How would you describe the Makarov's recoil?

I

Ignition Override

New member
My memory of the Russian is not clear at all, although it seemed less harsh than friends' Polish P-64
(only chambered in 9x18). But how much better?
The recoil of my PPK in .380 is not bad: a fair bit better than the P-64, though stronger than the Sig 232.

Does anybody here have experience with both the actual Mak and one of these other types listed?
If I continue to have only one reliable type of ammo which avoids frequent FTFeed in the PPK, might consider an actual Russian/Bulg. Mak as a secondary carry gun.
 
J

James K

Member In Memoriam
The PPK is a lighter gun but it is in .380, which is a less powerful round than the 9x18 Makarov, so its recoil is less. I would describe the recoil of the Makarov (and other pistols of the same weight in the same caliber) as "sharp".

None of the guns in that general class have enough recoil to be bothersome or to prevent good control for subsequent shots.

FWIW, the PP and PPK Walthers were designed around the .32 ACP; in .380. they are sensitive to bullet design. I recommend that you stick to round-nose FMJ; if you want to try other bullets, make sure the gun will fire at least 200 rounds with no problems before using them for carry.

Jim
 
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D

Doyle

New member
I have both a Makarov and a P-64. Recoil with the Mak is negligible to me (but then again, I also shoot a .44 mag). Recoil with the P-64 is a little more noticible mainly because of the lighter weight and smaller grip surface area.
 
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GyMac

New member
I have 3 Maks in 9mm Mak and a Russian Commercial in .380. The recoil of the 9mm Maks is noticeably "sharper" than the .380, but not uncomfortable. The 9mm Makarov's "kick" is greater than the PPK in .380.
 
W

WVsig

New member
They are snappy due to its blowback design. Similar to guns like the CZ82, Beretta 81 series guns, Walthers PPK etc...

There is more felt recoil than a breech locked 9mm Para even thought the 9mm Para is a more powerful round.

It will be similar to the guns you already have. Others seem to think it is snappier than 380 but I do not find it much different.
 
M

MarkGlazer

New member
I agree with WVSig. However, if you re-load, you can control the recoil. The Mak is a great gun, easy to care for and very accurate.

Have fun. Be safe.

Good luck.
 
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GyMac

New member
I would add that, when attempting to duplicate 9mm Makarov recoil with .380 loads in my Russian Commercial, I reach max before getting near the recoil of factory 9mm Mak. The .380 (from a Mak) seems very tame in comparison.
 
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michael t

New member
Their not really all that much difference in the 2 calibers . So recoil about the same. Use a Corbon or Buffalo Bore and their pretty equal. Commies always want to be just a little different than every one else.
 
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Willie D

New member
I feel like the shape of the blackstrap, along with the added weight of the slide makes my Makarov a bit more pleasurable to shoot than my wife's PPK.

Although the PPK is lighter to carry, has better sights, and has a less obtrusive safety lever.
 
O

Onward Allusion

New member
I've had the real Mak, the civilian hi cap version, & the CZ82. All are fairly mild as far as blowbacks 9x18 or 380's are concerned. The CZ82 is actually on the light side to me. I never owned the PPK but I can imagine the recoil would be about the same based on the slightly softer caliber and lighter weight of the PPK. The P-64 would probably be pretty snappy due to the size of the pistol.
 
L

Limnophile

New member
I have a CZ 82 and a CZ 83 chambered in .380 Auto. I can't discern a difference in recoil between the two. Using Federal American Eagle ammo, the 9 Makarov has a muzzle momentum only 2% greater than the .380 Auto. The two pistols are essentially identical, so it's not surprising that recoil is similar.
 
T

Tom Servo

Staff
How would you describe the Makarov's recoil?
Click to expand...
Orange, with hints of cinnamon.

OK, OK, I'll be serious. I feel more recoil, but the character of it is more pleasant than the PPK. I'd describe both as being snappy, but the backstrap and grip shape of the PPK get unpleasant after a few rounds.

My biggest problem with the Makarov is remembering to hold my weak thumb over strong. If my strong thumb rides up, that safety lever will tear into my first knuckle something terrible.
 
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