thinking of getting a Makarov
- Thread starter rockinrussky
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I too am thinking of getting a Mak, but I'm also wondering about the "fakes" like the FEG. Are they worthwhile? The lighter aluminum frame seems like it would be a plus for CCW, but I haven't found much other information negative or positive about them.
*(Nevermind, found a good thread, got my questions answered)
*(Nevermind, found a good thread, got my questions answered)
Apple a Day
Member
EVerything you need to know is at Makarov.com
Stoney, what kind of grips are those?
The first gun I ever bought was a Russian Makarov. I still carry a Bulgie CCW. It points naturally for me, I painted the sights with flourescent paint, and they've never failed me.
I had a PA-63 for a while. It was lighter than the Makarov but had sharper edges and was less comfortable. When it got really dirty with cheap surplus ammo the PA-63 would get a little iffy. When clean it ran well and was very accurate.
Bulgies are running $275 and Russians are $350 around here.
Stoney, what kind of grips are those?
The first gun I ever bought was a Russian Makarov. I still carry a Bulgie CCW. It points naturally for me, I painted the sights with flourescent paint, and they've never failed me.
I had a PA-63 for a while. It was lighter than the Makarov but had sharper edges and was less comfortable. When it got really dirty with cheap surplus ammo the PA-63 would get a little iffy. When clean it ran well and was very accurate.
Bulgies are running $275 and Russians are $350 around here.
lee n. field
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They appear to be Makawraps. Not made anymore.
JERRY
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Makarovs are well built guns, but for me, they are not a natural "pointer" either.... the ammo is cheap, IF you find it locally, over the net you now add s&h fees....you have to do your own math....
for a gun of the same size,weight,power, that is found for less money TODAY, and points more naturally, and has ammo available off the shelf locally, id say go for the Bersa.
for a gun of the same size,weight,power, that is found for less money TODAY, and points more naturally, and has ammo available off the shelf locally, id say go for the Bersa.
Richard
Member
I am late responding but I love to show pictures of my four maks. The one on top is a Bulgie Mak and the other three are EG Maks. Sadly, Maks are no longer inexpensive. Regards, Richard
SouthpawShootr
Member
Those of you who have what appear to be Novak sights, where did you get them?
Texas Colt
Member
I can't wait to join the Mak Club... I found an EG Makarov in a pawn shop last week, so I put it on layaway. They had just got it in, so I have to wait for the serial number to clear the local PD before I can pick it up.
Anna's Dad
Member
I have a Russian military, Russian commerical, Norinco 59 (Chinese), East German and Bulgarian. It's all part of my new multi-cultural attitude.
They are great little guns.
They are great little guns.
Richard
Member
My Novak sights were both done by the Accurizer Gunshop in Troy, MI. Regards, Richard
Easy to maintain was one reason previously mentioned in support of the Makarov. To quantify that, the Makarov has 27 parts. Total! The CZ-82/83? I can't recall, but I want to say it was north of 70 parts.
I've owned both, somehow the CeeZee didn't gee-haw with me. It seemed too complex, lots of bells and whistles that got in my way. I sold the two I had. I still have more than a few Makarovs.
I've owned both, somehow the CeeZee didn't gee-haw with me. It seemed too complex, lots of bells and whistles that got in my way. I sold the two I had. I still have more than a few Makarovs.
Black Adder LXX
Member
I love my Bulgy Mak.
It shoots better than some of my more expensive domestic guns. Nice small package. You can still get them for $250 or so. Makarov.com has E Germans for about $300 regularly. AIM doesn't have true Maks, but I'm seriously looking at one of those CZ82s. I've handled the CZ83 which is the civilian 380acp version and really liked the feel. Both are nice.
I also have a P-64 'polish mak' which is cool, but doesn't come close to the real maks. The PA-63's are snapy little biters that feel worse than Glocks in the hand, I wouldn't suggest one.
It shoots better than some of my more expensive domestic guns. Nice small package. You can still get them for $250 or so. Makarov.com has E Germans for about $300 regularly. AIM doesn't have true Maks, but I'm seriously looking at one of those CZ82s. I've handled the CZ83 which is the civilian 380acp version and really liked the feel. Both are nice.
I also have a P-64 'polish mak' which is cool, but doesn't come close to the real maks. The PA-63's are snapy little biters that feel worse than Glocks in the hand, I wouldn't suggest one.
I've had a Bulgarian Mak for some seven years, back when it cost $99. Mine was unissued, still in the cosmoline. The only things I changed were the grip- put a makwrap- and a stronger recoil spring- a #19. Since then, I've put so 1k rounds or so. Guess how many FTF FTE's....big fat zero.
It is simply the most reliable gun I've had (okay, okay, semi-auto that is, my SW revolver is as reliable). Even my .45 would have the occasional stove pipe jam....so, when people ask me how I like the Mak I describe it as the AK-47 of handguns, not a bad analogy if you ask me. Rugged, inexpensive, and reliable. It's a jewel.
