[Glockedout17]

I seen this Makarov today made by IMEZ from Russia ( if i'm not mistaken). Wanted to know how reliable are they and how do I know if i'm getting a good one. With them being milsurp and all, could I trust one for EDC? Does anyone have experience with these? Thanks in advance, Al

[fletcher]

Makarovs are incredibly reliable and accurate, and if you are comfortable with 9x18, are fine for EDC. Biggest downside is the small holster selection, but it has been improving.

As far as getting a good one, just make sure overall appearance and basic functions is/are good. Check that the firing pin moves freely before shooting the first time.

[garyhan]

Much more accurate than one would expect. Have taken much small game with mine. Have owned mine about 15 years with zero malfunctions.

gary

[mljdeckard]

Highly. Not pretty. Not smooth. You won't be winning any competitions with the trigger. But their brutal, rugged, reliability gives them a point adjustment big enough for me to not worry much about the small cartridge.

[Pilot]

I have four Maks. Two Bulgies (best value IMHO), One E.G. and a Russian Commercial .380 in Satin Nickel. They are ALL extremely reliable, and in almost 20 or so years of ownership, have never failed me. They are accurate also, and the triggers do smooth out a bit with use.

[Phantom Captain]

Agreed with all above.

Mine has had zero malfunctions. Every time I have pulled the trigger it goes boom. I have a Bulgarian. It's actually my everyday carry. Like everyone said, it's utterly functional, accurate and reliable. I love mine. It's truly one of my favorite handguns.

I've found two great carry holsters for it depending on my dress. Fobus makes a paddle holster for it that I really love but I only wear it around the house or when I have an overshirt or sweatshirt on etc. For everyday deep conceal I bought an IWB Gazelle holster that works amazingly well. It's also made specifically for the Mak.

[JDGray]

Whats not to like about the fixed barrel accuracy? Love my little Commy built pistol!
Stone reliable...

[parisite]

It seems most people call any gun that shoots the 9x18 round, a Makarov. That is not the case.

[kokapelli]

How accurate? Many years ago when I took the shooting test for my first CCW I used my Mak and was almost turned down because there were only three holes out of five shots in the target, but after very close examination they found I had put three rounds through one hole. The instructor said he had not seen that ever happen before.

[mgmorden]

With them being milsurp and all, could I trust one for EDC?

You're worried that you couldn't trust a gun that was built for and has gone to war? Most milsurp guns are far more reliable than the stuff we buy off the shelves these days. They might have a few quirky features (ie, the Makarov, like many milsurp pistols, has the heel mag release), but reliability is one thing you generally don't have to worry about.

Mine has been flawless.

[2ifbyC]

I have the Russian made Makarov made by IMEZ with the staggered magazine. I bought it about 16 years ago at a gun show; the clip holds 12 rounds but was dimpled to hold 10 due to the limit on high capacity magazines. One of the drawbacks is the magazines are hard to find and expensive.

It has a terrible trigger pull, i.e., long and hard. Due to this aspect, I rarely shoot it. I have had no reliability issues however even with cheaply made Chinese ammo. I bought it because it's a poor man's version of the Walther PPK, but that is where the similarity ends.

There is a Makarov web site that still lists tons of info on the pistol but they no longer sell anything.

[mgmorden]

One of the drawbacks is the magazines are hard to find and expensive.

Note that this is only an issue with the rare double-stack Makarov. The standard (and most common) model is single-stack and the magazines are very easy to find and tend to run no more than $20/each :).

[El Mariachi]

Finally took the ($245.00) 1970 P-64 Radom out to the range the other day. I reeeeeally liked it....:D

[Ghost Tracker]

IMHO, they are much more reliable than they are accurate. Because that's what's IMPORTANT. But they're not so inaccurate that anyone complains about it. It's a rarity for anyone to buy one...and regret it.

[Phantom Captain]

Finally took the ($245.00) 1970 P-64 Radom out to the range the other day. I reeeeeally liked it....

P-64s are cool and I have a 1967 myself. But, please note, it is not a Makarov.

Yes, they fire the 9x18mm Makarov cartridge as does the Hungarian FEG-63 but they are not true Makarov's which is what we are talking about here.

