Makarov...best handgun in the world for $150.00?

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triage

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I've been seeing the Bulgarian Makarov NIB for around $150.00. I've been thinking about picking one up. Seems to be that people are raving about its workmanship and accuracy. Is this the best handgun, for the price, around? Thoughts?
 
I don't own one personally (yet) but from what I have heard here, it's the best semi-auto handgun for the money around. You can definately pay more for stuff that's a lot less durable out there.
 
In it's class, Mak is the best. Anybody knows of another handgun
for $150 that performs at least as good as Mak?
 
I will join the chorus. I am positive there is no other pistol in the Mak's class at the same price. Cheap, reliable, accurate, and well made. If I could find one at the price I paid for mine, $159, I would consider a FEG PJK9HP. Regards, Richard
 
It's probably the best NEW handgun for under $200, but you can find a lot of quality weapons in that price range, including some with a bit more punch.

If you want NEW, go the makarov route. But you can find a used Kel-Tec P-11 for under $200, and it'll handle 10-15 rounds of 9mm and be about the same size, and still be lighter.

Also, you can find good deals in small S&W revolvers. And I picked up a GREAT S&W 669 for $200 a while back. Mine was exceedingly accurate.

(I find the Makarov somewhat uncomfortable to shoot... much more punch/recoil than you'd expect from a "small" caliber. That said, its still a fine gun.)

I'd probably look around for a used East German mak and spend a bit more... (I'm looking for one, right now.)
 
Don't own one, yet.....

I'm currently acquiring my first. I have an acquaintance who is holding a Russian for me. From all of the research I've done, I've yet to run across ANYONE who says that the Mak is a piece of crap or not worth the money.

You can get Chinese, Russian, East German, post-unification German, Bulgarian....... Several countries made both military and commercial versions.

For a shooter, the concensus on the Mak board is to go with the unissued Bulgarian. The East Germans are considered to be of the highest quality. The Chinese versions are hard to get and, apparently, command premium prices.

They are available in 9x18 (aka 9mm Mak) and 9x17 (aka .380ACP or 9mm Kurz).

Check out www.makarov.com for the real skinny on these guns.
 
I'd have to say that for overall value for the $$, the Makarov is indeed one of the best firearm values available today - & may be at the top of the list.

All steel construction, DA/SA with a decoker & safety, as accurate as any normal production pistol with a similar barrel length and extremely reliable. Usually accompanied with 2 magazines, and maybe a leather field holster & lanyard. All for anywhere from $140 - $200 new.

Surplus ammo is really economical; it can be found for as low as $0.09 per steel-cased round in FMJ configuration. While COR-BON is discontinuing their HP round due to bullet availability, as far as I know HORNADY is still available. However, for only a few pennys more than the surplus FMJ round you can purchase the HP round offered by BARNUAL, and practice with your defense round should you choose to use it. The best source for ammo is Dan Tobin at Dan's Sporting Goods

Shortcomings would be (IMO) stiff DA trigger, but it will smooth out considerably after about 200 DA trigger pulls. As an all steel pistol it is not light weight for its size. Many find the stock grips uncomfortable and aftermarket options are limited to 1 or 2 selections. The grip offered by PEARCE is generally considered the most comfortable, however its size & material affect concealability in a CCW application. The factory sights are small and in all but the commercial Russian offering are adjustable only by drifting the tiny rear leaf left or right. (The Russian commercial offers a height adjustable rear sight, but it can be fragile and replacement parts, including the entire sight, are not available. The slide has considerable material removed to fit the sight, and no one offers an aftermarket replacement.) While ASHLEY EXPRESS offers a replacement rear sight for the fixed rear, the matched front sight requires slide machining.
 
Here is a pic of the Mak I use for carry/target/etc. It is a "work in progress"; I still want to do a polish and refinish, and probably have Teddy Jacobson do my trigger. The sights were manufactured & installed by MMC. The Pearce grip, Fobus Paddle Holster & Nolan Hi-Drop were all purchsed from Karl at Makarov.com.
View
 
Depends on what you're using the pistol for. For "boom" factor, a CZ-52 in that price may be "the best gun for $150". The breakup of the Soviet block has brought us a number of high quality inexpensive weapons.

Mike P. Wagner
 
For a NIB handgun, the Makarov can't be beat for the money. You get an anvil-tough, reliable, accurate and battle-proven pistol with very adequate stopping power for less than $200. Spare magazines are less than $5, and many "big" holster makers offer some decent rigs for the Mak. The only thing even close in the value department would be a used police trade-in Smith .38 wheelgun.
 
In my opinion, the Makarov is dollar-for-dollar one of the best handguns out there. Simple, rugged, relaible, easy to shoot, and easy to maintain.

My 2 cents.

Brandon
 
I believe you would need to pay over $400 for
an American made "new" pistol that would equal
the Makarov, and even then not sure expected
life would be the same. The Kel-Tec not in the
same ball park....
At one time we did have American made guns
that were equal, no more.!
 
This might be a stupid question but how do you tell an unissued Bulgarian from an issued Bulgarian. I am also looking at buying one, and the local shop has them for $169. They are in cardboard boxes with a holster and caked in cosmoline(sp?). If these are all issued is there somewhere I can get an unissued one for the same price?
 
Thank you all for the replies. After reading the post and then doing a search and then reading another 100 out of 1100 post regarding the Makarov I've just ordered 2 NIB Bulgarians. I'm sure I'll not be disapointed. Also ordered a Falco IWB leather holster, 3 more mags,mag loader, Pearce grips, Makawrap grips, and a the ultimate Makarov owners manual. :D :D :D Thanks again all.
 
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