When most people hear the words “surplus,” they immediately think of rifles and other long guns.
Or perhaps they think of quiet, dusty stores that sell camouflage clothing and dented canteens.
However, surplus handguns are another segment of military and police surplus collecting that should get shooting and firearms enthusiasts excited.
Especially those who enjoy shooting handguns more than rifles.
Let’s take a look at some of the interesting and affordable surplus handguns that any firearm enthusiast or surplus collector would be proud to own.
THE QUICK LIST
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Editor’s Pick
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Best Russian Surplus
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Best Shooter
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Most Iconic
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Most Affordable
Table of Contents
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| Caliber | Action | Barrel Length | Weight | Capacity | Price | |
| Tokarev | 7.62×25 Tokarev | Single-action only | 4.6″ | 30.1 oz | 8, 9 | |
| Makarov PM | 9×18 Makarov, .380 ACP | DA/SA | 3.68″ | 26 oz | 8 | |
| Hi-Power | 9mm Luger | Single-action only | 4.65″ | ~32 oz | 13, 15 | |
| CMP 1911 | .45 ACP | Single-action only | 5.03″ | 39 oz | 7, 8 | |
| Beretta 84BB | .380 ACP | DA/SA | 3.8″ | 23 oz | 13 |
How We Chose the Best Surplus Handguns
Input for this article came from the PPT editorial team and our writers. Together, we have a combined shooting experience of 30+ years, including instruction, competition, and multiple shooting disciplines.
We’ve spent countless hours researching and shooting various guns, including plenty of surplus guns. Like you, we love buying neat stuff, too. Between us, we either own or have hands-on time with every handgun on this list or their close variants.
This list is comprised of guns that you can still readily get from online vendors without having to go through any annoying bidding processes or long-term hunting for deals at gun shows or pawn shops. Everything on this list is fairly available as of the time of writing.
But we had to make some tough calls to keep the list reasonable. If you don’t see your favorite surplus handgun, it doesn’t mean we missed it; it just means we couldn’t include it this time.
Best Surplus Handguns
1. Tokarev Pistols – Editor’s Pick
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Unique looks
- Potent cartridge
- Affordable
Cons
- Ammo isn't cheap
- Most imports have added safeties
Specs
- Caliber: 7.62x25mm Tokarev
- Action: Single-action only
- Barrel Length: 4.6″
- Weight: 30.1 oz
- Capacity: 8, 9
The Tokarev TT-30 semi-automatic Russian pistol is one of the most well-known surplus handguns out there.
The original TT-30 was originally designed in the 1930s by Fedor Tokarev when the Soviet Military was in search of a new sidearm to replace the aging Nagant M1895 revolvers that were still standard issue at the time.
A few weeks after the design of the pistol, 1,000 of the guns were ordered to be used in troop trials. Not long after, the TT-30 was adopted for use in the Red Army.
However, despite being put into production, the TT-30 was already undergoing redesigns to simplify the manufacturing process., with the redesigned pistol being dubbed the TT-33.
During the TT-30 production run from 1930 to 1936, about 96,000 total pistols were made. The TT-33, on the other hand, had a much more prolific production run, with approximately 1.7 million being made between 1933 and 1952.
The Tokarev is chambered for the 7.62x25mm Tokarev cartridge. This cartridge is a very flat shooting round that packs a hard punch.
For example, modernly produced 7.62x25mm ammo from the Wolf brand has a muzzle velocity of 1,722 feet per second and 560-foot pounds of muzzle energy. That is stout, even by today’s standards.
On top of impressive ballistics, the Tokarev is renowned for being extremely durable and reliable, even in extreme conditions.
While hunting down an original Russian Tokarev can be a difficult and increasingly expensive proposition these days, there are some easier alternatives.
The Yugoslavian M57 TT Tokarev pistol, also known as the Zastava M57, is a cheaper licensed copy of the Russian Tokarev. It was used by the Yugoslav People’s Army, starting in 1957 until 1992.
