Which Makarov type pistol is best?

[10 Ringer']

Yep, if I went for a .380, the Bersa would now be the one, but who or what country makes the best Makarov type for the money if I desired that extra bit-o-bang for the buck by going full out 9x18? I saw one at the last show that was a true Russian made example, (so they guy said), used but in say 85-90% condition... offered to me for $325! From all I've seen on sites like gunsamerica.com, anything much over $300 is a bit much, especially when some sellers are offering a gun+holster+original military grips+extra magazines all for less than $300!

If possible, please list the various manufacturers I'd be likely to encounter at a typical small gun show, how much I should be willing to shell out for one from the different makers, and why? Also, are there any dos and don'ts when pricing the condition of a used Mak?. Thanks.

 

[Pilot]

If you want a Mak in .380, you can find Russian Commercial models in that caliber if you look a bit. But, the 9x18 is a slightly better round and readily availible cheaply from many on-line sources.

The "Best" Makarov is probably the East German as fit and finish is excellent, however, they are all good. The Bulgarians are the best deals right now and offer very good fit, finish and excellent reliability and good accuracy. They are the "best" balance of price and quality out there. Next would be a used Russian commercial Mak. As they are no longer imported, the prices are creeping up. Russian military Maks and Chinese Type 59 Maks are more collectors itmes as not many are around in the U.S. These are also very good , but not worth the extra $$$ unless you are a collector IMHO.

Good luck, but remember Maks are addictive.

 

[PCRCCW]

Well what you have to understand is just about all of the Mak guns are very good.

The East German is the most collectable, with the best finish and trigger typically found on these guns.

The Russian IJ series you found at the gunshow was WAY overpriced....they sell for a little more than the Bulgarian circle 10 guns which can be found for a song.

The best gun...hard call. The best deal ....Bulgarian, usually.....

The best Makarov chambered gun ever made.......right here

Shoot well

 

[Gordon]

I just spent quite a bit to get an RK-59. Definetly the smallest and lightest 9X18 ever made. For me with a somewhat wimpy caliber like 9X18 small and light is IT.

 

[Dr.Rob]

The East German guns are by far the best fit/finish guns with a rich deep bluing. Wish I hadn't passed on one when I had the chance.

 

[9x19]

At today's most commonly seen prices...

For Collecting:

1. Norinco
2. Simson-Suhl (East German Commercial)
3. Russian - Military
3. East German - Military

For a Shooter:

1. Bulgarian (less than $200 in unissued condition)
2. Russian Commercial models

 

[Demon440]

lets not forget about the FEG PA-63 which you can get for about $150-200.
I love mine

 

[9x19]

Demon',

The FEG isn't a true Makarov, but rather a unique design chambered for the Makarov cartridge.

I'm glad to hear you like yours.

 

[coldshot03/04]

I have the Russian 380acp. Ive had it for about 1 1/2 yrs. It has never failed on me "Period" this is the most reliable Semi that I have ever laid my hands on.

And I hear that the EG are even better.

 

[gbelleh]

You should be able to get a good Mak for around $150. I ordered a Bulgarian Makarov from a seller on GA for $149.00. When I got the gun, it turned out to be a Russian military Makarov (a small number were imported and stamped "Bulgaria" even though they were really Russian). It took me a few days and a trip to Makarov.com to figure out what I had.

Make sure you are familiar with the different symbols so you will know for sure if something is what the seller is claiming it is. If you haven't...go to Makarov.com and do some research. You'll find everything you need to know before going to a gun show. Good luck!

 

[Drifting Fate]

I wasn't going to buy one until I saw an East German one. I'd buy a second in a heart beat.

Damn little thing out grouped my P7M8.

 

[David4516]

"this is the most reliable Semi that I have ever laid my hands on"

You took the words right out of my mouth.

Maks DO NOT JAM

Also, that one you saw was overpirced. Most Maks are under $200.00 and come with an extra Mag...

Get on in 9mm Makarov (aka 9X18 ) if you can. It is better than .380 ACP, it shoots a larger bullet at higher velocity. The 9mm Mak round isn't really 9mm, "true" 9mm is .355 caliber, 9mm Mak is .365 caliber. Not that it really makes a big differance, but every little bit helps, right?

 

[Sharpie1]

I own a Bulgarian and an East German one.

