The Makarov: The AK of the Pistol World

You've been asking for it for years, so we finally reviewed the classic Makarov pistol. Is it just a Russian copy of the Walther PP, or did it play a more unique role in firearms history? We're also taking a look at the ballistics of the 9x18 Makarov cartridge and how the Makarov stacks up as a carry gun option today.
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[@swaghauler8334]

Before the '94 Assault Weapons Ban, our evidence room was flush with the Chinese SKS and a number of Makarov pistols. You could buy either one for around $100 before the ban so EVERYONE was buying them as cheap defensive weapons. After the ban, the Hi-Point began to overtake them. I miss cheap military imports... fun to shoot and cheap enough for everyone to own.

[@joninwv]

The assault weapons ban didnt effect either of those weapons. I suspect the change was due to something else.

[@swaghauler8334]

@@joninwv Clinton banned all Chinese imports just before the ban.

[@chad3625]

I bought an SKS in 2002 for $100 at a pawn shop. The first rifle I’d ever bought and she still makes her way to the range from time to time. I was too young during the 94 ban to know any different, but I remember my dad being upset.

[@meatmissilef111]

@@joninwv The inventory in Eastern Europe ran out. Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, and CZ were the main export nations and they liquidated their stockpiles for quick money. A ton of Cold War surplus went to the Middle East, so unless Iran/Iraq/Jordan/Syria/etc. decide to broker a deal to export their caches, the days of cheap surplus are pretty much over. Chinese and Russian stuff is essentially banned now so good luck with that one.

[@thegeth4293]

@@joninwv the guns arent made anymore (i think) theres only so many milsurps

[@mothra4445]

I got a Russian Makarov a few years ago. It is accurate, mild and very easy to clean. It has become my favorite carry gun because it is so reliable.

[@acester86]

And they have that double action reliability. *Russian accent "if bullet not fire first time, hit again."

[@BMW_MAN]

@@acester86 Which in reality has never happened at least with my gun

[@acester86]

@@BMW_MAN yeah I've never had an issue with mine either.

[@drewpaupanekis4710]

@@acester86 almost like every gun created if not cared for properly.

[@acester86]

@@drewpaupanekis4710 what?

[@fcon2002]

I bought an East German one for $150 back in '95. It came with a leather holster, a cleaning kit, and three mags. I've never had a misfire or a failure to feed. I'm deadly accurate with it even with the bad sights. The recoil is less than a compact 9mm.

[@DerDrecksack87]

Yeah, people tend to forget that just because it was cheap to buy a few decades ago, it does not mean it is cheaply produced, the Makarovs & AKs are made to a very high quality spec & pretty expensive to manufacture, if some countries including russia would not have liquidated a lot of their stockpiles back in the day, the current prices always would have been the norm in the retail market. Especially the Makarov was in that sweetspot of high quality, being produced well after ww2 so it did not suffer from the same cost saving drops in quality as the Tokarev did. Here in europe they always have been plentyfull and pretty affordable + in the eastern european part you could get russian surplus or jugoslavian ammo dirt cheap, it serves as a plinker like a .22 in the US would because of that. The main drawback for the 7.62 Tokarev & 9mm Makarov was always the ammo variety, the Tokarev round has not seen much r&d since the 50s as it is not a caliber used by any military & the Tokarev round is mainly only available as ball/FMJ here, if the russians have something better they kept it for themselfes, but since even the russians abandoned the mass use of 9x18 (transitioning to 9x19 & 9x21 about a decade ago) i doubt there will be anything new coming, in fact i think the Makarov will become a rarity in a few decades as it is not produced anymore (only the PMM i think) & the last bulk stockpiles are issued in the current conflict.

