Best Makarov?

[smog7]

I'm in the market for a pistol and I have been eyeballing various makarov models. Which is the best model to have? Where should I buy from?

I've been looking at p-64's. Do all makarov's have 6 round mags?

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?groupid=360&name=Polish+Radom+P-64+9x18+Pistol

[billybob_jcv]

No - most Maks in 9x18 are 8, 10 or 12 round.

http://www.makarov.com/makfaq.html

That P-64 is not really a Makarov pistol - it just shoots the 9mm Makarov round.

FYI: 9x18 ammo has become fairly expensive unless you buy the krappy steel rounds.

[Dannicus]

I had a bulgarian that was one of my most reliable pisols. i always ran cheap russian ammo. it's only fitting.

[smog7]

p-64 review:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bITR5RJc6Gs&feature=related

so p-64s are cheap, but don't really have any spare parts manufacturers in the u.s.?

[Armedwino]

I picked up a Bulgarian Mak about a year ago from J and G sales.

Good price on the gun, but aftermarket mags are tough to find. I love this gun, and I primarily run Silver Bear JHPs. Still cheap and no malfunctions whatsoever. It's a bit heavy for carry, but in the age of the .380 resurgence, i think the Mak is highly underrated (and the 9x18 has a bit more punch).

They are surprisingly accurate, I can outshoot some of my buddies full size autos pretty easily (I do practice with the Mak a fair amount, it's pretty cheap to shoot with the Bear ammo).

[smog7]

I'm leaning away from the p-64 as it only has a 6 round capacity, is tiny, and has no real parts market (though it is the cheapest of the bunch).

[GWbiker]

I'm leaning away from the p-64 as it only has a 6 round capacity, is tiny, and has no real parts market (though it is the cheapest of the bunch).

What is it you expect to break on the P-64? It's a military surplus handgun, so it was built to take abuse. And, parts are available.

Google is your friend...... Clickity here... a dedicated forum on the Polish P-64, for first hand advice:

http://www.p64resource.com/forum/

Edit - even with 6+1, the P-64 may be more accurate then you think!

[GWbiker]

I picked up a Bulgarian Mak about a year ago from J and G sales.

Good price on the gun, but aftermarket mags are tough to find. I love this gun, and I primarily run Silver Bear JHPs. Still cheap and no malfunctions whatsoever. It's a bit heavy for carry, but in the age of the .380 resurgence, i think the Mak is highly underrated (and the 9x18 has a bit more punch).

They are surprisingly accurate, I can outshoot some of my buddies full size autos pretty easily (I do practice with the Mak a fair amount, it's pretty cheap to shoot with the Bear ammo).

For 8 round OEM magazines, hit the gun shows. $20-25 is norm rate for an 8 round Soviet type 9x18 Makarov magazine in VG condition.

[RRichie09]

Is $290 a fair price for a new Bulgarian Arsenal Makarov?

[GWbiker]

Is $290 a fair price for a new Bulgarian Arsenal Makarov?

New...as in NIB? Or were you told it was new? How many magazines? Brown leather holster and cleaning tool come with it?

I've seen prices all over the spectrum.

Gunbroker.com should give you an idea.

[RRichie09]

From Midwest Hunters Outlet

[morrcarr67]

The best "Makarov" pistol is by far the Russian. The most Collectable is by far the East German.

The best gun chambered for the "9X18 Makarov" caliber is IMO is the CZ-82.

The best gun chambered for the "9X18 Makarov" caliber that is easy to conceal is the Polish P-64.

All are very accurate and most are fun to shoot. The P-64 is the least fun to shoot due to it's size.

IMO the CZ-82 is the most accurate of the bunch and the most fun to shoot. It can be had with 9 round magazines in CA and 12 rounds in Free America. It is also small enough for concealed carry if that's what you're looking for. Just keep in mind that it is all steel and kind of heavy for carry.

[STAGE 2]

The best "Makarov" pistol is by far the Russian east german. The most Collectable is by far the East German.

The russians are good, but the best mak by far are the east germans. Fit and finish is noticeably better, tighter tolerances, less finishing marks.

[billybob_jcv]

The PM, CZ-82, IJ-70, etc feel really good in the hand - nice size & points well. Obviously, the double stack version is wider and heavier than the single stack, but both feel good. The bottom-style mag release is a pain compared to a modern thumb button. The P-64 doesn't sit quite as nicely in my hand.

[GWbiker]

The russians are good, but the best mak by far are the east germans. Fit and finish is noticeably better, tighter tolerances, less finishing marks.

Best German built are the 90's Makarov short run after reunification. Rare, pricey and highly sought after.

ALL Makarov's are fetching higher prices due to quality, accuracy and inexpensive 9x18 makarov ammo. At last Tucson gun show, I saw a Bulgarian priced tagged at $350 and a boxed IJ70 (Commercial version) with two magazines and brown holster tagged at $450.

BTW, the Polish P-64 is now C&R, so many are being scarfed up by collectors.