german makarov

Makarovs are exceptionally reliable and accurate, and pretty affordable. However, the sights are small, they "only" carry 8+1 (more for some commercial russian Maks), and the round isn't particularly powerful.
The east german maks are the most expensive I believe, and probably the best in quality.
It's really a question of preference. I love my Bulgarian Mak and have carried it before. Quality, non-custom holsters are hard to come by.

Go For It!

Took my Bulgy Mak out last week to the range (probably the first time in almost a year) and was again amazed at how accurate it was and easy to shoot. Has the added advantage of 9 on tap immediately (and easier reloads) vs a J frame snubby.

I mainly carry my G19 or 642 but if decent ammo for the Mak was once again plentiful (and it seems to be getting better) I wouldn't hestitate to carry it with a mag or two as backup.

Easy to clean - rock solid reliable - accurate as ever, whats not to like?

German Maks are the best of the lot. I've carried mine for years.

East Germans are C&R Bulgarian’s are not which adds value to the Germans.

mr.243:
If you get that gun, you'll have one that lasts longer than you do. Shooting-wise, they're the easiest-to-master semi-auto I've experienced, by far. Everybody who's tried mine, experienced or rookie, shoots well with it. Newbies have no problems popping their target. All Makarovs should be snapped up whenever possible.

....the round isn't particularly powerful.

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TehK1w1:
I disagree. For general, non-hunting purposes, sure it is. Fiocchi 95 gr ammo has 265 ft lbs. That's solid .38 SPL +P territory. 9 rounds of that works for me.

German maks are the cream of the crop. Buy it and dont look back!

Makarovs are great guns and the East German are the cream of the crop. I have an EG, but its really a range toy although I do carry one of my Bulgarian Maks. Many holsters that are designed for smaller frame autos will fit the Makarov. Nothing wrong with the 9MM Mak caliber as its a little more powerful than .380 which is a very popular carry caliber.

The German Makarov is a solid, dependable weapon. It can easily be a CCW. It's a bit large for pocket carry, though. They were designed as holster weapons, to be worn on the belt.

Power is in that ill-defined area. Some people want a minimum of 9mmP power, others will settle for a .380 ACP, particularly in a small pocketable semi-auto. With a decent JHP, like the Hornady rounds, you get fair expansion, while still approaching the 12" depth that Facklerites gush about.

your thoughts? feels good. seems built good, how about carrying it?

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I have a EG Mak, but it isn't my cup of tea as far as a CCW goes. It's a bit heavy, the sights aren't very good, and speaking personally, the gun isn't a natural pointer. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy shooting it, but only as a fun range gun. For carry I want a newer, more modern pistol that's lighter, etc.

The Makarov has some good features, but even the Russians and Chinese have moved on beyond the Mak's 1940's design.

I carry my EG Mak and find it more comfortable than my J-Frame ... I use ball ammo because I want the additional penetration, and in a home defense situation, I worry less about it blowing through walls. I've found Gunners Alley carries excellent Don Hume OWB holsters and 'Holsters by Eric' has an excellent IWB ... both are very comfortable ...

If it worked for 1/2 of Europe for nearly 50 years ... it works for me ...

Chester

I have recently switched between my S&W 442 & Bulgaian Mak as my ccw. I realy like the mak. Very easy to carry & shoot, accurate as heck. RELIABLE! I don't know about you but I would not like to get hit with 8 in the chest from the 9mm Mak. I had some range time today , Shot alot with my new CZ Kadet ( a joy to shoot) & my 6906, before I left, I put 5 mags through the mak ,then stoked it up again and put it back in my holster. I have 2 Bulgarians now and would not hesitate to grab another . I only wish now that I grabbed some when they were cheap!

Rock solid, accurate and reliable. They do loosen up considerably after about 500 rounds. I think it's because the rails are so short and it's a unlocked breech firing a fairly powerful round.

When I got mine it was new. The slide to frame fit was so tight it looked like one piece from the back end. I take good care of it but it got loosey goosey after 500-700 rounds.

It doesn't matter though because it's still accurate. It's OK to have some slide to frame slop with a blowback pistol as long as the front sight lines up with the barrel after each cycle and mine still does.

East German models tend to have the smoothest actions and best finish. Mine is Russian. I hear the Chinese models are nice too and worth some money.