The video opens with the hosts joking about what kind of Tokarev is on the table, guessing Romanian or Yugoslav before revealing that it is actually a Chinese-made Tokarev. Clint and Matt introduce themselves and explain that they are doing an unboxing of some very bright white surplus boxes out in the sun. They open the boxes and reveal Chinese-made Tokarev pistols, identifying them as Norinco Type 54 handguns chambered in 7.62x25. They comment that Chinese Tokarevs have been very hard to find in the U.S., especially compared to Romanian and Yugoslav versions, and that this is the first time they have been able to purchase a batch like this. The pistols feature star-pattern grips, Chinese characters on the top of the slide, and a generally clean surplus appearance. One example shows only a small rough patch on the slide and some preservative grease that needs cleaning. The finish appears somewhat dull, almost parkerized, but overall the condition is described as very good, with the pistols presenting as slim, single-stack designs that feel comfortable in the hand and are known for producing noticeable muzzle flash with the 7.62x25 cartridge.
The hosts shift to explaining how these Chinese Type 54 Tokarev pistols became available. They reference the early 1990s restrictions that stopped most Chinese rifles and handguns from coming into the U.S., which kept Chinese surplus pistols off the market for decades. Matt explains that some firearms can later be brought in after a long cooling-off period if they have been sitting in a neutral country, estimating around 25 years, similar to how Chinese SKS rifles were previously brought in. He notes that a company was able to locate eligible Chinese pistols overseas, which allowed these Type 54s to be offered as surplus. While looking over one of the guns, they point out a 1965 date on the frame and talk about the Chinese markings, wondering which markings are dates and which are factory identifiers. They confirm that these pistols qualify as Curio and Relic (C&R) firearms, making them especially appealing to C&R license holders. Overall, they emphasize the surprisingly nice finish, clear markings, and generally very good surplus condition of the batch they received.
Next, the hosts focus on how the Type 54 pistols were modified to meet the requirement for a manual safety on imported handguns. They compare these to other surplus Tokarevs that had frame- or slide-mounted safeties added by drilling into the gun, which can be unattractive to collectors. On these examples, the safety solution is built into the trigger itself. Matt shows that there are two roll pins in the trigger shoe holding an extra blade, describing it as a plunger or block-style safety. When the shooter depresses this blade with their finger, the trigger can move rearward and fire; if the blade is not pressed, the trigger is blocked. They like that this approach avoids extra holes in the frame and preserves the original lines of the pistol. For collectors who want a more original configuration, they point out that the modification is confined to the trigger assembly, so it is relatively easy to swap in a standard Tokarev trigger and restore the pistol’s appearance compared to surplus guns that had external safeties added to the frame.
The scene moves to the range, where the host fires the Chinese Type 54 Tokarev with 7.62x25 ammunition. He comments that the trigger-mounted safety blade feels well executed and does not interfere with the trigger pull, which remains smooth and predictable. During the short live-fire session, the pistol runs reliably, cycling and locking back as expected. The shooter notes that the single-stack magazine holds eight rounds, which feels like it goes by quickly because the gun is so enjoyable to shoot, so he brings an extra magazine along. The 7.62x25 round is described as a fun, lively cartridge that produces a sharp report and noticeable muzzle flash, making it a very entertaining surplus pistol to shoot. The host reiterates that this is the first time they have seen a batch of Chinese Tokarevs in their warehouse and that these specific pistols are C&R eligible surplus handguns now available to collectors who enjoy foreign military sidearms.
Further shooting highlights the ergonomics and handling of the Type 54. Despite its simple all-metal construction and narrow grip, the pistol is described as comfortable and easy to control under recoil. The 7.62x25 round proves reasonably accurate on steel targets, and the host is pleased with how quickly he can get back on target. He notes that the rear sight sits relatively high with a clear notch that aligns well with the front sight, and he finds this sight picture better than on some other Tokarev variants he has fired in the past. The slide cycles smoothly, and the placement of the slide release is praised: it sits far enough forward that the shooter’s strong-hand thumb does not ride it, which helps ensure the slide locks back on empty, while still providing a good index point for the support hand. The Chinese markings on the slide and frame are pointed out as an appealing visual detail for collectors interested in distinctive surplus pistols with foreign military markings.
To wrap up, the host reiterates that these Chinese Norinco Type 54 Tokarev pistols are Curio and Relic eligible, making them attractive to C&R license holders and those starting a surplus collection. Viewers who are curious about C&R licensing are directed to a separate video where Matt explains what a Curio and Relic license is, what it costs, and how to apply. The host encourages surplus enthusiasts to consider the Type 54 as either an additional piece for an existing collection or a first surplus handgun, especially given how rarely Chinese Tokarevs have been available. Toward the end, he mentions the current giveaway: a bolt-action .50 BMG Zastava M93 Black Arrow rifle weighing about 36 pounds. Viewers are told to visit ClassicFirearms.com, click on the giveaway banner, and use referral links to maximize their entries while they also check out the newly available Chinese Tokarev pistols on the site.
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