Makarov ya or nay?

I big "yay"

I wish I'd had my Bulgarian Makarov before I got my PF9. KelTec PF9 is a good gun but nothing like a Makarov. My Mak is only slightly larger, a little heavier, and far more accurate.

I had a Bulgarian for a long time. It was 100% reliable, and very accurate. My only criticism would be that the sights were sometimes hard to see, and there was a BIG difference between the weight of the double and single action trigger pull. The double action was very heavy, and the single action almost too light. For the money though, a great little gun.

It's just a tiny bit too big for pocket carry but otherwise it's slim, comfortable, and has a pretty good trigger for a military surplus gun. I prefer the P-64 for pocket carry, in fact it's my workday gun because I feel comfortable putting gun and holster in my center compartment while I'm at work (I have to pass through a security checkpoint with metal detectors) then stick it back in my pocket for running errands on my way home. A durable milsurp handgun is perfect in that role. I use my Mak in a similar role in my home, it's hidden securely within reach of my chair for things that go bump in the night.

Yes! I had a Russian one and it was reliable, felt good in the hand, easy to take down...as can be seen it looks like Walther, though different internally. I loved it. I sold the sucker when I was too young to fully appreciate it. I got it for about 140 bucks with the usual gear...magazine, cleaning rod, holster. Wish I had it back.

And the cheap ammo supply has long been dry.

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Not so my friend. It is still available for pre-panic prices! And I just bought a ton.

Like the Makarov pistol. It is a .380 class pistol that actually works very well and the cartridge is more accurate than one might think.
I feel the Czech CZ82 is actually a better gun in 9X18 but not because the Makarov is a bad pistol by any means.

The Makarov is no longer a great buy at the prices they're going for, especially true Russian Maks. These things sell anywhere from $250-$350 now depending on the country of origin and condition.

They're still affordable but there are better options available at only marginally higher prices. In the same price range you can get a new gun from a modern manufacturer with a warranty. I just don't see any reason to buy a Makarov unless you're a collector at the prices they are now commanding.

big YA! I got one for my wife a few years back , And now wish I could find one for myself, hers is a East Berlin made mak. from 1961 in 9X18 . I paid $275.00 with 8 full boxes of ammo

DA !! Great guns.Fobus makes a nice paddle rig AND it fits my Bianchi Foldaway.

Got da Mak. Got da Fobus. Got da CZ82. Hell, yes! You should get one. If a Mak is too heavy to carry, you have serious strength issues. My 68 yr old dad carries one that I gave him for his birthday, in 1994.

Accurate, reliable, affordable, powerful enough. Why should anyone say "nay". There are more compact, more powerful handguns for carry if that's the deal, but it'll tote light and svelte in an IWB. Might have to be a generic IWB, though. It's not really a pocket gun.

I would get it just because. My SIL has one, nice shooter. I found a P64 Radom and snapped THAT up a few years ago, a bit more pocketable, but heavy as it's all steel. Still need a Mak, a CZ82, a PA63.....

Mak

I like the Makarov. I have had a Russian gun for years. I carry it regularly.
I have cases of ammo through it....never a malfunction and always accurate.
A nice looking, solidly made steel gun that is accurate and reliable......what is not to like?
Pete

Takes a bit more upper body strength to rack the slide on a Makarov compared to a Walter PP; that Makarov has a strong recoil spring. And needs it. 9x18mm Makarov is like a .380 +P on steroids with PMS. On anything smaller than a Tyranosaurus, it is overkill. (seriously, I would consider myself well armed with a Mak; my son has one of the Russian imports (adjustable sights) he got it cheap; the previous owner complained about its poor performance with .380 ammo.)

I picked this little Jem up a couple months back. It's very clean and the funny thing is the Serial Number reads the same foward and backward.
.

I was talking with my brother last week when he told me he had something like 1700 rounds in 9X18 Makarov, but only one gun, an East German model, to use it in.

I told him with that much ammo he needs to buy a few more Maks.

I had a Chinese Mak. I bought it NIB for $125. It was a scarce one, too. For some reason, that particular one was one of less than 500 imported.
I forget what made it special.
I sold it for $375.
Wish I had that one back, but I couldn't see shooting it, since I had the commercial Russkie and the CZ82 already. Didn't have room for a safe queen. Needed the money.
Had a guy who was willing to pay my price.
Hated to let it go, but feeding the wife and kids comes first.

Another YAY for the Makarov! I had a Bulgy and like a dummy sold it when times got hard. I presently have a PA-63 and it's a regularly carried CHL gun for me. In a high ride IWB holster it's fast to draw and more than powerful enough at typical engagement range.

Even if you have to buy ammo off the shelf it's priced nearly the same as 9MM Luger.

I've got a C&R FFL. I should buy another Bulgy or even a P64.

Saturday, at the LGS I found a very nice Bulgarian Mak that someone had just traded in.
I asked the store manager what he was going to put it out for? He said $319. I said, Sold.
Number 18.


Got a problem though.
Usually as soon as I get home with a new gun I shoot it right away (home ranges).
I tore both my shoulders about 7 months ago. The left one was operated on Oct.10 and the right was operated on 12 days ago.
I can't hardly hold a cup of Coffee, so won't be shooting for a while.

Next time my lady shooting friends come out to shoot I'll have them break in the new Mak.

If you decide to reload for it slug the bore first as barrels vary quite a bit.

I have a Russian commercial model, it shoots straighter than I do. My dad has a Bulgarian, it is also a good shooter. Two thumbs up!

If you decide to reload for it slug the bore first as barrels vary quite a bit.

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Interesting, I've been reloading for the Mak many years but never thought to slug the barrels. Got to check that out.


Some random Makarov pictures.

Frozen Mak.



Bulgarian civilian model.



Bulgaria 22 conversion on Bulgarian Mak.



Nicely refinished East German model.



Mak at 100 yards. Standing, two hands.

nay.
super-weak round

Col. Plink said:

nay.
super-weak round

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I would not call it weak. It is same as 9mm police or about 75+/-25fps faster then 9x17. The problem is something like 9x17 can be had in very small package such as LCP. The Makarov is large heavy pistol and except for the price I see no reason picking one over something like the Glock 26.