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/3897/mak3h.jpg

[Glockedout17]

Thanks for all the info guys!! What should I look for in the Russian makarov to assure that i'm getting a good deal? Oh yea, and i'm getting it for $200, is this a good price for one of these gems?

[chas3stix]

The Makarov I once owned was a fresh from the factory Baikal. Never burped once. And it was fairly accurate.

[woad_yurt]

Glockedout17:
J&G Sales is selling Bulgarian Makarovs for $229 right now. I know that the Imez is only $200, which is a great gun for the money, no doubt, but, personally, I think that the fixed sights on the ones at J&G's are worth a little extra money. I had one like you mentioned and the adjustable sight was a snagger, for sure.

Oh yeah, your question:
Yes, Makarovs are probably the most reliable semi-auto pistol around. Don't worry if repair parts are available because you'll never need any. ; )

[krupparms]

Yes that is a good price. I have a Russian Mak. w/ Hi-cap mag. & a E.G. military model, reg.mags. The R. model was all beat up when I got it, but still is reliable &accurate .The E.G
model, the same. I have heard that they don't have the power to do the job! But don't believe it! The trigger will smooth up with use & as long as you do you're part, shot placement, You will be OK! This pistol is a good choice as it can be a CC pistol or open carry pistol.Your wife will want one if she hasn't a carry peace. Good luck, Have fun, stay safe! Marry X-MAS &Happy New Year!

[PabloJ]

I seen this Makarov today made by IMEZ from Russia ( if i'm not mistaken). Wanted to know how reliable are they and how do I know if i'm getting a good one. With them being milsurp and all, could I trust one for EDC? Does anyone have experience with these? Thanks in advance, Al
I'm on my second one and these proved very reliable even with JHPs. Although aged design by modern military/police standards with poor sights and less then desirable trigger pulls these are more then accurate enough as civilian PD pieces.

[Glockedout17]

I went to the LGS to take another look and now they have a CZ 82 sitting right next to the Russian Makarov. I'm torn between the two, they are both in near perfect condition. Funny thing though.... I asked the asked gunsmith to disassemble the Mak so that I can inspect the internals and he did it in about 1 minute (No Kidding). I asked the same about CZ 82 and it took him 2 minutes to figure it out and almost another 5 minutes to disassemble the thing. The Mak was simple, but you can see the design age difference between the two (still love the Mak though). What would you guys say about the CZ 82?

[Glockedout17]

Woad Yurt: So would you say the Bulgarian is better than the Russian Mak? I don't want to have any regrets...

[mavracer]

I have a Russian commercial and a CZ82 they are both fine guns, ultra reliable and very accurate. I beleve Woad Yurt was refering only to the adjustable rear sight on the russian commercial model being less suitable for CCW as it's sharp corners are prone to catching clothing.
There are a couple fixes you can round the corners and touch up the finish or there's a company that makes a replacement sight.
makarov.com doesn't sell anything any more but there's a welth of information and some other links to part sources there.

[kokapelli]

In my opinion the Bulgarian Mac's are finished better than the Russian Mac.

[SharpsDressedMan]

Answer: Few autos are MORE reliable than a Makarov.

[DaBull]

I have a Russian commercial Makarov (the Baikal by IMEZ) with the adjustable sights, a Bulgarian commercial Makarov (by Arsenal) that differs from the military version in terms of the rollmarks on the slide, and a CZ-82. I prefer them in reverse order: CZ82, Bulgy, Russian. The CZ has the higher capacity, a sweet single action trigger, and it is ridiculously accurate. The Bulgy and Russian Maks are about equally accurate, but the Bulgy is better made. As others have pointed out, the Russian's adjustable sights stand out and tend to catch on things. I would go with the CZ.

[Deaf Smith]

I seen this Makarov today made by IMEZ from Russia ( if i'm not mistaken). Wanted to know how reliable are they and how do I know if i'm getting a good one. With them being milsurp and all, could I trust one for EDC? Does anyone have experience with these? Thanks in advance, Al
I'll just say my EG and Bulgie Maks are VERY reliable.

Yes I pack Glocks, but I can say the Maks are quite reliable.

Deaf

[GZOh]

How reliable... VERY!!

