Purchased my first handgun today: 1960 East German Makarov
- Thread starter Armchair Bronco
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Honest John
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Interesting piece of history, sentimental value, and a credible defense weapon - I'd say you won that auction in a big way. Congratulations and happy shooting.
Roadking Rider
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Not quite sure I understand why so many feel the need to make a negative coment on what he paid for this beautiful piece. It's his dime,he earned it,and what he dose with it, is his business and only his business.
Good Luck with it,as it sure is purdy.
Good Luck with it,as it sure is purdy.
wojownik
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I've grown to really appreciate these little pistols over the past few years. Some are shooters, and some are collectibles. Many would argue the East German in this condition is more of a collectible. But its the OP's call what he wants to do with it.
It appears to be quite a very nice EG Mak, and if the market is truly appreciating for these items in such condition, then so much the better for some of our own portfolios of Makarovs
. Personally I'd tuck the pristine example away, and get a second shooter grade Mak to play with ... but that's just my quirk.
I do have to offer a comment on a Bulgarian Mak that Legacy Collectibles is currently offering in their website - 99% condition, light import marks, in other words, pretty much run of the mill .... for $750 Now that, IMHO, is overpriced ... by well over double in today's market.
It appears to be quite a very nice EG Mak, and if the market is truly appreciating for these items in such condition, then so much the better for some of our own portfolios of Makarovs
. Personally I'd tuck the pristine example away, and get a second shooter grade Mak to play with ... but that's just my quirk.I do have to offer a comment on a Bulgarian Mak that Legacy Collectibles is currently offering in their website - 99% condition, light import marks, in other words, pretty much run of the mill .... for $750
Now that, IMHO, is overpriced ... by well over double in today's market.plexreticle
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Cost an value are relative terms.
I would take it over many other other $800 guns given a choice.
I would take it over many other other $800 guns given a choice.
the count
Member
@Armchair Bronco
One C&R pistol...that's how I got started too. Now I have a whole safe full of guns! And reload! And have 3 range memberships! So good luck with your new hobby.
One C&R pistol...that's how I got started too. Now I have a whole safe full of guns! And reload! And have 3 range memberships! So good luck with your new hobby.
commygun
Member
Beautiful Mak. Congratulations and I know exactly where you're coming from. "Over the Edge" is also my favorite Wipers album, with "Follow Blind" a close second. In a million years I would never have expected the Wipers to be mentioned in this forum, lol!
Cactus Jack Arizona
Member
Hey Arm, when you are finished with it I'm calling dibs as first chance buyer. 
North, you are correct. It's not a "cheap surplus pistol". It's an inexpensive surplus pistol, and I have to say that my IJ-70 18A out performed and out shot my brand new POS Gen 3 Glock 19. Of my G19 and my IJ-70 18A, guess which one I kept?
North, you are correct. It's not a "cheap surplus pistol". It's an inexpensive surplus pistol, and I have to say that my IJ-70 18A out performed and out shot my brand new POS Gen 3 Glock 19. Of my G19 and my IJ-70 18A, guess which one I kept?
Armchair Bronco
Member
Wipers FTW! LOL. I never expected to quote another forum user who also likes the Wipers. "Follow Blind" was the first Wipers album I bought in early 1987; still remember the first time I listened to an entire Wipers album cover-to-cover. I was blown away.
After "Over the Edge", my #2 pick is probably "Land of the Lost". Greg Sage is my guitar hero. I have an SG Classic with a Bigsby B5 in his honor. Some day, I will own a vintage EchoPlex...and if my Makarov is any indication, I'll probably pay too much for it, too!
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Armchair Bronco
Member
I really appreciate all the feedback, pro and con, on my new purchase. Although I am a little surprised at the strength of some of the negative comments and finger waggling.
As noted, like 99% of the folks on this forum, I work hard for my money (although this gun was funded with winnings from a big poker tournament), and that means yours truly gets to decide what to spend it on. I guess I'm becoming more of a Libertarian as I get older. If you want to spend your money on hookers or overpay for a minty Makarov or (if you're in Washington state) get high in the privacy of your own home or donate 10% of everything you earn to a charity, that's YOUR business, not mine.
But here's my challenge: if you think I paid too much, then please show me another CHEAPER gun with the following criteria:
I looked for something like this for a while but couldn't find anything until I bid on my current gun. Someone also mentioned having a police record of arsenal work performed on the gun; that would be cool, too, but I've NEVER seen anything like that for an EG Makarov.
As noted, like 99% of the folks on this forum, I work hard for my money (although this gun was funded with winnings from a big poker tournament), and that means yours truly gets to decide what to spend it on. I guess I'm becoming more of a Libertarian as I get older. If you want to spend your money on hookers or overpay for a minty Makarov or (if you're in Washington state) get high in the privacy of your own home or donate 10% of everything you earn to a charity, that's YOUR business, not mine.
