Bulgarian Mak Draws First Blood

T

Tecolote

New member
Went to the show today looking for a Makarov. A fellow had Bulgarian NIB 1960s manufacture military Makaravos in original box with cosmoline. $139 included three mags with matching serial numbers and holster. I wanted one bad. I passed because I couldn't even work the safety on the sample; in fact it was so stiff I got a nasty gash on my right numb. It was embarrassing to say the least. Is it typical for these pistols to be so stiff? Should I take a chance?

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So many pistols, so little money.
 
I had a chinese model that was the same way, I never could use the safety, but I never use it anyway so it didn't matter. I've heard the Bulgarian Maks are very rough, the best ones are the East German and Russian models. My Russian model as been an excellent performer and a fairly smooth safety. I would not buy a Bulgarian, but any of the others are nice.
 
Tecolote,
There are a large number of Mak owners (including myself) that are very happy with their Bulgies. I got mine yesterday, and the safety was very stiff. After a really good cleaning, degreasing and lubrication, the gun was a lot smoother. Took it to the range this morning, and I very satisfied. I have been told that Bulgies are very stiff when new, but tend to break in nicely. By the way, the safety is also a decocker. $139 is pretty much the going price for a Bulgie with 2 mags, and holster. The East German is considered the best, followed by the Russian, but these are usually much more money, and very hard to find. The Chinese are usually considered the worse. These little guns are really building a loyal group of owners. Check out www.makarov.com for a wealth of info, and a load of aftermarket accessories, including the "must have" aftermarket grips.
David

[This message has been edited by Gusgus (edited February 12, 2000).]
 
I would join previous poster in prefering
East German or Russian Maks. Bulgarian Maks
are not bad, but Bulgaria was alwyas known
as a nice place for vacation and much less
known for quality metal processing. I'm not
saying Bulgarian Maks will not shoot straight, it's just that those ones are not
the best for sure, so if you have no other choice, buy Bulgarian and just do a little
tune-up, deburring, polishing, etc. - it will work. It's a work even mechanically not
inclined can do - design is so damn simple...
I own Russian Mak, and it's great. I did
polish some surfaces to smoothen trigger
pull, but I never had any problems with safety or whatever when this pistol was brand new...


pistol
 
Gusgus,

Does the long period in storage have anything to do with the stiffness? If I get one, I intend to clean it with Gun Scrubber (is this bad for the finish?), douse in CLP, remove excess and clean again. Does this sound right? I'm worried that it'll be too stiff to take apart. Do I need any special tools?

PS I know nothing about Maks.

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So many pistols, so little money.

[This message has been edited by Tecolote (edited February 12, 2000).]
 
Tecolote,
Most recommend that you remove the grips (one screw in the back strap), soak the gun in Gun Scrubber, wipe off, coat with CLP, wipe off, and then lube and assemble. Personally, I just removed the grips, coated the outside of the gun with CLP, let soak a little, than wiped off the grease. After the outside was clean, I then disassembled the gun, and cleaned the inside the same way, but I did go through a lot of paper towels. The serrations on the safety and hammer have some sharp edges, and it's easy to see how you cut your thumb. I'll be touching up mine with a file soon.

Disassembly of the gun is easy. This pistol has a fixed barrel that is part of the frame. The trigger guard is hinged. All you do is remove the magazine, take the gun off of safe, pull down the front of the trigger guard (it should lock in place), pull the slide toward the rear and upward until the slide clears, than push the slide forward off the barrel. The recoil spring loops around the outside of the barrel, and can be removed by turning it (kind of like unscrewing it off the barrel).

One of the first things you should do, is replace the stock plastic grips. www.markarov.com has Pierce, Makawrap, or wood grips at reasonable prices. I just ordered the Pierce. You should really check out that site, as it's loaded with all kinds of information on these pistols.

Good Luck,
David
 
I propose that the prob with the stiff safety is due to old cosmoline chunks gumming up around the firing pin/safety region. A good thorough field-strip and removal of the safety lever and firing pin, followed by liberal usage of gunscrubber and elbow grease , proper light lube and a healthy dose of manipulation should do the trick.

I have several Maks, the latest purchase(s) include a new Arsenal bulgarian, which is somewhat rough around the edges but still utterly reliable and accurate.

I too have also purchased an old milsurp bulgarian which had a stiff everything, but constant dry-firing and thorough cleaning makes it almost as nice as my East Germans.

Though EGs are still thought to be the best of the breed, I intimately know of several EGs that have had extraction probs and misfires.
 
Then is it a good deal, mil surplus in original box, two mags with matching serial numbers, for $157 ($139 + tax and license)? The seller told me he doesn't have many left. Should I hold off for another show in hopes of finding it cheaper?

Thanks.

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So many pistols, so little money.
 
No such thing as a bad Mak, some just better than others. My Russian was stiff as could be, but 500+ rounds cured it. Smooth as glass including the safety. Shooting them sure smoothes them out.
 
