Makarov - I'm impressed !

[goon]

After buying an excellent condition bulgarian makarov from my brother (for $120 !) I have gained even more respect for these little beasts than I had before. With a pearce grip it fits my hand very well and points instinctively.
The trigger on it is sweet and I can shoot it better than I can shoot my Kahr P9, occasionally even popping balloons at 50 yards with it.
It reloads faster than a comparable sized revolver, is flatter, and holds three more shots than most of them.
The only thing that is keeping it from replacing my Kahr as my primary CCW is that I don't have a good holster for it yet (I have a Don Hume IWB on the way). Even with that though, I often stick it in a coat pocket when I go out for a walk.

The only downside I see is that the ammo for them often has to be ordered in quantity online because what is available locally is too expensive or too erratic in supply. Not a big deal though as long as you keep some ammo on hand for it. They are also a little heavy for the round they fire but if you want something for a pocket gun you should be looking at something like a Kel-Tec anyway.

In short, for the $120 I paid for mine, I think I got one hell of a deal!

 

[denfoote]

In short, for the $120 I paid for mine, I think I got one hell of a deal!

Да вы сделали и гостеприимсво к собирательному, камрад!!

 

[antsi]

The AK47 of handguns: simple, reliable, effective, inexpensive, fun.

That is a pretty good orice for a Bulgie. A few years ago, the market was flooded with Bulgarian Maks for $120-150, but I see them going for more like $180-200 these days.

If you don't already know about Makarov.com, check it out. They have good information, and some accessories available for Maks.

 

[joneb]

Get a Uncle Mike's cheapo IWB for now, they work well.

 

[Dirty Bob]

I use a Galco "U.S.A." model that I got used, so I don't know the "size," but you could probably find out with a phone call to Galco (the original owner carried a Kel-Tec P-11 in it). It fits the Makarov very well. I carry it in appendix, and it vanishes under almost any clothing.

You can also reload for a Makarov, using cut-down 9x19mm brass, if the 9x18 ammo supply ever dries up. Some of the folks around here could probably tell you more about that. I haven't tried it.

You're going to love the Makarov. They're great little pistols. You got a real bargain with that price.

Welcome, Comrade!
Dirty Bob

 

[Coyote3855]

+1 on Macs. I'd also recommend a set of Pearce Grips. Makes the gun a little fatter and perhaps harder to conceal, but a lot more pleasant to shoot. I have a Russian Mac, but my wife took it as a TV room gun.

Coyote
Re-thinking getting the wife into handguns.

 

[Shoney]

Welcome to the Mak Mob!!! I have several, but ammo isn’t much of a concern. I reload, and you should consider it.

Starline has 9X18 cases readily available at $112.45/1000, cheaper if you buy bulk. At today’s prices with lead bullets/1000, primers/1000, and powder at less than a penny a shot, you can load a box of 50 for $4.35, or considering you will not pick up and reuse brass, they are $10.00/ box 50. Prices will be considerably less if you buy in bulk.

PS: I do cut down 9X19 nickle plated as my hollow point ammo, easier to distinguish. But because of liablility, I carry Brown Bear 115 gr.