Harrell Reviews the 7.62×25 Tokarev

Here’s a video about the 7.62×25 Tokarev cartridge, a necked-down pistol round that was developed nearly a hundred years ago. Er, scratch that. That’s when it was more or less stolen from Mauser by the Russians (Soviets), who made tiny modifications to the 7.63x25mm Mauser and loaded it more powerfully. This makes it safe to use the Mauser groceries in a Tokarev-chambered firearm, but NOT vice-versa.

Typically terse, the video description simply says:

Paul tests the effectiveness of 7.62×25 Tokarev ammo out of a pistol, and a carbine.

What we have here is a round that sends its light bullet at high velocities, which is something many people adore. I’m not one of them — I prefer heavier slugs — but different strokes and all that.

He begins by shooting some various ammo through a CZ 52 pistol, first through a chronograph and then into the patented Meat Target. The results were, shall we say, disappointing.

He then moves on to a Polish PPS-43CS carbine in an attempt to measure the increased velocity of using such a firearm in lieu of a handgun. The results are impressive, even from its 9-inch barrel.

In an accuracy test, he shows that commercial ammo often does much better than el cheapo Eastern Bloc ammo… and that you can indeed shoot a nice group with the 7.62×25 Tokarev.

It’s an interesting cartridge — what cartridge isn’t? — but not one I’d choose on purpose due to ammo availability and cost, not to mention the lack of good ammo for self-defense.

Paul likes it okay — for hunting jackrabbits.

What do you think of the 7.62×25 Tokarev? Let us know in the comments below.

Russ Chastain

Editor & Contributing Writer Russ Chastain is a lifelong hunter and shooter who has spent his life learning about hunting, shooting, guns, ammunition, gunsmithing, reloading, and bullet casting. He started toting his own gun in the woods at age nine and he's pursued deer with rifles since 1982, so his hunting knowledge has been growing for more than three and a half decades. His desire and ability to share this knowledge with others has also grown, and Russ has been professionally writing and editing original hunting & shooting content since 1998. Russ Chastain has a passion for sharing accurate, honest, interesting hunting & shooting knowledge and stories with people of all skill levels.