Makarov

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NeuTom72

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Jun 12, 2003
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Location
Minneapolis
Hello to all...

I currently carry a Grendel P-12 .380. Yes, I know.... WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU DO THAT? I've had this gun for years and I've had really good luck with it. However, I'm kicking around the idea of buying a Makarov for concealed carry. How many of you carry the Makarov as a primary weapon?

Thanks!

Tom
Murderapolis, MN.
 
I did until recently. I have a Russian commercial version and the only gripe I have is that the adjustable sights on it poked me. Sometimes I still do carry it but just as often pack a PA-63 since it's lighter and I consider it a "beater" gun. They are both use the same cartridge.
 
www.makarov.com

If you don't like the sights of the Ruski Maks you can look into either a Bulgie, probably the most available right now, or a pricier E. German. Maks are accurate and reliable to a fault.
 
Makarov Sights

Hello Apple a day,

Makarov.com carries replacement (fixed) sights for the Russian Mak. A word o0f warning, however, when the steps for the adjustable sights were milled in, it was done pretty much by eye, so there is a great deal of variation in the depth of the step. Mine shot 18" low at 10 yards with the replacement sight. Makarov.com sent me some shims to raise the rear sight, but I'm going back to the adjustable, for the time being. They told me that there will be offered a compensated sight for this condition in about 3 months. The compensated sight may require some filing/fitting to compensate for the variability. I really love my Mak.

Good shooting,

Scarface 48
 
Apple...

I see you also own a PA-63. I have also considered carrying this pistol for the same reason. It's cheap, and considered a "beater" gun. What has been your experience with the Pa-63? I realize that they're lighter due to their alloy frame, shoot the same round, but I've heard they kick like a mule. Southern Ohio Gun International has the Mak for $129.95, and the PA-63 for $99.95. Maybe I order one of each, and use the PA-63 for carry?

Thanks!

Tom
 
Yeah, the PA-63 does kick, but it's still manageable. I've got my eye on a Mak that's at my range, it's a Russian one. I haven't handled it yet, I've been resisting:rolleyes: , I know once I fondle it, the "resistance is futile" rule will engage!
Besides, isn't it a rule you have to have more than one pistol in any given caliber?;)
 
Hi NeuTom72,

I carry a EG Mak every day in a Milt Sparks VMII. I have other options but my Mak and an extra clip and I feel fine. Oh and an 870 behind the truck seat....

Mike
 
NeuTom72, you should go for the Mak. I got my CHL about 3 months ago and have been carrying my Mak since then. I have been very happy with it and have no plans to replace it. It is solid and reliable, much stronger than the Grendel. My Dad owns both pistols (his Mak is a .380), and reloads. He as 2 different sets of loads, ones that will blow up a grendel but are safe in a Mak, and loads that are safe in a Grendel or Mak.

His lattest creation for his Mak is pretty cool. 102 gr Remington Golden sabers at 1050 FPS. Not bad for a .380 ACP...
 
Thanks to all!

Hi Guys...

Thank you guys for your comments. My mind is made up, I'll be carrying a Makarov soon!

Tom
 
Hey folks,

I have several Maks of the E. German and Hungarian varieties. I did not care for the Russian commercial one. All of my Maks jump a lot more than my 10mm Megastar even though the 10mm is so much more powerful. The Megastar is so heavy, it tames the recoil of the 10 more than the felt recoil of the Maks. However, regular practice on the range with the Maks really helps one learn to manage and control the Mak recoil, and they are small enough to be carried in your back pocket un-noticed.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile
 
Okay, confession time.
I have had a difficult time finding comfortable grips for my PA-63. I have big hands. I keep threatening to make my own set of grips from some nice wood I picked up but am too busy fixing things around the house and trying to move my father's @#$%! boat off the trailer with the busted axle onto the new one.
Anyway, the last time I was at the range I was shooting the PA-63 with the new grips I got from Makarov.com, which were better thant he original but still weren't ideal. The pistol is so small that to use the 'correct' trigger finger position puts my hand in an awkward position. As a result the edge of the frame rubs the top of the highest thumb joint just above the web between thumb and trigger finger. The same problem occurs when I shot my buddy's Walther PP. No matter how I shifted I just couldn't get a solid, comfortable hold on the gun with my size hands.
I got annoyed and just stuck my finger through to the second segment and guess what! Using the incorrect middle segment of my trigger finger the gun seats comfortably in my paw, shoots like it is supposed to and is finally comfortable. :eek: I know folks are going to shake their heads and preach but, hey, it works. With that hold I can pull the trigger straight back towards me like I am supposed to.
I will maintain the correct position with my other pistols but may switch to the 'middle segment' position with the Hungarian for a while just to see how it goes.
The PA-63 does have a little bit more of a kick, just a tad, since it is about 70 grams lighter. With the new cheating grip it is actually more comfortable to shoot as my hold is more solid.
As for the Makarov, I've toyed with the idea of getting the solid sights for it but that sorta ruins the charm and uniqueness of having that particular pistol. Also, I know Makarov's are inexpensive, but that was my first gun and I wanted to keep that one in good shape and get another gun to use as a knockaround piece. The PA-63 fits that bill nicely. My other stuff is too big and bulky most of the time.
Probably the biggest gripe on the Hungarian is that the sights are even smaller than on the Makarov.
Regards, all
[edited 'cause I can't count]
 
Last edited:
NeuTom72 - I've carried my Mak daily for a year and a half... these, in no particular order, are a few things I know or feel secure about:

I'm comfortable with accuracy and potential performance in a "tight" - this is a close-in weapon, and at 21 feet or less I'm confident in it's power to neutralize if necessary. Sights can be optimized on the cheap with "paint" etc., or with $$ by changing things.

Read it's history at www.makarov.com. As a military/police weapon for 50 plus years - in both urban and rural environs, it's built for simplicity of use and maintenance (26 parts). I've proved that I can go two months of daily wear without maintenance and still fire an 8+1 load. A field weapon for the common soldier/cop must be able to support lack-luster servicing. Of course, I haven't given it the mud/sand/salt water test.

The recoil can be muted by a different grip and recoil spring. Pearce or the Mak A Wrap grip and moving from the standard 17# spring to 19 or 21.

I've had no problem with ammo - most everything I've used has worked (different accuracies of course).

I haven't yet gotten "THE" holster for my taste... I use a modified Uncle Mike's size "0" IWB (for revolver) with the muzzle end cut open so the Mak will sit deep. I'm soon wearing out the second Uncle Mike's. I also have the Falco double shoulder harness for the Mak in brown leather - great for winter or long car trips.

I do have a problem with fitting the slide on during field strip. Haven't developed the knack of getting it set in on first try. The 21# spring doesn't help that (but does help the recoil bounce).

I've gotten over the limp wrist, too.

Enough of me.

-Andy
 
"I do have a problem with fitting the slide on during field strip. Haven't developed the knack of getting it set in on first try. The 21# spring doesn't help that (but does help the recoil bounce). "

It took me a while to get the hang of this. If you push down on the slide before you let it go forward it should work on the first try every time...
 
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