Makarov - Recoil and price

denfoote, I think you meant that 7.62 is .32acp.

.380 is a 9mm (9X17). The 7.62 is significantly weaker than the .380 or the 9mm Mak (9X18). But for plinking who cares? Ammo will be significantly more expensive than 9mm Mak or .380, though. That might affect your decision.
 
I would highly recomend getting the Makarov in the original 9x18. The ammo can be found dirt cheap with regularity. What is the point in a cheap pistol that shoots expensive ammunition? I spend WAY more on ammo than pistols over the long run.

With regards to recoil. It is snappy but, not really too bad. I got my first mak when I was 12 years old and it was a blast then and it still is now. I found that shooting didnt get diffiult until after 200+ rounds. Then it sorta started wearing out the web of my hand. This was with the original "red star" grips.

Something that noone else has mentioned is that the simplicity of the internals of a makarov make it a fantastic learning tool for new shooters. I was able to completely detail strip it with nothing but the intructions on makarov.com. I really learned a lot about how the various parts did their job.

One word of warning to everyone with regards to ammunition. Always be sure you are buying "9x18 Makarov" or "9mm Makarov". I know, it seems obvious but, i had to learn the hard way that there are SEVERAL different loads labeled "9x18" and they are NOT the same. I got a really great deal and what I thought was some pretty good Fiocchi ammo. I was really stoked until I took a really close look at it. it was labeled "9x18 Police". It would chamber and everything. But I looked it up and the bullet diameter is NOT the same. Could have resulted in a nasty accident. As it is I am sitting here looking at 200 rounds of useless ammo. :rolleyes:
 
The Manurhin is the French PP. After WWII, Walther lost its factory and equipment to East Germany (Russia), so it contracted with Manurhin to make it for them for several years. In ALL respects, it is a 32 ACP Walther, even says so on the slide. Alot of the parts in Walthers today are still made by Manurhin (according to articles I have read on the web). (see http://www.cruffler.com/historic-march00.html under the topic "Postwar PPs").

I have found a great deal on the Manurhin and I haven't found that great of a deal on the Makarov yet. I am not replacing one with the other, as I will probably buy both.

Right now, the goal is a small easy shooting gun for my wife and oldest son, which I will also shoot.

The Manurhin is more, though, but it seems 32 ACP ammo is more readily accessible.
 
I am recoil sensitive (whatever that means) and do not find the recoil of my East German Makarov at all objectionable. Oddly, I find that, in my hands anyway, it recoils like a light .38 out of a heavy-framed revolver, which is to say not much! I can burn up a few hundred rounds of surplus ammo in an hour or two without any pinch or flinch. My 4 year old, 45 lb. niece likes my Mak the most of all my guns, and has no difficulty plinking cans at 7 yards with it (nor does she have any difficulty handling it safely). She doesn't complain about the recoil; she just giggles! Don't be afraid, I think anticipation has much more to do with it than anything. Maks are great guns!
vanfunk
 
Can't find other Maks.

I have looked on the web at AIM, SOG and can't find any Makarovs, Bulgarian or otherwise. I must not have all the good places. Could someone point me in the right directions?
 
What can I say? It's my favorite!

I have a 1961 E. German Mak. I got mine with 2 mags, excellent condition for $199. (Mass.)

It's my carry piece. I have a fobus paddle that is excellent (they now have adjustable or rotating paddles available too), I also have an IWB which is comfy and makes it disappear.

You can't go wrong with a Mak.
Hoppy
 
Greg G,

Thanks for the link. By the time I ship it, pay the transfer fee and background check fee, it will cost about the same as the one at a local gun shop that I can see and touch before I buy.

I had been hearing of good Mak deals in the low 100s, but those days seem to be gone.

Guess I will make a trip to the gun shop at lunch!!!
 
I found a local guy that has his FFL. He had a commercial Russian Makarov with 2 clips, tools and manuals for $135. I bought it. Took it straight to the range. After I got the sights get properly, it was great!

I know the commercial Russian Maks aren't as coveted as the others, but it is a Makarov and it is very FUN.

I think I will head to the range again today!!
 
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