Margolin Design Pistol: A Weapon Born in Darkness

History of creation

Margolin began creating a small-caliber training and sports pistol in 1938. Before this, he had already made several attempts to design weapons of this kind.

The results of his work were modifications of standard army TT pistols and the Nagan revolver, converted to fire small-caliber cartridges.

However, the development of the promising Margolin pistol was prevented by the Great Patriotic War. The designer participated in the defense of Moscow. Was awarded a medal. After the end of this terrible war, Margolin resumed his work.

As a result, the resulting pistol resembled the legendary TT in appearance and was made on its basis. The design turned out to be unreliable and had to be modified.

Margolin carried out a long and painstaking work, during which he took into account all the technical developments.

The result was a fundamentally new design, completely different from the previous model. Having passed test tests in 1947, the pistol was put into production in 1948 under the marking MTs-1. In 1952, a modification of the MCM was adopted to replace the MTs-1. The main difference was the cartridge used.

From 1950 to 1970, the Margolin pistol was used by athletes participating in all-Union and international competitions. The famous Soviet Olympic champions also used it. For example, Tatyana Ruchko, champion of the Ukrainian SSR.

Design

The MCM pistol uses 5.6 mm small-caliber ammunition. The operating principle of its mechanics is based on the recoil of a free-sliding bolt. The trigger type trigger, with an open trigger, provides the ability to adjust the force on the trigger. Under the barrel there is a return spring with a guide stem.

Removable magazine in the handle, cartridges in a single row, capacity of 5,6 or 10 cartridges (caliber .22LR).

Inside the barrel there are 6 rifling grooves going down to the left. The trunk itself is cylindrical. At the end of the muzzle there is a boss on which the front sight is mounted; some models have a thread there for attaching a compensator.

The firing device of the Margolin pistol has the following parts:

• Spring;
• Trigger with axle and rod;
• Sear with spring;
• Trigger rod with spring;
• Trigger;
• Striker with spring.

The sighting device is micrometric. It is possible to adjust the rear sight and front sight horizontally. This ensures optimal zeroing under the shooter’s hand and, accordingly, accuracy. To reduce recoil, the pistol can be equipped with a compensator.

For better balancing, special weights can be attached from below. The cheeks and the shape of the handle are orthopedic, comfortable and ergonomic. The pistol was supplied with spare parts (Spare parts included). There were various loads for changing the balance of the pistol, weapon care products and spare magazines.

Models of small caliber pistols

Makarova

The blowback function in air pistols is otherwise known as the recoil function, which simulates the slide movements found in firearms; this makes the pneumatic gun special and more beloved among airgun connoisseurs. See also the characteristics of the Makarov pistol here.

In addition, when choosing an air pistol, most people pay attention to the blowback function, otherwise they will not be able to truly enjoy the shots. And it’s even better if, when firing, the gun makes sounds characteristic of a firearm.

It is worth noting that almost no one cares that air pistols with a blowback function are noticeably inferior in default to their “immobilized” prototypes, because this is where the rules of physics come into play. In this video you will find a review of the Makarov MP-654K air pistol.

A certain part of the energy is supplied to the shutter mechanism so that it moves to the delight of its owner, and it is this energy that will not reach the bullet itself. But if the shooter only wants to produce a psychological effect or take part in recreational shooting, then this difference between pistols with blowback and firearm analogues is only to the benefit of its owner. The Pugach pistol has the same function, photo at the link.

Technical and design features

The Makarov pistol

The analogue for the design of the MP-654K gas-cylinder pneumatic pistol was a real Makarov pistol.

A pistol with a blowback function is quite in demand among novice, inexperienced shooters. If you need to learn how to wield a weapon or hone your handling skills, then this MP-654K pistol model is perfect.

The external characteristics of the small-caliber Makarov air pistol are no different from the combat PMM. Moreover, the MP-654K model adopted from its prototype the high impact and shock resistance, “invincible” design, ease of operation and excellent workmanship of even minor elements of the pistol.

The pneumatic Makarov can be fired either with a preliminary erection of the trigger, or automatically thanks to a special versatile firing mechanism.

If the trigger is on safety, then releasing the trigger is an absolutely safe process. In the same way, preparation for a shot occurs in a combat prototype.

In the pneumatic handle there is a firing device that reproduces an exact copy of the famous Makarov magazine. This store, a valve and a canister filled with carbon dioxide are located in a separate block.

The MP 654K charge uses spherical steel bullets. Spray cans can be not only domestically produced, but also foreign; There are also several options for weight: an 8-gram can and a 12-gram can. See about the PMM 12 pistol here.

Gletcher TT

Gletcher TT

The Gletcher TT small-caliber air pistol is a perfect copy of the American-made firearm of the same name.

