Comm. Rus. Makarov versions vs. military.

[Ignition Override]

Having read a good bit about the various types, acquired an EG. I'm impressed with its reliability and rugged components.

Were the all of the Russian Maks manufactured on the same equipment, other than the versions in .380 Auto? I've read about and handled both versions.

In other words, other than the breakable adj. sights on the commercial versions, are the various types otherwise known to be as rugged and reliable as those produced for the Soviet military and police?

 

[sniper69]

The commercial Russian Makarovs that I have are every bit as reliable in my opinion. One that I have is in .380 and it shoots excellent too. I did have to hunt around for 10 round magazines (the KBI not the promag version) for my 9x18 "hi-cap" makarov, but that one works better than a Swiss watch (as long as I don't use promag magazines in it).

I'm not sure if this is the answer your looking for, but it is based on my experience with Makarov's I own.

 

[Ignition Override]

Thank you.
Trying to decide whether to wait and spot just a local Bulgy Mak,. or simply call the gent who sold me the EG (too nice to 'carry'). Most of my gun interest is having certain milsurp types for collecting and shooting.

He might still have three of the commercial versions, both .380 and 9x18. Only wants $275 for each.
As an alternative to my first carry gun (Sig 232), maybe a commercial Mak "IJ-70/Baikal" would be a decent carry piece, as long as the adj. sights never snagged anywhere.

 

[sniper69]

Although I have other choices, and will sometimes CCW with them, my main CCW is a Makarov. For years I carried a "hi-cap" version in 9x18, but lately I've been carrying a .380 version loaded with Hornady Z-Max. I haven't had a problem with the sights snagging on the Russian Commercial models - but YMMV.

If you're looking for a Bulgarian Makarov to add to your collection - AIM surplus has some in stock right now (shooters grade). http://aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?groupid=2708&name=Shooter+Grade+Bulgarian+Makarov+9X18+Handgun

 

[Ignition Override]

"Roger that" sniper69.
Even though the shipping/transfer costs are usually a minor factor in the total price, it always seems more appealing to handle a gun before buying it. The trigger feel is very important.

News about those 'aimsurplus' guns was on "Makarov.com" a few days ago.
Hard choice between another Mak, and the very nice CZ-82 I just acquired, despite the double-stack magazine.

A second issue is deciding whether my first concealable holster will be OWB-with no real idea how low a shirt must hang below the belt.

 

[sniper69]

That would be a hard choice. The CZ-82's are nice.

As for a holster for the Makarov- I use an IWB Bianchi 100 series. Here is a link to the one I have www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GTWBE8/ The Makarov fits great in it. I can take a picture of it with the Makarov inserted if you want to see how it looks.

 

[Ignition Override]

My main problem is wanting to overprotect any gun with a really nice finish.
A dinged-up Bulgy might be preferable to even just a commercial Russ. which has an excellent finish.

Will 'pm' you about the holster subject, to avoid boring any other readers who also want to learn about the actual Makarov.

 

[Pilot]

Aim surplus has Bulgie military Maks in stock. Get a Bulgie, you won't regret it. However, my Bulgies are almost as pretty as my EG.

 

[BigMak]

Like you, I have an EG with a beautiful finish that I protect.

For ccw, I use an IJ-7018A with the replacement fixed sight, EG grips, and 21# spring since it's loaded with BB 115gr hardcast. It too has a nice finish, but I'm not so much concerned about its collector value. It rides owb in a Don Hume JIT perfectly.

If I didnt have the commercial Russian already, I'd pick up one of the AIM Bulgies for ccw.

 

[Ignition Override]

BigMak: A replacement fixed sight must be quite a bit of work?

That local gent with the comm. types will be back in town only after I leave for approx. three weeks.

 

[BigMak]

Ignition Override,

The fixed sight replacement is a drop in for the adjustable rear sight.

 

[Ignition Override]

Thanks.

 

[Pete D.]

Sight

Link, please, to the drop in fixed sight.
Pete

 

[sniper69]

Pete D. - Here is a link to one http://www.gunpartswarehouse.com/pistol-parts/makarov-pistol/ij-70-fixed-rear-sight.html

When makarov.com was around, they sold a replacement too. One of them was done in aluminum and I think they made one in a nylon or plastic material - but didn't make many of those. There are probably others, but the link above is the one that is probably easiest to find.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Dad bought a commercial Russian Mak that had a very badly cut (unsupported) chamber in 380 that would bulge brass in an alarming way.

I doubt that particular piece would have passed military muster. He replaced the Mak with something else.

Many of the early imports had chintzy after market adjustable sights and thumbest grips to meet the GGA of 68 criteria and are NOT military quality, but they are easy to spot.

 

[Pete D.]

Sniper: thanks for the link.

 

[MedWheeler]

Dr.Rob writes:

Dad bought a commercial Russian Mak that had a very badly cut (unsupported) chamber in 380 that would bulge brass in an alarming way

I wonder if it was accidentally fitted with a 9x18 barrel/breech... would that have that effect? Would it even have been possible?

 

[Pilot]

Dad bought a commercial Russian Mak that had a very badly cut (unsupported) chamber in 380 that would bulge brass in an alarming way.

I doubt that particular piece would have passed military muster. He replaced the Mak with something else.

Many of the early imports had chintzy after market adjustable sights and thumbest grips to meet the GGA of 68 criteria and are NOT military quality, but they are easy to spot.

I have a Commercial Russian Mak in Satin Nickel, and .380 that I bought in 1994. It is a very accurate, and reliable pistol, and it has the adjustable sight that while not "chintzy" (it actually works well) is really unnecessary on a Mak. It is a great pistol though, but I do prefer my Bulgies, and EG.

 

[19-3Ben]

but that one works better than a Swiss watch

I don't take that to be a great yard stick.
My Breitling has never kept time very well and is at the manufacturer as we speak.

 

[sniper69]

I don't take that to be a great yard stick.
My Breitling has kept time very well and is at the manufacturer as we speak

Okay, Okay....I used a bad comparison....

Only problem I ever had with that Makarov was from using promag magazines. Using the factory/KBI mags, it works with no problems/works excellent. So for a comparison - - it runs better than a________.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Med Wheeler I think he just got a lemon of a gun. Izmash was pumping those out like crazy for the US market, and I suspect it slipped through QC.

It worked, it was accurate, but it really left the brass unusable. And maybe it was dangerous. He got his money back somehow.

I have an East German Mak that came to me via inheritance thats just a peach of a shooter. The EG guns, in my opinion were the best finished of the lot.

 

[GyMac]

I have a Russian Commercial in .380. It has been an excellent gun, maybe the most accurate of my 4 Makarovs. The adjustable rear sight has worked well and has not caused any problems. I have the fixed rear sight on hand in case it does. My only regret has been the finish. It just didn't do justice to the fine performance of the gun. I have seen some commercials that looked nice, but not mine. Maybe some day I'll refinish it in a matte blue, but removing the rear sight is purported to be a one-way proposition and I haven't worked up the guts to remove it.