First Makarov

[American1776]

This one is my first Makarov PM. After receiving good advice from generous forum members here, I decided to try out this Russian IMEZ Makarov PM. It's a 380 acp, which I preferred b/c I own other 380s.

It is in excellent condition. I'm VERY surprised how well made this gun is, especially the internals. For a gun that sells for around 200 bucks, it's just amazing.

[gold eagle]

Good find. Any left?

[American1776]

Good find. Any left?

No, that was the only one I've ever seen in person.

It took a while for me to pull the trigger, it was sitting there for a while. I'm impressed so far and am yet to shoot it. it's as well fitted as my S&W Walther PPK

[ethangsmith]

I have an FEG PA-63 chambered in 9x18. I too was impressed with the quality of the old Soviet stuff. Even my old CZ 82 and 83 are both really nice handguns.

[Brian Ahearn]

Another out standing com bloc pistol, just plain fun to shoot. Enjoy!

[American1776]

It's interesting to compare this Makarov to my Heckler & Koch P7's.

About the same size and weight. But two VERY different 'missions'.

Makarov: Simple, rugged, durable sidearm designed to work reliably in harsh environments. Put it in mud, snow, sand. Don't clean it, make a million of them. And it goes 'bang' every time you want it to.

Heckler & Koch P7: Complex, sophisticated, ingenious design. Made for elite German forces who might be expected to fire only one or two surgical shots in a hostage rescue. Guns would be cleaned and maintained---a race car type pistol.

Beauty and the Beast. But the more I examine and hold the Makarov, the more I like it's simplicity and rugged nature. If the 'end of the world' came tomorrow, I'd grab my two HK P7's, but I'd also be sure to have this Makarov.

[robert slabaugh]

Polish P83, great shooter, small enough to carry concealed, and about as simple as they come.

[Brian Ahearn]

The P-83 Wanad is tied for accuracy with the CZ 82 as far I am concerned, My Bulgarian Makarov came in third. They are all nice shooters and I am partial to the Feg Pa63 as well.

[Delkal]

Be careful.....Commie block pistols are addicting and you have to have more than one. You will not be able to stop with just a Mak.

[American1776]

Be careful.....Commie block pistols are addicting and you have to have more than one. You will not be able to stop with just a Mak.

that is what I hear many folks say.

You know, part of my attraction to this gun was the size and all steel construction. All my carry guns these days are about this size, and are all steel construction. HK P7, Walther PPK/s, and now hopefully this Makarov if it performs well at the range.

I think it's the perfect size for an all purpose pistol: small enough for discreet carry, durable steel, and not so small that it hurts to shoot or is just a little 'pocket' BUG.