As far as the CZ82 I've never owned or fired one so I can't speak about it, but I was reading in some other board that there appears to be some small parts prone to breaking or something...I'll try to find the link to that one, and see if I can find some more info on that. I was also interested in getting a CZ-82, but we'll see.
It is simply the most reliable gun I've had (okay, okay, semi-auto that is, my SW revolver is as reliable). Even my .45 would have the occasional stove pipe jam....so, when people ask me how I like the Mak I describe it as the AK-47 of handguns, not a bad analogy if you ask me. Rugged, inexpensive, and reliable. It's a jewel.
As far as the CZ82 I've never owned or fired one so I can't speak about it, but I was reading in some other board that there appears to be some small parts prone to breaking or something...I'll try to find the link to that one, and see if I can find some more info on that. I was also interested in getting a CZ-82, but we'll see.
Since my earlier post in July I've acquired a CZ-82. Just came back from several hours at the range, in fact, where the only guns I shot were 2 Maks (an EG with Dennis Marschalko grip and a Russian with Pearce rubber grip) and the CZ. This is my third comparison shoot since the CZ arrived. I would typically shoot 25 rounds of the same ammo with each then switch guns (2 mags +1 with the CZ, 3 mags +1 for the Maks.)
I have been surprised to find that the CZ is no more comfortable to shoot than the Mak, despite its wider grip. In fact, in MY hand the Mak with Dennis grips is the most comfortable of the 3, even though the grip is considerably narrower. I also find the Maks to be a bit more accurate, but readily admit that I'm still getting used to the CZ trigger (very soft but consistent letoff) and sights. In IDPA type drills at 5-10 yards, the bigger CZ sights are MUCH easier to pick up, and if the white dots and line on the sights are bright they are much easier to see in low light as well. But for precise shot placement and for my favorite targets, foot-square steel plates at 50 yards, I just hit more reliably with the Maks as long as the light holds out.
The CZ has been just as reliable (so far) as the Maks with round nose bullets, but it does occasionally choke on the Wolf 100g cone head FMJ (2 failures out of 100 rounds today, similar experience in the past.) I will not replace this ammo when my last 4 boxes are gone, but will switch to round nose Wolf for foolin' around ammo, so don't consider it a long term negative. I have not tried many HP rounds in the CZ as I've decided that for 9x18 I'm just as well off with FMJ, but the couple of dozen Hornady XTP rounds I've put through it functioned just fine.
I have been unable to find complete disassembly instructions for the CZ anywhere. Field stripping is a snap, but anything beyond removing slide, recoil spring and grips is (so far) unexplored territory. This is a big plus for the Mak, in my book. The only "weakness" of the CZ-82 that I've read about is the slide stop spring, which apparently can launch itself into orbit in the course of disassembly if you're not careful, takes 3 or more hands to reinstall, and is the ONLY part not available from CZ-USA for the gun (but Norm Sutton makes replacements, so you're not completely SOL if you lose or break one.)
For those not following other forums, the Makawrap grips are back in stock at makarov.com, but they are absolutely the last ones because the mold apparently wore completely out in the course of making this last batch.
If I were choosing between the CZ and a Mak, I'd get a Mak if I didn't have one (or several.) For personal protection I carry a Mak, and despite its larger magazine won't try carrying the CZ because it's too thick for me to conceal (as) easily (as the Mak.) If I had to get rid of a gun and the choice was between the CZ and a Mak, I'd keep the Mak. If SHTF and I had both the CZ and a Mak but could only take one gun, I'd take the Mak. So despite the fact that I really enjoy shooting the CZ (and may even get another one to leave in the car, replacing a snub nose S&W 38) if I were in the position rockinrussky was in July, I'd start with a Mak.
I have been surprised to find that the CZ is no more comfortable to shoot than the Mak, despite its wider grip. In fact, in MY hand the Mak with Dennis grips is the most comfortable of the 3, even though the grip is considerably narrower. I also find the Maks to be a bit more accurate, but readily admit that I'm still getting used to the CZ trigger (very soft but consistent letoff) and sights. In IDPA type drills at 5-10 yards, the bigger CZ sights are MUCH easier to pick up, and if the white dots and line on the sights are bright they are much easier to see in low light as well. But for precise shot placement and for my favorite targets, foot-square steel plates at 50 yards, I just hit more reliably with the Maks as long as the light holds out.
The CZ has been just as reliable (so far) as the Maks with round nose bullets, but it does occasionally choke on the Wolf 100g cone head FMJ (2 failures out of 100 rounds today, similar experience in the past.) I will not replace this ammo when my last 4 boxes are gone, but will switch to round nose Wolf for foolin' around ammo, so don't consider it a long term negative. I have not tried many HP rounds in the CZ as I've decided that for 9x18 I'm just as well off with FMJ, but the couple of dozen Hornady XTP rounds I've put through it functioned just fine.
