Makarov Q's

Makarovs are great guns, I just got my first a couple weeks ago. I plan to get at least a couple more.

The mag release on all Makarovs is on the heel of the grip. However, you can get a little device called a "Nolan hi drop" which is a little lever that fits under the grip so that you can release the mag with a lever that protrudes from the top of the grip. I think you can only use this device with Pearce aftermarket grips.

You can see it here:

http://www.makarov.com/makacces.html#hidrop
 
Or, get a PA-63

PA 63 is about the same gun except the mag release is where it should be, on the grip. Their selling for as little as $80 on line right now. My wife used one to qualify for CCP and the only disadvatage was the mag didn't have enough weight to drop when she popped the mag release. I placed weighted mag bumpers on the mags and it works fine. They and Macs will tear your hands up after about 200 rounds. That 9X18 ammo in a small gun really Kicks!:D
 
PA-63

Sunabich
Didn't your trigger give you trouble with a hard pull in both double action and single action. I posted my experiences with 3 of them how hard the pull was. and the 4th was just passable. Guess I got a bad bunch, but I heard other guys had the same problem. Just wondering.
 
although I like the PA 63 a LOT. They are nowhere near the wonderful engineering perfection of the Makarov 9x18. The main difference is that the PA 63 places the top round of the magazine lower in relation to the chamber and thus has to jump up into the chamber more than a Makarov requires. Thus the PA 63 is more like the Walther and the Walther is a jam-0-matic comparatively.

The PA 63, is however, smaller, lighter, and in some cases more accurate than the Mighty Makarov. Try one of each, or several of each and make your own decisions. At these prices you can buy several of these wonderful pistols as less than the price of one more expensive, but inferior, modern pistol. :)
 
Don't be put off by a heel grip release, with a little practice you will find that they work well. They were put on the Makarov to prevent accidental mag drops encountered with the Tokarev in WW2.
 
However, you can get a little device called a "Nolan hi drop" which is a little lever that fits under the grip so that you can release the mag with a lever that protrudes from the top of the grip. I think you can only use this device with Pearce aftermarket grips.
Click to expand...

As you will see pictured here:
fdd31774.jpg

You are correct about the Pearce grip; the Nolan HiDrop comes with Pearce that has been relieved to accept the piece of thin steel that runs down along the grip frame and connects up with the factory release.

Be sure to scratch that Makarov itch, catmath 1911 - the Makarov is a great little gun & a lot of fun to shoot!
 
Thanks for the replies fellas.

I am torn between a makarov and a Kel-Tec P-11. I am assuming that the Makarov would be better suited as a range/plinker/CCW than a Kel-Tec, but would like to hear other opinions.

Also, what kind of recoil does the makarov produce? I have two handguns, a Ruger MK II KMK-512, and a Springfield Loaded 1911, so I am wondering if the Makarov will settle in between these two in terms of ammo cost and recoil.

I think the makarov would be a good platform for personalization, and would like to see more pictures like the one posted above.

Thanks to all who have responded, and to those who will do so.

catmath 1911
 
gbelleh

Yes, the Mak is mine. I like the HiDrop, but I am seriously considering pulling the Pearce grips off, & I will then loose the HiDrop as Pearce grips are a must for it. You have to be careful with the Nolan HD - if you activate it without a mag in the gun, you'll bend it out of shape so badly that it won't work.

The grips are nice to shoot with, but they kinda suck for CCW use - too big & a little sticky. I have a couple of Maks, the HiDrop & the grips may find their way to another one.

The sights are made by MMC. The rear is adjustable, & the set on my gun is equipped with Tritium dots (night sights).

MMC doesn't make a set specifically for the Mak - this was a custom installation.
 
catmath,

I own both a P-11 and 2 Makarovs. I would consider the P-11 to be better for concealed carry than the Mak due to the difference in weight. The KT uses a lot of polymer and an aluminum frame whereas the Makarov obviously does not.

There are lots of folks who carry fairly heavy guns and maybe you're one of them and if you don't mind the weight then it would be fine for carry or any other purpose. Personally, the Mak is too heavy for me for carry. The best advice in this situation is to get both of course!

I just got a Bulgarian Mak to go with my EG Mak, they're great guns. If you haven't seen it yet, go to http://www.makarov.com
and check out the "Makarov FAQ" and "Makarov Basics", lots of good info. there.
 
Catmath: I carry an East German Mak (9x18 not .380) and feel very comfortable doing so. I use the Pearce grips and although they add a teensy bit more bulk, for me it's worth it for the comfort. I shoot my Mak in competition weekly, so the added comfort was more important to me than the little bit of extra bulk.

Although I'm not in love with the mag release placement, I use a small split key ring on my mag release, which makes it relatively quick and easy to drop. In regard to the Nolan Hi Drop mag release modification, I was under the impression that it was no longer being made. I may be wrong, however.Check at www.makarov.com

Regarding the felt recoil of the Mak, some don't like it but I don't really notice it much. (and I'm a girl with fairly small hands) It could be because it's the only gun I've ever shot extensively, so I'm accustomed to it.

Get the Mak, Catmath, it's still a great value for the money, a pleasant gun to shoot, and quite accurate.

Shoeless
 
I have a Kel-Tec P11 and two Bulgarian Makarovs. I like them all, but for concealed carry I would pick the P11 (lighter, more powerful, holds 11 rounds, mine works fine). The Maks are more fun to shoot (traditional double-action gives you a better trigger pull) and they could certainly serve for self defense. I think the biggest appeal of the Makarov is getting a good quality, durable, reliable pistol for a very low price. I don't really see them as the "best" in any category except value.

Doug
 
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