Makarovs pros and cons anybody

[paul641]

I can get one cheap enough from a friend.Any comments welcome.
paul641

[Montkun]

I'm sure you can get one cheap, because it's hard to find 9x18 Makarov ammo at a decent price anymore. I have a Polish Radom P-64 that has 7 rounds in it, because I refuse to pay .45 ACP prices for 9x18 just because it's in brass instead of steel cases. I would actually prefer steel cases, the gun was built to use the stuff and it seems to shoot better with it.

[robert slabaugh]

I have a P83. Dead simple, easy to clean, shoots as straight as anything I own, and I have lots of ammo for it. Besides, looks like a Walther for 1/2 the price!

[raxar]

Pros- accurate, reliable, compact, easy to find parts and accessories, affordable, good quality, easy to shoot.

Cons- they're heavy, heel magazine release, heavy trigger pull, weak round, ammo costs.

I have 4, love 'em. Just keep in mind that they're pocket guns, not combat pistols.

[Jettagls00]

I had a Makarov years ago and have regretted selling it ever since. It was great shooter and really reliable. As was stated before, the ammo prices are ridiculous but if it is a really good deal you should jump on it.

[Pilot321]

I also have four Makarovs. Two Bulgies, an East German, and a Russian Commercial. They are all accurate, and reliable. In fact, I never had a malfunction with a Makarov. The round is not "weak". It is a bit more powerful than a .380 ACP. If ammo prices bother you, cut down 9MM Luger brass by 1MM, and reload your own.

The Makarov is not a pocket pistol, it is an officer's sized, military sidearm and was used as that by Combloc countries for many decades.

[Thomas Paine]

also, watch out for the Baikals (russian commercial) that have the adjustable sight. I heard it moves and is a PITA. my friend's friend's sister's cousin told me.

[Dave_n]

I have two CZ 82s, two P64s and one EG Mak.I reload for all of them, either FMJ or lead using Starline Brass. All are accurate with the EG Mak the best. Dave_n

[cruzans]

I really like the Makarov's. I only have a CZ82 so far that I spent a little to spruce up I will probably add more as time goes on. The poly barrel is extremely accurate - and I have never had any problems. Ammo is available, yeah, a little pricier. I don't think you can go wrong, especially if the price is right. If you want to turn into a project gun, here's what mine ended up like after metalife from Mahovsky's and some grips from Marschal

[MartinBrody]

Pros:

Reliable simple design.

Accuracy of a fixed barrel.

I could get ammo for mine at the LGS when you couldn't buy 38spcl or 9mm, the oddball caliber is expensive but not often sold out completely during panics when other common calibers are not available.

I like the way they look.


Cons:

High recoil to power ratio, these things can kick depending on the model, my E G Mak with Fiocchi isn't fun, but my CZ82 makes it a lot more manageable. 90 grain bullets don't inspire confidence.

Expensive ammo