Question for Makarov fans

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Mitlov

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A local pawn shop has a Bulgarian Makarov in right now, and being a bit of a fan of Russian history, I tried it out. I was struck by how perfectly it fit my hand (obviously every hand is different, but apparently I have Makarov hands). It fit me really, really well. Unfortunately, I'd never get one for myself as a defensive firearm because (1) the single-sided safety isn't southpaw-friendly, and (2) ammunition is very hard to find compared to 9mm Luger or .380. Buuuuuuuuuuuut...can anyone think of something comparable to a Makarov in ergonomics, size, etc that's (1) more ambidextrous and (2) chambered in a common cartridge size?
 
I have four Makarovs, and three other guns chambered for the 9x18 Makarov round.

Ammo is easy to find. Especially online.

I highly encourage you to purchase the Makarov. You won't be sorry. To answer your question about the safety, I don't use the safety. I use it as a decocker only (clicking it to "safe" drops the hammer safely just like on a Beretta M9). Once decocked, the double-action trigger is a long pull like a revolver.

*Note, if you see a Mak for sale and you want one, you have to act quickly. At least put some money down and have the store hold it. When for sale, Maks go FAST.
 
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I love my little Bulgarian mak. The "9mm" mak isn't hard to find, I just purchased 150 rounds for thirty dollars the other day.
 
... ammunition is very hard to find compared to 9mm Luger or .380
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Baikal made quite a few Mak pistols chambered in .380 instead of 9x18. All parts except the barrel are interchangeable between the .380 and 9x18 models.
 
I am a fan of Maks, but they aren't fans of me. Ammo isn't that hard to find, especially online as others have pointed out. They are also pretty accurate. To be honest, I really liked mine, but my big paw just wasn't compatible with the slide, and it left two nice grooves in the web of my hand.
 
Thanks for the info on the ammo! I had no idea.

I still don't like the idea of being a lefty carrying a gun with a righty-only safety. Can't sweep it off as I draw the handgun to make sure it hasn't accidentally been knocked on.
 
This is just my suggestion...but don't engage the safety. The Mak has a nice VERY long DA pull for the first shot. Honestly I only use the safety as a decocker. I've carried my Bulgie plenty of times and never once used the safety. I've known plenty of people who carry Maks and I've never known one to actually use the safety.

In regards to your worry that it might be accidentally knocked on whilst carrying. It's a valid concern, however the Mak safety has a very positive engagement. It would take a lot of effort to accidentally engage it while carrying IWB or OWB. It's always a concern but I wouldn't let it be a deal-breaker.

Mak's are incredibly fun to shoot, they're very accurate and darn near indestructible.
 
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Agreed on not using the safety. The DA trigger acts as a safety just as it does on many of the SA guns out there with the pull being long and relatively heavy, at least on my Maks. I too use it as a de-cocker only.

As far as ammo is concerned I can buy it relatively easily online from a number of sources. A couple of LGS carry the ammo as well but not at good prices. The HP ammo is available at Academy and Gander MT usually.

They are great guns and reasonably priced. I have 5.
 
Makarov and Other 9x18mmMak guns

MikeJackmin said:
The CZ 82/83 has ambi controls. They are available in both .380 and 9mm Mak.
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I second that motion. My CZ-82 (9x18mmMak) does have an ambi-saftey, 12 rd. mag, a great natural fit and feel in my hand. It performs well, and is accurate. Once heard it out gunned a Glock, target shooting. All ammo is somewhat limited now, but 9x18mm usually is in good supply. This mm is a little more powerful than .380, but less powerful than 9mm Luger.
 
Get a Vz-82 (9x18 mak) or a CZ-83 (.380), if you intend on carrying it with the safety on and are a lefty. The Vz-82 was a military pistol, the CZ-83 in.380 is a commercial variant of it.

If you can get your head around carrying hammer down, safety off, the Bulgarian Makarov is quite a neat little gun. We've had one for years that my wife considers hers, but have carried it as well. My brother (a lefty) has a Russian commercial one he used to carry as described, hammer down, safety off.
 
Good thoughts everyone. I'll give it some more thought. The emotional/subjective side of me is mighty tempted.
 
The Bulgarian Makarov along with the Russian, East German and chinese are the only true Makarovs, and the Russian is the only one that comes in a .380. The Russian also comes with an adjustable rear sight which is a nice add. All of them are great guns.
 
The Russian also comes with an adjustable rear sight which is a nice add.
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IMHO its a downgrade. The quality of the adjustable rear is pretty bad. I actually replaced it on mine with a fixed rear (I can't remember where I bought it, but an outfit online that specialized in Makarov parts had a fixed replacement for it available).
 
I'll keep that in mind about the CZ 82/83. Regrettably, according to CZ USA's website, they're no longer in production. But I'll keep my mind open.

I've thought about the issues with the safety, and personally, for a carry gun, I really don't feel comfortable unless the safety is ambidextrous. Just my own personal preference.
 
It's already been posted, but I'll add my opinion to the pile.

I am left handed and love my Bulgarian Mak. I would not hesitate to carry it with the hammer dropped and safety off, but I don't have a holster for it yet. No problems and the DA trigger is surprisingly smooth, if a bit stiff at first.
 
Makarov, CZ-82, etc.

Mitlov said:
I'll keep that in mind about the CZ 82/83. Regrettably, according to CZ USA's website, they're no longer in production. But I'll keep my mind open.

I've thought about the issues with the safety, and personally, for a carry gun, I really don't feel comfortable unless the safety is ambidextrous. Just my own personal preference.
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There are plenty of CZ-82's around in the mil-surplus stockpile. But, you seem set on the Mak at your local pawn shop. There are advantages and disadvantages of both.

Although the CZ-82 has a 12 rd. mag, it is heavier to carry.

The Mak is more likely to be carried, being lighter. The other posts, advising carrying this double action pistol with safety off, are correct. This is one of the advantages of most double action pistols.

I suspect you may be a novice (every gun totter was once), and if so, you should be certain that you have had experienced supervision, in gun handling and shooting. Also, any carrying in public, usually requires a gun safety course and other requirements for a concealed carry permit. Check with your local law enforcement.

It is my belief that the first handgun should be a revolver, for safety and reliability. A S&W J frame (Chief's Special) or K frame (Model 10) are good choices.

If I am in error, and you are experienced, my apologizes to you.:)
 
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All the important stuff about the safety and southpaw shooters has been said. I shoot lefty and agree. My Makarov is one of the east german ones and the creme of the makarov crop. I reload for mine. They're a smooth, well designed, modest recoiling, small semi auto, of reasonable power for their size. Excellent gun!
 
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