Type 54 pistol

China adopted the Type 51, local TT-33 copy, as their standard pistol after WWII. The Type 51 was virtually identical to the TT-33, except for the Chinese markings on the left rear of the frame or on the top of the slide. According to Thompson, the barrels aren't chrome-lined. Over 235,000 Type 51 pistols were produced between 1951 and 1954. The Type 51 was first adopted in 1951 and produced in Shenyang's Factory 66 using both Soviet and Chinese-made parts. In 1954, after approximately 250,000 pistols were manufactured, the designation was changed to Type 54 and the pistol used exclusively indigenous components. Newer variants like the WQ213B54, 213-A and NT04, with double stacked magazines, have been developed. ==Design==

The Type 54 is the improved version of the Type 51 (Chinese TT-33 copy) produced after the Korean War. The Type 54 magazine is interchangeable with that of the Russian TT-33. The pistol is commonly available in 7.62×25mm caliber, although some variants have been made in 9×19mm Parabellum. Type 54 pistols are also known colloquially as "Black Star" pistols (Traditional Chinese:黑星手槍, Simplified Chinese: 黑星手枪) due to the five-pointed star engraved on its all-black grip panel. ==Variants==

Norinco, the People's Liberation Army's state weapons manufacturer in China, still manufactures a commercial variant of the Tokarev pistol chambered in the more common 9×19mm Parabellum round, known as the Tokarev Model 213, as well as in the original 7.62×25mm caliber. Tokarev Model 213 The Tokarev Model 213 features a safety catch, which was absent on Soviet-produced TT-33 handguns. Furthermore, the Model 213 features the thin slide grip grooves, as opposed to the original Russian wide-types. The 9×19mm model is featured with a magazine well block mounted in the rear of the magazine well to accept 9×19mm-type magazines without frame modification. Model 213A Model 213 variant with a 14-round box magazine. Model 213B Model 213 variant with a wrap-around grip to improve ergonomics. M20 The M20 was a clandestine version of the Type 54 made without factory markings to conceal the weapon's origins. TU-90 Also known as the NP-10 or Model 213-B. Improved Model 213 variant similar to the Hungarian-designed and manufactured, Egyptian contracted Tokagypt 58 of the 1950s. Construction is primarily of forged and machined steel, with a matte blued finish. The grips are of wrap-around rubber ribbed on the side to improve ergonomics. NP-10 Export model with interchangeable barrels. It can fire 7.62×25mm, 9×19mm, and .38 Super cartridges. NP-15 Export 9×19mm model with three white dot sights and a black rubber grip. NP-17 Export target-shooting 9×19mm pistol with a barrel and muzzle brake. Foreign production K-54VN Vietnamese Type 54 copy made by Z111 Factory. Replace and refurbishs the aging K-54 pistols in service. K14-VN Updated Vietnamese K54 variant. Made by Factory Z111. Equipped with a wider grip to incorporate a 14-round double stack magazine. based on the Tokarev Model 213. Research and development started in 2001. The K14-VN began to see service with PAVN forces on May 10, 2014. == Adoption ==

China The Type 54 was used as one of the standard sidearms used by the People’s Liberation Army, alongside the Type 59, Type 64 and Type 77. Though the QSZ-92 (Type 92) has supplemented the Type 54 in the Army, the weapon is still in service in some of the Chinese armed forces (such as the People's Armed Police and some People's Liberation Army troops) today. Vietnam The Vietnamese used the Type 54 during the Vietnam War, as the K-54 () with K meaning "type" (). The industry name for the regular K54 and the K14-VN is known as SN7M and the SN7TD. Criminal activities Type 54 pistols were smuggled into Japan in a significant quantity, often for use by the Yakuza. ==Operators==

• • • : Type 51 pistols used. • • • : Used by the PAVN and Viet Cong. Non-State Actors • Inkatha Freedom Party • Russian separatist forces in Ukraine: At least one Type 54 documented to use. ==References==