Makarov Questions

[JackFN]

Hey guys,
So I've ran into multiple speed bumps trying to purchase a Bulgarian Mak (as they are not c&r eligible) , I was wondering if I would run into the same problems with a Russian Makarov. Are the Russian maks on the ca roster?
Thanks!

[Milsurp1]

https://www.atf.gov/file/128116/download

Find a type of Makarov listed as a curio by the ATF. Then find such a pistol for sale. Then find an FFL dealer who is willing to recognize the C&R exemption to the roster and transfer it to you. I would not buy the gun until you have the FFL on board, or if it is a California PPT.

[Garv]

I bought my Russian commercial Makarov here.

Keep a close eye on the market place they show up once in a while.

[Verdha603]

If I recall correctly the Russian (military ones, not commercial, so no IJ-70 or the double-stack variants are named), and the East German Makarov's are C&R firearms by name.

[HibikiR]

Any Mak that's 50+ years old as indicated by the year engraved on it is C&R eligible. If you can find a Bulgarian Mak marked as being from 1970 it is fair game.

https://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?412066-Makarov-Serial-Numbers-and-ID-help

[cdrum]

I thought anything over 50 years old was considered Curio and Relic and was legal to own, but after reviewing the "List of Firearms classified as curios or relics, still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, the Gun Control Act of 1968. Makarovs listed: Makarov, pistol, Russian and East German, cal. 9mm Makarov". It's not clear regarding commercial or military Russian Maks. Why a Bulgarian Mak isn't on the list makes no sense. Of course not much makes sense here in Cali!

[Milsurp1]

Could have been made in August-December 1970, so not 50 years old necessarily. Also, whatever reasons you believe prove a handgun are 50 years old must also be acceptable to the FFL dealer who is going to receive it. Some have more strict policies than others. The easiest way to prove C&R status is to buy one listed as a curio.

[JackFN]

https://www.atf.gov/file/128116/download

Find a type of Makarov listed as a curio by the ATF. Then find such a pistol for sale. Then find an FFL dealer who is willing to recognize the C&R exemption to the roster and transfer it to you. I would not buy the gun until you have the FFL on board, or if it is a California PPT.

I appreciate the link

[JackFN]

I thought anything over 50 years old was considered Curio and Relic and was legal to own, but after reviewing the "List of Firearms classified as curios or relics, still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, the Gun Control Act of 1968. Makarovs listed: Makarov, pistol, Russian and East German, cal. 9mm Makarov". It's not clear regarding commercial or military Russian Maks. Why a Bulgarian Mak isn't on the list makes no sense. Of course not much makes sense here in Cali!

It blows my mind how they clear the Russian and German mak yet the Bulgarian mak doesn't make the list

[morrcarr67]

I thought anything over 50 years old was considered Curio and Relic and was legal to own, but after reviewing the "List of Firearms classified as curios or relics, still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, the Gun Control Act of 1968. Makarovs listed: Makarov, pistol, Russian and East German, cal. 9mm Makarov". It's not clear regarding commercial or military Russian Maks. Why a Bulgarian Mak isn't on the list makes no sense. Of course not much makes sense here in Cali!

You are correct on the 50 year deal.

There are 3 ways a firearm gets to be considered C&R.

1. They turn 50 years old
2. They listed by the ATF as C&R due to some historical reason, usually a military weapon
3. They are listed as C&R by the ATF do to their rarity, value or other odd reason

My guess is that the Bulgarian doesn't have much military history to it and that's why it didn't make the C&R list.

Now as for the commercial Russian Maks, if you can prove they are 50 years old or older than they would be C&R by virtue of age.

[SkyHawk]

I thought anything over 50 years old was considered Curio and Relic and was legal to own, but after reviewing the "List of Firearms classified as curios or relics, still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, the Gun Control Act of 1968. Makarovs listed: Makarov, pistol, Russian and East German, cal. 9mm Makarov". It's not clear regarding commercial or military Russian Maks. Why a Bulgarian Mak isn't on the list makes no sense. Of course not much makes sense here in Cali!

It has nothing to do with CA, it is a Fed thing.

It blows my mind how they clear the Russian and German mak yet the Bulgarian mak doesn't make the list

Museum curators and similar folks can ask the ATF to list a gun before it turns 50, or an entire production of guns. Apparently no one who mattered ever asked the ATF to exempt the Bulgy Mak.

I have a Bulgy Mak and it is a very nice gun. I would like a Russian but I am not fond of the commercial guns and the Military models are harder to find.

[Milsurp1]

Anyone can ask the ATF to add a gun to the curio list. It is however less persuasive than a curator making the request.

[Hardwarejunkie]

It blows my mind how they clear the Russian and German mak yet the Bulgarian mak doesn't make the list

My understanding from back in the day was the Russian (USSR) and East German Maks are on the list because those countries no longer exist, thus making the guns collectible.

[bohoki]

Anyone can ask the ATF to add a gun to the curio list. It is however less persuasive than a curator making the request.

i think they are only allowed to request a specific "gun" not all of the same type

[Cali-V]

If you have your FLL3 and the Mak, is in fact a C&R, a near state ftf is not aways out of the question...