Russian Makarov

[TA_Raider]

I have a Russian Makarov IJ-70. I was trying to find out when it was manufactured and I found that it does not have a US stamp on the frame. It has the Russian serial etching on the slide and the frame. Also it has the import company on the slide. But no US serial/stamp/engraving. Is that a problem? Also if anyone has the codes for the serial that would be greatly appreciated ( I cannot find it anywhere for the Russian maks ).

 

[WardenWolf]

It's possible it's a commercial / Baikal Makarov that was imported after the Cold War before such imports were banned. As such, it would have been serialed by the manufacturer in Russia.

 

[TA_Raider]

Ok. Thanks for the info. Does that do anything to the value? Does anyone know how to tell what year it was made in?

 

[docnyt]

That's tough. The Russian Maks are not easy to date, unlike the Bulgarians and East Germans with date codes.

Try the Mak subforum at gunboards.com

Some of the resident experts there may have an answer.

 

[Pilot]

Does it have the adjustable sights or fixed sights?

 

[TA_Raider]

IJ-70 Baikal with adjustable sights.

 

[WardenWolf]

Yep, that's a later commercial-produced Makarov. I believe that increases its value if it's in 9x18 (many were .380), as they weren't imported for very long and they're widely considered one of the finest examples of the Makarov. They're kind of sought after. By all reports, very nice guns.

 

[docnyt]

I wouldn't quite say that Russian commercials are more sought after compared to their military cousins. Definitely not as elusive as Miltex and Simson Suhl.

OP, why don't you post some pics of both sides of the slide and frame so we can see the markings.

 

[TA_Raider]

I will post pics in a couple days (I have to find my camera).

 

[hAkron]

I just picked up one of these a month or two ago. Great shooter! I put on some after market rubber grips (the metal lanyard loop is not friendly to the left handed shooter) and added a fixed rear sight replacement that looks less wonky (and is less sharp on it's edges from the stock one). My next improvement will be to do something to the front blade sight to make it easier to see.

 

[nathan]

The commercial Russian mak with adjustable sights is a good pistol . In fact, i carry mine alternate with my Glock 23. Its accurate and easy to conceal.

 

[Flash!]

how much would a nib commercial Russian makarov be worth these days?