Tula USSR Margolin MCM .22 LR Soviet Olympic Target Pistol
Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.
Final Auction Price: $3,040.00
The Margolin MCM is one of the most distinctive target pistols of the Cold War era, admired for its accuracy, unconventional layout, and remarkable design history. Produced at Tula Arsenal in the Soviet Union, the MCM was built for precision competition and remains closely associated with Olympic style rimfire target shooting. This example includes its fitted wood case, spare parts, sight inserts, and accessories, making it an especially complete representation of the model.
Identification
MMA#: 260120DI018
Make: Tula Arsenal, USSR
Model: Margolin MCM
Serial Number: X2296M
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1960s to 1970s
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Single Action, detachable magazine fed, semi automatic pistol with cocking indicator
Barrel Length: Approximately 6 inches, 7 3/8 inches to the end of the muzzle brake
Sights / Optics
The front sight is a post mounted to a serrated ramped base at the muzzle and is adjustable for elevation. The rear sight is a U notch in a base mounted to the frame that bridges over the slide and is adjustable for windage. Additional rear sight notches are included. The fixed relationship between the sights and barrel is one of the defining features of the Margolin design and contributes to its excellent target shooting reputation.
Stock / Grip Configuration & Condition
The grips are two piece checkered black plastic with a thumb rest at the top of the left panel for a right handed shooter. Each panel bears the Tula arrow in shield arsenal marking. The bottom of the right panel is relieved for the included adjustable palm shelf. The grips show minor handling wear with only a few faint marks in the smooth portions. The checkering remains sharp and there are no chips or cracks. Overall grip condition: Fine to Excellent.
Finish & Overall Condition
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
This pistol retains approximately 97 percent of its finish. There is thinning at some edges and corners, most noticeable on the front sight assembly and muzzle brake. There are a couple of light scratches on the left side of the slide and minor operational wear throughout. Screw heads are sharp and markings remain clear. Overall condition: Fine Plus.
Bore & Mechanics
Bore Condition: Bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. Rated 10 out of 10.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer is gummy and will need proper cleaning and lubrication. A lever on the left side of the frame serves as both the safety and the slide stop. An over travel adjustment screw is located in the bottom of the trigger guard. The trigger is light and crisp. The pistol was not test fired. Cleaning and inspection are recommended prior to use.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories
This pistol comes in a wood case fitted for the pistol and its accessories. Included are a screwdriver, punch, two barrel weights, palm shelf, cleaning rod, oiler, an assortment of spare parts including hammer, firing pin, rear sight leaves, front sight posts, springs, and other small parts, along with two 10 round magazines.
Our Assessment
The Margolin target pistol has one of the most compelling design stories in firearms history. It was created by Mikhail Margolin, a designer who had been blinded during the Russian Civil War yet continued to develop firearms through tactile modeling and mechanical experimentation. His MCM became one of the standout Soviet target pistols of its era and earned a reputation for real competitive accuracy.
The design uses a fixed barrel with sights mounted to the frame and barrel rather than to a reciprocating slide, helping maintain a stable sight picture shot to shot. Combined with a crisp trigger and target oriented grip geometry, it is easy to see why the pistol found favor among Soviet and later British target shooters. This example also bears British proof marks and remains in Fine Plus condition, complete with a proper case and extensive accessories. For collectors of Olympic target pistols or unusual Cold War era designs, the Margolin MCM is a historically rich and mechanically fascinating piece.
The Mt. McCoy Auctions Difference
At Mt. McCoy Auctions, every firearm is carefully documented and professionally photographed to create a detailed archival record. Our descriptions are written to provide collectors and shooters with a clear understanding of condition, features, and historical context.