[Glockedout17]

I might pick up one or the other tomorrow, the price difference isn't that drastic. I'll let you guys know which one I went with. Got alot of reading to do.

[M2 Carbine]

I am a Makarov fan. I have 16.....or 17..........I lost count.


A while back I took a NIB Bulgarian Mak and 500 rounds of FMJ and 500 rounds of JHP Barnaul ammo and set out to try to make a Makarov fail.

I wanted to simulate "normal" but non destructive problems, carried to the extreme to see if the Makarov would malfunction.

Because the hammer was blocked by mud the gun didn't fire on the first (SA) trigger pull but it did fire on the second DA trigger pull and fired the rest of the magazine.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x464/Bell-helicopter-407/Makfiredwithmud.jpg

The scenario was, you pull your Makarov but drop it in the mud. You must shoot immediately, so as you retrieve the gun from the mud all you can do is shake it once and fire.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x464/Bell-helicopter-407/Makinmud.jpg


This is the old pocket lint getting inside the gun scare.
I filled the inside of the gun with "pocket lint". No problem.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x464/Bell-helicopter-407/Makcoveredwithlint.jpg


You're Mak is a car gun kept in your car in sub zero temperature.
I way over greased the gun and left it in the freezer for a while.
Only problem was it was cold holding the gun to shoot it.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x464/Bell-helicopter-407/Makfrozen_2.jpg


Some other tests were leaving the gun and loaded magazine in a pail of water for a while, shooting "gangster" style and even inverted, limp wristing, and others.

In the thousand rounds the total malfunctions were a couple jams feeding, which turned out to be a defective magazine. The mud failure on the first trigger pull and one dud primer.


So yeah, the Makarov is reliable.

The final test was to see if the gun was still accurate.
Not bad.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x464/Bell-helicopter-407/Maktestgun35yards.jpg




I counted. 16 :)

[Onmilo]

I have owned Chinese, East german, and genuine Russian miltary Makarovs over the years.
They have all been uniformly good guns.
Well built, reliable, and durable.

[m2steven]

I have a Hungarian 9x18 and it's never failed to operate perfectly. It's accurate and easy to shoot. It's small enough to carry fairly comfortably and has nice safety features. Ammo is cheap enough and seems pretty potent.

I got the pistol and bought a thousand rounds of Brown Bear or Silver Bear and they went through the gun like butter. I've shot some nice brass ammo and I can't tell the difference.

You can still find these pistols in NEW condition with a bit of looking. The Makarov is a terrific professional tool.

[M2 Carbine]

I have a Hungarian 9x18 and it's never failed to operate perfectly
While the Hungarian PA-63 is a decent pistol it is not a Makarov. It does shoot 9x18 ammunition and is blow-back operated but that's the only thing the Makarov and PA-63 have in common.
At present decent Makarovs are selling for $300 plus and the PA-63 for minus $200

The Hungarian PA-63 is second row center.
Another 9x18 gun that unscrupulous dealers will try to pass off as Makarovs is the Polish P64 (3 top right). Again it's a decent gun but in the $200 range.

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x464/Bell-helicopter-407/9x18pistols.jpg

[m2steven]

M2 Carbine: I meant Bulgarian. I'm working this weekend and my brain is fried.

[greenlion]

The question should be "how shootable is a Makarov?"

Mine was 100% reliable, but the double action pull was murder, and the single action was a hair trigger lighter than any of my rifles. Not a good combo. Accurate little guns, but not the best defensive weapon in my opinion.

[Deaf Smith]

The question should be "how shootable is a Makarov?"

Mine was 100% reliable, but the double action pull was murder, and the single action was a hair trigger lighter than any of my rifles. Not a good combo. Accurate little guns, but not the best defensive weapon in my opinion.
Greenlion,

Sure that isn't a P64 Polish pistol in 9x18? They have awful 20 lb DA triggers and darn near hair triggers in SA. M2 has them displayed above. Top row, first and second ones on the right.

Deaf

[M2 Carbine]

Mine was 100% reliable, but the double action pull was murder, and the single action was a hair trigger lighter than any of my rifles. Not a good combo. Accurate little guns, but not the best defensive weapon in my opinion.
I also wonder if you aren't talking about the P64. It does have a terrible DA trigger, although it can be greatly improved with a lighter main spring change.

