Makarov V. CZ-83

[TooTaxed]

Gave my new CZ-83 in 9-mm Mak a workout at the range yesterday.

I was attracted to the CZ-83 by its well-recognized manufacturer's quality and the 10-round magazine capacity, and wanted to compare it with the Makarov.

I tested three brands of Russian ammo at 15 and 25 yards. Pluses:..no malfunctions of any kind, and rather accurate...danced a can at 25-yds all shots. Very well made and finished. Better sight picture than the Mak. Negatives: Larger and thicker than the Makarov, magazine much more difficult to load, magazine does not drop freely when the catch is released.

Comparison: The Makarov wins hands down. My Bulgarian Mak is just as accurate and trouble-free, the magazine is easy to load, and drops freely. The Mak is far better for concealed carry. And, the MAK is about half the price!

Will probably keep the CZ though...fun to shoot! That is, until one of my friends falls in love with it and has an interesting trade...!

 

[makarov1]

The MAK is still small enough to be considered a "pocket gun", and a Mak will easily slip into a coat pocket. The CZ-83 is MUCH too large for pocket carry, and would need a holster, a definite drawback in my book. DO NOT SELL OR TRADE YOUR CZ-83, the triggers are excellent!! They are incredible shooters. In my humble opinion, the CZ 83's ability to dampen recoil is overstated, as my EG Mak seems to recoil a bit less than my CZ 83. The recoil is still light (we're talking 9mm mak here) and the CZ 83 is a very well put together piece.

 

[AUTIGER04]

Makarov.

 

[PCRCCW]

CZ 83 Mak

I like the Mak too, better for deeper concealment. Excellent gun

My fav. is still the 83...yes I have both.

Shoot well...

 

[CZF]

As I have never handled a nice MAK. I'd agree with CZ83. The CZ83
has better sights, smoother action. Browning style mag release...
(important to me)and holds more rounds than a standard Makarov.

Better support base with a CZ , IF you need such. I've never heard
of many problematic CZ83s.


Again, I prefer the CZs mag release. Should I need a rapid reload
with any of my pistols. The .380 is probably first on the list.
My high-caps fit, feed, and eject wonderfully.

With a proper belt holster like a HBE. The CZ83 seems less heavy.
The Makarov IS smaller and conceals better, but so does a CZ70
or Beretta Tomcat loaded with Silvertips.

 

[boogalou]

I've also owned both and sold my Maks after I bought my CZ83. Along with the things CZF said on the previous post, the CZ83 fits my hand better, and gives you the choice of hammer down or cocked & locked. It also has controls on both sides.

I'm not saying the Makarov is a bad gun, just that the CZ83 is a little more refined, and in my case, I shot better with it.

 

[Kevinch]

I own both, & am fond of both.

To me, the Makarov is just as reliable (if not more so) than the CZ. Definetly, the CZ has smoother trigger by virtue of a much more compliacted design.

I'd vote for the Makarov.

 

[Stoney]

I have the same problem with my CZ-83 mags. I can only get 8
rounds in the 10 round mags, the mag springs must be very stiff. If
anybody knows how to cure this please let me know.

Also, i'm looking to buy extra mags for my CZ-83, any information on were to get some would be appreciated.

 

[PCRCCW]

Stoney,
PM sent........
Shoot well