol was not highly regarded by soldiers of the Red Army. It was said to have many flaws, including poor accuracy. In effect in 1938 a contest for a new semi-automatic pistol  chambered for 7,62 x 25 mm was issued. As the result the TT pistol was to be succeeded by Voievodin’s new design. But the German attack in the Soviet Unionin 1941 ended those plans. Through this course of historyTT-33 remained in army service and was accepted by soldiers during the II World War to such an extent that plans for its replacement were completely scraped.

During the war, the factory that produced Tokarev pistols was evacuated from Tula to Izhevsk. After repeling the German army from Moscow , the plants in Tula were rebuild and production was renewed. Besides Tula and Izhevsk, the production of the TT pistol was also started in Kovrov. Up to 1942, 735 000 TT pistols were produced in the USSR. After the was the production of the TT pistol was continued, ceasing it 1967.

After the II World War  the license was given to many countries under Soviet influence. A total number of TT pistols produced is around 3 million. Until the end of 1950s TTs were also produced in Poland, in Łucznik Arms Factory in Radom. In the People’s Army of Poland it was designated as 7,62 mm army pistol wz. 33 (pw wz. 33).

Despite the fact that the weapon was usually produced with low quality materials and machining was often inaccurate – which resulted in low accuracy - TT had powerful ammunition with good penetration, which was regarded as a advantage of this weapon.

PACKAGE

SR33 replica is delivered in the best, as far as safety and transportation goes, package. A stiff case made of plastic, filled with a sponge insert, ensures 100% safety for the replica and convenience of transportation for the user.

The information function is performed by a plate located in the center of the case. It has crowned letters.

Inside we will find, besides the replica, the manual, hex key for HU adjustment and a badge in typical Soviet military distinction’s style. (The badge is added only to the limited series of the replica, which also has additional engravings and a red case. In the case of the reviewed unit SRC must have added the badge as a bonus).

The esthetic looking manual is in English is printed in a form of a red booklet illustrated by drawings.

FIRST IMPRESSION

The pistol is quite light, but properly balanced. It fits well in one’s hand. In comparison to the M1911 pistol it feel more “slender”, but resembles it quite closely.

The grip is good but also quite wide and players with small hands may feel that. The metal of the slide and frame is cold to the touch, covered with flat matt black paint (it is not true to the original which was glossy). The paint comes off from the slide quite easily.

The pistol fit is quite well, but the slide has a bit of slack which is often found in GBB replicas. This results in quite “clanking” when making quick and rapid movements, but it is in no way inconvenient for the user.

EXTERNAL APPEARANCE

The replica, manufactured by SRC, is visually replicating the real firearm very well. The plastic grip panels have a star with CCCP written on it.

If not for the pistol grip one might mistake it for one of the M1911 versions.

The replica has, true to the original, simple sights.

MARKINGS

The stamped markings visible on the replica are places on the rear part of the frame, on the left side – over the grip panel. Next to the serial number there is also the production year (in this case the production date of the replica - 2012). Placement and contents of the markings is true to the original but there they would not be that esthetic. The replica has no markings on the slide.

MAGAZINE

 The magazine holds 11 BBs.

The feeder latch can be blocked in the pulled down position which considerably helps in loading BBs. (through the hole placed in the bottom front part of the magazine).

The magazine has a thin floor with a leash attachment, which gives it a nice visual look. The floor also has a slight slack, but not greater than in many other gas models we encountered.

In the case of the tested magazine there were problems with the valves seals which resulted in gas leaks. After repairing the seals the magazine worked correctly.

HU ADJUSTMENT

HU adjustment is done after pulling back the slide and locking it in the rear position. Through the ejection port we get to the HU chamber where we find a small hole, in which one must place the hex key. Turing it right/down tightens the hop-up rubber, turning it left/up loosens it.

PISTOL STRIPPED DOWN

To pull out the slide release one must pull back a metal peace located on the other side of the frame.

To pull out the external barrel with the HU chamber one must unscrew a screw placed at the back of the slide.

The way the grip panels are secured.

SHOOTING

Overall impressions from shooting are positive. The slide workings is fluid but at the beginning there were a few shots when the replica could not pull back the slide far enough to and new BBs were not inserted into the chamber. The problem resolved by itself after the next few shots and the replica was working fine. The trigger has a short travel and is pulled with a slight effort, it does not cock the hammer (it can be pullet back by hand or by pulling the slide). During the test there was a single siphon at the and of emptying a magazine when shots were fired in rapid succession. The HU works properly. The blow back strength is average, similar to other GBB pistols.

TESTS

1. Pomiar fps i energii.

The FPS and energy tests were done using Blaster 0.2g BBs.
The average muzzle velocity on those BBs is 266 fps with 0,65 J of energy.

Below is a table presenting 10 consecutive shots:

2. Accuracy and grouping on distances of 15 m (16.40  yd) and 20 m (21.87 yd).

The shots were fired in series of 10 using Blaster 0.2g BBs

The test was carried out using aA3 target with a background of a 1:1 silhouette.

At the distance of 15 m (16.40  yd) we scored 10/10 hits in the 1:1 silhouette (10/10 hits in the A3 target).

At the distance of 20 m (21.87 yd) we scored 10/10 hits in the 1:1 silhouette (9/10 hits in the A3 target).

3. Gas usage (how many shots can be fired on one refill) and efficiency (after how many shots with one refill accuracy and range decreases).

One refill is enough to fire 60 BBs. Drop in efficiency was noticeable during the last 5 shots..

SUMMARY

SR33 pistol by Star Rainbow Company is a replica made with care of being true with the look of the original. The level of replication is very high in our opinion. Despite having low muzzle velocity, the pistol fill the criteria of a sidearm. Additionally SRC TT-33 is a product, that will make fans of the eastern block weaponry very happy. The replica should be appreciated by anyone who plays historical games, but also reenactors for who R33 may by an interesting option, backed by the fact that until now replicas of Tokarev were practically absent from the Airsoft market.

Pros:

+ accurate replication of the original
+ marking true to the original
+ low gas usage
+ case (a very good protection for the replica)

Cons:

- temporary problem with the seal of the magazine valve
- matt and not gloss color
- lack of markings on the slide

The replica was testes thanks to the courtesy ofStar Rainbow Company:

Sources of real firearm photos:

www.world.guns.ru

 Translated by SHOGUN_YAMATO