I paid about $230 for the EG, and $159 for the Bulgarian. I can't tell a difference in quality, or accuracy. The finish on the EG one is a bit more matte than that of the Bulgarian - but both look great, and are in excellent condition.

They are so inexpensive for their true value, I almost felt like a thief when I found the Bulgarian one at that price...........almost.

You had better get one now, as the supply may dry up in the near future. Once all these reserves from arsenals are exhausted, the selling price for these handguns will increase dramatically - and the only way you will be able to find one is if someone trades one in.

I would say that if and when these guns start selling for $400 each that people will still buy them. They are *excellent* for CCW, and for home/car defense.

TD

(You can probably tell I like Makarovs )

 

[CZ52GUY]

re: Mak's do not jam...

Actually...some do.

My Bulgy has had some issues as has my nephew's commercial Russian High Cap.

A VERY FIRM grip helps, but stovepipes is the most common issue. My Bulgy is somewhat fussy on ammo'...really prefers Barnaul...didn't like the nickel plated stuff.

Don't get me wrong...fun little gun at a great price, but not all are as reliable as has been reported...

Good luck and safe shooting,

CZ52'

 

[David4516]

Well I've never seen one jam. I've had thosands of rounds thur mine without any incodents.

Maybe you just had a bad batch of ammo?

 

[CZ52GUY]

REAVID4516

Hi,

I'm guessing I can trace mine to ammo'...I had some "grip misadventures" early on which also resulted in some jams but some loctite fixed that. I think my Bulgy is going to be just fine...I'll be taking mine back out to exercise it in a few weeks (so many guns, so little time...).

My nephew's high cap behavior is mildly disconcerting...I'm wondering about his 10-round mag's. We've seen an improvement when the shooter focuses on a VERY FIRM grip (several of us have tried it), but he experiences some level of stove pipe jamming every time out with it.

On the whole, I've heard VERY GOOD things about Mak's, and I love my Bulgy...but I've seen some jamming issues first hand, so I thought I would share them.

Best wishes and safe shooting,

CZ52'

 

[Zip06]

I have had Russian, Bulgarian and East German Maks and I must say that in terms of function, they are all the same. There are variations regarding manufacturing quality but they all work. With the Bulgies now being sold everywhere for about $170 they are a bargain.

 

[TRIDENT]

Anyone know where I can go get one in the Houston area?

 

[Tecolote]

The double stack Maks aren't the same as the single stack Maks. The ten round mags are finicky.

I have to disagree about the Bulgies being on par with the EGs. They're both equally reliable but the DA/SA is smoother on EGs than on Bulgies. But improve a Bulgie a lot by installing an EG mainspring.

Maks are reliable, accurate and tough! They were designed and made to function in the most unforgiving environments.

If you want something for the range look into a Bulgie, Ruskie commercial or EG. If you want a collector look into a Ruskie milsurp, ChiCom milsurp or Simson-Suhl. I've heard a few grumblings about the Norinco but other than that you can't go wrong with a Mak.

 

[jc2]

A little off topic, BUT

when you start believing "Maks DO NOT JAM," (or any other make/model), you are asking for a rude surprise at the worse possible time. It is a whole lot wiser to accept any weapon can (and will) "jam" (whether it is ammo related or not--damaged/dirty mags, old springs, broken parts, etc. can get you too) and plan/practice accordingly.

 

[David4516]

jc2, you have a point. I'd like to re-phrase what I said before to "Well-mantained Maks don't Jam"

Or at least that has been my experiance. My dad has had the same positive results with is russian Mak.

I keep my Makarov as clean as possible, and I mostly shoot my own hand loads, so I know the ammo isn't going to dammage the gun.

I guess the Hi Cap Mak is different? I've never seen one in action, but from what you guys are saying it is not as dependable?

 

[wbond]

See Makarov.com

See Makarov.com for all your Makarov answers.

There is also a new updated Makarov made by Russians at Bakail factory that made the old Rusky Maks.

The new one is high capacity, delayed blow back, can handle older 9x18 Mak ammo and also the new PMM ammo which is 70% more powerful.

For old style Maks, they also have these for sale at Makarov.com.

Of the old styles, the East German is best, the Romanian second best. There are two Polish versions that are not true Makarovs, but rather a deviation from the Mak to be more Waltherlike, but still in 9x18 Mak cartridge.