The main difference between the two pistols was that the M57 featured a 9-round detachable magazine, while the Soviet version only had an 8-round magazine.
A third option is the Chinese Type 54, another direct copy of the Tokarev. These feature the same 8-round capacity as the original Soviet version. Again, these are much easier to find and more affordable than the original versions.
While the original Tokarevs had no manual or external safeties, the imported Yugo M57 and Chinese Type 54s do in order to meet US import laws. These safeties typically come in the form of manual slide or frame-mounted safeties or trigger blade safeties.
The power, simplicity, and reliability of this pistol make it popular amongst military surplus collectors and shooters.
2. Makarov Pistol – Best Russian Surplus
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Classic looks
- Simple operation
- Extremely reliable
Cons
- Sharper recoil
- Prices are rising quickly
Specs
- Caliber: 9x18mm Makarov, .380 ACP
- Action: Double-action/single-action, direct-blowback
- Barrel Length: 3.68″
- Weight: 26 oz
- Capacity: 8
Another staple in the lineup of Russian surplus is the iconic and classic Makarov Pistol, or PM (Pistolet Makarova).
The Makarov took heavy inspiration from Germany’s DA/SA, direct-blowback Walther PP and PPK pistols. In true Russian fashion, they simplified the design even further to make it easier to produce and more rugged.
Russia elected to develop its own round, the 9x18mm Makarov, for the pistol. This round is extremely similar in performance to the .380 ACP round found in many direct-blowback pistols of the era.
Developed in 1948, the Makarov became the Russian military standard sidearm by 1951, replacing the Tokarev pistol.
Although the pistol was formally replaced by the Russian military in 2003, it never really left service. It is still in sporadic use in the Russian military, and is still in use by various countries throughout the world today.
Between military and civilian production, over an estimated 5,000,000 Makarovs have been produced to date.
Baikal, a brand of Russia’s Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, began producing Makarovs for the US civilian market in the 1990s. Although multiple variations were produced, the most common is the Baikal IJ-70, most of which were chambered for the native 9mm Makarov cartridge or the more Americanized .380 ACP.
While snagging a .380 ACP model might seem tempting, I say spring for the 9x18mm version. Having the ammunition to match the name of the gun just exudes a much more “surplus-y” feel to me.
While direct-blowback guns aren’t always the most pleasant to shoot, the Makarov is by no means uncomfortable, and the cool factor is definitely there. Not to mention, these are some of the most reliable handguns ever made.
3. Surplus Hi-Power Pistols – Best Shooter
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Great ergonomics
- Good capacity
- Excellent shooting characteristics
Cons
- Can be expensive
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Single-action only
- Barrel Length: 4.65″
- Weight: ~32 oz
- Capacity: 13, 15
One of the most popular overall service pistols on the surplus handgun market today is the Browning Hi-Power.
This gun is a single-action, semi-automatic handgun based on a design by famed John Browning that was originally chambered in 9mm.
The Hi-Power is an elegant design with a slim hand feel and excellent ergonomics. It was one of the earliest successful pistols to feature a double-stack magazine. These are sweet handguns.
The Hi-Power has also been one of the most widely used service pistols in history and has been used by the armed forces of over 50 different countries.
Despite that popularity, an actual Browning Hi-Power can be very pricey on the secondary market. However, there are several variants available on the surplus market that can sometimes crop up for less money.
For example, the FEG clones, Mauser Model 80s, and Israeli Kareen copies can be found in the $500-750 range here and there. When compared to the often $1000+ Brownings and FN models, that is a steal.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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And for those who are still too nervous to take the plunge on a surplus pistol, don’t fret, you have even more options. A recent resurgence in Hi-Power clones has taken the gun world by storm. You can snag brand-new Hi-Powers like the Girsan MCP-35, Springfield SA-35, and Inglis L9A1.
But as always, the original is always going to be the best (and coolest) in our book. Buy one, and you won’t regret it!
What do you think of the Hi-Power?