Experienced shooters note that the company of the same name, which produces the Glacier TT, ideally reproduces less dangerous analogues of real combat pistols.

And this model of weapon is a huge success among connoisseurs of pneumatics and, therefore, is in great demand. The PSS 6p28 pistol is also popular.

The appearance of the pneumatic Gletcher TT, like that of the combat prototype, is heavy and rough. Despite the obvious similarities in design, the weapons have a number of differences.

But on the other hand, when a fan of an air gun holds a Glacier TT in his hands and studies its technical characteristics, all doubts about its “similarity” are instantly shattered by the absolute identity of the pistol’s design and the high quality of each element. Watch the video:

Of course, when choosing a weapon, most shooters focus their attention on the external characteristics of the pistol, but professionals in their field unanimously say that even with the exact external similarity of the guns, the sensations from the shots can be completely different. After all, in addition to enjoying the design of the pistol, the preparation for shooting and the shots themselves are also interesting.

The Gletcher TT air pistol is made of high-quality special weapon steel, so the main advantage of this weapon model is its reliability and impact resistance. Often, low-quality copies of combat prototypes become unusable after prolonged shooting and become nothing more than an interesting toy.

But this pistol model guarantees its owner an increased level of reliability and service life, and the shooter can be sure that such a “gun” will not let him down at a crucial moment. See also the material about the Walther p99 pistol.

The speed of a shot from an air pistol of this model reaches more than 115 meters in 1 second. The store can simultaneously accommodate up to 18 spherical balls of 4.5 mm diameter.

Advantages:

1. Reliable "Glacier TT" made of high-strength metal, exactly replicating the legendary American combat prototype.
2. Dimensions are identical to the classic Gletcher TT.
3. The bolt is movable thanks to a unique blowback system, which simulates real recoil, guaranteeing the gun owner realistic combat shooting.
4. Increased safety during shots due to the safety and trigger mechanism, which involves shots with preliminary cocking of the hammer.
5. The gas cylinder pressure screw is hidden from view, which makes the pistol even more similar to its combat counterpart.

Fans of retro weapons should read about the Colt 1911 Glacier air pistol.

About the price of the most powerful air pistol without a license here.

Read about one of the most powerful types of weapons, namely the Kedr pistol, at:

Crosman Benjamin Trall NP

Crosman Benjamin Trall NP

Crosman Benjamin Trall NP with a blowback function can rightfully be considered the first domestic air pistol with a spring-piston type gas spring. This model of weapon is distinguished by a unique type of cocking - a barrel fracture.

Smoother and easier cocking is ensured by a unique system that involves the presence of a gas spring. It significantly reduces recoil and muffles the sound of a bullet leaving. Watch the video:

The stamped configuration of the Crosman Benjamin Trall NP air pistol includes a removable plastic muzzle, thanks to which breaking the barrel is convenient and easy. And since the barrel of the weapon is quite long, and the power of the gas spring is quite large, the speed of the bullet in 1 second reaches more than 150 meters.

The owner of such a pistol can independently adjust the sighting bar along both the vertical and horizontal axis. The rear sight and front sight are equipped with fiber-optic threads, which contribute to increased accuracy of each shot.

For non-professional and inexperienced shooters, the Grosman Benjamin Troll NP is one of the best options for an air pistol, with the help of which they can learn all the delights of shooting and get acquainted with weapons for the first time.

In addition, such a pistol will serve its owner for a long time, and you can shoot from it at any time of the year and in any weather. Representatives of the beautiful part of humanity should read about the ladies' pistol of the Spanish brand Vesta.

Crosman C31

See photo:

Crosman C31

The Crosman C31 small-caliber air pistol is one of the most popular and sought-after American-made weapons throughout the world.

The brainchild of the American company Crosman Corporation has earned love and recognition not only among professional shooters, but also among inexperienced amateurs just getting acquainted with weapons. Watch the video:

In recent years, Grosman S31 has consistently been at the top of the sales rankings in the field of sports and entertainment pistols of this class.

The Crosman C31 gas-cylinder pneumatic pistol with the blowback function does not particularly stand out among analog weapons with its technical and operational characteristics, but together with these indicators and its relatively low cost, it remains invariably in demand among pneumatic connoisseurs.

“Grosman S31” undoubtedly has a certain number of advantages over other analog pneumatic pistols:

1. The initial speed of the bullet reaches more than 150 meters in 1 second. Which indicates the high power of the weapon.
2. Carbon dioxide is used sparingly when firing.
3. The bullet magazine holds a relatively large number of rounds.
4. The weight of the product is quite light even with the magazine loaded.
5. The cost of such a pistol is much lower than the price of similar analogues.