Tecolote,
I agree, that cosmoline turns to "varnish" after a while. Clean it good and shoot the crap out of it! It will loosen up after a few trips to the range followed by some good cleanings! J&G Sales have the MAKS and all the goodies to go along! Check out www.jgsales.com I belive they have the Bulgarian MAKS for $139.95 + $9.95 shipping.
CALVIN
 
Get a Pearce grip for yours...it will make an amazing difference in felt recoil. My Bulgarian Mak is my never-sell gun as it has been 100% reliable and fairly accurate. Safet can be stiff but it works itself out in a while. I never engage it but do use it to de-cock.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tecolote:
Then is it a good deal, mil surplus in original box, two mags with matching serial numbers, for $157 ($139 + tax and license)? The seller told me he doesn't have many left. Should I hold off for another show in hopes of finding it cheaper?/B][/quote]

$139 is the going price on the Net. Buy it from your local seller and save shipping and transfer fees. If you miss out, and still want one, I'd buy from JCArmory http://pages.hotbot.com/biz/jcarmory/ Hit the link and you will see a picture of his Maks. Calvin recommended J & G sales, but they only include one mag, and every Mak owner knows that these guns come with two. Not a real big deal as mags only cost $3 to $5, but I won't buy from them just on principal.

Good Luck,
David
 
Went back to the show to get my Bulgie Mak. Of course they were all gone. The story of my life, one day late and a dollar short. Some shade had one, cleaned up and polished, but he wanted $200. There was also a Russian NIB Mak for $210 and an East German that some lucky guy beat me to. The EG Mak sold for $170. It looked brand new. I'm so upset I didn't move quick enough.

Does anyone have experience with Jersey City Armory? How do they rate in terms of service?

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So many pistols, so little money.

[This message has been edited by Tecolote (edited February 13, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by Tecolote (edited February 13, 2000).]
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tecolote:
Does anyone have experience with Jersey City Armory? How do they rate in terms of service?
[/quote]

Gregory Monte is the one man show behind JCArmory, so you are dealing directly with the owner. I have purchased 8 or 9 guns from him, and keep going back for more, even though he is a 2 hour ride away. I got my Bulgie from him. I have conversed with others that have purchased from him, and so far, all indicated good experience. The 139.95 is a cash or certified funds price, you have to add 4% for credit card. He just started shipping by USPS Priority Mail, so shipping is now only $9. You will still have to find a local FFL dealer to do the transfer and NICS. Too bad on that East German. It would have saved you a lot of cleaning and break in time.
 
Gusgus,

Thanks for the refernce. I found a local FFL with a solid reputation. He'll charge me $20 for the transfer. He told me to give him a certified check in the name of the dealer and he'll mail the check along with a signed copy of his FFL. From there he'll call me once the pistol arrives. Does this sound right?

I emailed JC Armory whether or not they still have Bulgie Maks in stock. I'm crossing my fingers. Yeah, I'm bummed about the EG Mak. Wow, the thing loked like it was put together by hand. Talk abut smooth fit of parts. And the finish was incredible.

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So many pistols, so little money.
 
All new Maks will be tight when new. The safety lever will cut a groove in the slide and that will loosen it up plenty. If you plan to carry concealed I'd get the Makawrap grips that Karl Bloss at makarov.com sells. I have the Pierce and the Makawrap and like em both.If you have other questions about the Makarov go to http://makarov.com (no www)and check out the message board. A wealth of info from people who collect them.
 
I have always been curious about Makarovs. I used to think they were about as good as a Tokarev or a Helwan but I may have been wrong. Are Makarov's reliable or are they junk? Will they last five or ten thousand rounds? Are they accurate? Whats the skinny?
 
I hardly think they're junk. There are apparently different grades of quality, from the top notch East Germans to the rougher Bulgarian versions. From what I've heard all are very reliable shooters. Think of them as you would an AK47, simple, rugged and built to last. I want to get mine before the supply runs dry.

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So many pistols, so little money.
 
Maks won't get cheaper. In early 90's I got mine for $89 dealer price. I just saw an ad today in Shotgun News for Mak mags for $1.50 each. Now listen here boys and girls. What other quality gun can you get mags for at that price? I ordered 30 from Inter-Ordnance.
I have a dozen other mags for mine and none have ever failed. Something I can't say about my Glock or even my precious 1911. I buy my Mak .380 ammo by the 1,000 case and can't wear it out. I have a Russian version. I will pick up another one or two for my kids when I'm gone. They may thank me later. They don't spoil, nor will they go down in price or be more available in the future. If you can buy one from a private party (no paper trail)I'd sure urge that also. I'm 55 and at my age I can say such things. There may be a day you will be damn glad you did as I see the future.

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Specialists in the use and training of lethal force.
 
Maks are great!

I have a Russian 9x18, and it is extremely reliable. I recommend the Pearce grips, they make a world of difference.
 
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