Baikal Makarov

1

10CFR

New member
I saw a Baikal in a local gunshop the other day in very good condition with its box for $129. I've heard that the one to get if you want to shoot it is the East German made one (Suhl?), but that the Baikals are o.k., if a little rough around the edges. This is not the original Russian surplus (which would have only cyrillic characters on it, I guess), but the latter commercial model imported by KBI of Harrisburg, PA. Are these guns reliable? Any comments?

-10CFR
 
The Baikals I have owned have all been reliable, but they do have a fragile bluing (it rust easily if not meticulously maintained).

I like the commercial Bulgarian models the best. Excellent deep blue and as reliable as all the rest.

Trigger jobs are relatively easy on these guns and all that I have owned, needed one.

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Make mine lean, mean, and 9x19!
 
I have a couple of the Baikal brand and one East German. All are equally reliable. The Russians have the adjustable sights, which I like for a shooter, and the EG has fixed, which makes for a better carry gun. The finish on the Baikals is a little rougher but the only time it's noticeable is when cleaning after a trip to the range. I recommend any of the Makarovs-- Russian, EG or Bulgarian (my next one!). They are fun!
 
EG Maks are in no way more reliable than
Russian ones. In general, people consider
German Maks to be better finished, but I'm
lucky enough to own Russian Mak in 9x18 (Baikal) which has very nice deep blue, polished finish. I must confess I did have a delivery deal from KBI, Inc. directly, so may
be it was a special sample, but it does look like a million dollars...Of course, it's totally reliable with any ammo.
 
Had commercial russian stripped elevation adj threads at 1,000 rds (slide threads not screw)had to replace slide. Finish was poor, but fed anything and totally reliable.
Current Bulgie's have nice finish, smooth action,reasonable price, and according to most owners are very reliable w/FMJ ammo.
Check out Makarov.com prior to purchase for current info. Whichever one you buy you owe it to yourself to own and shoot a Mak they're a great weapon and suited to a variety of missions.
SgtMaj13
 
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