But here's my challenge: if you think I paid too much, then please show me another CHEAPER gun with the following criteria:
- East German Makarov
- 1959 to 1961 date of manufacture
- 99% finish
- NO IMPORT MARKS
- at least 1 matching magazine (e.g. electro pencil serial number matches gun's serial number)
- correct black bakelite grips with correct East German grip screw
- period correct black leather holster
- public, on-line auction (not some back room swap between friends)
I looked for something like this for a while but couldn't find anything until I bid on my current gun. Someone also mentioned having a police record of arsenal work performed on the gun; that would be cool, too, but I've NEVER seen anything like that for an EG Makarov.
Prices on Makarovs have been going up in recent years. Used to be able to pick them up for around say $190.00, but then folks discovered how great pistols they were and prices soared. They have an elegant simplicity about them and the prices on Russian steel-cased ammo are reasonable...a lot more reasonable than the prices on the slightly less powerful .380 auto.
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Dr.Mall Ninja
Member
[QUOTEI work hard for my money (although this gun was funded with winnings from a big poker tournament), and that means yours truly gets to decide what to spend it on][/QUOTE]
Thats how I live my life, Its my money!! You were showing off your new pistol, not asking if you got according to other people a good deal! Its a nice pistol that I would be proud to own.
Thats how I live my life, Its my money!! You were showing off your new pistol, not asking if you got according to other people a good deal! Its a nice pistol that I would be proud to own.
I am glad you're happy with your purchase but I guess I just don't get it. If you intend to shoot it regularly why did you pay a premium (3x it's value) for a gun in mint condition?
Why go through the trouble of buying a nearly mint condition collector grade pistol if you're buying it as a shooter?
Why go through the trouble of buying a nearly mint condition collector grade pistol if you're buying it as a shooter?
Because it's America and he can!
If I ran across a mint 60s sports car and bought it, I'd probably drive the snot out of it. You can't take it with you...
breakingcontact
Member
Some people have money like that. Many of us have "wasted" money buying/selling/trading. So the OP paid more than the average price, that's alright.
It having no import markings is pretty cool and should make it worth more.
East German versions are about the nicest ones and it's a really cool pistol.
Enjoy and don't let the folks beating you up get to you.
It having no import markings is pretty cool and should make it worth more.
East German versions are about the nicest ones and it's a really cool pistol.
Enjoy and don't let the folks beating you up get to you.
Armchair Bronco
Member
Hehe! Well, it's a reasonable question...and a good answer from Arp32, too. First, you need to define what a "shooter" is. If I occasionally shoot my near collector-grade EG Mak, does that make it a shooter?
It just seems a shame to keep a purdy gun locked up in a case 24/7.
If I do get back into shooting more regularly, then the Mak will split time with my CMP M1 Garand and my CZ-452 for target shooting and my 1967 Winchester 101 trap gun for trap shooting.
If I had a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda, I wouldn't drive it in heavy snow or mud, but I'd would want to go cruising in downtown Seattle on a hot summer night. And maybe smoke the back tires every so often just to let the car have some fun!
Stringfellow
Member
Its really irritating to see the tone of some of the folks regarding price. He did not bring this upon himself. Honesty is appreciated when contemplating a sale, but afterwards...deserves more discretion. Jumping on the pile really serves little purpose and ain't "highroad" by any definition I know of.
"Hey, how does my wife look?" requires a completely different answer than "What do you think of that chick on the other end of the bar?"
Armchair, that is a sweet Makarov--I would love to have one like that.
"Hey, how does my wife look?" requires a completely different answer than "What do you think of that chick on the other end of the bar?"
Armchair, that is a sweet Makarov--I would love to have one like that.
hAkron
Member
Cool Mak! I have a Baikal and a Bulgarian. I would love to get my grubby paws on an EG Mak. Price is only a factor if you got it crazy cheap -- and even then, only a small factor.
Congrats on your purchase!!
Congrats on your purchase!!
Well I tell you what. If I'd found this gun at the price paid, and I'd had the cash, and I wanted it .... I'd have bought it too. I mean, it's like playing golf, Bass fishing, motorcycling and any other "hobby". Assuming you're not hurting your family, it's not the cash you spend it's the pleasure you gain. And if $842 buys $842 worth of personal pleasure and enjoyment then the ultimate value has been established and that makes it a good buy.
Go price Bass boats, trailers. motors and all the other gear. Talk to an avid golfer about his yearly total cost for his sport. Ask a biker with a lot of chrome on his machine how much all that brightness cost.
OP you made a great deal and more power to you. Go and enjoy your new gun in any manner that suits you.
Go price Bass boats, trailers. motors and all the other gear. Talk to an avid golfer about his yearly total cost for his sport. Ask a biker with a lot of chrome on his machine how much all that brightness cost.
