What to look for in a used 9x18 Makarov?

[45R]

Hey guys I need to know what to look for in buying a Surplus 9x18 Mak (Bulgarian type). River City Gun Exchange in Sacramento has them again!!! So I am gearing to pick one up. How do I know the speciman that I choose is a good one!


TIA

45R

 

[alamo]

The Maks that came in last fall from Century Arms have ranged from unissued, i.e. "new" to good, most seem to be in very good condition. Most were made in the 1980s. They're all the same so the only thing to really look for is its condition. One other thing though, the ATF is now making importers stamp out Cryllic letters and they are stamping a big ugly "X" on these letters so try to find one that doesn't have any Cryllic letters.

My Bulgarian was imported before this requirement, one of the 2 letters in its serial number is a backwards "N", this would now be stamped out.

http://www.makarov.com/makfaq.html

 

[CZ-75]

Pretty much the same as any gun - finish, bore, and action.

The only things I see breaking are the extractor and sear spring, which are both obvious. Possibly the mainspring.

www.makarov.com