7.62x25 question

[benjaminw7528]

 does anyone have any experience with a 7.62x25 tokarev pistol if so would it be good for self defence   
 

[JHT]

Benjamin,

While I own several guns in this caliber I have never been impressed with the round for use in a defensive role.  Many of the guys on this thread will correctly supply you with comparisons to other calibers more accurately than I would, therefore I will leave this task up to them.  Bear in mind a few individuals may respond with support for using 22 long rifle rounds for self defense as they have either used it themselves or have heard of others that have used it to successfully down dear sized animals and aggressive individuals as well.  Don't get taken or be confused with these responses, know that any round in a given ideal situation can and will be successful in a defensive role, but that is not the question that you are 'correctly asking.'  You are 'correctly asking' if the 7.62x25 Tokarev would be "good" for self defense.

With what I have stated above you should be aware that the round has been used by foreign police and military units, but this in itself does not answer your question, as your question included the word "good" for self defense.

Good luck in your future shooting.

JHT

[Mikey]

Would it be good for self defense - yep!  I carry one when I'm not carrying a 45.  The 7.62mm Tokarev round is quite powerful.  It is often referred to as the first magnum pistol cartridge.  It is hot.  1400'/sec froma Tokarev barrel.  The only problem is its degree of penetration, which is not an issue in military use, but this old warhorse still outperforms and out penetrates many of the more modern cartridges.  The only way to improve on the ability of that round is to use hollow-points or soft nose ammo.   

One of our sponsors, Reeds Ammo (you see the banner on our websites and you can access the link to his site by clicking on the Graybeard Logo at the top of any page and view the list of sponsors that runs down the left side of the home page) sells 13 different loadings for the 7.62x25mm round.  He also identifies them as being safe in the Tokarev or for use only in the CZ-52. 

Have no doubt about it, the 7.62x25mm is a hard hitting round.  It killed a lot of GIs in Vietnam and other parts of S.E. Asia.  It was a Com-bloc issue pistol cartridge for about 50 years, and it worked.  This round is so powerful the Chinese developed their own body armor to protect against it.  It might fire a small 30 caliber bullet but don't let that fool you.  If you improve the bullet design you just get a much more effective round.  Check Reeds website, you won't be disappointed.  HTH.  Mikey.

[Badnews Bob]

I think so and the CZ 52 is a fine pistol, much more powerful than the rounds size would suggest.

[Ken ONeill]

An 87 gr. bullet at 1625 fps out of my gun. You bet it works. As mentioned above, the CZ 52 is also a great rough service pistol.