Makarov Pistols

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They aren't really that "cheap" anymore. Are they nice guns or just worth having because of the old cheap price?
 
If extrme reliability and great accuracy isnt your top priority in pistols, please feel free to skip the Makarov PM and leave more to the rest of us :D

No but really, not only are they accurate, dependable, some Makarovs like the Soviet/Chinese/East German variants have terrifric blueings and has alot of historical values to them. Who dosnt want to own a gun used for years and years by the "bad guys" on the other side of the Berlin wall?
 
That's exactly why I love the AK (well not the accuracy part but everything else.) How is the trigger pull on those things.
 
Well the supply is finite as there are no Makarovs being manufactured or imported anymore. Prices continue to go up as they are very reliable, all steel, old world style pistols that are becoming rarer these days. As others have said, they are very reliable with a safety that operates like most other pistols, although they are slide mounted which some don't like. The safety is also a decocker.

I have four Maks. Two Bulgarians, an East German and a nifty satin nickel Russian commercial model in .380.

I consider the Bulgarians the best values, as they retain the original fixed rear sight configuration like the Russian military, E.G. Maks, and Chinese Maks. The Russian Commercial Maks are fine, but do have an adjustable rear sight that bothers some. You should be able to find a Bulgie or Russian Commercial Mak for around $250 - $300. That is still a good value for what you get.
 
The Polish p64's aren't Maks, but they shoot the 9X18 just as effectively. And are a lot more carry friendly. If you can't find a Mak, go for the P64.
 
InkEd said:
That's exactly why I love the AK (well not the accuracy part but everything else.) How is the trigger pull on those things.
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Extra heavy in DA.

The original sights are small and "slow". They may only delight you if you practice point shooting. The Mak goes back to the old continental doctrine where the sidearm is a sign of rank, a motivator, or last resort defense. It is considered compact in America, but was issued to officers (later police) with an OWB flap holster. Concealed carry was not even considered. (For that the USSR developed a little known Korovin) Shooting experience depends on who you ask. I would think people who appreciate the eastern bloc weapons will recommend this one.
 
They area good, solid pistol. As noted, generally very accurate on account of the fixed barrel. Also known for being reliable. Capful on my Bulgarian is heavy, but manageable.
 
They're also a good compromise between a 380 and 9x19 in the size of gun where 9x19 might be too unpleasant to shoot and 380 not comforting in the power department. The gun, in my opinion, is the perfect size for the cartridge.
 
I've got three Pistolet Makarovas (although my son-in-law is trying to talk me out of one) and find them to be some of the most solid, reliable, accurate, and rugged handguns I've ever handled. In addition, I find the design (with only twenty-seven parts) to be absolutely go-to-H... fascinating.
 
TimboKhan said:
They area good, solid pistol. As noted, generally very accurate on account of the fixed barrel. Also known for being reliable. Capful on my Bulgarian is heavy, but manageable.
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Ok, I forgot these are utterly reliable with very good accuracy potential but one is limited to work with rudimentary sights. While rear can be easily replaced with some hand fitting the front can not. I would save some money and get something like second hand G26 instead.
 
PabloJ said:
Ok, I forgot these are utterly reliable with very good accuracy potential but one is limited to work with rudimentary sights. While rear can be easily replaced with some hand fitting the front can not. I would save some money and get something like second hand G26 instead.
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Not with my money, you wouldn't. ;)
 
The Makarov is one of the most dead simple and reliable pistols made. There are better carry pistols but the Makarov was one of my first. I never felt under gunned carrying it and I'll take it over many other modern pistols. Yes a Glock, M&P, Sig, or (enter other modern pistol here) is probably better but the Makarov isn't giving up anything in reliability or accuracy to any of them.
 
jon_in_wv said:
The Makarov is one of the most dead simple and reliable pistols made. There are better carry pistols but the Makarov was one of my first. I never felt under gunned carrying it and I'll take it over many other modern pistols. Yes a Glock, M&P, Sig, or (enter other modern pistol here) is probably better but the Makarov isn't giving up anything in reliability or accuracy to any of them.
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I'll admit that there are guns (a couple of my Berettas come to mind) which might be "prettier", but I don't know of any gun which I would consider "better".
 
CZ82, by far is the best of the litter. I own the CZ82, Bulgarian & E. German Mak, P64 and Hungarian Feg. The CZ82 is very accurate and and overall great utility gun. I carry the P64 in my pants. The Makarovs are neat to shoot too.


MIke
 
Got my EG Mak years ago for $105 bucks. Yes hundred and five dollars.

When a store went belly up I got RCBS Mak dies cheap and 400 XTP 9mm Mak JHP slugs.

Plus I have a few hundred Winchester 9x18 rounds of FMJ as well as some Ruskie stuff.

Yes I'm happy with my EG. It is a good gun, BETTER than a Walther. It's only drawback is the poor sights (but it's superior DA trigger compensates and more for that fault.)

Deaf
 
Only down side I have is the european mag release (its on the bottom of the magazine). Not a bad system, just different from my other carry gun so I have to practice it a few times. But other than that its a great, reliable pistol.
 
I have 4 Makarovs: 2 Bulgarians, an East German and a Russian commercial, and love them all. They're relatively heavy in today's world, but I don't mind the weight. I find them to be very accurate and the triggers on all, except my Russian commercial, are excellent. Much better than a couple of Walther PPK's that I've shot. The magazine heel release doesn't bother me at all. The only downside to me is the sights, but I consider them sufficient for their purpose. I carry one of the Bulgarians at all times. I have other guns that I could carry, but I just prefer the Makarov.
 
CZ82, by far is the best of the litter. I own the CZ82, Bulgarian & E. German Mak, P64 and Hungarian Feg. The CZ82 is very accurate and and overall great utility gun. I carry the P64 in my pants. The Makarovs are neat to shoot too.
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I am at a loss to understand why people can't tell the difference between pistol and caliber. The P64, Feg, and the Cz82 are NOT Makarovs they are CHAMBERED in 9x18 Makarov. Its like saying the Glock 21 is the best 1911 just because it also happens to be a 45. But to be fair I guess if it was a conversation about the 1911, someone would invariably chime in about the Glock 21 so I'll shut up.
 
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I have 17. I would have more but everytme someone shoots one of my Makarovs they want it. When they were still about $130 I would sell a Makarov and next gun show buy two more.

The picture isn't up to date.
Maksall15.gif

Refinished East German Mak.
Makchrome.gif

Civilian Bularian Makrov.
Maksquaretriggerguard.gif

Bulgarian 22 coverson on Bulgaian Mak.
Mak22conversion.gif

Russian .380.
380Makarov.gif



I tried to make a new Bulgarian Makarov malfunction within 1,000 rounds.
It had no gun caused malfunctions.
Among other things I buried it in mud.
Makinmud.gif

Makfiredwithmud.gif

Filled the inside with "pocket lint".
Makcoveredwithlint.gif


Accuracy check after the 1,000 round test. (The spread is the shooter, not the gun)
Maktestgun35yards.gif
 
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