I bought a SOG Bulgie Makarov for $129. I was actually kind of upset because I had sent my money in when it was listed at $109. I waited for months, and had to pay a "supplement" when the current order came in.
I looked at economic realities, realized that it was still a good deal, and sent my money in.
All that aside, I didn't pay the $10 dollar handpick fee. What I got was a basically unfired "cosmoline queen" with 100% bluing. After a complete teardown and cleaning, I took it shooting. It was a bit stiff, even more so than my PA-63. A few hundred rounds later, the action is mellowing, and the groups are getting smaller. I finally understood that, however many years after it was made, the gun was finally breaking in.
Other buyers on Mak websites have reported getting like-new to somewhat used guns. It's all in the luck of the draw. Since the Maks are generally high quality and wear well, I haven't heard many out-and-out complaints. At the price they're well worth it.
