[lwsimon]

I'm turning 21 on the 4th of March, and I'm a bit strapped for cash at the moment. Its all I can do to scrape together enough to take the class and buy my rights from the government.

The only handguns I own at the moment are both SA revolvers, a .44mag and a .22. I plan to rent a semi-auto to take the test, because you must qualify with a semi to carry a semi, and that leaves me with nothing suitable to carry.

I am looking for a VERY inexpensive carry gun, be it a revolver or autoloader. My best idea so far seems to be a Makarov, as I found one at a pawn shop in a nearby town for $79. It seems to be in good shape, still in the box, and is very clean, which surprised me, since it IS in a pawn shop :)

Are there any other reliable weapons out there for under $100 or so? I don't plan to carry it long-term, maybe 6 months at the longest, but it needs to absolutely go bang when I pull the trigger. Availability of ammo is also a concern, but less than the gun's cost - I have my .22 to practice, and ammo is cheap. I'll get in more practice as I can afford it.

Thanks for the help!

[longtooth]

Remembering back to when I was 21, I know how hard a $ was to come by. You are to be commended for getting you carry permit at first opportunity. (all the rest of you older guys out there tell him the same thing) One correction to what you said that is of life preserving importance. Almost any inexpensive simi-auto will go bang. It is of life saving importance that it go bang, bang, bang, bang, & without jam or other failure. That is the real problem w/ most inexpensive simi's. If you can't afford a quality simi, think about a revolver as your first weapon. When you save enough for your quality simi the revolver will well serve you on the range, letting others have something to shoot, allowing others just turning 21 to have something to shoot to see what they like. You know & have influience over far more 21 yr olds than we who are closer to 70 than 40. Good fortune to you. Your children have a violent world to grow up in.

[stans]

Almost any inexpensive simi-auto will go bang. It is of life saving importance that it go bang, bang, bang, bang, & without jam or other failure. That is the real problem w/ most inexpensive simi's.

The truth has been spoken. You might also want to look at a S&W J-frame snubbie. I carry a 640-1 daily, small, easy to conceal, 357 Magnum.

[Feanaro]

There are no NEW pistols worth buying for $100 or less. That I am aware of, anyways. The Makarov is a good choice, and if it's not beaten all to hell, that's a better than good price. A nice pistol, though you might not find ammo at Wal-Mart.

If you check the used market you might find a S&W .38 in or near your price range.

[ulflyer]

If the Mac is decent, buy it, and if you don't like it you can resell for $125 or more and get something that you might like better. Charter Arms make a nice snubby revolver, reasonably priced, and if you can find on used, more than reasonable. Best of luck to you.

[trickyasafox]

im in a similar boat. i turn 21 in may and my birthday present is my parents paying for the paperwork to apply for my permit. you might look into used rossi and dan wesson revolvers. . . .they can be had for a touch over a hundred. if you get lucky and hit the lotto and can spare 220, get a keltec p11. that'll probably be my first carry, that or a taurus 905ib whichever i can find first

[trickyasafox]

im in a similar boat. i turn 21 in may and my birthday present is my parents paying for the paperwork to apply for my permit. you might look into used rossi and dan wesson revolvers. . . .they can be had for a touch over a hundred. if you get lucky and hit the lotto and can spare 220, get a keltec p11. that'll probably be my first carry, that or a taurus 905ib whichever i can find first

also Rock Island Armory has 1911 knock offs that a lot of people swear by. they cost about what the keltec does but its worth a thought. (i had to start tutoring and bouncing overtime to start getting enough cash together for my purchases)

best of luck to you

[critter]

Don't overlook the little Star BM 9mm's now available. All steel semiauto's, some in top notch condition, cheap and mine is 100% reliable.

[Jacobus Rex]

Used will be the way to go for sure. Most Maks are a good choice. The only downside would be buying ammo off the shelf in some areas could be hard to do. Also, look at used revolvers.

AVOID all the generic Jenning's type autopistols and RG type revolvers.

[whm1974]

If it is in decent shape get the Mak. If you can scrape some more money get a Bersa .380. It's a bit lighter then the Mak and may be easyer to carry.

