Question for Makarov fans

[Mitlov]

@Gun Master:

I'm not a total newbie to firearms in general; I've been shooting trap on a near-weekly basis for over a year and I'm a respectable shot; normally shoot a 23/25 in American Trap from the sixteen yard line behind the trap house, and came in in the top third of competitors of a ten-week, all-abilities-level trap league my club recently hosted. But I'm relatively new to the world of handguns. I have a Remington 1911 R1 that I primarily just use at the range; I may carry it in the future but I'm not carrying it now. I have taken the CHL course and obtained my CHL, but am not currently carrying.

The Mak at the local pawn shop was more of a "hey, that's cool" moment than something I'm dead-set on. I probably won't end up with either a Mak or a CZ in the immediate future; was just asking about it.

I have shot a J-frame, and, candidly, loathed shooting it. Just personal taste. Didn't like the sights, didn't like the recoil, and wasn't very accurate with it at all. Didn't really like shooting a Ruger LCR either. In the handgun world, I've shot best with my 1911 and with a Ruger LC9.

 

[Gun Master]

Makarov, CZ-82, etc.

@Gun Master:

I'm not a total newbie to firearms in general; I've been shooting trap on a near-weekly basis for over a year and I'm a respectable shot; normally shoot a 23/25 in American Trap from the sixteen yard line behind the trap house, and came in in the top third of competitors of a ten-week, all-abilities-level trap league my club recently hosted. But I'm relatively new to the world of handguns. I have a Remington 1911 R1 that I primarily just use at the range; I may carry it in the future but I'm not carrying it now. I have taken the CHL course and obtained my CHL, but am not currently carrying.

The Mak at the local pawn shop was more of a "hey, that's cool" moment than something I'm dead-set on. I probably won't end up with either a Mak or a CZ in the immediate future; was just asking about it.

I have shot a J-frame, and, candidly, loathed shooting it. Just personal taste. Didn't like the sights, didn't like the recoil, and wasn't very accurate with it at all. Didn't really like shooting a Ruger LCR either. In the handgun world, I've shot best with my 1911 and with a Ruger LC9.

Bravo ! You are cool.

I just didn't know your background, age, etc. I feel OK about you now.

The J frame thing, I understand. A matter of preference. I think you made wise choices of the Rem. R1 1911, and the LC9.

I'm looking forward to the results on the Rem. R51, before I buy one.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Mitlov]

Bravo ! You are cool.

I just didn't know your background, age, etc. I feel OK about you now.

The J frame thing, I understand. A matter of preference. I think you made wise choices of the Rem. R1 1911, and the LC9.

I'm looking forward to the results on the Rem. R51, before I buy one.

Thanks for the reply.

No worries! You see someone on the internet who clearly is new to handguns talking about getting something from a pawn shop, and you don't know the context. Here, it's a white-collar father of two at a high-end pawn shop that specializes in antiques and collectables, not a teen meth-head at something like Gideon's Pawn from The Crow.

I'm also interested in the R51, but I've been burned as an early adopter of too many products (mainly electronics: smartphones, laptops, you name it) to jump on such a new, unique product for something I'd actually rely on for defensive use.

 

[Hurryin' Hoosier]

I've had four Pistolet Makarovas - still have one "safe queen" - and have always been fascinated by the ruggedness and simplicity of their design. For my money, though, the Česká Zbrojovka vz.82 (or "CZ-82", if you prefer) is a superior gun, all around. Better fit and finish. Better ergonomics. Greater capacity. Better accuracy. To me, it's the Cadillac of the 9x18 handguns.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

I had one but I traded it after I loaded a Mak round in a 40 cal magazine.

 

[4season]

I use a Mak in 380 as my EDC. Such a simple design and if performs flawlessly. The only malfunction I have ever had with mine was when I bought some cheap magazines and the slide hit the feed lips of the mag. Mine has eat every round of 380 I have ever fed it and I have yet to find a 380 that can make that claim. It also fits my hand so well that a 3 yard speed draw and shot from the hip I can nail a 1 inch bulls-eye 9 out of 10 times.

Now they do have some quirks that you get used to like the mag release on the heal and the small sights.

Like any gun though they have some negatives. The small sights are invisible in the dark and the adjustable sight should be replaced as soon as you buy it. Also they are large and heavy compared to many modern concealed carry guns. Now days you can get a XDS and carry a .45 in a package about the same size and a bit lighter than a Mak and there are many 9mm that are smaller and lighter than the Mak.

Unfortunately many gun shops and pawn shops are now charging a premium for these old Makarovs. It wasn't that long ago that you could get one of these with no blue left on the slide and a worn out spring for under $100. A nice gun would only run $200-250. Now I see beat up Maks selling for $399 and the nice ones going for more.

 

[Mitlov]

Now they do have some quirks that you get used to like the mag release on the heal and the small sights.

It's funny; while I was handling it I couldn't figure out how to release the mag at all. Had to look it up on the internet when I got home.