The Makarov DA trigger isn't normally bad.
For instance, as checked with a Lyman trigger gage,

Ruger LC9 = 6 lbs, 9 oz. (most everyone complains about this trigger)
S&W Model 36 (J Frame) = 10 lbs, 13 oz. (most people think the S&W trigger isn't bad)
Makarov = 10 lbs, 9 oz.


Closeup of the two guns. The P64 gives the impression of being much smaller than the Makarov but actually they are almost the same size.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x464/Bell-helicopter-407/P64andMak.jpg


The P64, like the Makarov is very accurate, for a somewhat small, rough military pistol.
50 yards. Standing. One of my P64's shoots left, one center and one right. This is the one that shoots right.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x464/Bell-helicopter-407/P-6450yards.jpg

[nathan]

I carried the P 64 for a year then sold it. I replaced it with a Russian commercial with adjustable rear sight. The East German stays in the drawer.

[North Bender]

I also own a lot of 9x18 guns in various varities. But I never shoot my P64s any more. I did spring changes, and they are accurate, but they just hurt too much to shoot and I don't like the lightness of the SA after the spring change. They're probably good handguns for SD but I don't play with them enough to get comfortable with them.

[bds]

Highly. Not pretty. Not smooth. You won't be winning any competitions with the trigger.
I had the Russian Baikal chambered for .380 Auto and shot thousands of S&B FMJ ammo without any issue.

I found the wider Pearce rubber grip (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/171929/pearce-rubber-grip-makarov-8-shot) more comfortable than thinner factory plastic grip.

http://media.midwayusa.com/productimages/medium/171/171929.jpg

[gamestalker]

I have one, and not only is it 100% reliable, but it's incredibly accurate also.

[greenlion]

Greenlion,

Sure that isn't a P64 Polish pistol in 9x18? They have awful 20 lb DA triggers and darn near hair triggers in SA.

Nope. It was a Bulgarian Makarov. I've never owned a P64. However, I have also never owned dozens of Makarovs, so mine may have been an anomaly.

[Deaf Smith]

Yea Greenlion,

We to envy M2's collection! And M2 has lots more of them toys and a private range (lucky son-of-a-gun.)

Deaf

[Jehzsa]

Fwiw. The design of the pistol (PM) is attributed to N.F. Makarov.

The cartridge (9x18M) was developed by B.V. Semin and N.M. Elizarov.

So technically, the cartridge could have been called the 9x18 S&E. :uhoh:

[harmon rabb]

Maks are one of the most reliable pistol designs ever produced. Reliability is NOT a concern here. Even the trigger isn't bad. About the only "concern" with a Mak for carry is if you're a caliber snob and think 9x18 won't get the job done. If you're satisfied with 9x18 for carry, you would be well served with a Mak.

I own.. uh.. 5 of them. None of them have ever malfunctioned. I had a fun experience of taking a new (to me) Bulgarian mak to the range with a bunch of mags of unknown vintage from gunbroker (which all didn't look the same, and which all seemed to have different weight springs in them) as well as a new Kahr CM9. The Kahr sputtered some. The Mak made fun of the Kahr, gave it a wedgie, stole its lunch money, then shot some 250 rounds flawlessly no matter what mag was used.

[harmon rabb]

You're worried that you couldn't trust a gun that was built for and has gone to war? Most milsurp guns are far more reliable than the stuff we buy off the shelves these days. They might have a few quirky features (ie, the Makarov, like many milsurp pistols, has the heel mag release), but reliability is one thing you generally don't have to worry about.

Mine has been flawless.
This. People worry about milsurp pistols... then trust a kel-tec or diamondback. uhhhhhh... wat? I truly can't understand that one.

This applies especially to the Mak and Tokarev. When were the soviets ever known for producing small arms designs that didn't work? The country that came up with the most iconic assault rifle of all time couldn't produce a pistol worth a damn? uhhhh...

[harmon rabb]

Greenlion,

Sure that isn't a P64 Polish pistol in 9x18? They have awful 20 lb DA triggers and darn near hair triggers in SA.

