Trade Makarov for compact 9mm

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I have a Bulgarian Makarov that I'm considering trading for a compact 9mm.
I live in a rural area so I'm not going to be using it for ccw that much, it's primarily for walks on the trails, and on bicycle rides in the country. I am mostly concerned with 2 legged predators and dogs that are running wild.
Would it be worth it?
Please give me your ideas, as I have never shot any of the small 9mm's.
 
I've considered trading or selling my eg makarov several times in the past for various reasons: too heavy for caliber, not as powerful as a nine, need something more modern, need something smaller, blah, blah, blah. I concluded finally that the mak is fine just the way it is. It's extraordinarily reliable, accurate, inexpensive, and will be more than adequate in most face-to-face sd situations. Plus, it's just a cool, simple platform. I guess what I'm saying is if it were me, I'd keep the mak. :D
 
Keep the Mak!! I am thinking about getting a second E German Mak for end of the world applications, mainly cause I can get 1000 rounds on line for around $200. Inexpensive and reliable is hard to find in one pistol these days!!
 
I think you are both right. I just needed a 2nd opinion. The makarov is a wonderful little pistol. Has anyone ever tried the 22 conversion kits from Dunav?
 
Just save up for awhile and get one of the great compact nines later on. Selling always leaves you wanting I feel, unless it's a truly righteous trade.
 
Why not keep the Makarov and buy a 9mm. pistol?

These guys all stated the whys for keeping the Makarov.

There are 9mm. pistols on the market with 3.5 barrels and can be used for CCW or trail carry.

Ruger has the new SR9c out there. Holds 10 rounds. Shipping the guns in January is what Ruger has said.

For S&W there are the 3913/908 series. Same 3.5 inch length as far as barrels go. The 908 is the cheaper utility version of the 3913. Still a good deal from all written reports. These are 8 rounds in the mag guns.

Next up is the SIG 239. Same class as the S&W versions.

I've got a SIG P6 or 225 as the civilian model goes. Nice gun. It's a single stack with 8 rounds in the mag and you guessed it.... a 3.5in. barrel.
Problem is that magazines are near impossible to find. When they are found the prices go over $40 a pop.

Spare parts will be harder to find since the gun has been out of production for a few years. There are adequate replacement parts now. How bright the future looks on that is still cloudy.

There are also the Taurus 24/7 and Millennium Pro compact pistols to be had.

I can bring the links on those for those who are intersted in them.

Each holds 10 or 12 rounds, that's dependant on laws in your area, and have the SA/DA trigger. Somewhat similar to a DAO trigger, but a tad lighter on the pull. Again, with the 3.5 inch barrel.

I own a PT111 MIl/pro and a PT132 and have had excellent service form them.

The ballistic advantage of the 9x19 cartridge surpass that of the 9x18.

Heavier bullets, more muzzle velocity, and versatility in the ammo department,tailor the ammo for the mission, give the 9x19 the advantage even if from 3.5 inch barreled pistols.

+P ammo or standard pressure ammo in 115gr.,124gr.,or the much newer and reliable 147gr. JHPs give you a better chance of stopping an attack by 4 legged or 2 legged beast.

I have to admit to owning two Bulgarian Makarovs. I lIke the cartridge and the guns alot. Not in any time soon will I get rid of the Makarovs. There are very good JHP loads from Hornady and others that make the Makarov a decnt pick for self protection.

On the other hand to stop an attacking beast the 9x19 has lot more going for it.

There are two sides to every situation.

I'd recommend the 9x19 over the 9x18, but would not get rid of the 9x18 pistol. The 9x18 are fun to shoot, have as conversation piece, give a decent level of protection, and are something that not everyone has.:):D
 
I'd say keep the Mak and save up for 9mm but it's your gun you can do with it as you please.

My only advice would be if you decide to get rid of it make sure you get what it's worth. Depending on What kind of Makarov it is you could probably sell it in a flash on gunbroker and you might be surprised what you get for it.

What I wouldn't do is trade it in. I'm not sure if this what you meant by "trade for a 9mm" but like anything you trade-in you always loose out. If the Mak is worth $275 then you'd be lucky to get $125 in trade-in value from a gun shop.

Trust me, in my younger years I used to do the trade-in routine all the time and I cringe to think of all the money I lost. After I discovered the wonders of gunbroker I stopped doing trades-ins completely.

Either sell the Mak outright or keep it and save for a compact 9mm.
 
What compact 9mm are you considering to trade for? The Mak's ok but no prize, however there are more modern pistols that even make a lousy paper weight.
 
Buy something else if you want but keep the Mak.
At the last couple gun shows decent shape Maks were going for $300.

I've got 16 and still look for bargains.
 
I think you are both right. I just needed a 2nd opinion. The makarov is a wonderful little pistol. Has anyone ever tried the 22 conversion kits from Dunav?
Click to expand...
I bought this Bulgarian conversion from makarov.com before they went out of business.
Works good but like many 22 guns it's ammo sensitive.

Mak22conversion-1.gif
 
trade

Trade it...to me! Except that I have no compact nine to give you because my Makarov fills the "light carry" roll for me. I don't feel the need for a modern compact nine. --Stork
 
There is a lot of caliber-envy peer pressure on this board.

As someone who sold 2 EG Maks because they weren't "good enough" according to the Internet, I can tell you:

1. There is no guarantee that you will shoot any of those 9mm guns as well as you do your Mak.
2. A small, polymer 9mm may kick more than your all-steel Mak.
3. The 9mm is not going to be a huge step up in power from the respectable 9x18. If it is, then why stop there? Why not go .357 Sig, or .357 Mag.? All handguns are somewhat wanting in stopping power.
4. Is any living creature you shoot going to know the difference between these cartridges? My guess is probably not. Pathologists can't tell by looking at ta wound if it's 9mm or 45 or whatever because flesh is so elastic.
5. It would be a shame to get rid of a good gun only to be dissatisfied with it's replacement. Or not really gain anything much ballistically.
 
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