Good point by weregunner:
The Makarov magazine change takes a little doing with having to pull the mag out and operate the release at the same time.
That's absolutely right. On the other hand, I see the Makarov mag change to still be easier than loading a small revolver from a SpeedStrip.
When I wrote the Makarov article for
Modern Survival, I pointed out the heel-mounted mag release as an advantage, because it's almost impossible to release accidentally. I've heard of several cases of mags dropping out after the button was depressed by a seat belt, etc. (especially likely for lefties). I don't know of any cases of
civilians having to perform a mag change
during a fight. I carry a spare mag or SpeedStrip primarily for reloading
after a fight, while waiting for the police, in case some friends of the BGs show up.
This is exactly what happened to an acquaintance, after "winning" a fist fight in Santa Rosa, CA. The assailant fled, but showed up again right away with two carloads of his closest friends, and the winner took a beer bottle to the side of the face. He nearly died from blood loss before reaching the hospital.
Either the Mak or the .38 will do, but for the recoil-shy, the Mak is a whole lot easier to shoot. I've also found that less experienced shooters get much quicker and more accurate hits with the Makarov. I would consider an experienced shooter to be well-armed with either system.
All my best,
Dirty Bob