Makarov PM

Mr. Mosin

Mr. Mosin

Member
Joined
Jun 26, 2019
Messages
2,112
Horse traded with my LGS for a Bulgarian Makarov- $100 bill and my Zastava M70 ($160 otd). Finish is a bit rough, and I almost lost my religion while detail stripping it (NEVER AGAIN !!!), but I already like it. He threw in a box of Russian 9x18 while we were at it. Recommendations on holsters (prefer OWB pancake), mag pouches.


Anything I need to know (outside of don’t remove the trigger guard) ?
 
Mr. Mosin said:
Horse traded with my LGS for a Bulgarian Makarov- $100 bill and my Zastava M70 ($160 otd). Finish is a bit rough, and I almost lost my religion while detail stripping it (NEVER AGAIN !!!), but I already like it. He threw in a box of Russian 9x18 while we were at it. Recommendations on holsters (prefer OWB pancake), mag pouches.


Anything I need to know (outside of don’t remove the trigger guard) ?
Click to expand...
Did you detail strip it, or just field strip? I guess the former, because you don't need to remove the trigger guard to field strip it. But you took a step up at a low cost, because having owned both, I think the Makarov is a better gun in just about every way than the Zastava 70.
 
Monac said:
Did you detail strip it, or just field strip? I guess the former, because you don't need to remove the trigger guard to field strip it. But you took a step up at a low cost, because having owned both, I think the Makarov is a better gun in just about every way than the Zastava 70.
Click to expand...
Detail strip- everything except the extractor (couldn’t get it out)… to clarify my earlier post…. I paid $160 originally for the M70, swapped it and $100 for the Makarov. So $260 OTD for a Mak and 50rds of steel case.
 
Mr. Mosin said:
Detail strip- everything except the extractor (couldn’t get it out)… to clarify my earlier post…. I paid $160 originally for the M70, swapped it and $100 for the Makarov. So $260 OTD for a Mak and 50rds of steel case.
Click to expand...
Wow. I am impressed. I NEVER detail strip my guns, because I am reasonably sure I would never get them back together and would end up taking a box of parts to a gunsmith. Particularly post-WWII guns, which often do not seem to be meant to be detail stripped outside a factory or armory.

I understood what you paid for it, and as far as I can tell, that is a good price for a Makarov of any kind these days.
 
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Monac said:
Wow. I am impressed. I NEVER detail strip my guns, because I am reasonably sure I would never get them back together and would end up taking a box of parts to a gunsmith. Particularly post-WWII guns, which often do not seem to be meant to be detail stripped outside a factory or armory.

I understood what you paid for, and as far as I can tell, that is a good price for a Makarov of any kind these days.
Click to expand...
I must say… never again. Never. I almost boxed it up and carted it back to the LGS… now to find a holster, better grips, spare mags, and a mag pouch.
 
I replaced a bulge barrel on one once. Took it completely apart while I was at it. Tough gun. Don’t do what I did with out access to a full machine shop. But it did give me a great appreciation for this great gun. Got it all back together and runs like a sewing machine
 
Ed4032 said:
I replaced a bulge barrel on one once. Took it completely apart while I was at it. Tough gun. Don’t do what I did with out access to a full machine shop. But it did give me a great appreciation for this great gun. Got it all back together and runs like a sewing machine
Click to expand...
I’ve access to *almost* a full machine shop… lathe, mill, drill press, etc.

I know I’m out of practice with double action firearms… but Lord… you could hang a Chevy Silverado off the double action trigger with complete confidence of it not going off
 
I've got a used CZ 82 police holster back at the store. it's been altered a bit inside with the divider but you can have it. It'd be perfect for your needs.
 
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Russians tend to have items on their guns that are next to impossible to remove, at least with basic tools. The AK safety is one. For Mosin, my E.J.Wood book says that "If not broken, extractor is better left alone (in the bolt head where it dovetails)". I would not want to try and swap the barrel of a Mak in my garage.
 
Mr. Mosin said:
I must say… never again. Never. I almost boxed it up and carted it back to the LGS… now to find a holster, better grips, spare mags, and a mag pouch.
Click to expand...
I think there are people who make good normal grips for the Makarov. But if you like mechanical novelty, there are these guys: https://zahal.org/product/fab-defense-pm-g-makarov-pm-pmm-pistol-grip-magazine-release-mechanism/

They have a lever on the inside of the grip that engages both a tab at the top of the grip and the heel-clip magazine release. So when you push down on the tab with your thumb, the magazine is released, and presto! You have a pistol with a push-button magazine release. Well, sort of, anyway.

They may be identical to these at the Israel Defense Store: https://israeldefensestore.com/fab-defense-accessories/pistol-grips.html

They've been around a few years. I thought about getting some when they came out, but my Makarov is Chinese, and I have no idea what is or is not interchangeable with it. Then I just forgot about it.

What you don't want, apparently, is the "Spetznaz" holster that racks the slide and sets the safety on "Fire" when you push the pistol out the bottom. At least, not according to Ian at "Forgotten Weapons": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUr0zLnGA3A He puts the words "pointless and dangerous" right in the title.
 
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Monac said:
I think there are people who make good normal grips for the Makarov. But if you like mechanical novelty, there are these guys: https://zahal.org/product/fab-defense-pm-g-makarov-pm-pmm-pistol-grip-magazine-release-mechanism/

They may be identical to these at the Israel Defense Store: https://israeldefensestore.com/fab-defense-accessories/pistol-grips.html

They've been around a few years. I thought about getting some when they came out, but my Makarov is Chinese, and I have no idea what is or is not interchangeable with it. Then I just forgot about it.
Click to expand...
I like the design how it is, to be honest. I like the heel mag release, like the odd safety/decocker, and like the capability of the slide slamming home upon forcefully seating a mag. Bit better grips, few spare reliable mags; perhaps a refinish down the road… I’d be fine.
 
Maks are very solid pistols. I've had mine since the late 80's and it still runs great. I don't believe it's ever malfunctioned. Good choice.
 
I threw one of these Fab-Defense mag-release grips on a Mak a few years back ... the takeaways -- ergonomics; drop-free mags/easier-faster reloads & a gash-less shooting hand.
Post Script: I ditched the lanyard ring
youtu.be

Makarov PM/PMM Tactical Magazine Release Grip by FAB Defense

Get the PM-G here: http://goo.gl/xgxg1FMore handgun tactical accessories at our store: http://goo.gl/xVZH0iFAB Defense have come out with a new innovative ac...
youtu.be youtu.be
 
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