A few words about 9x18 pistols

[MagnunJoe]

Local south Florida gun forums have Russian and Bulgarian Makarovs 4 sale all the time. They get more expensive every year. 8 years ago U could have them for $175 to $199, now they go for $325 to $400. Don't even get me started on the East German.

 

[Ignition Override]

hapax: about changing a spring to reduce the DA trigger pull pressure: numerous P-64 owners claim that this results in the SA trigger being far too light than what they are used to.
It must depend on the gun.

lincen: The FEG R-61 is unknown to me. Would you guys compare its recoil as closer to that devlish little Polish P-64, or more like a Makarov or Polish P-83?

 

[Ibmikey]

Six gunner, the Maks (and about every other surplus firearm) are about to run dry on the US market and with many of the European countries destroying surplus firearms to keep them from the populus there will be few making their way to US shores. If you have any aspirations of obtaining another the Aim offering of unissued/ like new Bulgarian Makarov now is the time.

 

[Pelo801]

Ive been known to enjoy a Mak or two

 

[mjsdwash]

the pa-63 is a walther pp copy, with an aluminum frame, and a very nice gun. the double action trigger is well over 40 (forty) pounds on some.

 

[Ignition Override]

Pelo801: As the owner of four Maks, two P-83s and a single CZ (82, in 9x18), do you mind a question?

Having read a lot about all of the 9x18 guns and commercial .380 variants, do you (or other people here) consider the commercial CZ-83 in .380 with the satin/nickel finish a good value as either a collector or extra carry gun?
A pawn shop has one in exc. condition ($400), but as a married guy, the gun might Not be available the two (+) weeks required for me to "justify", again, another purchase.

Ibmikey: Are the commercial Russian Maks still being imported into the US? Your info indicates that almost all other types of surplus guns--available for US import-- will dry up very soon.

 

[Pilot]

Ignition,

don't think the CZ-83 in satin nickel is all that special. I'd wait for a nice example in blue for a lot less. Yes, I am sure the factory satin nickel is much more rare, but I would not pay a premium as a "collector" piece. You could get two more P-83's for $400.

 

[Pelo801]

As far as 380 Maks go, im holding out til I find a Bulgy special edition. I dont think a CZ83, even in satin finish would have all that much value as a collector's piece. Although you dont see that finish very often, I'd hold onto my $400. But i guess it depends on what you're looking for. A collector's gun or a carry gun. For $400 or a $100 more, I'd hold out for a Chinese Mak or a SMC918 or R61. If just an extra carry gun, Bulgy Maks can be had for that much. But if the CZ83 is something is just gotta have and they're great guns, I'd try to get it for $350-ish.

 

[OilyPablo]

Lob rocks at me if you wish. Of all the great pistols in this excellent thread. I prefer shooting the CZ the most. Just a personal thing. Carry on.

 

[Pelo801]

I agree, the CZ82 is the best shooter in the bunch. Has the best trigger too. But i still prefer the Maks. Maybe its just a purist thing.

 

[Sistema1927]

Just picked up a P64 to join the Makarovs and the CZ82. DA trigger pull wasn't as bad as I expected, and the addition of a set of Wolff springs made it even better.

 

[justin22885]

of all these, i never liked the FEG, these pistols are so lightweight and compact as it is that there really is no need for an aluminum frame.. the wanad pistol im not all that familiar with but it looks like the whole frame and slide is sheet metal, is that true?

and while i believe the CZ-82 is probably the pinnacle of such pistols with its safety, mag release, double-stack, im still trying to convince myself of a makarov instead, i believe the maks to have sort of an untapped potential to them.. better sights, a new grip for a better angle and ergos, maybe some tweaks to the trigger

for those of you who handload this, what do you use for bullets? it seems cast or XTP are your only options

 

[jrdolall]

I don't have the CZ in 9x18 but I have all the rest and my trigger experience mirrors the OP. I literally cannot pull the Hungarian triggers left handed and right handed I would be lucky to hit the ground if I was aiming down at the ground. I think the DA trigger is around 150# or so. SA is poor but tolerable for a range gun.

 

[MagnunJoe]

The Armory has Bulgarian made Makarovs on sale 4 $315