-Bill

[Dirty Bob]

lwsimon:
I take it from the CHL test rule that you might be a fellow Texian. If that Mak is in good shape, it's a killer price. You won't find anything better in that price range. In fact, if you're near me in south TX (I'm in San Antonio), and you buy the Mak and don't like it, I'll give you $100 cash for it. :evil:

Seriously, if there's nothing wrong with it, you could get out from under a Mak very, very easily if it doesn't suit you. A lot of us like them.

Go to dansammo.com or some of the other dealers for good prices for 9x18mm ammo. I like the Barnaul 95-gr. JHP stuff. I recently bought 500 rounds for $60. You might have to shop around a bit for it, though, as it sells out fast.

All my best,
Dirty Bob

[armoredman]

Makarov double action auto 9x18mm is good to excellent shape are running about $139. Star BM 9x19mm Single action autos are going for about the same. Also, used wheelguns are usually cheap, with Smith Model 10 38s running about $150 or so in very good shape. Don't discount the old 38 Spl - good round, with good self defense ammo!
Go looking at your local shops, and don't forget to ask about layaway.
Pick up a quick second job for "gun cash"? A thought, no more.

[gbelleh]

The Makarov is a good choice. Especially a nice clean one for $79.

[Preacherman]

Basically, figure on a minimum (and I do mean minimum) budget of about $300 for ANY worthwhile carry pistol. About $225-$250 of this is for the gun. Apart from the Makarov you mention (wonderful price, BTW - in fact, it's so low that I have to wonder if there's something wrong with the gun! :scrutiny: ), there are a couple of reasonably reliable semi-auto's in that price range:

- Star BM/BKM in 9mm.;
- Kel-Tec P11 in 9mm.;
- Bersa Thunder in .380 ACP;
- Kel-Tec P3-AT in .380 ACP;
- Kel-Tec P32 in .32 ACP.

You may not find them new in your price range, but you'll certainly find some used ones in that range. If you can get that Makarov, it's as good as any of the others I've mentioned, but you'll have to shop around to get quality carry ammo.

The rest of the money is to buy a worthwhile holster. Pocket holsters such as the DeSantis Nemesis can be under $20; IWB holsters can be as low, or up to well over $100, depending on the level of quality you want. You're also going to need at least one spare magazine, and two hundred and fifty rounds of your carry ammo. Put 200 rounds through the gun, to make sure that it functions reliably with it - if there is even one malfunction, start the 200-round test over again from round 1. When you're sure that the gun is reliable with that ammo, in those magazines, use the remaining box to load the mags and you're good to go.

Do not, under any circumstances, trust any pistol with your life unless it's passed the 200-round reliability test!!!

[lee n. field]

My best idea so far seems to be a Makarov, as I found one at a pawn shop in a nearby town for $79.

At that price, if it is in fact a Makarov, snap that baby up! Now!

[P95Carry]

I agree with Preacherman in part ... over spending more.

However, if the $$$$'s just ain't there then I'd say a functionally reliable Mak is a very acceptable choice - the price on that one you mention is well tempting, if an OK piece functionally. You may also find a used M85 Taurus snub ... that too could be quite adequate and reliable.

Whatever you finish up getting do, indeed, give it a reliablity check - if not 200 rounds then a 100 or more. If it's gonna protect you - it HAS to work, every time.

Good on you for getting the carry sorted out soonest - as an ''ol' phart'' I fully endorse that and just remind you of the heavy responsibility that comes with it too. And - carry often - like all time you legally can ... it is not something just for a day when you think it ''might be a good idea''.

Good luck.

[DT Guy]

Nothing whatsoever wrong with a Mak-cheap ammo (if you mail-order) and dead reliable. Tiny little sights, but it'll go 'bang bang bang bang' until the cowskis come home to the motherland.


Go for it, and happy birthday!


