Lets Talk Mak's

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The_Shootist

The_Shootist

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Well my Bersa Thunder (surprisingly) failed at the range today. I was unable to strip it to see what was the matter so I'll take it in to one of local gunsmiths next weekend to see what the matter is.

Just in case its fairly well messed up, I was toying with replacing it with a Makarov. I'd heard alot of positive things about those pistols, the round itself seems to be a ".380 on steroids" and from what I'd heard the price range is low (ie cheap :D ).

I don't really NEED a replacement for my Bersa - for CCW purposes in the summer I could use my SP101/G19/P-32 (currently its a toss up between the revolver and the Glock mainly). But the Mak has me curious.

How reliable are they? What about fieldstrip/cleaning ease? Accuracy? I've heard they are kind of a heavy pistol for their size and with the small sights they have sort of a "bad breath range" pistol.

Any input - good or bad - is welcome. If not....well, maybe I'll just save up for a SIG 232 :D
 
Sorry to hear about the Bersa - do tell when fixed what went wrong. I have one and so far it has been 100%, as have many others owned by folks here. Maybe some weakness in a component? You didn't mention the nature of the failure.

Mak's ....... well IMO you can't go wrong really. Prices seem to cover the approx $150, on up - I paid over $200 for mine but it was boxed and has the less usual Russian marking. It's a bit heavy and chunky yes (bit ''Eastern Block'') - it is blowback too like Bersa ... but it takes the 9x18 Makarov ammo - which is that bit hotter than plain .380.

Overall - for price - I really think folks cannot afford NOT to have one (at least) ......... I like mine a lot and I expect if you get one you will also not regret the purchase.

Do a search here too on the Mak' - you'll find quite a few threads and some useful info.


mak_s.jpg
 
So Far So Good

Question is - where would I get one? Gunshow or would it be better to order from a local dealer? What should I order if I go that route?
 
Like P95Carry, I have a Russian marked Makarov. Mine has been totally reliable and very accurate despite the small sights.

In my area, there are plenty of Bulgarian Maks in local pawn shops and gun shops for under $200. Maks are a bit on the heavy side, but still very concealable. Here's mine next to a Taurus 85UL.

attachment.php
 
How reliable are they? What about fieldstrip/cleaning ease? Accuracy? I've heard they are kind of a heavy pistol for their size and with the small sights they have sort of a "bad breath range" pistol.
Click to expand...

Very reliable.

Easy to fieldstrip. Pull down trigger guard. Pull slide all the way to the back, then up.

Sights? How good are your eyes?
 
For the money, you can't beat the Makarov, well built, very accurate and shoots every time. The small sights are not a problem. :)
 
I bought my Russian IJ-70 around a decade ago and have never regretted the purchase. Though my Makarov's adjustable sights aren't the best I’ve seen, the little pistol is plenty accurate and tremendously reliable.
Personally, I'd recommend tossing in a Wolff 21 pound spring ($7.95 + shipping) and giving 115gr Silverbears a try ($5.50/50 rounds). These potent Russian 9x18 JHPs are cheap enough to practice with extensively and generally quite accurate.

The 15 yard group below is the norm for my IJ-70 at the indoor range. I've always shot better outside.
f3e31373.jpg


New style Silverbear JHPs are accurate enough for defense, cheap enough for practice and usually expand wonderfully. Below is a 115gr Silverbear fired through 2 layers of denim into play dough.
f3e312c4.jpg


If you can find them, even the old style Silverbear JHPs offered reliable expansion along with deep penetration. Unfortunately they also suffered from chronic OAL issues that were detrimental to reliability.
Here's an example of the results typical to Silverbear 120gr JHPs after 2 layers of denim before play dough:
fa7f2feb.jpg


Go ahead and get the Makarov, you can't beat the price!
 
Get one , get one, get one. I take my guns, business and everything else quite seriously and I carry one........I even know a guy who makes holters for them.
PS...you bersa holster will work with the mak :D

Shoot well.
 
I really enjoy the Makarovs. I have had several that I have worked the triggers on and sold. The one I have now I tried my hand on a Melt-Job on it and I am really happy with the results. Probably will keep this one, looks good, shoots great and inexpensive. Can't be beat.
photo.aspx
 
The Makarov is a very relaible and accurate pistol. It is made up of about 25 individual parts and was designed for easy take down and cleaning.

Personally, I collect them and have 18. I carry one of three regularly.

For the best deal on the net,
www.jgsales.com
They are in Phoenix.

Moreover, if you are looking for one, check local gunshops and the gunshows. That allows you to handle one before you buy it.
 
i have 3

russian, bulgarian,polish p-64 all of them are great ,i like my p-64 best
 
Whoa!

There is no such thing as a, "Polish Makarov." The p-64 is not a Makarov. The Makarov was manufactured by; Russia, the German Democratic republic (East Germany), Bulgaria and China. There are other pistols that share the caliber, i.e., 9X18, but that does not make them Makarov's. Also, the Makarov is not a PPK clone. It's design is superior to the Walther. :)
 
Get a Bulgarian Makarov while they are still cheap and plentiful. You will love it. I carry one sometimes over my pistols costing many times more.
 
You gotta get a Makarov.

I have an East German and Blugarian Military models and both are very accurate and have never jammed. Made of all steel, they feel solid and are very stout, well made pieces.

Why anyone fools around with PPKs, Bersas or other smaller 380s anymore is beyond me. Why? When the excellent Makarovs are avaiable?

-Brickboy240
 
I have succumbed . . .

. . . to ComBloc peer pressure!

Just ordered a Bulgarian Makarov from J&G Sales. We'll just see what all the hype is about. :scrutiny:

I prefer to stay away from foreign milsurp ammo until I'm much more familiar with the weapon, even though I know it was designed to shoot the stuff. Can anybody recommend US factory made ammunition for it, specifically hollowpoints? Hornady manufactures some, but I can't find anybody else. "Silverbears" aren't at my local dealer.

jmm, future Makarov owner
 
Federal, CCI, and Hornady have 9x18. It's too expensive for me, and all I shoot is Russian ammo. Russian gun, Russian ammo seems like the thing to do.

Give us a range report and tell us how you like your new Mak.:)
 
I have several, and they are one of my favorite pistols.. very accurate and fun to shoot, completely reliable.
 
Well, HEY!~THANKS A LOT. ;)
I just spent 2 HOURS looking around at Makarov's and other 9x18mm firing handguns.
Geez.
:rolleyes:

I came away with liking the FEG Mark II APK.
Been searching for a '.380' for the Wife ( she mentioned it ) and liked the SIG P-232 best.
I was trying to get a handgun with the same safety motion as my Berettas ( UP to fire; Walther style ).
Looked at Walthers and didn't care for them.
The SIG is simple, but ---

The FEG Mark II APK has the safety I like; a price that's good; and in 9x18, a bit more 'poop' than a .380...hmmmm.
Might be onto something here. :)
 
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