I am a child of the Cold War era and my worldview, morals, individual values, and politics all have been admittedly influenced by this experience. For most of my formative years, the United States and the Soviet Union (U.S.S.R.) had enormous stockpiles of nuclear weapons pointed at each other. This destructive threat was made more salient by what seemed to be diametrically opposed world views of communism versus capitalism. Thus, I grew up in the shadow of potential mutually assured nuclear destruction from a potential nuclear war with the Soviet Union. This very real threat resulted in my interest in international politics at a very young age. It also resulted in a strong interest in the history of the last 100 years and how it had shaped the current political landscape. My interests in history specifically focused on the formation of the Soviet Union and the emergence of the United States as a world power in World War I. Then, the conflicts during World War II resulted in the Soviet Union emerging as a counterbalancing power to the United States.
Matching my interest in politics and history was of course a very deep interest in military weapons. Though the AK-47 and the M-16 are likely the most iconic firearms representing the Cold War, my intent is to go a little further back and focus on two firearms that, for me, represent the struggles that resulted in the Soviet Union taking center stage post-World War II. Those struggles specifically were between Russia / The Soviet Union and Germany in both World War and World War II.
It is hard to study Germany through both wars without becoming enamored with their equipment, and the Luger stands out due to its prevalence across both wars, unique design, long-term impact on firearms, and relative availability to civilians in the U.S. Similarly, the Tokarev holds a similar position in the Russian arsenal though more specific to World War II and is even more available to civilians in the U.S.
The Pistole Parabellum: The Luger P08
The Luger, though designed in 1898, is a product of 20th-century engineering and industrialization. The Luger was first made available in the year 1900 and continued production well into the middle of the 20th century. It was designed by Austrian Georg Luger for Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) and originally chambered in 7.65X20mm Parabellum. After switching the chambering to 9X19mm Parabellum, the German Navy adopted the Luger in 1906 and the German Army adopted it in 1908. Parabellum is taken from Latin, specifically, the phrase “Si vis pacem, para bellum” which translates to “If you wish for peace, prepare for war.” This phrase was most recently used in the title of “John Wick: Chapter 3- Parabellum.”
The Luger saw extensive use during World War I, but due to higher production costs (in resources and time), the German military decided to switch to the Walther P38 in 1938. However, production delays resulted in the Luger continuing to be built and distributed to German forces until 1942. Additionally, the Luger continued to see service past its last production date, serving until the end of the Second World War. As the war ended the Luger P08 was a prized trophy for U.S. troops and the first Luger I personally encountered was one of the war trophies brought back from Germany by one of my uncles.
Production of new Luger pistols post World War II was sporadic but continued in various countries until the mid-1980s. All told it is estimated that some three million German Luger pistols were manufactured, and no one is completely sure how many are now in civilian hands within the U.S. Though not cheap (averaging $2500 in the U.S. market), Lugers continue to show up in gun auctions, online, and in stores specializing in older and collectible guns. For those wanting a less expensive (though still not easily available alternative) there is the ERMA LA22 chambered in .22lr produced in the 1950-60’s. Although most Lugers range in age from 80-120 years old, many are still in great condition and the quality of the pieces continues to impress even today.
Tokarev TT-33 Pistol
Prior to 1930, the Soviet Army used the Nagant M1895 Revolver chambered in 7.62×38mmR. The Soviet Army replaced the Nagant revolver in 1930 with the Tokarev TT-30 chambered in 7.62×25mm Tokarev and designed by Fedor Tokarev. The initial version of the TT-30 was produced in smaller numbers from 1930-1936. From 1936 to 1954 the TT-33 (minor changes allowing for quicker construction) was produced in great numbers until replaced by the Makarov pistol in 1954. The Soviet Union stopped production in 1954 with over 1.3 million made, but various licensed and unlicensed versions continued to be produced.
The Tokarev was the primary side arm of the Soviet Army throughout World War II and into the start of the Cold War. U.S. Production and use of the Tokarev continued throughout the East Bloc countries up to the end of the Cold War and past the collapse of the Soviet Union (1989-1991). Many of the Tokarev pistols in civilian hands in the U.S. come from military surplus offerings post World War II from various East Bloc countries. While the German Luger is a prime example of a very well-made precision machined pistol, the Tokarev, like most things Soviet, is functional but nowhere near as refined. Additionally, Tokarevs are much easier to find and are far more affordable firearms at approximately $400.
Luger and Tokarev — How do they compare?
Head-to-head these are both very fun guns to shoot. The ergonomics, recoil, and accuracy of the Luger are all a joy that matches the unique aesthetics. The very distinctive look and cycling action of the toggle system makes Lugers an iconic firearm to add to any collection. Where the Luger is art and precision engineering, the Tokarev is blunt and utilitarian. That is not to say the Tokarev does not have its’ charms. Though more traditional, it has a look all its own. Like many Russian inventions, it is not made to be pretty. It is made to function and function it does. At a much cheaper price point and many coming from the 1950s-1980s, it is easier to justify bringing this piece of Soviet history out to the range.
As the comparison shows the Luger is slightly heavier and most are chambered in the round that often bears its name, the 9mm Luger. Regardless of the round chambered it also has a slower muzzle velocity. The Tokarev pistol’s average ballistics with an 85gr FMJ round is 448-foot pounds compared to the Luger’s average with a 115gr FMJ round at 356-foot pounds. Also, the Tokarev pistol’s 7.62×25mm round has better ballistics at longer ranges. With the same capacity and the Tokarev’s much lower price, if functionality and cost were the only issues, the Tokarev easily wins. But factor in history, easier shooting, and iconic engineering it is easy to see how the Luger remains the sought-after collectible.
I enjoy shooting both and honestly find the Luger to be a better subjective experience. It just feels right in the hand, has very manageable recoil, and is very easy to shoot accurately at most handgun ranges. The Tokarev, by comparison, is a little more like shooting a brick. It is accurate as well, but you can feel the increased ballistic power in the form of greater felt recoil (though still very manageable).
The final nod that goes to the Tokarev is the ease of takedown and cleaning. As would be expected of a Soviet handgun, it is relatively easy to field strip and clean. Though there are much harder guns to take down and clean than the Luger, working on one does make one pine for the simplicity of a much later Austrian gun, the Glock.
Conclusion
The Luger and Tokarev both have their places in history and will remain iconic examples of the previous era of firearms. Though both are still available on the secondhand market, such availability will only become scarcer with each passing year. I doubt Lugers will ever lose their value. Even at their current step price tag, they are worth the investment as their price likely will continue to increase. In the same way, Tokarev pistols are much cheaper, but that price is likely to continue to creep upward as the years march on. My advice is if you see a good deal on one, snap it up! You will not be disappointed.