Larry

[kirkcdl]

Simon,I'm in Orygun,so the CCW laws are a little different,but I have 3 different carry guns.Mostly dependent upon the weather,I have a Kel Tec .380 in a pocket holster for shorts/T-shirt weather.If it's not too hot to wear a cover shirt over my T,I have a Para Ordnance Para-Carry(retail $800),or my Makarov(East German,considered the best of the Maks,I paid $200).All carried IWB,MIB.To be completely honest,most of the time it's a coin toss between the Mak and the Para.Buy the Mak,you won't regret it.You can experience the Mak's cult following at Makarov.com.Usually when an inexpensive gun has such a devoted following,there's a good reason.Maks are military guns,as such they were designed to go bang each and every time.If you decide you absolutely HATE it,you won't have a problem selling for more than $79,quite likely within a few hours.ESPECIALLY if it's one of the more collectible models.

As a side note on the subject of reliability,if my Mak fails to fire for any reason,such as weak primer,all I need to do is pull the trigger again.My multi-hundred $$ Para Carry needs to be re-cycled first,go figure.Of course,in either gun,this is a VERY rare occurence.Again,check out Makarov.com,explore the site a bit,quite a bit of info there.Good Luck...

If you decide against the Mak,please send me the name and phone number of that pawn shop,wholesale is $129 plus shipping,so I can save $50 on a Mak,what a deal!!

[sturmruger]

From what i have heard about Maks I think it would be a fine choice.

When it comes time to buy a holster I would look to see if Don Hume make a holster for a Makarov. His holster are good quality and tend to be less then $35. I have bought a few Don Hume holsters on ebay for as low as $18.

[Mr. Mysterious]

Good preaching preacherman, that list is all good inexpensive autoloaders that I would recommend. In fact just this morning I took an Army buddy to buy his first true carry piece, a KT P-11.

[MrTuffPaws]

If you have a big frame, a CZ52 can be CCWed. The Makarov is another choice.

[shooter58]

My carry battery consists of four guns: a KT P-11, an S&W M36, a Bulgie Mak, and a KT P-32(my always backup gun). I have carried the Mak for 3 years now and have had absolutely Zero failures with the gun. It is a totally dependable sidearm.
If that pawn shop is around the Ft Worth area, give me the address. I'll solve your delimma. LoL

[Ala Dan]

Don't feel ashamed about being strapped for cash my friend; I imagine
all of us have been there before. I know I have, but with that said I
would look in the way of a good quality self-loader; that may have
been used, but definitely not abused. Keep in mind that the Bersa
Thunder Duo-tone .380 has an excellent reputation combined with
quality workmanship. For $199 OTD, the only comparable weapon
on the market would be the Mak. Stay safe-

[Preacherman]

I would add this. If you can't afford to put 200 rounds of your carry ammo (not cheap hardball, but the decent JHP stuff) through your semi-auto pistol to test its reliability, don't carry a pistol for self-defence! Rather buy a revolver, which is not nearly so ammo-sensitive. Test a couple of dozen rounds of your carry ammo in it, to make sure that it ignites primers reliably, etc., and then carry the revolver.

A lot of people neglect the reliability test with their pistols, and it can be a deadly omission. Even usually-reliable pistols like Glocks, Berettas and SIG's, which will normally feed almost anything, can choke on a particular load for various reasons - or just as a one-time occurrence. The 200-round test is designed to make sure that a given round is unlikely to have any problems in that particular gun. Even this is not infallible... for example, the Winchester Silvertip JHP in .32 ACP has traditionally been regarded as the top-performing round in that caliber. However, Winchester changed the design a couple of years ago. Guns that would shoot the old design all day, every day, suddenly had problems with the redesigned round. Shooters who didn't test the changed bullet in their carry pistols had a few rather hairy experiences before they wised up... :scrutiny:

[lwsimon]

Thanks for all the advice! I certainly intend to carry everywhere I go.

I forgot to add, that i have a um... "large frame" :) I'm 6'4", 280#. I'm currently paying the bills as a photographer, and intend to get a full-time temp job to pay for at least a couple gun purchases as soon as possible. The thing is, the only places that are hiring and can conform to my schedule are gas stations, and there is NO way I'm going to work graveyard in a convenience store w/o being able to carry. After I can, I'm just going to have to knuckle under and work there for a couple months. All the money from that job will go into my gun fund, and I'm planning to buy a Glock and an older 1911, to see which I like best.

