CZ-70 vs. Makarov

admiral

Inactive
I recently went to the gunshop with the intention of buying a German Makarov. I have heard many good things about them in the past and thought I would get one. They only had 1 on the shelf, it was Bulgarian, a consignment sale, and they wanted $200 for it. I thought that was a bit steep.

They had 4 CZ-70s in stock for $99. The shop owner let me take one out and shoot it... I fell in love right there. I shot a clip full, walked back in, and handed him the cash.Since then I've shot 100 rounds through it with great results.

I have limited experience with the Makarov and was wondering how they would compare? I know the 32 auto is smaller than the 9x18, but I can reload some nasty stuff to compensate for that difference.

My question is reliability and accuracy in the CZ vs. the Makarov.

I'd appreciate any feedback from anyone with experience with both.

I will buy a Makarov regardless... Thats just my nature... The more the merrier!!!

PS: Am I wrong to be reluctant to buy the Bulgarian as opposed to the German?
 
I had a CZ-50 for awhile (an earlier,and some say better, version of the 70)and it was an ok shooter. Better than a .32 PPK in my opinion. But, I don't feel it compares to a Mak at all. First off, even with reloading, a .32 is never going to equal a full power (corbon, hornady) Mak load. To try and match the ballistics would be dangerous. I also feel the Mak is MUCH more reliable. I have never had a Mak jam, my cz-50 jammed often, which is why I sold it ( I will never, EVER give up my CZ-75 tho!!). All in all, the 70 is a fun plinker, but I would definitley recomend getting the Mak. Bulgies are ok ($200 is a bit steep), but if you can find an East German or Ruskie model, all the better.
 
I'd take a Mak over the CZ. I have all three.
Local gun shop has the Bulgarian for $189.

Happy Shooting :)

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We preserve our freedoms by using four boxes: soap,ballot,jury, and cartridge.
Anonymous
 
The Mak hands down. It's ultra reliable, has greater power, and mags and such are easy to find and cheap.

$200 for an East German Mak is not bad at all. You'd pay abut as much if you ordered from SOG. Unissued military Bulgie Maks can be had for $149 (including shipping) from www.jcarmory.com Find a local FFL and have him order for you.

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So many pistols, so little money.
 
I have a Russian 9x18 Makarov. It is an enjoyable gun, a great buy for $150-$175, and even better when outfitted with Pearce grips or Makwraps.

Visit www.makarov.com for a wealth of information, including a message board.

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NRA/GOA/SAF/USMC

"Is your church BATF approved?"
 
I HAVE A BULG MAK AND A CZ70. I LIKE THEM BOTH BUT THE MAK IS A BETTER GUN. I WOULD BET MY LIFE ON THE MAK. YOU COULD SAVE UP THE DIFFERENCE IN PRICE OVER A FEW BOXES OF AMMO. ONE OTHER THING TO CONSIDER IS THAT THE MAK HAS A HUGE FOLLOWING WITH PLENTY OF ACCESSORYS. NOT AS MANY AS SOME MODERN GUNS, BUT ALOT MORE THAN THE CZ. THEY SELL THE BULG MAK LOCALLY FOR $164. NOT A BAD PRICE!
 
I love CZ's as much or more than "normal' people but I would buy the Makarov even at twice the price. Ammo can easily make up for the difference, within a case. Check around you can get them for cheaper...just be patient. If you load a .32 even relatively close to a Mak equivelant in energy, the pressure needed would turn your little CZ into many little pieces of CZ all over the place.
Shoot well
 
The Makorav would my choice especially the German one. The workmanship is typical of Germans. The drop-hammer safety is a feature that is an asset. One thing to remember is the guns you see in periodicals such as the Shotgun News and others are usually dealers prices. Add to that a receiving dealers fee, and the shipping charges are usually expensive as overnight delivery is required by the law. In all honestly I do not think you can work loads in the .32 of the CZ-70 to equal the Mak 9x18. The Bulgarian Mak is also a good one with good workmanship and are equally good shooters. FWIW.
 
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