I have been unable to find complete disassembly instructions for the CZ anywhere. Field stripping is a snap, but anything beyond removing slide, recoil spring and grips is (so far) unexplored territory. This is a big plus for the Mak, in my book. The only "weakness" of the CZ-82 that I've read about is the slide stop spring, which apparently can launch itself into orbit in the course of disassembly if you're not careful, takes 3 or more hands to reinstall, and is the ONLY part not available from CZ-USA for the gun (but Norm Sutton makes replacements, so you're not completely SOL if you lose or break one.)
For those not following other forums, the Makawrap grips are back in stock at makarov.com, but they are absolutely the last ones because the mold apparently wore completely out in the course of making this last batch.
If I were choosing between the CZ and a Mak, I'd get a Mak if I didn't have one (or several.) For personal protection I carry a Mak, and despite its larger magazine won't try carrying the CZ because it's too thick for me to conceal (as) easily (as the Mak.) If I had to get rid of a gun and the choice was between the CZ and a Mak, I'd keep the Mak. If SHTF and I had both the CZ and a Mak but could only take one gun, I'd take the Mak. So despite the fact that I really enjoy shooting the CZ (and may even get another one to leave in the car, replacing a snub nose S&W 38) if I were in the position rockinrussky was in July, I'd start with a Mak.
Hoffy
Member
Hmmm...
Wrangler5,
I was thinking of getting a CZ-82...but now you've got me thinking about another Makarov.
Wrangler5,
I was thinking of getting a CZ-82...but now you've got me thinking about another Makarov.
Thanks for that report, Wrangler5, seems you've put the CZ82 through the paces...question: what about that hammer? Does it present a major snagging point when the gun is brought out of concealment? Unless it could be replaced by a commander-type hammer, that thing sure sticks out. Regards, Paul.
I honestly don't know and probably won't find out. The IDPA scenarios I've been trying have been with a Fobus paddle holster (for the Mak) without a cover garment, as it's still summer here (it was in the low 90s yesterday at the range.) I normally carry the Mak in the cooler months, but don't actually expect to carry the CZ concealed. It will fit in the FIST IWB holster for a Mak, but the grip prints through the sweaters that I typically wear as a cover garment. (I have only tried this in front of a mirror - it's still to hot too carry the Mak. I'm carrying a KelTec P3AT in a pocket until it cools down a bit more.)
If I ever get comfortable carrying with just a sport coat or suit jacket for cover, I might give the CZ a try, and I would not expect the hammer to be a problem drawing from under that kind of cover. Or if I ever lose enough weight that my shirts get blousy enough to use an IWB tuckable effectively, I might think about giving the CZ a try, although I can imagine the hammer might be a bit more of a problem in that case as there would be a lot of shirt tail to avoid.
I don't believe I've ever seen a rowel-type hammer offered for the 82/83. I personally would not consider cutting down the standard hammer, as it is easy and safe to lower the hammer on a live round using the large and well grooved spur, but if it got much smaller I'd be concerned about having less control during that procedure. I do not plan to carry any gun cocked and locked, but if C&L is your thing it might be possible to modify a standard hammer to reduce the spur, and then you would only have to worry about whether there is enough mass remaining to fire a cartridge reliably.
If I ever get comfortable carrying with just a sport coat or suit jacket for cover, I might give the CZ a try, and I would not expect the hammer to be a problem drawing from under that kind of cover. Or if I ever lose enough weight that my shirts get blousy enough to use an IWB tuckable effectively, I might think about giving the CZ a try, although I can imagine the hammer might be a bit more of a problem in that case as there would be a lot of shirt tail to avoid.
I don't believe I've ever seen a rowel-type hammer offered for the 82/83. I personally would not consider cutting down the standard hammer, as it is easy and safe to lower the hammer on a live round using the large and well grooved spur, but if it got much smaller I'd be concerned about having less control during that procedure. I do not plan to carry any gun cocked and locked, but if C&L is your thing it might be possible to modify a standard hammer to reduce the spur, and then you would only have to worry about whether there is enough mass remaining to fire a cartridge reliably.
North Bender
Member
Nice reports Wrangler.
I was suprised to find that my CZ-83 had the same felt recoil as my Maks. It is slightly bigger and more ergonomic and I had assumed that would lessen the bite. My 83 handles and points somewhat better than my Maks, but the biggest reason for me to prefer the Mak over the 83 concerns the dissambly issues you described.
I was suprised to find that my CZ-83 had the same felt recoil as my Maks. It is slightly bigger and more ergonomic and I had assumed that would lessen the bite. My 83 handles and points somewhat better than my Maks, but the biggest reason for me to prefer the Mak over the 83 concerns the dissambly issues you described.
usp9
Member
They aren't that far apart in weight. By a smidgeon I prefer the Mak.
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