Russian vs. Bulgarian Makarov prices.

[Ignition Override]

My decision for a first handgun will be either a Mak or Polish P-64. The decision whether or not to carry won't be made for quite a while.
Having spent many hours reading about several similar guns in the PPK style, aren't the Russians (9x18) priced higher simply because fewer were imported?

As both are known to be equally reliable, if the triggers in the Rus. and Bulg. have the same feel, is there any practical, ergonomic reason why the Russian should cost more?

I've missed seeing whether all Rus. Maks in 9x18 were military production. The Russian Maks (double stack) in .380 appear to have been built only for the commercial markets.

 

[Pilot]

Yes, you have to seperate the Russian Military Maks (very few imported) vs. the Russian Commercial Maks (adjustable rear sight, many imported) when you are discussing Russian Maks. The Russian Commercial guns are fine if you just want a Mak to shoot, but some do not like the adjustable sights for carry. Most came in standard single stack configuration in 9x18 (Russian Makarov caliber) in blue finish. However some came in in 9x17 (.380 ACP) in blue and also Satin Nickel finish. I have a .380 in Satin Nickel (B-West import) and it is a great shooter. There were also some Russian Commercial, hicap Maks with thicker grips imported with double stack mags. Not many made it in before the voluntary ban though.

However, I think the Bulgarians are the best value in Maks out there, and I have two and they are great for the range or carry.

 

[Ignition Override]

Thanks.
A local guy has a typical Russian 9x18 for sale at $300.

Depending on how high a local Bulgarian might be listed, it's probably better to be patient.

 

[Onmilo]

Russian adjustable sight 9X18 $349
All blued Russian .380s $369 used
I saw three today at a local shop.
$300 is a good buy and the adjustable sights aren't bad at all.

 

[montanaoffroader]

I have the Russian with adj sights and my dad has the Bulgarian (fixed sights). There isn't much difference between them, they both shoot well and have had no reliability issues.

Unless it has been abused/neglected $300 doesn't sound like a bad price for a Mak right now. Everything is disappearing from the shelves pretty quickly around here.

 

[nathan]

My Russian is a IJ 70 commercial with adjustable sight. I love it and it helps in zeroeing the gun for a particular ammo. It doesnt bother me one bit and i ve used it for concealed carry in the last five years. The Bulgarian fixed is nice though.