9mm Makarov
- Thread starter TomL
- Start date
lee n. field
New member
Read your fill at makarov.com.
9MM Makarov is a 9x18 round, and slightly fatter than a 9x19 (aka 9mm Luger, 9mm Parabellum). Also to be distinguished from 9x17 Kurtz, Corto or Browning, all synonyms for the .380.
There is no cross compatibility.
I don't have a handle on what they go for now. Back in the day, I have paid anywhere from $100 to $179. Some variants (East German, Russian milsurp) are more prized, others (Russian commercial Baikal, Bulgarian milsurp) less. All will shoot well.
Some of the Baikal Russians, and "Arsenal" brand Makarovs came in .380.
9MM Makarov is a 9x18 round, and slightly fatter than a 9x19 (aka 9mm Luger, 9mm Parabellum). Also to be distinguished from 9x17 Kurtz, Corto or Browning, all synonyms for the .380.
There is no cross compatibility.
I don't have a handle on what they go for now. Back in the day, I have paid anywhere from $100 to $179. Some variants (East German, Russian milsurp) are more prized, others (Russian commercial Baikal, Bulgarian milsurp) less. All will shoot well.
Some of the Baikal Russians, and "Arsenal" brand Makarovs came in .380.
The average price for a Makarov that will be a shooter is about $300 - $350, usually a Russian or Bulgarian. Collector models go for much more.
Ammo is real hard to find right now and prices are all over the place, Before the panic it was easy to find 9X18 ammo from $10 - $15.
You can find lots of knowledgeable Makarov owners at: http://forums.gunboards.com/forumdisplay.php?46-The-Makarov-Forum
My Russian Commercial (has adjustable rear sight)
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Ammo is real hard to find right now and prices are all over the place, Before the panic it was easy to find 9X18 ammo from $10 - $15.
You can find lots of knowledgeable Makarov owners at: http://forums.gunboards.com/forumdisplay.php?46-The-Makarov-Forum
My Russian Commercial (has adjustable rear sight)
Starline has 9X18 brass for the handloader. Berrys has 1 or 2 different 9mm Mak bullets. One can also cut down 9X19 with a case trimmer. The case is the same as 9mm parabellum, just 1 mm shorter, the bullet is a little fatter.
The cases last a long time, as long as you can find the darn things.
Used to be lots of cheap 9mm Mak ammo, not so much these days. I've always been a fan of the 9X18. A little hotter than .380, and cheap, rugged handguns. The CZ82 is really a gem. Has the best DA trigger I have ever experienced on a milsurp pistol.
The cases last a long time, as long as you can find the darn things.
Used to be lots of cheap 9mm Mak ammo, not so much these days. I've always been a fan of the 9X18. A little hotter than .380, and cheap, rugged handguns. The CZ82 is really a gem. Has the best DA trigger I have ever experienced on a milsurp pistol.
Mausermolt
New member
i love the heck out of my Mak. its a Bulgarian model, and ill never sell it. never jammed, shoots strait, looks good, triggers not bad. whats not to like?!
triggerhappy2006
New member
I'd beg to differ, I have successfully fired 380 out of a 9X18 chambered p64 with no cycling or feeding issues, and I know quite of few third world country "freedom fighters" who have used .380 in 9X18 guns because its easier to get from supporting countries.
Yes you may fire a 380 out of 9 x 18 chambered gun but accuracy would most likely be poor. The bullet diameter difference and all. 380=.356 dia. 9 x 18=.364 dia. But when lee mentioned no cross compatibility, I'm sure he was referring to 9 x 19 not chambering in a 9 x 18 gun. Which would be very foolish. Pressure difference and all. As far as value for makarovs, you can still find Bulgarian and commercial Russian ones for $250-350, East German ones for $350-450, Chinese ones for $500-ish, and Russian military for $500 +. I think they're cool guns, sights are tiny, but they can still be shot far more accurate than you might think. Ammo is usually right around the price of 9 x 19. Reloading is good, I've been using 3 grs of red dot for about 1000 fps. The brass will eject into the next county though.
One thing I would mention is that these Makarov types were not very ergonomic designs, and can be painful to shoot in stock form. Blowback designs kick alot more than they should for their power level.
This can be remedied significantly or mostly by changing the recoil springs to a slightly heavier weight ( as on my late, but lamented, CZ 82), and heavy triggers ( I have read) can be similarly ameliorated by lighter springs. Wolff Gunsprings is your friend for this.