OP you made a great deal and more power to you. Go and enjoy your new gun in any manner that suits you.
I was fortunate to embrace Makarovs back in the early and mid 90's when they were coming in to the country in large numbers. Commercial Russians, Bulgarians, and East Germans. I've never come across a Chinese, and never really had the desire to go out of my way to get one, but I did get all the others and still have them. Average price was between $100 - $150 including my like new East German with two matching mags, and all the original accesories, and bakelite EG grip. The only difference is mine has an importation stamp. However, that was seventeen or so years ago. Boy how time flies, and inflation, importation bans, etc make things more valuable.
Do I think $842 is a lot for an EG Mak? Sure, but that is for ME personally, not anyone else. Who am I to judge what someone else pays for something they want? If you want it enough, pay the price, and enjoy it.
Nice looking Mak there OP! Have fun!
Do I think $842 is a lot for an EG Mak? Sure, but that is for ME personally, not anyone else. Who am I to judge what someone else pays for something they want? If you want it enough, pay the price, and enjoy it.
Nice looking Mak there OP! Have fun!
That's a good looking pistol! Good buy, let us know how she shoots.
He paid more for something nice that he really likes. That's the way it usually works in the real world. You'll hear the same thing if you pay $500 (or more) for a near mint older/pre lock s&w model 10 revolver, guys will chime in about how you paid too much and how it should have only cost $350 or $400, even though you could wait forever and never get lucky enough to find a deal like that. In 2000, maybe, but not in 2012.
Nice gun!
He paid more for something nice that he really likes. That's the way it usually works in the real world. You'll hear the same thing if you pay $500 (or more) for a near mint older/pre lock s&w model 10 revolver, guys will chime in about how you paid too much and how it should have only cost $350 or $400, even though you could wait forever and never get lucky enough to find a deal like that. In 2000, maybe, but not in 2012.
Nice gun!
Seems like an adequate enough explanation. I think I get it now. I actually have done the same thing (not by quite so much but still) with a firearm and paid a couple hundred dollars above market price to get a perfect specimen.Hehe! Well, it's a reasonable question...and a good answer from Arp32, too. First, you need to define what a "shooter" is. If I occasionally shoot my near collector-grade EG Mak, does that make it a shooter?
It just seems a shame to keep a purdy gun locked up in a case 24/7.
If I do get back into shooting more regularly, then the Mak will split time with my CMP M1 Garand and my CZ-452 for target shooting and my 1967 Winchester 101 trap gun for trap shooting.
If I had a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda, I wouldn't drive it in heavy snow or mud, but I'd would want to go cruising in downtown Seattle on a hot summer night. And maybe smoke the back tires every so often just to let the car have some fun!
Sorry for my previous posts.
Armchair Bronco
Member
No worries! It's all good.
I've been having fun today researching accessories and spare parts for the Mak. I'm so glad I decided to get a Mak and not a pre-1968 Walther PPK .22LR. Sure, some day I WILL own a PPK .22LR, but for now, the Makarov will scratch my itch.
I didn't realize how big the surplus market was for New Old Stock Mak parts. I've ordered a lanyard, some different EG grips, several manuals, a backup EG firing pin, 2 extra NOS EG magazines, and 2 leather EG magazine holders (only $3/each).
I've also found some really great articles and posts on forums from Mak collectors. Here's a really funny photo from an East German manual that breaks down every imaginable shooting position, including the all-important Volkspolizei "drive by shooting" position. Note the lanyard!
(Link: http://www.msgunowners.com/t21040-e...tole-m-and-accessoriesupdate-with-more-photos)
Target shooting with a semi-auto pistol from the Iron Curtain is going to be fun!
I've been having fun today researching accessories and spare parts for the Mak. I'm so glad I decided to get a Mak and not a pre-1968 Walther PPK .22LR. Sure, some day I WILL own a PPK .22LR, but for now, the Makarov will scratch my itch.
I didn't realize how big the surplus market was for New Old Stock Mak parts. I've ordered a lanyard, some different EG grips, several manuals, a backup EG firing pin, 2 extra NOS EG magazines, and 2 leather EG magazine holders (only $3/each).
I've also found some really great articles and posts on forums from Mak collectors. Here's a really funny photo from an East German manual that breaks down every imaginable shooting position, including the all-important Volkspolizei "drive by shooting" position. Note the lanyard!
(Link: http://www.msgunowners.com/t21040-e...tole-m-and-accessoriesupdate-with-more-photos)
Target shooting with a semi-auto pistol from the Iron Curtain is going to be fun!
Armchair Bronco
Member
Here are a couple more photos of the gun from the OP:
Left side with EG K-100 mark.
Back of grip showing early period hole for lanyard.
Left side with EG K-100 mark.
Back of grip showing early period hole for lanyard.
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