Kirby, I thought about doing just that. I have plenty of forge and tempering experience, but I'm hesitant to do that and then sell it. If I mess it up and it breaks off down the road, I don't want it to be when someone else is depending on it.
Tb2, I would be willing to meet halfway one weekend if you're interested.
I found this post if it's any help------>
The example I used years ago was fine and shot well.
It's a one-of-a-kind TT-33 variant, that is, some standard TT-33 parts won't fit it. The M213 is a dedicated 9mm pistol, and requires a special, narrower TT-like magazine. Also, the ejection port is shorter and can't easily be made to fire the more common 7.62x25 round. As I recall, it has a filler plate running through the interior of the magazine well to prevent the entry of a standard 7.62x25 magazine.
If you don't have any plans to ever shoot 7.62x25, and magazine supply isn't a problem, the M213 should be a serviceable gun.
As far as ChiCom TT pistols, I prefer the Type 54*, as it can switch back & forth between 9mm & 7.62x25 by swapping the barrel. Plus, it uses all standard TT-33 parts.