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TOP 5 Best Soviet Pistols
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The Red Army's primary weapons during the Great Patriotic War, and in subsequent conflicts, were always assault rifles and machine guns. Pistols, due to their limited combat power, were rarely used, but they also occupied an important place in the arsenal of Soviet soldiers. These weapons were indispensable in close combat, used by officers, tank crews, and scouts, and also served as a means of self-defense in critical situations. Some pistols were so popular that they became symbols of the country.

5. Korovin Pistol
The Tula Korovin pistol, known as the TK, was the first mass-produced self-loading pistol produced in the Soviet Union. It was created under the supervision of Soviet gunsmith Sergei Korovin, who gave his name to the invention. The pistol was developed in 1926 at the request of the Dynamo sports society.

Korovin Pistol

The Korovin pistol used 6.35mm Browning cartridges, significant reserves of which remained from pre-revolutionary times. This same ammunition continued to be produced in the USSR until the start of the Great Patriotic War.

Since this weapon was primarily produced for target shooting, it was not mass-produced. Only a few thousand were produced, but due to its use not only in sport but also by NKVD and State Bank officers, this pistol became truly iconic.

4. Nagant
The Nagant revolver was developed in Belgium in 1886, but became widespread in Russia after the 1917 Revolution, after which the name became synonymous with all revolvers. During the Great Patriotic War, the Nagant was the primary weapon of political officers and platoon commanders of the Red Army, who often used it to maintain morale during the offensive. Nagant Revolver

The Nagant had a firing range of up to 150 meters, but its effective sighting range was only about 50 meters, making it more suitable for close combat. Its advantages also included high stopping power and good accuracy. However, it also had a significant drawback: slow reloading.

3. Tula Tokarev
The Tula Tokarev (or TT) gained fame during the Great Patriotic War. Its development began with a competition held in 1929 and was entrusted to the talented gunsmith Fyodor Tokarev. This new pistol was intended to replace the outdated Korovin pistols and Nagant revolvers. The TT remained in production until 1953, during which time over 1.7 million pistols were produced.

Tula Tokarev

This model was distinguished by its simple design and high combat effectiveness; however, despite its advantages, it was not the most reliable or safe pistol. The TT played a significant role during the war, but the need to modernize this weapon also arose.

2. Voevodin Pistol
The Voevodin pistol was developed as a replacement for the Tula Tokarev, but its production was ultimately limited to small batches. The military praised the weapon's accuracy and rate of fire. Although the firing range was only 25 meters, the accuracy remained high.

Voevodin Pistol

This pistol was issued to commanders of various ranks in the Red Army, but mass production never occurred, as the Voevodin pistol was unable to surpass the TT.

1. Mauser K96
Another legendary pistol that certainly deserves first place for its contribution to victory in the Great Patriotic War. The Mauser K96 was developed in Germany in 1895. These pistols were sold in Russia but never produced. Furthermore, the K96 was quite rare and considered a luxury item.

Mauser K96

After the Civil War, most of these pistols ended up in warehouses. However, during the Great Patriotic War, when any available weapon was used, the Mauser K96 played a vital role, expanding the army's arsenal and arming platoon and artillery battery commanders.