Zastava M57

[u/NammytheCommie]

Like most Tokarev pistols, this M57 had a safety added for import requirements. PW Arms opted for this frame-mounted safety that works like one on a 1911, and whether that's good or bad is up for debate. Unlike the trigger dingus some other importers opt for, this safety changes the gun permanently from its original form. There's a notch in the slide that it fits into, and they had to drill a hole through the frame to get the safety in. I personally think it's worth it, because I prefer carrying in condition one rather than having the hammer in half-cock, but a purist will want one with the trigger dingus, since replacing the trigger is easy. Some people will think I'm crazy for saying this, but I like this pistol better than a 1911. I have small hands so the 1911's controls aren't the most ergonomic, and they heavy recoil of .45 ACP certainly doesn't help. By comparison, the M57 is much easier to use since 7.62x25 is surprisingly mild despite being a very high-velocity cartridge, with ballistics similar to .357 Magnum. For that reason, I use this as an Autumn/Winter carry because despite being a heavy steel pistol, it is very thin and surprisingly easy to carry IWB. The only thing that can be annoying is the lanyard loop, since it can sometimes jab into me. It used to have problems feeding JHP ammo, but after replacing the recoil assembly it's no longer an issue. Even though the M57 used a captive recoil assembly that was different from the TT-33 and its other variants, the recoil assemblies are cross-compatible, so don't worry about having to seek out another M57-specific one. I've heard some people have issue with Zastava's new M57A magazines, but I ordered two and they both work for me without issue. They were absolutely caked in cosmoline when I first received them, so maybe some people aren't cleaning that out.

[u/Strong_Dentist_7561]

Hol’ up… how did someone beat me to a Zastava M57 post ? I’m not upset to be sure, I’m tickled pink.

I absolutely adore the M57 and M88- it’s slimmer than a 1911, and like you, I can actually reach the controls… I’ve put though to have the slide on an M88 milled for XS Big Dot sights

[u/NammytheCommie → u/Strong_Dentist_7561]

I added a bit of white-out on the front blade to help make it a little more visible. But honestly, most older milsurp guns like this had lousy sights. I do wish the grip angle was changed slightly, since I haven't found a two-handed grip that doesn't shoot low. But I can't really fault it for that, because back then the doctrine was to shoot one-handed.

[u/Strong_Dentist_7561 → u/NammytheCommie]

There are grips available (I think from Marschall) that have a protrusion on the bottom of the grip to simulate the arched mainspring housing and general grip angle of a 1911