Makarov Mania!

M

Mylhouse

New member
Maks seem to be the hot topic lately, and I have been reading with much interest about them since Oris mentioned he loved the little pistols (I respect and agree with Oris' thoughts about guns). It seems that the Bulgarians are the most widely available and economically priced versions on the market right now. Now for my questions:
1) What's the difference between the commercially made B.M.'s (Arsenal) and the "military surplus" B.M.'s? Which one is better?
2) Why do many people seem to be almost fanatical about their Maks? I hear comments all the time about how great they are and how they are the most "fun" gun to shoot? Are they that great? Can a blowback pistol be THAT much fun to shoot?
3) What's the attraction besides the price and durability of the pistol?

Thanks for the opinions. I'm just trying to decide whether or not the Bulgie Mak is worth pursuing to add to my collection.
 
I love using mine: Pearce grips are a must though, regular hard plastic are pretty unpleasant. 90gr ammo is very accurate (at least as good as a Beretta 92fs) but 109gr is a bit less accurate (though HOT). My Bulgarian Mak has gone through 1600+ rounds with 0 malfunctions and extra mags/ammo are cheap...so I will keep it though it is neither the most powerful nor most advanced -- but it works!
 
I still can't exactly figure out why I love my Russian Makarov so much. The angle of the handle is not conducive to prolonged, comfortable shooting (at least for me), the sights leave a lot to be desired, and the cartridge is definitely not known as a manstopper (unless you count shots to the back of the head by KGB agents). But, even knowing all of that, I still love the pistol.
Maybe it's because it was my first centerfire auto handgun, or maybe I'm just a cheap b*****d who loves a good deal.

Whatever the reason(s), I only know that I will be acquiring more of these sturdy little shooters in the future.
DAL

------------------
Reading "Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal," by Ayn Rand, should be required of every politician and in every high school.
GOA, JPFO, PPFC, CSSA, LP, NRA
 
As I sit, cleaning my Arsenal Bulgarian Mak after some range time today...

1)Other then the markings, from what I have read at Makarov.com, the military Maks have a better fit and finish. If you have access to one take the military first, although my Aresnal Mak is no slouch. No ftf or other problems yet in about 400rnds from NIB.

2&3)I dunno. There is, for me anyway, a satisfaction in the recoil of my Mak... ;) Part of the attraction for me is the history behind the pistol. If you do get one I would suggest an aftermarket grip. IMO the Mak does have a sharp, but not unpleasant, recoil.

Another thing is the inexpensive price, the reliability of a pistol with only 27 parts and the lower cost of feeding that makes the Mak appealing to many.
 
I use my Makrov as a summertime carry pistol. It is just big enough to fit in the pocket of my jeans, or shorts. It gets frightfully hot here in AZ during the summer. It is not practical to use any other carry mode. So as a concequence, all the big 9mm beasts go on vacation, and the little Mak gets the nod! :) Besides, my Mak was what I had when I had to draw on the B.G. that was trying to break into my house through a back bedroom window. I have great faith in my little Mak, and refuse to give it up!!! :)

------------------
Just as there is no such thing as too much fun,
there is no such thing as owning just one gun!!!

Off my meds (quit smoking), armed to the teeth, and loose on an unsuspecting society!!!
 
DAL: The commie grip is designed totally for point shooting and REAL Maks don't have adjustable sights.
The Maks are one of the few real bargains left and everybody should have one. I have one in .380 and will get one in Mak caliber when I see one.
When you have a military quality gun you can buy mags for $3 each you have to love it.
Also their reliability is legend.
I paid about $100 for mine and I have no problem relying on it for carry work.
 
Here's my story. I had ordered a couple handguns from my Internet dealer, when I noticed he had just received a shipment of mil surplus Bulgies. After a day over at www.markarov.com, I was curious, and asked him to hold one for me. When I saw it for the first time, covered in grease, in it's white cardboard box, along side by new Walther and Ruger, I thought, Yuck, but what the heck, it's only $130. Once I removed the grease, I discovered that it had a beautiful, deep blue, high gloss finish, but ugly, chipped plastic grips. I had to shoot it right away, so I ran down to the range, and bought a box of American Eagle, which I now consider a mistake. The first few mags shot fine, but then I started to print all over the place. I was a little disgusted as I drove home. I stripped the gun, and found severe powder fouling, and chunks of hard grease that had worked it's way out of the action. I realized that I had not done a good enough job of initial cleaning. This time I soaked the gun with CLP, and spent a couple hours cleaning every trace of packing grease from every little nock and cranny. Went back to the range with "Russian" ammo and Pearce grips. Wow! What a difference! This little pistol is awesome! Don't know how, but the Mak has put a spell on me, and I MUST have another one. Just can't explain it.

If you get a mil surplus, clean it, clean it, and clean it again before shooting, replace the grips with Pearce or Makowrap, and shoot Russian ammo. You'll be hooked in no time.

Take care,
David
 
Thanks for the replies, guys. So can I assume that the mil-surp Bulgies were made some time ago (like in the 60's or something) and the Arsenals are new manufacture?

Denfoote, I second the hot summers here in Tempe. I used to manage to stuff a Glock 30 in my jean shorts pocket (I don't know how quickly I could draw the thing). I just can't believe you are leaving your beloved P99 at home!
 
The police/military versions are definitely
of higher quality. Mine even came with a
soft leather flap holster that is as well made as any custom holster. Hornady makes
a 90gr 9x18mm HP that is superb. This is the
round I carry in my Mak

------------------
Never do an enemy a minor injury. Machiavelli
"Stay alive with a 45"
 
I have been thinking of getting a Makarov for some time now. Does anyone know were I could get an East German or Russian Makarov for a reasonable price. I have'nt seen them around for some time now.
 
