Zastava M57 imported by PW Arms Redmond, WA
The Zastava M57 is a Yugoslavian/Serbian semi-automatic pistol chambered in 7.62×25mm Tokarev, produced by Zastava Arms as an improved derivative of the Soviet TT-33. Officially adopted by the Yugoslav People’s Army in 1961, the M57 served as the standard service sidearm until the early 1990s.
Originally developed after the Tito–Stalin split, when Soviet arms deliveries ceased, Zastava engineers reverse-engineered the TT-33 in the mid-1950s and refined the design to meet local requirements. Full serial production of the M57 began in 1963, and the pistol remains in limited modernized production today in variants such as the M57A (7.62×25mm) and M70A (9×19mm).
Key Features
Caliber: 7.62×25mm Tokarev
Action: Single-action, semi-automatic
Magazine: 9-round, single-stack (longer grip vs. standard TT-33’s 8-round mag)
Sights: Dovetailed front sight; serrated slide top to reduce glare.
Additional Details: Lanyard loops on both pistol and magazines; drop-free magazine release
Distinguishing Characteristics
The most noticeable difference between the M57 and other Tokarev-style pistols is its extended grip, which provides a full, comfortable hold while accommodating a 9-round magazine. This small but important change enhances handling, especially when firing the high-velocity 7.62×25mm Tokarev cartridge, known for its sharper recoil compared to 9mm.
While dimensionally similar to the Soviet TT-33, the M57 includes several refinements unique to Zastava’s production, including a redesigned firing pin, a magazine safety, and a captive recoil spring system.
Historical Significance
The Zastava M57 stands as a Cold War-era symbol of Yugoslavia’s independent arms development, bridging Soviet design heritage with local innovation. Its decades of military service and continued commercial production underscore the pistol’s reputation for ruggedness, reliability, and distinctive Tokarev power.
