Type 68 pistol
| Type 68 pistol | |
|---|---|
 Type 68 | |
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin | North Korea |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1968－1980s |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1968 |
| Manufacturer | Chongyul Arms Plant |
| Specifications | |
| Cartridge | 7.62×25mm |
| Caliber | 7.62mm |
| Feed system | 8-round magazine |
| References | [1][2] |
The Type 68 (Korean: 68식 권총), sometimes known as the Type 66,[3] is a semi-automatic pistol produced in North Korea, derived from the Soviet TT-33.[4] It was manufactured at the Chongyul Arms Plant.[5]
History
[edit]The Type 68 was first manufactured in 1968.
During the 1980s, the Type 68 was gradually replaced by the Baek Du San pistol, a North Korean copy of the Czechoslovak CZ 75 pistol.[6]
Design
[edit]The Type 68 can be distinguished from the TT-33 by the shorter barrel, and the serrations on the rear of the slide, intended to give the shooter a grip while the gun is being cocked.[7]
Other differences include a magazine catch on the base of the grip,[5] a tilting-barrel system similar to the Browning Hi-Power, a modified firing pin and reinforced slide stop. TT-33 magazines can be used on the Type 68, but not vice versa.[7]
Users
[edit]
Cuba: Implied to be used in the country with some pistols brought to the US.[8]
North Korea: Known to be used by North Korean commandos in infiltration missions.[5]
Vietnam: Some reportedly captured by Allied soldiers in the Vietnam War.[3]
Zimbabwe: Implied to be used in the country with some pistols brought to the US.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ https://modernfirearms.net/en/handguns/handguns-en/north-korea-semi-automatic-pistols/tip-68-eng/
- ^ https://www.smallarmssurvey.org/sites/default/files/resources/North-Korean-Small-Arms-and-Light-Weapons_Recognition-Guide_EN.pdf
- ^ a b https://www.firearmsnews.com/editorial/tokarev-tt33-pistol-and-its-copies/380327
- ^ https://www.forgottenweapons.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/NK_SmallArmsGuide-1983.pdf
- ^ a b c Thompson (2022), p. 67.
- ^ Hong, Heebum; Shea, Dan (11 August 2023). "North Korean Small Arms". Small Arms Defense Journal. Retrieved 6 February 2025.
- ^ a b Jones & Ness (2010), p. 43.
- ^ a b https://www.forgottenweapons.com/type-68-north-korean-tokarev-high-power-hybrid/
Bibliography
[edit]- Bishop, Chris (2006). The Encyclopedia of Small Arms and Artillery. Grange Books. ISBN 9781840139105.
- Jones, Richard D; Ness, Leland S, eds. (2010). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2010−2011 (36th ed.). Jane's Information Group. ISBN 978-0-7106-2908-1.
- Thompson, Leroy (2022). Soviet Pistols: Tokarev, Makarov, Stechkin and others. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 9781472853493.
