Opinions needed on the Romanian Tokarev & Helwan 9mm...

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policerevolvercollector

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I considering buying a Romanian surplus TTC in 7.62x25mm. Anyone have one? How is the quality? Ballistically, it looks like a potent round.

There are some surplus Egyptian Helwans out there too. How do these compare to the Beretta 1951?
 
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Don't do it. Either one.

Ammo for the Tok is expensive and hard to get....and won't be getting any easier to get in the future. I had a Rumanian Tok in 9mm and it was terrible. Poorly made, poorly fitted and the safety didn't work...it was slam the slide forward. There are so many better guns for similar money out there, this one is an oddball and unless you collect WWII stuff, I'd steer clear.

As for the Helwan, they are hit and miss. Some are okay, others are really poor. They don't compare to the Beretta 1951's in any way. The other problem with the Helwan is that it is very difficult to tell which are the good ones and which are the bad ones. A lot of internet research will help, but it'll take a bunch of time. I'd rather spend my time looking for the real thing.
 
The Romanian is a typical pistol of this design. My friend shot his with me 3 weeks ago. As for 7.62x25, get a set of FL dies and make it out of 223. I have all the gear and made 200 brass in about an hour to 70 minutes. Deal with the primer pockets, the just form/size, trim, ream and load. I loaded these for a CZ-52 and a C-96.

The Helwan is about the worst semi auto money can buy. Standard 9mm ammo will mess the gun up in around 100 rounds. The side rail of the slide will bow and render the lock-up un-safe. Ivan
 
I’ve owned both a Beretta 1951 and a Helwan - they don’t compare. The Helwan is a far inferior copy of the Beretta that at best might be barely serviceable and at worst downright dangerous to shoot.
 
It is hard to mess up a Toke. Solid design, but I suggest the Yugo ones.

If you need a cheap gun, try an Armscor/Rock Island .38.
 
Well I am a bit partial!

Stay far away from the Helwan - There's a reason they are so cheap!

I collect Tokarevs - Timeless design - Easy takedown - Shoots an extremely hot round -


These are all Chinese Type 54 -

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The guy agreed to take $200 out the door for the pistol,2 mags & a flap holster. I decided to throw caution to the wind & give it a try. He had installed new Wolff springs too.







Thanks for the pros & cons. Now, I know what to expect.

Best,
Charles

P.S.,

I'm staying away from the Helwan. Thanks for the advice!
 
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