It looks like I may be getting that Mak, I'm going to see if I can pay for it now, and have them put it away until the 4th. After that, my next purchase will be a Bersa .380, to go in my fiance's purse. I'd prefer her to carry on her person, but she's a dance teacher, and there aren't many places to conceal in her work outfit. If I can't get them before I get my CWP, I'll be stuck with a .44mag SA in the glovebox, but that's a whole lot better than nothing.

Now that I'm really thinking about it... I may sell my current collection to get a carry piece and holster. I have a Marlin Golden 39A, a Mossberg 185K-A 20ga, a Ruger Single Six .22, and a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44mag. Surely if I sold it all and added in the $100 or so I have, I could get something more reliable...

[Dirty Bob]

Another quality, low-cost holster to consider is the Alessi Talon. I don't own one but haven't heard anything bad about them. Lou Alessi's stuff in general has an excellent rep, but the Talon is one of his most basic holsters.

Anyone else care to comment on the Talon?

Regards,
Bob

[TamThompson]

If you're that big, I'd carry the .44 mag as a carry gun until you can save up enough for a quality used semi-auto OR a used SP 101 or S&W revolver. You can buy used Glocks for around $450. I would definitely carry the .44mag until you can afford a decent quality gun that you KNOW will go "Boom" and not "click" when the chips are down.

[carebear]

Don't sell anything. You will probably regret it. Trust me on this.

The Mak's are typically very reliable and the round is a good one and many companies are now loading hollowpoints for the 9x18.

Stick with the Mak for you, maybe Bersa (or Mak) for the gf plan.

Worry about spending more money later, when you have it.

[DarkKnight01]

Id buy that Mak asap... Its a great price and a great weapon, dont make the mistake of thinking that just because its cheap it dont work good, Maks are a VERY reliable and well built weapon, buy it and enjoy it, then when you have the extra $$ and wanna get something different, put it in the safe and give it to yer son in 30 years =)

[Dirty Bob]

Gotta' go with Carebear on this one. Unless there's something wrong with the Makarov, you'll get a reliable autopistol for just $79! I think you might regret selling the other guns somewhere down the line. The Mak should serve you very well. For now, get the Makarov and find a good source of ammo. Remember, if you change your mind on that Mak, one of us will give you more than you paid for it.

Dirty Bob

[Bluecard]

I remember my first handgun was a Davis Arms .380 automatic. I paid $65 for it in 1990 (I'm only 32). What a inaccurate little shooter but suprisingly reliable. I ended up selling it in 1995 for $80 so don't be ashamed about being broke, we all start somewhere! I'd look into the CZ's and stuff like that to start. Good prices and often very reliable. I hate to say you get what you pay for so when you get the chance to get a little more jingle in the bank I'd spring for something a little better quality.

[grendelbane]

For the economy minded I heartily recommend the Makarov. The only warning I have would be that I do not trust them if the safety is not applied. (A blow on the hammer can cause it to fire).

As far as feeding it goes, I would consider shooting nothing but hardball. The 9mm Mak is a cartridge that requires precise placement. (Actually, all pistol cartridges are like that). Hardball is reliable, and plenty accurate for the purpose. Hardball is also going to penetrate well.

I wish I had kept mine, it has a lot going for it.

[carebear]

HP can be reliable as well. Ya just have to test the particular round in your gun.

This isn't the '70's any more. :rolleyes:

[grendelbane]

No, this certainly is not the 70's. Back in the 70's I only knew Maks from looking at pictures in the books.

The point I was trying to make was that hardball would be a good choice from an economic viewpoint. Plenty accurate, reliable, and with good penetration. Hollow point ammunition is more expensive. Especially if your first box does not feed well. Then you are stuck with loading the hollow points in the chamber, and ball in the magazine.

I really miss the days of the old corrosive surplus 9mm Mak. No one else wanted it, so it was cheap. Finally sold my Mak when it started drying up.

