Tokarev pistols were designed from the outset to be duty service pistols and in that regard I think they do quite well despite some flaws that today we would consider unacceptable or not sound.
Considering the crop of other Soviet era sidearms, the Tokarev is quite an advancement from say, the Nagant revolvers of old. Though the Tokarev would be overshadowed by its later compatriot the Makarov which I think is an even better service sidearm.
Tokarev pistols have a rich history almost as prevalent as the Mosin Nagant rifles, and find themselves in just as many places. The fact that Zastava is still making Tokarev pistols speaks to their popularity and effectiveness.
While not particularly exceptional in any one thing, the Tokarev pistol can do it all to some extent. For its intended role, it does just fine and thats all it needed to do.