The Soviet 7.62×39 Tokarev-Mauser: A Forgotten Carbine

Nathaniel F
by Nathaniel F

After the decision to create a new family of infantry weapons for the then-new intermediate 7.62x41mm obr.1943 cartridge (the precursor to 7.62×39), Soviet designers were tasked with creating new kinds of weapons in this chambering, including machine guns, selfloading rifles, assault rifles, and bolt-action carbines. This last category was apparently given a low priority, as it was only after the war had ended that any development in this area becomes evident. By this time, the 7.62x41mm cartridge had been replaced by the now-familiar 7.62x39mm round, which had a slightly shorter neck, longer bullet ogive, and steel bullet core.

The KB-P400 entry by Degtyarev, based on the Mosin system. Image source: Maxim Popenker

The weapons were intended as inexpensive rifles for rear-echelon troops, but the semiautomatic SKS carbines were apparently cost-competitive, and production never began for any of the intermediate caliber carbines.

ISS-11P-47 7.6239 bolt-action carbine, by Simonov. Based on the Mosin system. Image source: Maxim Popenker

All the weapons apparently had 10-round fixed magazines, fed from stripper clips. Beyond that, the requirements are unknown. Even Russian firearms expert Max Popenker does not know how many designers worked on the project, but there were apparently three different patterns of weapon, two very similar Mosin-Nagant-derived weapons, The KB-P400 from Degtyarev, the ISS-11P-47 from Simonov, and a third Mauser-derived design from Tokarev.

The Mauser-pattern Tokarev submission, index unknown. Image source: Maxim Popenker

Thanks to Maxim Popenker for the information, and his help ensuring technical accuracy. Also thanks to Retiv for his help translating.

Nathaniel F
Nathaniel F

Nathaniel is a history enthusiast and firearms hobbyist whose primary interest lies in military small arms technological developments beginning with the smokeless powder era. He can be reached via email at nathaniel.f@staff.thefirearmblog.com.

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  • Bob Bob on Oct 12, 2015

    Oooooo... Do want.
    Been thinking of what kind of custom gun I would make if I had the resources, tools, time, and skill, and a bolt action that accepts AK mags is pretty much my main train of thought.

  • Tony patric Tony patric on Oct 27, 2015

    very intesting! now i really want to find one!

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