[Stevel]

A couple of thoughts.

1) Nothing wrong with a Mak. if thats all you can afford.
2) If you can't afford what you want pizza delivery is a good way to make quick cash. I'm sure in a couple of weeks you could have any of the basic pistols in a nice carry set up.
3) If your funds are going to be limited for a while, with a new career and soon to be wife it sounds like they are, a 5 or 6 shot revolver may give you the best option for now. As has been mentioned ammo choice is much less of an issue for reliability. There is a book "The Snubby Revolver" which makes a great case for it.
A new shooter should be practicing regularly, like every week or two, until you are comfortable. If money is tight any ammo will do in a pinch. I know a Dick's Sporting Goods usually has 38 sp on sale every few weeks at $6 a box.
If you go with a self loader Wally Worls 9mm can't be beat for cheap practice.
4) There is a book called "The Concealed Handgun Manual" by Chris Bird which is a great primer for concealed carry.

Good Luck and good job for taking responsibility for yourself.

[Mr. Tettnanger]

Please do not sell any of your other firearms...you WILL regret it. You have had some great advice and i can only add that.. if this is to protect your life, do pick up a side job(pizza delivery, errand boy, pump jockey at gas station, burger flipper, whatever) for a couple more weeks or so. Truly, the extra effort and money spent on a quality firearm is worthit when you will be trusting your and your loved ones life to it. Go to a couple of gun shops and ask questions, touch and feel for what feels best and form a game plan. I am sure that if you do a shout out to the High Road collective to see if any are in your area for a shooting outing the would be more then willing to help out! Why don't you pick up a good canister of pepper spray for $20 and buy yourself some time to fund a real firearm. Good luck.


Mr. Tettnanger

[eab]

Do not sell any of your guns.

This is a rule of gun ownership of one of my dads friends. He sold a gun for a motercycle and regrets it to this day. It is a rule both me and my dad live by. Guns generaly only appreatie in value and a Mak. is a fine firearm. Used by the commies for a long time. Save your guns and get a 1911 latter on. They will still be around for a long time.

[lwsimon]

I've never sold a gun to date, and you're right, I probably would regret it. Each weapon has a memory attached, and even if its not something of major significance, not being able to feel the wood and oil down the barrel would be a loss to me.

I went to the shop today and put my money down on the Mak. They said it would be put back, and when I get my permit, I'll head back there and either pick it up, or apply that money towards another pistol. I'm looking online for sources of ammo to feed it, so I'll have something to feed it.

I already practice as best I can with my revolvers. I use the .22 for trigger control and making sure I don't develop a flinch, and my .44mag to remind myself that real guns go "BOOM", not "pop". I will continue to practice with the .22, until I can afford the 9mm ammo.

I would carry the .44mag, but its a single action. Its also huge, and weighs a freakin' ton.

Anyhow, thanks for the advice, and keep it comin'!

[garyk/nm]

Sounds like you have a good plan. For on-line ammo, check out www.ammoman.com
Good luck in your search to find the right fit for you. When you can afford to step it up a notch, check out the Springfield Armory XD series. Out-glocks the Glocks, without the higher prices. Just MHO.

[Dirty Bob]

I hope you get the Mak and enjoy it as much as I like mine. The HP vs FMJ argument goes on and on. I agree with the statement that placement is important with 9x18mm, but it's also important with a lot of other calibers.

I don't think anyone's mentioned that the Makarov is one of the most accurate of the successful military pistols. At this time, magazines and parts are fairly cheap, too. If you have more $$ left for ammo and practice, you'll be much better off than with a high-dollar pistol and no money left to shoot it enough for proficiency. You'll have more money later, and that's when you can lust after a more expensive (I did not say better!) pistol.

Another thing I like about the Mak is that it is all steel for reliability/longevity and has fewer parts than a Glock.

The reason I hope you keep the Mak is that you NEED a spare gun, even after you get a Glock or CZ-75 or Ruger SP101 or whatever. The reason is that your primary could break down and have to be sent for repairs. If you're ever in a confrontation (even without firing a shot), your carry pistol could be confiscated. An extra never hurts, and a Mak doesn't represent a lot of $$ invested in a pistol that may not be carried a lot.

