I don't know jack about Makarov's, but I know a lot of people swear by their durability and accuracy. I have about 250-300 to spend on one. Looking for something concealable and reputable. Give me some ideas. Should I be looking for one made in a certain region, from a certain manufacturer, during a certain time period? Thanks.
Makarov recommendation
- Thread starter jod78
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go to www.makarov.com
all questions will be answered...you can get them (east germans) for around $300-350...even cheaper if you look around a lot
all questions will be answered...you can get them (east germans) for around $300-350...even cheaper if you look around a lot
lee n. field
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They all work. Bulgarian milsurp is your basic shooter, and is going to be the best bet for price and availability. Your price range should get you into one with cash to spare.
I have two Bulgarians and they are nice shooters with good finishes. Paid $150 for one and $200 for the other. One I have owned for 7 or 8 yrs. the other I ran across in the local pawn shop this year and snapped it up. I had not seen one around here in a coons age.
M2 Carbine
member
I see few at the gun shows anymore and those are about $250 and up.
The East German finish and workmanship is generally better than the Bulgarian or Russian pistols.
All are very reliable. I tried to make a new Bulgarian Mak malfunction by burying it in mud, etc, and in over 1,000 rounds there was not one gun related malfunction.
All are accurate.
The East German finish and workmanship is generally better than the Bulgarian or Russian pistols.
All are very reliable. I tried to make a new Bulgarian Mak malfunction by burying it in mud, etc, and in over 1,000 rounds there was not one gun related malfunction.
All are accurate.
Angus Podgorney
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As posted already, go to Makarov.com. They also have a few E.G.'s left for sale but they are priced at $300 and shipping and transfer fees will take you over your limit. Get a Bulgarian or E.G. if you can find either and if the E.G. is in your range.
jonnyc
Member
If you can, I would go #1 East German, #2 Bulgarian. However, you will be well-served with either.
MustangHowie
Member
I like the Russian commercial IJ-70. I have 2 of them. One purchased in 1998 and one in 2006. Paid $100 for each. Both have been very reliable.
CajunBass
Member
I've got a Bulgarian that I use from time to time as a carry gun. Very accurate, and very reliable.
bluetopper
Member
The Russian,Bulgarian, and the East German ones are the same pistol and are true Makarovs. The EG's are more collectable and pricier because of the generally better fit and finish.
The Polish P-64 and Hungarian PA-63's only simularity to Makarovs is they shoot the same 9x18 cartridge.
The Polish P-64 and Hungarian PA-63's only simularity to Makarovs is they shoot the same 9x18 cartridge.
wnycollector
Member
I have a russian commercial IJ-70. great gun even with the cheap adjustable sights! I dont think you can go wrong with ANY Mak! But whatever you do get one quick the prices are climbing!!!
I use this as a sometimes car/bedside/field-carry gun:
Bularian Mil-surp Makarov with MMC Night Sights (custom installed by MMC) & Pearce Grips modified to accept the Extended Mag Release.
I have few other Maks, all bone stock. They are great shooters!
Bularian Mil-surp Makarov with MMC Night Sights (custom installed by MMC) & Pearce Grips modified to accept the Extended Mag Release.
I have few other Maks, all bone stock. They are great shooters!
lee n. field
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Nice looking gun. What did it cost to have the MMC sights installed?
The Nolan High Drop magazine release? I have never seen one of those in the flesh.
Thinking about it, I wonder if it might make as much sense to put a similar push bar arrangement lower on the grip, as a push button under the tip of the third or fourth finger. Done right it could easily be made ambidextrous, and would have frame metal backing it, so it wouldn't be damaged by being operated without a magazine present (unlike the Nolan, IIRC).
The Nolan High Drop magazine release? I have never seen one of those in the flesh.
Thinking about it, I wonder if it might make as much sense to put a similar push bar arrangement lower on the grip, as a push button under the tip of the third or fourth finger. Done right it could easily be made ambidextrous, and would have frame metal backing it, so it wouldn't be damaged by being operated without a magazine present (unlike the Nolan, IIRC).
I can't remember now; I'm sure I have all the paperwork filed. It wasn't cheap - the sights & install cost me more than the pistol did. But I paid only $125 for the gun as an unissued milsurp, as far as I'm concerned it was the best buy I ever made. As a matter of fact, I bought 3 of them! Sold 1, the other is still in cosmoline.
Yep! I got one of the last ones available. It works well - just don't press on it without a mag in place.
Richard
Member
Did Someone Say Maks?
Did someone say Maks? These are my four Makarovs and yes, I have a love affair with them. The top Mak is a Bulgie with Novak night sights, hard chrome by Ford's Guns, and Hakan grips. Next is a stock EG mak with Top Gun grips, then an EG with hard chrome by Virgil Tripp, A/O sights, and Top Gun grips. The last pistol is an EG Mak with plain Novak sights and a set of grips made for me by a friend. Regards, Richard
Did someone say Maks? These are my four Makarovs and yes, I have a love affair with them. The top Mak is a Bulgie with Novak night sights, hard chrome by Ford's Guns, and Hakan grips. Next is a stock EG mak with Top Gun grips, then an EG with hard chrome by Virgil Tripp, A/O sights, and Top Gun grips. The last pistol is an EG Mak with plain Novak sights and a set of grips made for me by a friend. Regards, Richard
Heavy Metal Hero
Member
http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Hungarian_PA63_9x18Mak_Pistol.html
Found that on AIM. Hope it may help.
Found that on AIM. Hope it may help.
Teakwood
Member
Heavy Metal Hero
That is not a Makarov. It's a PA-63.
That is not a Makarov. It's a PA-63.
Heavy Metal Hero
Member
Ok got it. I read the 9x18 Makarov (caliber) and got a little ahead of myself. Please excuse me.
M2 Carbine
member
You have to be careful with Makarovs. They are worst than rabbits. If you put two in a gun safe, the next thing you know, you're overrun with Makarovs.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
WOW, that's a lot of Makarovs. Did I say WOW yet, oh yeah, WOW...
pendentive
Member
Richard - love the Mak in the top-left. Just spent some time looking at Hakan grips - awesome!
Rail
Member
The Mak I have is a good solid gun, but the other side of the coin is the CZ-52 which is still cheap (although I would get a replacement FP for it). The 9x18 is decent caliber but I think the 7.62x25 is even better for your application. It is not quite as small though but there are still lots on the market right now - see S.O.G. for some (southern ohio guns). I guess the reason I thought of the 52 is that even though the cartridge is quite powerful, it is a very controllable gun to shoot. The Mak, while accurate, has more flip to it.
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