SOG in Ohio has the E. Germans advertised. I have one on order but they don't have them yet. Also there is a place called Dans,I believe you can find him at the Makarov web page. Check my posting on E German Maks someone listed the address there

Good luck and Happy Shooting :)

------------------
The great body of our citizens shoot less as time goes on. We should encourage rifle practice among schoolboys, and indeed among all classes, as well as in the military services by every means in our power. Thus, and not otherwise, may we be able to assist in preserving peace in the world... The first step- in the direction of preparation to avert war if possible, and to be fit for war if it should come- is to teach men to shoot!
Theodore Roosevelt, President
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mylhouse



Denfoote, I second the hot summers here in Tempe. I used to manage to stuff a Glock 30 in my jean shorts pocket (I don't know how quickly I could draw the thing). I just can't believe you are leaving your beloved P99 at home![/quote]
Mylhouse,
Just got some thing that may allow me to do just that!! I call them tactical shorts. Shorts with the knee length, rather large pockets, just like BDU's have. Got them at the Wal-Mart in Flagstaff last weekend. The Mak will fit, but thanks for reminding me. I think I'll try the P-99 out for size!! :) :) :)



------------------
Just as there is no such thing as too much fun,
there is no such thing as owning just one gun!!!

Off my meds (quit smoking), armed to the teeth, and loose on an unsuspecting society!!!
 
I really love my Makarov. It is such a great little pistol! Very reliable and accurate. And the history behind it is really something. It isn't sweet and sexy, it is the brutish, ugly sort of thing that the Russians were famous for.

I agree, everyone needs one for their collection.
 
If you haven't seen my other post and as I mentioned here that I had one on order, Well I got it yesterday and its a beaut. No doubt about what I was told about the E. Germans they are nice. Need to get it to the range.
I'm happy, money well spent :)

Happy shooting :)

------------------
We preserve our freedoms by using four boxes: soap,ballot,jury, and cartridge.
Anonymous
 
I ordered my first Makarov in 1987; they were $1200 then and about a year wait as they had to come through Canada to the US. They were revered by International professionals at the time and still are by most.

There has never been a more reliable and accurate pistol to my knowledge. We Americans consider it a small caliber; however police and professionals in other countries consider it a large and powerful caliber comparatively in many cases. Many other countries still use the .380 and some even still use the .32 for detectives and 007 types.

I was a Walther fan for years; however in my collection of over 300 Walthers there was never one that was as accurate nor as reliable as any one of my Makarovs. Basically the Makarov is a Walther -- with some changes that make it accurate and reliable; something NONE of my Walthers ever was.

The German Makarovs are the prettiest; and will likely be the most valuable in the future because of that. However; the Bulgarian and Russian ones are just as accurate and awesomely reliable.

Although I'm also a Glock lover (original model 19) -- when I know I need to carry, such as when I work in the gun shop, I always and only carry the Mak. Other times, in the woods, etc. -- I carry a Walther TPH .22 which is incredibly accurate, thin, light, and all things good -- but certainly not reliable enough for gun shop work.

I prefer the Norinco ammo over all else although the Russian is almost as accurate and I do sometimes load with Hornady too. At the shop I carry my Makarov loaded with Magsafes and an extra mag of Norinco in my pocket.

We have sold over 600 Makarovs in the shop where I work and NONE of them has had any malfunction problems due to the gun. Some ammo is faulty such as referenced above and limp wristing will cause problems in most any gun.

The more you shoot it -- the more accurate it gets!!!!!!!!

As far as I'm concerned -- after 40 years of collecting and shooting pistols for fun and competition -- there was never a better gun ever made anywhere, ever! If I had to have one gun it would be my Makarov, any one of them.

To me... As far as value... forget the price. Just get as many as you can afford as often as you can. IMO they are about a thousand dollars apiece underpriced for what you get.

------------------
Talk is cheap; Free Speech is NOT.
 
My Bulgarian Makorov is a blast. Accurate, fun and cheap. If I could only own one of my pistols, Glock or Makarov, I'd own the Glock (Geez! It's a $500 pistol - you thought I'd say the $129 Makarov????) The Makarov really does everything the Glock does and I'd never be disappointed if only I could own the Makarov. It is a fine machine. I love the red bakelite grips. I wouldn't change a thing about it. Screw Makawraps and Pierce Grips - these are totally unnecesary "chi-chi"s. Cheers, Cryoman
 
was at the range last year doing some plinking. was in a ",380" mode so i had a few of them out sig230 berretta 84bb(wood grips) the walther and of course my russian mak. before i was ready to leave another shooter wanted to set up so i took a break. got to talking guns (go figure) when he asked what i was shooting. went thru the makes when asked what is a makarov?. showed him how it operated and then showed him the groups i was getting with it. he runs thru 2 mags looks at the targets looks at the mak again then asked "whats this called again as he says he needs to add one to his collection.
btw
he was out checking some new loads thru his ipsc gun. man was he impressed!!!
the russian guns are like the country
cold and crude
but made to function no matter what
 
Prisoner, It cost $183. with shipping. Included extra mag, shoulder holster and a set of black checkered grips. It came with the Russian red star grips on the gun. I paid the extra $10. for handpick.
Hope this helps :)

Happy Shooting :)

------------------
We preserve our freedoms by using four boxes: soap,ballot,jury, and cartridge.
Anonymous
 
Loknload thanks. I think I'll go down to my Dealer today and see if he can order me one.

------------------
I AM NOT NUMBER! I AM A FREE MAN!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top