4. CMP 1911 – Most Iconic
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Specs
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Action: Single-action only
- Barrel Length: 5.03″
- Weight: 39 oz
- Capacity: 7, 8
Ah, the old tried-and-true 1911. It is no shocker that it makes this list.
John Moses Browning’s most iconic design, the 1911, was also his most popular — and for good reason.
Nothing quite feels and points like a 1911. There is a reason so many guns mimic the grip angle even today. They feel amazing in the hand.
There is an entire rich history behind the 1911 and the impact it has had on modern firearm design. So much so that we have an entire article on it!
If you find these guns interesting and you like surplus, you are in luck. The CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) has recently resumed online sales of US Army surplus 1911s.
These are a bit spendy, with prices ranging from $1,150 to $1,300, depending on what grade you are considering purchasing.
While most of the current CMP 1911s do not feature all matching or original parts, you are still getting a true piece of Americana and a sweet shooter for your hard-earned dollars.
5. Beretta 84BB – Most Affordable
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Accurate
- Reliable
- Looks good
Cons
- Direct blowback
- Slightly more difficult to rack
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Action: Double-action/single-action, direct-blowback
- Barrel Length: 3.8″
- Weight: 23 oz
- Capacity: 13
Fair warning: this one isn’t a military surplus gun, but it is still a surplus pistol.
But do not let that deter you because this is an awesome gun — the Beretta 84BB.
Over the last few years, we have seen an influx of Italian police trade-ins, including the .32 ACP Beretta 81BB and, more recently, the .380 ACP 84BB models.
These double-stack, direct-blowback pistols have all the panache and sexy lines you’d expect from an older Beretta pistol. The 84BB is an older version of what eventually became the Beretta Cheetah series, although the design has generally stayed the same throughout the years.
They are pretty large as far as .380 ACP pistols go, and the metal frame really helps soak up the sharper recoil that direct-blowback pistols are known for.
On top of being very accurate, they are also reliable, and new production magazines are readily available. Despite being a gun from the 80s, it is modern enough to still be viable for concealed carry if you so wish.
One of the reasons this gun makes the list isn’t just for its performance or style – the current batch of 84BB pistols is extremely affordable, and most of the guns are in very good condition as far as surplus goes.
Meet the Experts
This article builds upon the work of former PPT freelance writer Brian Belko.
Expanding on this article is our editor Wyatt Sloan. Wyatt is an NRA-certified instructor with previous experience as a USPSA competitor. Wyatt personally owns over 200 firearms, a small chunk of surplus included, and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales. He has used his extensive experience with firearms at large to test guns for Pew Pew Tactical — evaluating them based on our standards and metrics.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
Surplus handguns are readily available and offer a different experience when compared to shooting milsurp rifles.
The common ground comes with the fact that when you shoot a surplus gun, be it a rifle or pistol, you are firing a piece of history.
Do you have a favorite surplus pistol? Let us know in the comments below! Looking for more surplus? Check out our article on the 5 Best Military Surplus Rifles You Can Still Buy.
Latest Updates
March 2024: Combined Tokarev models into one section. Removed 1895 Nagant Revolver. Added Makarov PM, CMP 1911, and Beretta 84BB.
17 Leave a Reply
Yes, Tirod, there are scads of S&W Model 59 series LE trade ins out there. Some very good deals to be had. I’ve got a model 59, 5906, and a 915. All very functional, in great shape (I suspect carried a lot but shot very little), and the price paid for each was very attractive. When someone is at their favorite LGS, or any gun shop, ask if they have any LE trade ins. They may be pleasantly surprised at what they uncover.
Me too, Bill, the Makarov is a great pistol!
