If you're on the fence about purchasing a Makarov....

[Fonzie2k]

DO IT!

I picked up a Bulgarian the other day for $220. I purchased it from an individual who posted the ad online, they still retail for about $250 from centerfire systems.

The one I picked up seems to be flawless. The finish looked a little rough at first, but she just needed cleaned.

I took it out to the farm today and it impressed the heck outta me. Everything that I had read seemed to be wrong. The recoil on this thing was a joke, I hardly felt a thing.The pistol sat confortably in my hand while i flash sighted a target. The sights are small, but I like them for closer range shooting, although, I was accurate at 30 feet too. The single action pull is nice and smooth. The double action pull leaves a little to be desired.

I have shot similer sized pistols in smaller and larger calibers and this is my favorite one. I can CC it quite nicely, it still fits well in my hands compared to other small guns, and its very accurate. Not to mention Hornady is producing quality JHP ammunition in 9x18mm now.

I expected a nice range toy, but I got a very high quality handgun for a "staggeringly" low price. I'd post pictures but I don't have a good camera....

The only thing wrong with it is that darn C.A.I stamp.....:banghead: I've given up trying to escape them

 

[Snowdog]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with either the PM or 9x18. Other than the CZ-82, many of the the pistols chambered in 9x18 are considered by some as "rough" mechanically (such as having a heavy or gritty trigger).
For the most part, these robust pistols can have any perceived deficiency improved or eliminated with a little work or replacement springs.

Some fuss that the 9x18 cartridge is simply too anemic for defensive use (I used to be among them). This is a personal preference and I'm not going to chastise anyone for possessing such a view. However, though the 9x18 is essentially a .380 acp +p in terms of ballistics, this is sufficient, IMO anyway, for most if not all social encounters a non-LEO/military individual will realistically face.

As someone who until rather recently had little use for the 9x18 for anything beyond punching paper and perforating cans, I now find myself carrying a Polish P-64 quite often. With its incredibly light SA trigger, it's proven far more accurate than such a small pistol has any right to be.

My IJ-70 (when I had it) and the CZ82 have been impressive as well. So I completely agree; if you've been toying around with the idea of purchasing a makarov or something else in 9x18, go for it.

 

[bdb benzino]

Absolutely love my Maks!

I have a Russian commercial Mak and a 1963 E. German Mak. The E. German one is like a Makarov that Bill Wilson got ahold of; All smooth edges, perfect trigger in both modes, beautiful blueing and tight fit, opperate super smooth. Not that there is anything wrong with the Russian, it just is not near as refined as th German.. I had a CZ 82 that was a sweet shooter, but I decided in a smaller calibre like 9x18, I would just prefer the pistol to be small and concealable. The Makarov PM does that perfect!

Everyone needs atleast 1 Makarov.

 

[ultradoc]

one of my first guns was an e.german mak. nice gun and loved it lots. congrats on your find!

 

[Devonai]

I love my IJ-70. Soon after I bought it I sold my P-230. The Sig was slightly smaller and lighter, but the Mak won me over with the slightly superior round and higher mag capacity. I am, however, considering having the lanyard loop removed, as it digs into my side during IWB carry.

The Mak is too large for pocket carry, but so was the Sig. Ironically, I may carry the Mak less now that the warmer weather is here. My choice is between the ubiquitous photographers vest and my Maxpedition Versipack, both of which scream "gun" to those in the know. Due to this perception I prefer my Versipack, as it allows me to carry a full-size pistol in comfort. In that case I see no need for the Mak. If I did choose to wear the vest, the Mak is the obvious choice.

 

[M2 Carbine]

Makarovs suck.

I've been doing my best to buy up the things to keep them out of the hands of the uninformed buyers.










I even tried destroying them, but you just can't hurt the things.







Be warned that there is a Makarov sickness. If you buy one you will be compelled to buy more. I don't know anyone that owns only one Makarov.


.

 

[Fonzie2k]

Those are some really nice looking Maks. I don't think I could bring myself to torture mine though

 

[gbelleh]

Maks are great! I'll be picking up a Chinese Makarov tomorrow that I bought at an auction. I foolishly sold my first Chinese Mak a few years ago and have regretted it since. Now I'll have a Mak from all 4 countries again... East German, Bulgarian, Russian Military, and Type 59 Chinese Makarov.

Then I'll have to update this old picture...

 

[JustinJ]

I'm not on the fence as i want one for my collection. As far as real world use there are far better options in gun and bullet.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Custom triggersmith Teddy Jacobson says very nice things about the Makarov. He is also forthright about the shortcomings of some very popular and big name pistols, so giving kudos to the Makarov says a lot. If you want to make a gun better, you simplify it and make it stronger. That is exactly what the Russians did to the basic Walther design. The Makarov has about 20-30 less parts, and a better reputation all around.