Bulgie Mak or FEG PA-63?

B

Big Al

New member
Darn it, now I've been bitten by the Makarov bug. I looked at J&G sales - Bulgie Maks are as low as 109$, PA-63s are 99$. The PA-63 looks a little more "pointable" since it's grip is a little more angled, and it has all the Walther-type amenities, i.e. thumb mag release, and from what www.makarov.com says they're slimmer and lighter. However, I've heard many of you rave about the Bulgie Maks. Which is the better piece?

thanks!



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Glock 19
S&W 629 Classic
KelTec P32

"Oh yeah? Well I talk LOOOUDLY! And I carry a BIIIGGER stick! And I'll use it, too." -Yoesemite Sam
 
Thanks for asking. Was trying to find that out earlier today. Also opinions on the condition of the FEG's. Just sold off a S&W5900 type and at these prices I could have an FEG for home, for the office, for the car, and for the truck. I always like to bring firepower with me, but it's also nice to have a spare tucked back somewhere wherever you are. Just like the SKS isn't my favorite rifle but when the were a hundred each I got a few extra. For the home, office, car and truck.
 
I have a feeling that the it will be easier finding parts for a Makarov than for a PA-63.

Just something to keep in mind.

Ben

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Where is J & G Sales? At $109 it would be a great deal. Checked out the web site for Mak's and was intrigued.
 
I would reccomend the Mak, for several reasons. It is all steel, vs the Pa-63 has an aluminum frame, which could be a little unpleasent to shoot with some of the hotter 9x18 out there. Second, spare mags for the 63 are hard to come by, and are quite expensive when you do ($20). Compare this to makarov mags that can routinely be had for 5 to 8 dollars, and someplaces as little as $1.50. Although the two tone pa-63 looks nice in pictures, the aluminum frame is roughly finished. Over all the maks usually have a very nice bluing job. As someone previously stated, the parts for maks are easy to come by (especially from makarov.com). Pa-63 parts are non-existant. Click the little search button on the top right of the forum, and do a search for "bulgarian makarov" or just "makarov". There have been many, many posts asking about makarovs, and about them as well. I've said it more than once and I will say it again: It is impossible to get a better gun than a makarov for what they cost. They have chromed barrels, are extremely reliable, and are very well made. With a little shooting, the trigger works in as well. In the long run you will be happier with the Mak, IMHO.
 
Today I received two of the Bulg. Maks from J&G. They were in good shape although one had some light surface rust spots that came off with a little steel wool and WD 40. The triggers were typical of other MAKs I have handled. I have a Russian and recently got an East German. The EG is without doubt the nicest and appears unfired. I got it from SOG and paid the $10 for special selection. The Russian is next in quality and the Bul. is clearly third. At the price I would buy the Buls again, but I haven't fired them yet. If you want a real nice one, however, go with the EG. I haven't seen any Russian MAKs around for awhile. Jerry

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Ecclesiastes 12:13  ¶Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14  For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
 
I, too, recently bought 2 Bulgies from J&G. I'm quite happy with them -- extremely accurate, good mechanics, good fit/finish, reliable feeding (fed a box of hollowpoints perfectly as the FIRST ammo to go through the gun -- no FMJ break-in necessary). You JUST CAN'T go wrong with Makarovs. Snatch em up while you can. They're one of the best kept secrets in gun values.

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GlockTiger
tcuttin@clemson.edu
 
Bulgie Maks are great guns! Very accurate and totally reliable. My only problem was that it didn't fit my hand very well (small hands). If it feels good in your hand, you won't go wrong.

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DAH BIG DAWG'S ON DUTY

[This message has been edited by Sarge55 (edited June 16, 2000).]
 
Rusty is that the correct website for J&G? I keep getting an error msg.

Go for the Mak, steel, good shooter, no jams on any type of round I have fired through it.
 
Get a Bulgie Mak hands down. I don't know what people mean when they say Bulgies are behind the Russian Maks in quality. Perhaps they refer to the newer commercial Bulgies. The milsurp Bulgies I've seen have a deep blue finish, smooth play of parts and are very reliable. In fact the finish is much nicer than on the Russian commercial Baikals.

Be aware that J&G Sales ships their Bulgies with only one mag. While this may not seem like abig deal, if you want your Mak for historical value I'd go with www.jcarmory.com Greg Monte at JC charges a bit more but he ships the Bulgies with two matching numbered mags.

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So many pistols, so little money.
 
I am no expert but i do have oppinions. I have looked both the Russian and the EG's and once owned a Russian 380. I do own a two Bulgies. The Arsenal loosened up very nicely and never had a hiccup. I like the Bulgie milsurp better on looks and the fact it is milsurp. I have read that a few EG's broke their safties and the Russian sights if broken are not repairable. FWIW, i like the Bulgies.
 
Whoops, i forgot to mention IMHO the weight of the Maks help in lessening recoil and the all steel frame add confidence while the alloy frame on a semi hard hitter would make me nervous. Now about parts, Maks again.
 
Sarge83, I just tried it, and it takes me to the right place. Try doing it thru some search programs and click on their links?
 
I like my PA-63 a lot. I also like Maks (plan to buy one soon), but I think the PA-63 has some advantages, including:

- Lighter weight, due to the aluminum frame (to me, a significant plus for a compact pistol).

- Push button magazine release right under your thumb (not at the bottom of the grip, like the Mak's).

- Better looks (in my opinion) - a poor man's Walther PP.

- More compact.

- Less expensive.

- Mine is very reliable.

On the downside, the hammer-drop safety is very stiff and difficult to use on mine. And the double-action trigger pull is very heavy. Also, I think magazine capacity may be one round less than a Mak, but I'm not sure. But I still somewhat prefer the PA-63 to the Makarov (although I haven't fired a Mak yet - and I would expect it to be more pleasant to shoot due to the increased weight and size).

Doug
 
For that price buy on of each. I had a Hungarian PA-63 380 but it is long gone in a trade. It had a terrible single action and descent single action. Sounds bad? It would out shoot any PP series Walther I have owned and at a fraction of the price. I have an East Germ Makarov and it is a great gun for the money. In both cases I question the caliber. Isn't one better served by a small 9x19 pistol? Regards, Richard.
 
I had a PA-63 and it was a very good pistol for the money. I agree w/ Doug B on its attributes. However, the Maks I've shot are easier to shoot due to the wider grips and the E. German ones are better made than the FEG.
You should handle and shoot both, if possible. You'll figure out which qualities you like best. Wont go wrong w/ either. Probably a slightly better chance of lasting happiness w/ the Mak.

Good Luck,

Dave
 
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