Nope. It was a Bulgarian Makarov. I've never owned a P64. However, I have also never owned dozens of Makarovs, so mine may have been an anomaly.
Definitely an anomaly. Makarovs don't have bad triggers. 10lbs or so in DA, 5lbs or so in SA.

Now, if you want to experience the ultimate in smooth triggers for a milsurp pistol (or, pretty much, for a DA/SA pistol, period), you should try out a cz-82. I get a kick out of the overengineering that went into producing a military pistol with a trigger of that quality (and it's not the machining. the machining isn't really any better than any other comm bloc stuff).

[dcarch]

+1 to that. IMHO, the CZ-82 is the best buy on the mil-surp pistol market.

[Deaf Smith]

greenlion,

Might want to check and see if the hammer spring is damaged or blocked and that is causing the heavy trigger pull.

Deaf

[nathan]

I met a wild hog trapper and he said he uses his makarov to kill em hogs at close range inside the pen. Of course with fmj s to the head. They fall down right there with no problem.

[greenlion]

I sold mine a while ago. I guess mine must have been an oddball. Compared to my beretta, it felt like the Mak had a 20 lb double action, and a 1 lb single action pull. Very disproportionate. Accurate little gun though, although the sights were hard to see quickly.

[WhistlinDixie]

I see 9x18 guns around so cheap. I keep intending to pick one up. This thread has made it clear I need to before they dry up or climb higher in price.

[1858remington]

The makarov is an excellent firearm.
Built like russian KV tank. Sturdy, reliable, rugged, and unrefined.

I watched a guy at the range shoot 500 rounds of .380 through his 9X18 makarov:eek: and it cycled all of it without a hitch. Not something I would have done if the gun was mine. The .380 brass was quite deformed.

If your looking for a better trigger and more capasity for the same price, pick up a CZ82. The CZ is an awesome 9X18, and I have even used mine in competitions. :D

[The Kershaw]

I'd avoid Makarovs. The free floating firing pin design left much to be desired when I owned a Bulgarian variant. More often than not I'd pull the trigger and CLICK! The hammer didn't strike the firing pin because it was still seated forward in the firing pin chamber.

Wouldn't trust your life to them, no way.

[Litlman]

My 2 Bulgarian Maks run balls out with S&B. No probs what so ever. I have CC both of them and still do.

[Pilot]

I'd avoid Makarovs. The free floating firing pin design left much to be desired when I owned a Bulgarian variant. More often than not I'd pull the trigger and CLICK! The hammer didn't strike the firing pin because it was still seated forward in the firing pin chamber.

Wouldn't trust your life to them, no way.


Hundreds of thousands of dead Russians, and enemies of the KGB, Stasi, etc say otherwise. Your gun is defective, not the design. Clean your firing pin channel and get a properly sized firing pin.

[Glockedout17]

Ok, I finally picked up the Makarov. Now that I have it, I'm saying to myself " can I really trust a gun made probably more than 50 years ago." It would be cool if it was just a showroom piece, but I want to carry it often so that I can give my glock 26 a break. I just wanna be assured that this old gem won't be a liability in the long run. BTW I really love this thing. I've been walking around the house all day saying "who want some" with a russian accent lol. I haven't fired it yet, but it sure feels smooth. Is there anything I should change out or do to make it function perfect? Oh yea and thanks for all the informative replies, they really helped me out!!

[fletcher]

It should function perfect without any tweaking - they're generally left as-is mechanically. Just take it out and have fun!

[nathan]

Nice thing about Makarov, they are easy to conceal and accurate.

[stonecutter2]

Ok, I finally picked up the Makarov. Now that I have it, I'm saying to myself " can I really trust a gun made probably more than 50 years ago." It would be cool if it was just a showroom piece, but I want to carry it often so that I can give my glock 26 a break. I just wanna be assured that this old gem won't be a liability in the long run. BTW I really love this thing. I've been walking around the house all day saying "who want some" with a russian accent lol. I haven't fired it yet, but it sure feels smooth. Is there anything I should change out or do to make it function perfect? Oh yea and thanks for all the informative replies, they really helped me out!!
Whether you chose the Makarov or the CZ82, you would have made a good decision.

I have a CZ82 and P64. Based on all I've read online, both are nightmares to detail strip, so much so that I've only field stripped mine for fear that i'd end up with a pile of parts and couldn't get it back together (although I know i'd get it eventually).

