[Moose458]

I want to get something in the 9x18 Makarov, and I have come up with these two. Having not been able to actually handle or shoot either of them, I'm hoping that I can get some info on here. Which do you think is the better pistol, or is there another pistol to consider? Leaning toward the CZ mainly because it is C&R which I have.

[mgmorden]

What are you planning on doing with it?

I've got a CZ-82 and a Makarov, but technically I've only owned the Mak for one day (and my Mak is in .380) so I'm not THAT familiar with it right yet.

That said, from having shot the CZ-82 a lot, and 3 magazines out of the Makarov, my views are:

- Both feel incredibly solid. No durability issues with either.
- Both are all steel so they are a bit heavy for their size, but not to a level that is bothersome.
- The CZ-82 naturally holds more rounds, so that's a plus.
- The Makarov's magazine release is of the heel type. That doesn't bother me THAT much, but I do prefer the button style like the CZ has.
- The CZ is a bit wide. The Makarov is thinner and fits my hand better.
- To me, the Makarov is more visually appealing.

Overall, if you're planning on using it for concealed carry, the Makarov is a better choice. If you're planning on using it as a range gun, then it's kind of a toss up (I might give a SLIGHT edge to the CZ). Overall though they're similar guns and you'll probably enjoy either.

[harmon rabb]

mgmorden covered it. not sure what else can be said.

[PRM]

CZ USA may be a bit easier to get parts from if needed. Although, you can find just about anything on the internet.

[stanmo]

I have an EG Mak and a CZ-82. They are both accurate and reliable. The CZ feels better in the hand, but I would part with the CZ first because the Mak is a much simpler design, easier to conceal and I prefer the bluing on the Mak.

[towboat_er]

I own 1 Russian Mak, and 5 ( I really like em) CZ82s. I think the CZ82 is the best deal going.

[Shadow 7D]

COMPLETELY DIFFERENT GUNS
same caliber

Shoot why don't we compare XD's to M&P's or Glocks

Both are nice guns, I like the 82 as it holds more, and fits my hand better,
Oh, and is very accurate, both are quality guns, so it's up to you

[wally]

CZ-82 -- higher capacity, better trigger, can do cocked and locked. What is not to like other than the caliber, which isn't all that bad.

[M2 Carbine]

I have 16 Makarovs, three CZ83 and one CZ82.
(picture not up to date)
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x464/Bell-helicopter-407/9x18pistols.jpg

They are slightly different but, IMO, close your eyes and pick one, it will serve you well.:)

[vellocet]

Those two pistols are about as different from one another as they can be for using the same 9x18. Why don't you just buy both and sell the one you don't like? Or return it? Classic arms has a good deal on 9x18 now; I used it and it was pretty clean. Keep them both: later when the "wholesalers" jack the prices again you'll regret it. Example: CZ52. 2008, 109.00. Now, 275-300, for the same weird gun. Buy them both.

[vellocet]

Oh, and the cz82 has a really silly safety; pretty much no other pistol uses them but that is a minor drawback on an otherwise good, and for now cheap, pistol.

[WardenWolf]

The Makarov's trigger is a little better than the CZ-82. Just a smooth pull to release. And the Makarov's thumb safety is of the excellent pull-down type, not the push-up type common to many such guns, including the CZ-82. The Makarov is also shorter, which is a plus for carrying. Overall I have to give the nod to the Mak.

[Snowdog]

I prefer the Cz-82 as its ergonomics work for me, like the magazine release and find the sights far more useful as well.

The trigger on my particular Cz-82 is quite respectable and better than that on the IJ-70 I used to have. Accuracy is more than acceptable as well.

Both are quite reliable and the Makarov is a seriously robust pistol (in construction).

That said, I don't carry my Cz-82 and likely never will. If I'm going to carry something as large as that, it's going to be my UC9 that's just about identical in height and length (while holding an extra round of a more substantial cartridge, IMO).

However, I will and do carry a P64 on occasion as the darn thing is so thin. If given the extra second or two to cock the hammer and acquire the small front site, I also shoot it better than I do the Cz-82 as hard as that may be to believe.

Though I'm not a particular fan of the 9x18 cartridge for defense, it'll do.

[jimbeaux82]

I have both, they each have their strong points, but I like the CZ 82 better. I plan to buy a couple more very shortly.

[harmon rabb]

The Makarov's trigger is a little better than the CZ-82. Just a smooth pull to release. And the Makarov's thumb safety is of the excellent pull-down type, not the push-up type common to many such guns, including the CZ-82. The Makarov is also shorter, which is a plus for carrying. Overall I have to give the nod to the Mak.

First, the CZ-82's safety is the push down type, and located in the same position familiar to US shooters due to the 1911. It is definitely easier to engage and disengage than the Mak safety.

Second, this is just my personal observations, but both of my cz-82's have better triggers than my Mak (which certainly isn't bad).

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

Oh, and the cz82 has a really silly safety; pretty much no other pistol uses them but that is a minor drawback on an otherwise good, and for now cheap, pistol.

The safety is just like a 1911s, it also allows for cocked and locked carry.

[harmon rabb]

hey, i thought of something that may not have been covered yet. are you the type who likes to detail strip your guns? the makarov is one of the easiest guns to fully detail strip and reassemble, and the cz-82 is probably the exact opposite.

if you can handle changing the oil in your car, or assembling a set of shelves, you can complete detail strip a makarov and change out any broken parts. cz-82, not so much.

[Moose458]

Real nice collection.