The Korovin pistol is regarded as the first Soviet semi-automatic pistol.

History

Sergey Korovin designed the first 7.65 mm calibre military pistol around 1922, while working at the famous Tula

Tula, Russia

Tula is an industrial city and the administrative center of Tula Oblast, Russia. It is located south of Moscow, on the Upa River. Population: -History:...

 arms factory TOZ. However, this model proved too complex and difficult. But in 1925 the sport society Dinamo placed an order for a 6.35 mm pocket pistol for sports and civic needs. By 1926, Korovin completed development of a model, and at the end of that year, TOZ began its release.

The following year the gun was approved for use, having received the official title of «Pistol PK Model 1926». Because the gun was not intended for the army, it was considered a "civilian arm", although the average Soviet citizen was not permitted to own it. The majority of TKs were issued to top officers of the Red Army

Red Army

The Workers' and Peasants' Red Army started out as the Soviet Union's revolutionary communist combat groups during the Russian Civil War of 1918-1922. It grew into the national army of the Soviet Union. By the 1930s the Red Army was among the largest armies in history.The "Red Army" name refers to...

, and senior party officials. TKs were often used as gifts or awards. The internal security agency NKVD

NKVD

The People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs was the public and secret police organization of the Soviet Union that directly executed the rule of power of the Soviets, including political repression, during the era of Joseph Stalin....

 was a major consumer of TKs. There were around 300,000 pistols produced.

Note that though the Korovina was developed for the .25 ACP (6.35 mm Browning) cartridge, its heavy construction was able to withstand greater pressure produced by a larger than normal amount of propellant (gun powder). This heavy construction allowed for usage of a "hotter", more powerful cartridge of the same caliber. With this new ammunition, the muzzle velocity was increased by 20-25%.

Construction

In the TC structure is applied with a free gate. Lever fuse is located on the shell left over launching hook. The magazine catch is located at the bottom of the grip. The grip panels came in two types: plastic with TOZ logo, or wooden. Wooden grips came in two versions: checkered or with larger vertical grooves. Until the early 1930s the grips were secured with screws, and thereafter with spring latches similar to those used on the Tokarev pistol.

Technical details

• Type: single-action semi-automatic pistol
• Calibre: .25ACP/ 6.35х16 Browning
• Weight: (unloaded) 423g
• Length: 127 mm
• Barrel length: 68 mm
• Magazine capacity: 8 rounds
• Muzzle velocity: 228 м/s