makarov questions
i was thinking about buying a makarov in for plinking. i have heard nothing but good things about em, and for under $150 i thought... eh what the hell!
i did have a couple questions about them though.
1. is the bulgarian makarov as good as the others? i have noticed it runs about $40-50 bucks cheaper.
2. is the 9 x 18 the same thing as a .380 acp for ammo? if not, how difficult is it to find 9 x 18 at the local gart or wally world?
3. is there anythings that I need to look out for with the makarovs in general?
thanks for ya'lls advice!
i did have a couple questions about them though.
1. is the bulgarian makarov as good as the others? i have noticed it runs about $40-50 bucks cheaper.
2. is the 9 x 18 the same thing as a .380 acp for ammo? if not, how difficult is it to find 9 x 18 at the local gart or wally world?
3. is there anythings that I need to look out for with the makarovs in general?
thanks for ya'lls advice!
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In my opinion the Maks are all functional, and the Bulgarian is as good as any. Most folks consider the East German model to be the best finished, but I was looking at a couple of Polish models the other day at a gun show that seemed just as nice. As for ammo, the 9mm Mak and .380 are different rounds; but some Maks made for import into the U.S. in recent years have been made in .380 and you can still find them. 9mm Mak ammo is widely available through such sources as Cheaper Than Dirt and Sportsman's Guide, etc., most gun shops, many discount stores. Most of it is made in Russia, but it is also now loaded by U.S. manufacturers which charge more for their product. I wouldn't let local ammo availability stop me from getting a 9mm Mak, as it is a little better round that the .380, and easily avialable by mail order. 0 -
9x18 ammo is plentiful, especially at gun shows. Doubt if W-W would stock it, least wise never seen it in their stores around here.
Bulgarian pistols are OK, but their finish is poor, your better off going with Russian, E. German, or Hungarian FEG (PA63).
Fun gun for general plinkin, etc.
If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!0 -
thanks for the replies, i just checked around the forums and found out that the .380 vs 9 x 18 question has been asked about a million times before, so sorry 'bout that. While finish is nice... i'm more concerned with the reliability, so i think that i may keep those extra few bucks to by boxes of ammo with. ah well, it all depends on if i find the right price. 0 -
The Polish and Hungarian ones aren't true Makarovs, they just fire the same caliber ammo. (9x18M) Get a real Mak, from China, Russia, E. Germany, or Bulgaria. Accurate, reliable, easy to strip, compact. You won't be sorry.
"Go to Lakedaemon, stranger passing by;
And say there, that in obedience to her law, here we lie"0 -
quote: i'm more concerned with the reliability,
I read the Russian models came out of the factory with a claim to have a performance record of 20,000 rounds fired with less than one misfeed (1/20,000).
My Hungarian model is accurate as all-get-out in point-shooting. I've had a few misfeeds, but I suspect the firearm was rarely fired, but rather carried, my Eastern Block police departments.0 -
quote:Originally posted by jsergovic
quote: i'm more concerned with the reliability,
I read the Russian models came out of the factory with a claim to have a performance record of 20,000 rounds fired with less than one misfeed (1/20,000).
My Hungarian model is accurate as all-get-out in point-shooting. I've had a few misfeeds, but I suspect the firearm was rarely fired, but rather carried, my Eastern Block police departments.
I get similar results with my PA-63, as well. But it is not a Makarov, but rather a Walther PPK knock off.
"Go to Lakedaemon, stranger passing by;
And say there, that in obedience to her law, here we lie"0 -
I have a Russian and a Bulgarian Arsenal SE. The Arsenal is much better fitted and finished than the other ones, but they are harder to find. I have put 10,000+ rds through my Russian with zero problems. Get a 19# recoil spring from Wolffsprings if you get a Mak, it takes a lot of the sharp frame slap out of the gun.
AACKKKK!!!ACK!!THPPPPTT!!!0 -
After a few rounds the web between my thumb and forefinger starts feeling the PA-63, not so with my Mak ... same round, different pistol ... I'd reccomend a Mak ... as for fit and finish, my Bulgarian is nice ... not a Kimber, but its decent [}:)]
Chance favors the prepared mind [8D]0 -
The Mak is the best buy for any money at any time ever, put a new spring and rubber grips bought mags at gun show for $5 each about 4 years ago . mine is the Russian but I have shot the more sought German same difference, they are great get the ammo at the gun shows a case comes out to about $9 for 100 rounds its a hard hitting round I took mine apart soaked it for a few days then gently buffed all the springs with a dremel and bronze wheel now after a few thousand rounds its smooth as butter....a great pistol........Billy 0 -
A friend of mine bought the PA63, it's a nice little gun for the money. The only problem is when he tried to load hollow points, it shoots them fine but he could'nt load more than 2 at a time[:(]. Had no problem what so ever with the FMJ's[:)]. Nice little peice.[8D] 0 -
thanks for all the replies. i guess i know what my next gun is gonna be! 0
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