Your opinion on Makarov as a carry weapon ?

[easyg]

Well, you could do worse.

But honestly, you could also do a lot better than a Mak for a carry self defense pistol.

 

[crazyjennyblack]

Honestly, the makarov would be a wonderful weapon. But, for the power you're getting, you might as well get a P64. They can be had for about $160 shipped, and I've seen them at gun shows selling for about $40 less than the makarov. I qualified for my CCW license with a P64, and I practice with it regularly. It's alot smaller than the makarov, and thus conceals better, especially on female figures.

Also, consider that 9x18 has a bit more punch than .380, and is supposed to be ballistically identical to .38 special. If you're into handloading, combine that with some special JHP's that you pick out and load into mak brass, and you're good to go!

Some people say that the P64 is uncomfortable to shoot. I don't find it uncomfortable at all, and I use the black grips that came with it. The worst thing about it is the tough double action trigger pull on the first round, but you can always cock the hammer!

 

[Twmaster]

Jenny, do you have a link or dealer name with the P64 for that price? I have a C&R and would be able to get one next month.

Meanwhile, here is a photo of the PA-63 I bought at the gun show yesterday:



I'm leaving for a business trip to Dallas tonight. Otherwise I'd be at the range in the morning to give it a workout.

 

[krupparms]

Both the PA-63 &the Mak.are fine guns.I have owned several different models of both.They all shot fine& handle fine. I put up a great PA-63 for a grandson. I have a HI-CAP MAK. That I bought by mistake. It is Russian & all beat up! That explains why it was so cheap! $150 cash at pawn shop. These guns are both good carry Guns. The PA-63 is .380 & the MAK. is 9×18
They are both reliable &accurate. I would not feel under gunned with them. CCI. BLAZER ammo with Gold Dot Hollow Points works fine in them both. GOD BLESS THE REPUBLIC OF THE USA!!

 

[mljdeckard]

The cartridge is borderline for defensive use, but the gun has a couple of things going for it. They are dead reliable. And while I don't want to use cheap steel-cased ammo in most of my guns, the Mak fals under my "Use Russian ammo in Russian guns" rule. You can get a LOT of practice in with it fairly cheaply.

 

[majortoo]

Both the Makarov and the CZ82 are excellent choices, with superb and richly deserved reputations for rugged reliability and reasonable accuracy. Regardless of your selection, I encourage you to consider your choice of ammunition carefully. If you are using this pistol for personal defense, please use hollow points. Further, practice soon and often with the selected ammunition. All ammunition is not created equal. Some hollow points will not function reliably in all pistols; even the Mak and the CZ....

 

[AT2]

@Twmaster


Yeah, it was my pistol. I'm not the greatest shot (Navy sharpshooter) and was always able to do a 3" group at that distance but the RSO just shot it lights out. He did however put a round into the floor when he didn't think the trigger was resetting (reason he was shooting it, helping me figure out *** was goin on).

 

[towboat_er]

I own A Russian Makarov, and it's a fine gun. I owned a PA63. May get another one. I now own a few CZ82's and and carry one daily.
In my opinion, they are the best bang for your dollar.
I have been considering a p64. Wanna use my C&R again. Wish the PA63 was C&R

 

[mortablunt]

The Makarov is a solid piece for short range SD work. It's very reliable and would definitely work rather effectively as a club. It might be a bit uncomfortable to carry concealed.

 

[woad_yurt]

Wanderling:

J&G Sales has Bulgarian Makarovs on sale for $229.00. 'Tain't gonna get much better than that.