The recommendation of Chris Bird's book is right on. It's excellent. I bought mine straight from the author, but it can also be found on Amazon and in bookstores. Massad Ayoob's In the Gravest Extreme is dated, but very good, also.

Shoot straight,
Dirty Bob

[browningguy]

Absolutely nothing wrong with a Mak, I carry a Bersa 380 as a backup which is a little up the food change price wise but can be had for around $180-200 in these parts.

Since you want to qualify with a semi the Mak would be a good choice for an entry level pistol, then when you are redy to move up the Mak makes a pretty decent backup.

[sturmruger]

Sinve I started collecting gun at the age of 12 I have only sold 1 gun that I didn't regret selling later it was a Kel-Tec P11. I just couldn't get used to the trigger on that thing. The one that I am really pissed about was the beautiful Norinco SKS that I bought for $100 and sold for $90 a few years later.



Bottom line is don't sell anything you will always regret it.

[carpettbaggerr]

Why not get a revolver? You can find a good, used .38 for less than $200. I'd trust a used S&W or Colt far more than any inexpensive autoloader, especially if you can't afford a lot of ammo to test it.

[Bainx]

Play it again, Sam....
You can buy a cheaper gun
You can buy a better gun
But, you can not buy a cheaper, better gun than a Makarov!

[donkee]

Why not get a revolver? You can find a good, used .38 for less than $200. I'd trust a used S&W or Colt far more than any inexpensive autoloader, especially if you can't afford a lot of ammo to test it.

I truly can't stand why anyone bashes the Makarov (since it's the most suggested autoloader in this thread). The things are ultra reliable, pack a decent punch, and are very accurate. I used mine at IDPA practice when I started and did alot better than a bunch of the guys that have been shooting it for years. I picked up a CZ75BD Police and think it a wonderful piece, but when I get my CCW permit (about a month at most from now) I'll be carrying the Mak with me. Why, cause it's built like a brick $*** house and I can trust it to always fire. I think the reason alot of people bash it or consider it a trash gun is because it's inexpensive (not cheap) and is more reliable than a lot of the ultra high dollar wonder pistols that a lot of people bought into. My most satisfying moment I remember with the Mak was the dude with the Steyr that got slapped at the steels by my Mak and me. Shut him up just like that! Don't get me wrong, I really like my S&W M10 too, and will probably carry that once in awhile, but.........

[Preacherman]

Donkee, I don't think anyone's "bashing" the Makarov. It's a good, reliable pistol. The point I made earlier, and that I think others are reinforcing, is that you should not trust ANY pistol that has not digested a couple of hundred rounds of your carry ammo (not cheap practice ammo) without a single failure. Since this can be an expensive proposition, I suggested that a revolver might be a more cost-effective option, as one doesn't have to worry about feeding problems during the action cycle.

If you have a good, reliable Makarov, and it's passed the carry-ammo test, wear it in good health!

[donkee]

Sorry if I misunderstood you, I get a bunch of crap when I bring mine out to some of the ranges and get to listen to quite a bit of Mak bashing.

That little puppy has passed the approx 1600rd test (S&B, Brown Bear, and handloads both Hornady XTPs and CLRN) and I am truly impressed with the little commie piece. The only hassles I had with it ever were when the SO stepped on the feed lips of a mag, I had to spread them back out, had some feed problems from that, and when I first got it, I got some oil in the firing pin channel that got all gunky from the nasty wolf ammo I was shooting causing the firing pin to stick causing failure to fire. Other than those two scroo ups, it's never let me down.


Ammo;

http://www.natchezss.com/ammo.cfm?contentID=productDetail&ammoRecID=2&brand=ZY&prodID=ZYSBA00901&CFID=1581693&CFTOKEN=11473409

http://catalog.jgsales.com/itemdetail.php?itemnumber=5-1088b


Best for SD according to most is the Barnaul
http://www.ammunitionstore.com/pricelist_ammo4.htm#9x18

[MAURICE]

I will second (third?) the Star BM recommendation. Accurate, reliable, feeds everything Ive put throught it, and cheap. Here they go for about $150 plus tax,IIRC. 2 magazines, cleaning rod, etc. Take out the magazine safety and it operates like a 1911 (except for the grip safety which the BM lacks).

