Makarov

B

bushmaster225

New member
I am looking at buy a Makarov for around 150.00 just for blasting, and having something different. Is they anything I should know about this weapon before buying it? Is it worth 150 bills? Thanks for any and all help.
 
I think makarov.com is still down. A military surplus Mak would be your best bet. Even if used, they tend to be better than the new "Arsenal" (Bulgarian?) versions. The Arsenal Maks can be had for a little under $150, but the surplus run no less than $150. Of course, the E. German Maks are the best and cost around $200.
 
I've said it before, and I'll say it again:
A Makarov is the BEST gun you can get for the price. It is well made, extremely reliable, and surplus ammo is cheap. An east german is nice if you can get it, however I recommend a NIB Bulgarian surplus. Once you clean off the cosmoline the finish is beautiful and you have a very nice little gun. The bores are chromed, they are simple to dissasemble (only 27 parts!)and they look nice too. In terms of total package, they are worth at least twice what they cost.
I lucked out and purchased another one two days ago for $139 + 5% at a gun show here in Tucson. I bought it for my mother, however the trigger and accuracy are superior to my previous one so I switched them.
By all means buy one, you will not regret it.

[This message has been edited by RCS (edited May 22, 2000).]
 
Bushmaster,
I recently purchased (~3months ago) a NIB Commerical Bulgarian makarov. I paid more than most ($199plus tax) at a local gun shop. It has easily become my most favorite handgun to shoot. Just as a point of reference I also shoot Sigs, Springfield 1911, and Ruger .22 pistol. It is ultra reliable, very accurate, and is very easy to maintain. I would have to agree that it could easily be worth twice its typical going price. The only thing that "I" felt I needed to change out was the hard plastic thumbrest grip, as it can become quite painful to shoot more stout loads. Added a Pearce rubber grip, and can now shoot all day without any pain or discomfort. I'd buy mine again in a heartbeat. You won't be sorry. Good luck!

Nathan..
 
Maks are tough, stout, ugly, simple, reliable and inexpensive. They aren't cheap in the sense that you're getting something shoddy. I think Greg Monte at www.jcarmory.com has the last of the unissued military/police Bulgies. More and more are coming in used, with some Russian milsurps thrown into the bunch.

After cleaning and lubing the ones from Greg look real nice. All parts fit tight and they sport a deep blue finish the likes of which I've only seen on older pistols. They're very reliable, chew through cheap surplus ammo, and are remarkably accurate. Folks at the range always do a double take when they see how accurate the little Bulgies are.

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So many pistols, so little money.
 
I am not negative in regard to Makarovs but I have yet to figure out where they fit in. Yes, I know they are bargains and great car guns etc. I just can not convince my self that a shooter isn't better served by a good used 9mm.

An example is my Star BM. I bought it used for $125, it is about the size of a Mak and more powerful. Please do not tell me the Mak is a better pistol because it isn't. The Star is a class act. No, this doesn't mean I am selling my East German Makarov.

Your comments are welcome.

Regards,

Richard
 
Frontsight-

No I didn't shaft her for the better trigger, I wanted the greater accuracy. She has it primarily for self defense, a job the first one would perform admirably. I wanted one that was very accurate as well. I miswrote earlier when I said that the trigger was much better than my previous one-actually it was much better than the other NIB bulgie that the dealer had at the show.
 
I have a high cap. russian mak. Shot it in a local pistol match. I took 2nd, got beat by a cz 75. But the little mak topped some 1911's, a couple of glocks, a sig and a beretta. Theyn were amazed how accurate my mak is. Great gun for the money.
 
Thanks for all your help, I'll be picking up a Russian Mak from Eric @ Ammoman.com for about 150 pickup price, once I get my permit. I already have 3 9mm Glock 17, Beretta 92F and a CZ 75 so, I don't really want another 9. This week I'll be getting my Springfield PX9151 .45cal. This should be something nice to round off the collection with some history. Thanks once again I'm sold!
 
Bushmaster,

I'm confused. I don't see any Russian Maks at ammoman. What I see are Bulgarians for $169 (http://www.ammoman.com/guns/gun43.htm). They can be gotten for $146 from www.jcarmory.com

Richard,

I don't know what you mean by your question. You either like Maks and find a place for them or you don't. I like them so I don't consider where they fit.

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So many pistols, so little money.
 
One thing to consider is that the blowback design of the Mak makes it recoil a lot more than you would expect for the tiny round. I find my .45 a lot more pleasant to shoot than the Mak.

Satch
 
The Makarov will serve you well. They are tough, reliable and fairly accurate. The only reason they go for only $150.00 is because of the collapse of the Russian Economy. Before Glastnost, those that came into the country were had for $500.00 or more.

Federal Arms in Minnesota has a .380 conversion barrel that can be dropped into the pistol with the barrel press that they also sell.

Magazines and spare parts are abundant and more than one ammo manufacturer offers the 9X18.

I would trust my life at any time to the Makarov. Go for it. Any of the current offerings are good even the Arsenal offering from Bulgaria.


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"When guns are outlawed;I will be an outlaw."
 
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