My CZ82 has a beautiful trigger pull - it's glass smooth. And the barrel is chrome lined, and polygonal, so i have a feeling it will outlive me.

Makarovs are pretty simple, from all i've read they can be broken down easily and parts are easy to come by - very much like a Glock.

Congrats. Now you're making me consider a Bulgarian Makarov :)

[PabloJ]

Do not wait long on "10" Bulgarian Makarov because unlike Soviet-made version there aren't haystacks of them in former Eastern Block.

[pinstripe]

I owned a Bulgarian makarov and it was uber reliable. never a ftf/fte even with surplus ammo. They are very good shooters. I have been kinda wanting to pick up another one. Maybe my next choice of the new year. The ammuniton is like a 9mm kurtz. Ammo is everywhere.

[Pilot]

Ok, I finally picked up the Makarov. Now that I have it, I'm saying to myself " can I really trust a gun made probably more than 50 years ago


I regulary shoot my Mauser, P-08 Luger made in 1941, and Mauser C-96 Broomhandle made in the 1930's. Neither have ever failed me, and I would, and have trusted my life with both.

[Wanderling]

The Makarovs are still in service in Russian Federation, both with Army and Police. AFAIK the vast majority of them were made long time ago. These guns were made to last for ever, just like the AK.

[Phantom Captain]

Ok, I finally picked up the Makarov. Now that I have it, I'm saying to myself " can I really trust a gun made probably more than 50 years ago." It would be cool if it was just a showroom piece, but I want to carry it often so that I can give my glock 26 a break. I just wanna be assured that this old gem won't be a liability in the long run. BTW I really love this thing. I've been walking around the house all day saying "who want some" with a russian accent lol. I haven't fired it yet, but it sure feels smooth. Is there anything I should change out or do to make it function perfect? Oh yea and thanks for all the informative replies, they really helped me out!!

I carry mine everyday and trust it totally. More so than my other pistols (although I trust my P99 as much it's just too big for me to carry comfortably. The Mak I can deep conceal, always). I have a Bulgarian and it has never...ever failed on me yet. No FTF, no FTE, no stovepipes or jams. It works. Always. And it's accurate too, after much practice it's point and shoot and hit. I love it. I have two different holsters for it depending on dress, one a Fobus paddle holster and one a great IWB holster that completely conceals it. It's tuly one of my favorite pistols of all time.

[M2 Carbine]

At the gun show yesterday I bought number 17.:)

A dealer had a excellent condition Bulgarian for $229. It had two mags and Pearce grips. I have four or five of the Pearce grips. They make the gun very comfortable to shoot but personally I like the thinner original grip better.
The mags are running about $20 now days and the grips are about $15.

I wondered why the dealer had the gun priced so low, especially since he had a excellent condition Russian Mak priced at $330.


If it wasn't so close to me having to buy the IRS a new SUV in federal taxes I would have tried to make a deal on both guns.

[makanut]

As other posters have indicated, the Makarov is extremely reliable. No issues with reliability whatsoever. Having said that, It's important to keep the firing pin channel clean. Have fun with your Makarov.

[wford]

My uncle has a real makarov and we took it out to the range a few years ago and i was less than impressed. The accuracy was not good but this was the first time I shot a makarov. The trigger was horrible in my opinion and is not something i would care to even try to get good with. My uncle doesn't really like the gun either.

[goon]

The Mak's I've owned were about as reliable as Estwing claw hammers, which is to say I can't recall a single failure. DA triggers have been heavy but the SA triggers were very good. They've been as accurate as other guns in their size range and at the time I found them easier to shoot well than a J-frame .38.
IMO, Mak prices have risen to the point where you might be well advised to look up a CZ-82 if you want a cheap serviceable handgun. I've considered their .380 cousins but a gun that size in 9mm Mak or .380 aren't priorities to me right now.

[montanaoffroader]

I've used a Russian IJ-70 as my main carry gun for ~ 20 years. Put thousands of rounds through it, not a single failure. My brother and I had a little contest, the Mak shot straighter than his Sig P230, which is now history. One of these days, I should pick up a Bulgarian model for a spare......;)