Soviet Makarov (Russian military): Very good machinning, some tool marks in the safety well, red star bakalite grip, milled slide release lever, fixed sights, fairly expenssive ($400).All parts are numbered and hand fitted. Collectors piece and C&R elligeble. Probably not a good carry piece due to collectors value (esp with no import marks)
Russian Makarov (a.k.a. Baikal, IJ70): Pretty good machinning, many tool marks inside and outside, black commercial grip, stamped slide release lever, adjustable sights, starting to be scarce and price is going up ($200-250). Has *some* collectors value, but not a C&R gun. Not the best choice for carry due to rear sights that can catch on clothes/holster. Very reliable.
Bulgarian military: Identicall to Rusian military in every aspect, exept for proof marks. Some people confuse Russian military for Bulgarian ones. Has no collectors value (now) and costs little ($140). Exellent carry piece. Trigger will get better with use. Very reliable.
Bulgarian commercial: Same as military, but has polymer finish and commercial marks on the gun. Prices vary.
East German Makarov: Very high quality machining in and out (think pre-war Walthers PP). Exeptional finish quality and luster (only Germans would do that on standard military pistol). All of them were made in the early-mid 60's (1961-1965).All parts are milled, hand fitted and numbered. Condition vary from gun to gun, but with some effort, one in unissued condotion can be found (I found 2).
Trigger is very good in both modes and slide is slightly thinner then on other Maks. Typically has black bakelite grips that, which are very comfortable. They are also somewhat thinner then others. Some EGMs are refinished, so you have to be carefull. Original serial numbers are acid etched, so if the gun has stamped numbers, it has been refinished. EGMs are exellent carry guns and very reliable. Prices vary greatly depending on source and condition generally in the $150-300 range.
Chineese Makarov: Only miilitary guns were made. Quality is not as good as other Makarovs, but still OK. They are very rare and expenssive. Mostly good as collectors piece.
********shoose wisely*************