Maks are good, as are CZ70's if you can find them. The cz70 has an 8 rd mag and is chambered in .32 acp- I will let you decide on whether or not .32 is an acceptable self defense round.

My .02, YMMV, IMHO, etc etc.
Good luck,
Maurice

[Erik]

I see a used but servicable revolver in your future.

[lwsimon]

I've decided. When I first saw the Makarov they had in the pawn shop, I didn't look very closely, and had very little knowledge of the weapon. I went back after I had done soem more research and found that although the weapon was cosmetically nice, the firing pin looks like it has been ground down to a nub. It MIGHT fire, but I'm not goign to trust it. Sounds like some anti bought it and tried to make it FA wiht instrucitons off the internet ;P I go tmy money back I had put down on it - no problem, since I know the shop owner personally, and have purchased several rifles from him - and went a'shopping on the net. I ended up finding a CZ-52, chambered in the 7.62x25 cartridge. Its well withing my price range, at $135, no shipping, and the bonus of bonuses - he's only about 10 minutes from my parent's house, so I'm heading over there in the next week to check it out, and pick it up. I've seen pics of it, it looks very nice. My next step is to research turning it into a 9mm, but I've hear dof feed issues with the 9mm NATO roudn in that weapon, so I've got to see what's up with that before I think seriously about changing it.

[Pilot]

The firing pin on the Mak is really easy to change out. The safety comes off and you can just pull the pin out. Get a new firing pin ($16) at http://www.makarov.com/cart/vitemmakparts.htm] You will also see simple dissasembly instructions there.

Buy the Mak, you won't regret it.

[lwsimon]

I've read that the firing pin is made of sub-standard steel and is easily broken. Since the gentleman that owns the weapon now carried it at some point, the pin may have already been changed out. If not, its high on my list to replace.

[Pilot]

"I've read that the firing pin is made of sub-standard steel and is easily broken. Since the gentleman that owns the weapon now carried it at some point, the pin may have already been changed out. If not, its high on my list to replace."

Absolutley false. The steel is fine in the Mak. I've put thousands of rounds through mine with no issues. It is a military issue sidearm, that is expected and has worked in the harshest of conditions. Durability is its strongest suit and it has to be. If anyone made a substandard Mak, they would be shot with it. Trust these posts and your life with the Mak.

[lwsimon]

Hmm.... I think we have a misunderstanding running here. I'm buying a CZ-52, not a Makarov. That's a Czech model 52, chambered in 7.62x25.

[Pilot]

lwsimon wrote:

"Hmm.... I think we have a misunderstanding running here. I'm buying a CZ-52, not a Makarov. That's a Czech model 52, chambered in 7.62x25."

Sorry, my mistake! Yes, buy extra CZ-52 firing pins. Mine has never been a problem, but I don't shoot it that much. Neat pistol though.

[lwsimon]

'tis cool. I'm going to swap out the original (cast) pin for a milled pin, just to make myself feel better. I'm also going to replace the rollers with hardened steel rollers. After that, who knows? If I like the feel of the gun, and I'm accurate and fast with it, I'll probably buy another and fit it with a 9mm barrel. Maybe even 9mm Largo. I've fired a 1911 and a Glock now, and with luck, I'll have my new CZ52 in my hand by Friday. Going to order 300 rounds of FMJ for it on Monday from CTD, so I'll be able to put it through its paces. I had a bit of a bump in business income this weekend, and I'm taking it as a sign from God to get myself good and comfortable with my new pistol. After some thought, I've decided also to get my weapon and holster rig together before I deal with the legal aspects - the way I look at it, its a whole lot easier to defend yourself with a reliable gun and no permit than with a valid permit and no reliable gun. I truly appreciate all your help guys, there's no way I'd have been able to make such an informed decision so quickly without the valuable resource that THR is.