Affordable is the moving target of surplus guns. Still, including the $1200 surplus 1911's allows for the inclusion of the gun meant to replace it - the S&W autos first known as the M39. The Army Pistol trials of 1954 kicked off a search to replace the ancient beaters that Army wanted replaced - the huge stocks of .45ACP and over 3 million in service were the beancounters trump card turning down the entire process (as is the frequent result.) It took until 1984 for another Walther P38 derivative to win, the M9 - currently a great surplus gun. The SW autos replaced the .38 police revolvers in use across America and also got Glock a foot in the door when their cheaper polymer process allowed them to underbid contracts. But - even in 2018 - the SW was an affordable wondernine, and certainly a newer, more improved duty gun compared to the HiPower. When every PD in America and a lot of Feds carried them, America was well protected. Now they languish in safes and see the light of day now and again at a range. Some still carry them concealed, the higher mass of stainless construction smooths recoil and higher capacity models certainly don't lack for ammo. A 4566 TSW - with Weaver rail - was common in LEO use out west, and when I started searching were still available as trade ins - for less than a beater, twice arsenal rebuilt 1911. The essence of built to modern military specs and service on the street is a great combination.
I love Beretta ever since I've had my M9 sidearm in the Corps and recently added the 84BB from Palmetto Arms. I wasn't sure what condition 84BB I would receive, and when it finally arrived, my ffl and I were impressed with the condition. I thoroughly cleaned it, took it to the range, and oh man, what a beauty! A bit of Italian history in my collection and familiar DA/SA...love it!
I became enthusiastic about Makarovs 15 years ago. I was my first concealed carry weapon. Since that first
weapon, I've bought 5 more Russian, Bulgarian and an East German 9x18 & .380. Before Makarov dot
com folded it was a great source for parts, pieces, tools and information. If they ever allow imports from Russia, My next Makarov will be a doublestack 9x18. They're fun to shoot and I can hit 3" steel 15 to 20ft on a regular basis. Great little pistol!
Glock G22 is surplus as it gets. Economic and reliable. Tough as nails.
The TT33 is awesome, it is a fun pistol, firing it on the range always gets your attention.
Another great surplus weapon is the CZ75 or 75 Compact.
hello my dear friend i like gun u sand me rate u give me riplyae your friend nilin
I have recently bought two Zastava M70 .32 ACP pistols. Import Yugoslavia made surplus, most are in excellent condition. Well built, nice shooting pistol about the size of a PPK.
The only problem is Zastava itself. The M70 has been in production since 1970, but Zastava isn't supporting it in the US with parts, mags, or grips. Non-existent. All of their other handguns like the M57 and M70A, both Tokarev clones, have decent availability through ZastavaUSA and other sources. I've pestered them about the M70 through the Serbian and US websites, with no reply. Right now, a bad part means I have a $200 paperweight. I bought two just so I'd have four mags, and one gun for parts. I hope it doesn't come to that.
SOG International Inc. website shows that they are out of business at this time.
I have M95 Nagant and a 32ACP cylinder. I cast 90gr .312 SWC I load 32ACP with 2gr. Red dot. I load them in load 32-20 cases with Trail boss using Lee 95 Nagant dies. I have also loaded the 7.62x38R cases with the same bullet using A M1 Carbine Lee Loader with 2.7 grains of Unique you just have to make a longer seating rod out of a bolt. The same bullet makes good bunny getters in my M44 and SKS. You can put togatter a lot of pennies a round.
I have the Star Firestar Plus in 9 mm. It is 13+1, SAO, 25 oz with a 3.4 inch barrel and aluminum alloy frame. Fits nicely in tight spots due to it length and weight. Talk about a pistol ahead of its time, this is one of them.
How did 9x18 miss the cut?? The Makarov design has set the surplus pistol market blazing for twenty years. The polish p-64 is deep concealable and punchier than any 380 could ever be all steel construction let’s you know trusty military power is at your finger tips
Roger that on the Makarov and P64. Additionally, let’s add the CZ’s 50, 52, 70, 82 & 83 (.380 ACP for this one), and the FEG PA 63.
P.S. The CZ 50 and 70 are .32 ACP and the 52 is 7.62x25. The PA 63 comes in .32 ACP or 9mm Makarov. Mine is the latter flavor.
im interested
Several years ago Interarms imported Star Modelo Super B in 9mm Largo for about $150-$200. Many of the pistols would chamber the .38 ACP and .38 Super. The documents that came with the pistol cautioned against the .38 rounds.