Bought a Makarov with the circle and triangle, ? for the experts

[Pointblank2K]

My Makarov has Bulgaria stamped on the right side with the circle and triangle on the left, the date it has on it is 1976...I'm still confused as to what I have here, I've been told ( on the high road) it's Russian...what exactly is it (mis-marked Russian, military, commercial etc...) and if you wouldn't mind, what do these usually go for in great condition (little holster wear) I am no expert but I would say it's about 95%
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[c_yeager]

If it has fixed sights and the circle and triangle its most likely a russian military version. As far as i know all the russian comercial maks had the IJ-70 adjustable sights. I have no idea what its worth. Probably a bit more than a regular bulgarian or comercial russian version.

 

[denfoote]

Circle ten is the Bulgarian proof mark!!

 

[J. Parker]

www.makarov.com

 

[Pointblank2K]

It has the fixed sights, and thanks for the help...I go to Makarov.com on a regular basis. It's a great shooter, I was just a little confused with all the different versions.
Thanks again,
PB2K

 

[cratz2]

There were a number of Russian guns marked with Bulgarian (and Georgia Amrs) import marks and I think they were mostly of 1973-1978 vintage. I'm not super clear on they why's of this seeming error but have been told it may have to do with import laws.

I think that's what you have. I had one... looked like this...

 

[care-less]

Circle with triangle is a Russian mark! As stated above, circle with the number 10 is the Bulgarian military mark. If it was a commercial Bulgarian, it would say "Arsenal" on it. As for price, I would think $175.00 -- $200.00 range. Maybe a little higher, but not over $225.00. You can still find E. Germans for that price.

 

[Pointblank2K]

cratz2,
It looks just like the one you had, I ended up switching the grip to an old russian one that I had from a .380 Mak I had years ago, the screw popped out the first time I took it out to shoot...the Russian one fits like a glove...Wished I still had that one! Thanks for the picture
PB2K

 

[DaveH]

Manufactured in Russia, sold through Bulgaria.

Importer buys a number of Makarovs from the Bulgarian government as surplus. Bulgaria arranges shipment of guns but does not check (or care) if Bulgarian or Russian manufacture. After all, they are surplus.
Importer stamps his name and the country, in this case Bulgaria, on the gun.

If you bought a number of US surplus guns they probably would be from several different manufacturers even if they were the same model. Same principle.

 

[Pointblank2K]

Great respones guys, exactly the information I was looking for.
PB2K

 

[denfoote]

Russian Makarovs are banned from importation due to a "trade agreement" with the former Soviet government negotiated by our dear Pres. Klinton!!

In an attempt to get around this, the Russians exported them to Bulgaria, which had the presence of mind to tell Klinton to go to hell!! This worked for a while until our brave ATF changed it's rules , thus holding up entire shipments of Maks until they could verify the country of origin!! :banghead:

God Bless the BATF!!!!