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makarov question
- Thread starter BOLANTEJ
- Start date
General consensus is that the Bulgarians and the East German Maks are the best, with the East Germans ahead of the Bulgarians.
If I were you, I wouldn't get the gun in .380 even though it's sometimes available in that caliber.
Other than that, just look to make sure it hasn't been too abused.
I paid around $150-$160 for mine after transfer fees and shipping. I wouldn't pay much more than that. I suppose they're probably worth more, but I think that you should be able to find them for sale in that range.
John
If I were you, I wouldn't get the gun in .380 even though it's sometimes available in that caliber.
Other than that, just look to make sure it hasn't been too abused.
I paid around $150-$160 for mine after transfer fees and shipping. I wouldn't pay much more than that. I suppose they're probably worth more, but I think that you should be able to find them for sale in that range.
John
I honestly believe that the Makarov is about the best value in a handgun in today's market.
The Bulgarian manufactured guns, along with the East German (EG) guns, are the most commonly encountered. You may find a NIB milsurp Bulgarian, or a NIB commercial Bulgarian. The commercial gun will have the word "ARSENAL" on the slide. Both are excellent guns; the milsurp is generally considered to have a better finish.
The EG guns are all used; they are usually considered to have the best fit & finish along with a better trigger pull, however after witnessing how my Bulgarian trigger smoothed out after a bunch of dry firing I believe that some of the quality in the EG pull might be for the same reason.
There are also Russian & Chinese milsurp guns but they both are rather rare. Of these, the Russian is usually a better quality. These guns carry a premium, unless the seller unknowingly sells them thinking they are Bulgarian (it happens!).
All of the above mentioned guns are just about identical - complete parts interchangability. However, there is a Russian commercial gun that can be identified by the adjustable rear sight. Other than that, it is the same as the others.
I would buy the 9x18 caliber. It is the round the gun was designed for, plinking ammo is available & cost effective, and quality defensive ammo is also available. I've never heard of anyone wearing one of these little guns out - they are of robust design. Even if something does break (unlikely), Makarov.com has everything you will need, from the parts to the manuals & videos to guide you thru the repair. Karl has a good business over there & he runs it right. For ammo, go to Dans Sporting Goods, another great guy to deal with. Tell him I sent you!
The Bulgarian manufactured guns, along with the East German (EG) guns, are the most commonly encountered. You may find a NIB milsurp Bulgarian, or a NIB commercial Bulgarian. The commercial gun will have the word "ARSENAL" on the slide. Both are excellent guns; the milsurp is generally considered to have a better finish.
The EG guns are all used; they are usually considered to have the best fit & finish along with a better trigger pull, however after witnessing how my Bulgarian trigger smoothed out after a bunch of dry firing I believe that some of the quality in the EG pull might be for the same reason.
There are also Russian & Chinese milsurp guns but they both are rather rare. Of these, the Russian is usually a better quality. These guns carry a premium, unless the seller unknowingly sells them thinking they are Bulgarian (it happens!).
All of the above mentioned guns are just about identical - complete parts interchangability. However, there is a Russian commercial gun that can be identified by the adjustable rear sight. Other than that, it is the same as the others.
I would buy the 9x18 caliber. It is the round the gun was designed for, plinking ammo is available & cost effective, and quality defensive ammo is also available. I've never heard of anyone wearing one of these little guns out - they are of robust design. Even if something does break (unlikely), Makarov.com has everything you will need, from the parts to the manuals & videos to guide you thru the repair. Karl has a good business over there & he runs it right. For ammo, go to Dans Sporting Goods, another great guy to deal with. Tell him I sent you!
In Philadelphia average Maks are going for $200. With EG's $250 if you can find one in decent shape. If you can can find an unissued Bulgie for under $200 grab it and run. You'll definatley want to stick with the 9x18 as there is more variety in inexpensive ammo from 95 to 120 gr HP's. I can't in good faith recommend the Russian commercial Maks w/adj sights. Had one that stripped the elevation screw requiring replacement of entire slide(no replacement parts for adj sights). IMHO, there are bigger guns, there are higher capacity guns, there are smaller guns, but there is no gun that offers more fun per $ spent than the Makarov. Get one and enjoy.
SgtMaj13
Semper Fi
SgtMaj13
Semper Fi