One of the Polish types is awesome, and you can buy a new one for $150. The other Polish type is a piece of crap.

Makarov.com sells only the better Polish type for $150 new. They also sell the East German and Bulgarian Maks that are true Maks, but these cost more used than the good Polish one does new. Two of the Bulgarian ones offered are in mint condition (like new I think).

The good Polish one is called a Radom.

As a matter of fact, I'm going to go there right now and buy a Bulgarian one in like new condition for either $250 or $350 (forgot the price).

I'm very tempted to also get a new Polish Radom for $150. It's like getting a new Walther, but more powerful in 9x18 and with a much better DA trigger and more ergonomic (reportedly). Also both the Makarovs and Radoms and CZs are more reliable than Walthers where hollow points are concerned.

I'm told the Maks and Radoms are very reliable with most ammo, including most hollow points, but the CZ is reliable with everything (reportedly).

You might just buy a new high capacity Makarov made by Bakail. The double stack mag has a huge capacity (forgot how many rounds, but LOTS) and handles the newest hottest mak ammo (PMM) and the older sedate stuff. The PMM ammo is like a Mak magnum.

CZ is made for Mak ammo that is 20% more powerful than standard (like a +P+), and also handles standard power Mak ammo.

The new Russian Bakail Makarov PMM high capacity is made for Mak ammo 70% more powerful than standard Mak ammo, and also handles the standard Mak ammo. Delayed blowback pistol.

P.S. - the new Rusky Bakail Makarov PMM is known to be a good gun with crappy factory magazines. Makarov.com sells excellent aftermarket mags for these guns.

 

[wbond]

RK-59?

Is the RK-59 one of the FEGs made in Hungary?

I just spent quite a bit to get an RK-59. Definetly the smallest and lightest 9X18 ever made. For me with a somewhat wimpy caliber like 9X18 small and light is IT.

 

[wbond]

High Cap Mags

Makarov.com says the new high cap Maks are good guns with bad factory mags. Makarov.com sells good aftermarket replacement mags.

Hi,

I'm guessing I can trace mine to ammo'...I had some "grip misadventures" early on which also resulted in some jams but some loctite fixed that. I think my Bulgy is going to be just fine...I'll be taking mine back out to exercise it in a few weeks (so many guns, so little time...).

My nephew's high cap behavior is mildly disconcerting...I'm wondering about his 10-round mag's. We've seen an improvement when the shooter focuses on a VERY FIRM grip (several of us have tried it), but he experiences some level of stove pipe jamming every time out with it.

On the whole, I've heard VERY GOOD things about Mak's, and I love my Bulgy...but I've seen some jamming issues first hand, so I thought I would share them.

Best wishes and safe shooting,

CZ52'

 

[wbond]

Maks and jamming

I read somewhere about a Mak review where the reviewer said his Mak PM (tradtional Mak) only jammed with one type of hollowpoint (Hornady or Bear or something or others in hot 115 grain). Anyway, he filed something in the mags with a chainsaw file and no more jams ever again.

Also, he never had jams with any other ammo, hollow points or not, before or after filing. But in the case of that one ammo, it jammed before he filed with a chainsaw file. After filing something in mag, it never jammed again.

I wish I could remember the details.

I just bought a CZ-83. It's too new to comment on reliability from personal experience, but I've read several great reviews. One reviewer shot every brand of 9X18 ammo (including hollow points) for a 2,000 round test. No jams ever. This from a new gun not even broken in.

According to reviews, the CZ-83 functions VERY reliably with any and all Mak ammo (except PMM which is not compatible). CZ-83 requires no filing or other mods. The CZ-83 is awesome.

Maks are also awesome, especially EG, but some need a bit of mag fiiling to cure that hollow point jam problem. Others don't need any mods at all. This is what I've read in reviews. I've never owned a Makarov. Would like to.

The new Bakail super high cap Mak PMM has terrible reliability problems (jamming) because of its crappy stock mag. Note the gun is Rusky made, the faulty mag is reputedly American made. Makes you proud to be an American, huh? Makarov.com sells a replacement high cap mag that solves these problems. I think the solution mag is also USA made. I guess the Americans are the weak link in the US-Rusky Mak alliance, but we are at least batting 50% since one of the USA mags works great. To bad the stock one is the crappy one.