In terms of cost, the price of the IZH 53m air pistol is considered one of the most reasonable.

Umarex P.08

Umarex P.08

The latest example of the small-caliber air pistol Umarex P.08 is a perfect copy of the world-famous famous German military weapon Parabellum Luger. Watch the video:

This pistol model is quite in demand among novice, inexperienced shooters. If you need to learn how to wield a weapon or hone your handling skills, then the Umarex P.08 pistol is perfect.

The external characteristics of the Umarex P.08 air pistol are no different from the combat prototype. Moreover, this weapon has an absolutely identical movable safety catch as that of a firearm. The store is made of high-strength metal.

Performance characteristics

Ammo selection

With all their diversity, small-caliber cartridges are represented mainly by two types: .22LR and .22WMR.

This feature gave the model its special name - a 22-caliber weapon. The .22LR cartridge appeared more than a hundred years ago and during this time became the world champion in the number of cartridges fired. The full name can be thought of as 22 caliber (5.6 mm), long (L), rifle (R) cartridge. Used by both hunters and athletes. Since the bullet energy is quite low and the bullet's flight path is very steep, .22LR cartridges are used when hunting small animals at short distances.

In Russia, sable and squirrel are hunted with this cartridge; in the USA, small rodents like gophers are shot. A lot of weapons, pistols, carbines and even machine guns were produced under this cartridge. Cartridges for .22 WMR (.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire) are used mainly for civilian weapons, especially in the USA. This cartridge appeared in 1959. A .22 WMR bullet has enough energy to kill an animal the size of a coyote or jackal.

Modifications

The design of the Margolin pistol turned out to be very thoughtful and successful. The MCM is still used as a training weapon in the 21st century, but relatively few modifications based on it have been produced.

Most of the improved models were designed after 1990. Export options have appeared.

Today, mass-dimensional models of the Margolin pistol are produced for collectors. Fully consistent with the original, with the exception of the ability to fire. The MMG can be disassembled like a real weapon; almost the entire diagram corresponds to the real design.

Combat use

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, many weapons enterprises in our country began to experience difficulties with financing and were forced to begin developing weapons aimed at the civilian market or export.

This situation did not escape the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant, which produces the MCM sports pistol. Design engineer Yarygin developed a new product based on the Margolin pistol, which was planned to be sold to other countries.

The resulting pistol was called MCM-K “Margo”.

This model of personal small arms, due to its technical characteristics and the high stopping power of a soft-shell 5.6-mm bullet, began to be used not only as a sporting weapon, but also as a means of self-defense.

There were attempts to produce pistols based on the MCM for the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. The development was carried out under the “Drill” marking and had a shortened barrel. The pistol fit easily into an employee’s pocket without attracting unnecessary attention.

Interesting Facts

Perhaps the most interesting fact is the story of the fate of the designer of the MCM pistol. Mikhail Margolin, while serving in the commandant's office of the city of Kyiv in the early 20s of the last century, received a serious gunshot wound to the head.

The bullet hit the brain, which led to complete loss of vision. He designed his pistol while completely blind. I thought through the details in my head. Modeled using plasticine and wood.

The first weapon was a small-caliber rifle. After its creation, Margolin was noticed by Degtyarev and invited to his design bureau. He began working at the Tula Design Bureau. Implemented several modifications of conventional military weapons into training ones.

The MCM became the most popular pistol of its category in the Warsaw Pact countries. For about 20 years, the best sports shooters of the USSR defended the honor of their homeland in competitions around the world. Now the MCM is used mainly as a training weapon; a replacement for it is not yet in sight.

Margolin M.V.

Published by admin on Tue, 05/27/2014 – 18:58

Margolin Mikhail Vladimirovich, (01/29/1906 - 01/25/1975)

Mikhail Vladimirovich Margolin was born in Kyiv in 1906. His grandfather, Margolin David Semyonovich, was a famous Kyiv entrepreneur. Mother, Klemm (Margolina-Greenberg), was a graphic artist.

Until 1918, the Margolin family lived in Kyiv. During the evacuation from Kyiv M.V. Margolin fell behind his family and remained in Kyiv. There he joined the Red Army soldiers. After the liberation of Kyiv in 1919 by the Red Army, M. V. Margolin went to the Caucasus, where his mother was, who worked as a teacher in a commune school.

At the age of 15, Margolin served as commandant at the headquarters of the Special Forces Units in Khost. Later he was appointed to command a platoon. In 1922 he joined the Komsomol. In April 1924, at the age of 18, Margolin was wounded in the head, as a result of which he lost his sight. After the hospital, he was sent to Kyiv, to a disabled town, then to a course for blind massage therapists in Kharkov.