This can be remedied significantly or mostly by changing the recoil springs to a slightly heavier weight ( as on my late, but lamented, CZ 82), and heavy triggers ( I have read) can be similarly ameliorated by lighter springs. Wolff Gunsprings is your friend for this.
While I do not find Makarovs painful or difficult to shoot, Pearce grips do make them more comfortable, and very easy to shoot long range sessions. I don't use them anymore because I do carry my Maks occasionally and prefer the slimmer, stock grip. Again, they don't hurt when I shoot them.
Guy at my LGS loves them, he has several that are east german made. Bought his prior to the curtain drop for $600+-. Gunbroker is a good place to get some price idea before dropping a buck on one. I just bought a New FEG PA63 ($219 OTD). Chambered in Mak but its actually an improved variant of a Walther PP. Wolf springs make it a pleasure to fire, grip fits my hand like it was made for me. They are small and DA great for carry.
Ball ammo runs about $24 for 50 around my area, Hornady Critical defense is $22 at Gander Mountain for 25.
Ball ammo runs about $24 for 50 around my area, Hornady Critical defense is $22 at Gander Mountain for 25.
I don't see the attraction....especially at around $ 400....when you have so many other options in 9mm.
I think they have more of a collector / cult following --- than a practical following....( not that I don't own a number of guns that are impractical for carry ) while they're still fun to have ....if ammo is hard to come by ...and ergonomically, they leave something to be desired...I pass on them.
To me, the Makarov....and the Japanese Nambu pistol ( 8mm 8X22) are both just odd ball weapons...but they sell a lot of both at my local gunshows... ( but even the Edsel, had its fans )...
I think they have more of a collector / cult following --- than a practical following....( not that I don't own a number of guns that are impractical for carry ) while they're still fun to have ....if ammo is hard to come by ...and ergonomically, they leave something to be desired...I pass on them.
To me, the Makarov....and the Japanese Nambu pistol ( 8mm 8X22) are both just odd ball weapons...but they sell a lot of both at my local gunshows... ( but even the Edsel, had its fans )...
These two guns aren't anywhere near the same universe of guns. You really need to hold one and shoot a Maakrov. While Nambus are in safes, display cases and museums, the Maks are still out there shooting, and doing a fine job at that!
As for ergonomics, come on! Ever read how many people complain about the feel of 1911s or Glocks? That's an individual issue, but you will read most people find the Mak feels good in the hand and is easy to shoot. That and you can hardly do anything that will break them.
The Russians got this gun right for its original purpose and design.
Makarovs are a very basic, solid, accurate pistol. Have been around since the early 1950's and were primarily used by Russian Military and Police until 1991.
MAKs rep has always been for simplicity (about 20+ parts), accuracy and their durability.
Was able to buy one a couple weeks ago for about $300... it was in VG+ condition, had some holster wear but never really shot much.
Took it to the range last week (along with my CZ-82)... and love it! Flawless, very accurate shoot. Actually has a 'slimmer' feel compared to the CZ.
Agree with BigJim... unless you really consider this a 'must have' pistol and it's in like-new condition, I doubt I'd spend $400 for one!!
Supposedly, the East German and Bulgarian Maks are the one's to buy. Keep lookin' around, they usually turn up in the $300 range.
They ARE nice, sweet little pistols and could be a good CCW pistol!!
MAKs rep has always been for simplicity (about 20+ parts), accuracy and their durability.
Was able to buy one a couple weeks ago for about $300... it was in VG+ condition, had some holster wear but never really shot much.
Took it to the range last week (along with my CZ-82)... and love it! Flawless, very accurate shoot. Actually has a 'slimmer' feel compared to the CZ.
Agree with BigJim... unless you really consider this a 'must have' pistol and it's in like-new condition, I doubt I'd spend $400 for one!!
Supposedly, the East German and Bulgarian Maks are the one's to buy. Keep lookin' around, they usually turn up in the $300 range.
They ARE nice, sweet little pistols and could be a good CCW pistol!!
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I have four Makarovs. Bought them all several years ago when you could pick them up for $100 - $150, even the East German which is the best finished of the bunch. I think the Bulgarians are the best value, followed by the Russian Commercial models with the adjustable sights.
I think a fair price for a Bulgie Mak to be $250 - $300, and at that price they are definitely worth it. I think the Russian Commercial models are going for that as well.
I think a fair price for a Bulgie Mak to be $250 - $300, and at that price they are definitely worth it. I think the Russian Commercial models are going for that as well.