[@creepyendy]

German Quality my man its always good

[@acid6urns]

the recoil is less because it’s more heavy and also because 9x18 is around equivalent to 380 in power than it is 9mm. it fires the same weight bullets as .380 at basically the exact same velocities as .380

[@martinest9458]

I have the East German model as well. I have had a few misfires for some reason. Other than that it is a really good pistol

[@Thomas-ei1yk]

I wasn't aware that Makarovs had become so expensive. I bought a Bulgarian Makarov from Classic Firearms a little over 4 years ago. It was unissued (manufacture date is 1987) and it came with 2 mags and it's cleaning rod along with both the original reddish brown grips as well as a set of black "sports" grips. I paid $180 + shipping...I must have gotten it just before the explosion in prices. It's a nice little shooter. I think I'll give it some concealed carry time.

[@willbond]

Got a Bulgarian for 180 bucks back in the day. It was the first pistol I ever shot at the range which put the second round though the first hole. Runs like a watch.

[@commiesnzombies]

the barrel being fixed and secured to the main frame gives it revolver type accuracy, no wobble or play from the barrel

[@daunt1337]

Greetings from Bulgaria. My father is a policeman and he is a chief shooting instructor. He, of course, owns a makarov.

[@sergeant_dornan_]

@GriGorowi4 watch hickok45 shooting it. It's spitting only if you don't know how to shoot it correctly. It is very hard to master, but it shoots straight where you aim it.

[@sergeant_dornan_]

@GriGorowi4 barrel of yours must be destroyed completely and stripped of all rifling then, lol

[@willbond]

@@DR-nh2on They seem to be asking about $750 on Gunbroker, with auction bids starting at $500. Now I wish I'd bought 20 of them :D

[@andreinarangel6227]

"'Better' is the enemy of good enough" --Admiral Sergey Gorshkov, Commander-in-Chief Soviet Navy from 1956-1985.

[@External2737]

An old British Navy expression. Simple is good.

[@bmbullman]

@@External2737 Innovate or Die is better.

[@External2737]

@@bmbullman Must innovate, but each generation must be simplified, and that is hard.

[@Hey_Blondie]

One of the best pistols I have carried. Regretfully, I no longer have one. Would love to one day “shake the hand of an old friend.” If you can find one, get it.

[@SonOfTheDawn515]

Owned a Russian IJ in .380 years ago, sold it, missed it, and since picked up an EG without import marks and a satin nickle IJ in 380 I've considered selling since I picked up a P365XL.

[@dennisyoung4631]

@@SonOfTheDawn515 The one I had was a “baikal” - I *think.*

[@SonOfTheDawn515]

@@dennisyoung4631 Think all the commercial ones are marked as such

[@dennisyoung4631]

@@SonOfTheDawn515 I'm not sure - it was about 30 years ago.

[@upinarms79]

I daily carry a Makarov that I've had for a several years now, and while I outfitted it with modern grips with a side mag release and a better spring kit and have had scant few misfires out of it, I certainly don't kid myself that it is somehow better than modern pistols. It is extremely accurate, though, and has much less recoil than most compact 9x19s and I have gotten so used to it that I don't think I would ever bother to carry anything else unless it just becomes entirely impossible to get ammo for it.

[@KappaKiller108]

If you ever can't find ammo get a 380 barrel. All you need to do to swap a mak over to 380 ACP is change the barrel, no other parts need changing

[@vanstry]

I never had a misfire with mine and I put hundreds of rounds of ammo through it.

[@vanstry]

@@KappaKiller108 I had one of those, gave it to my girlfriend way back when, so she'd have something better than a 22 to carry. I'd redo the one I own, but now it rarely comes out of the safe as I can afford something better to carry.

[@commiesnzombies]

side mag release? is there a kit available? i like carrying my poor man's walther ppk but a aide button mag release would make it even better

[@KappaKiller108]

@@commiesnzombies Fab Defense makes a grip that adds a slide release. Its not quite a "kit" it's much more simple. Basically the grip holds opens the regular heel release and adds a release button that holds the mag under pressure

[@boilerhonkiedude9163]

Got my pair of Ruski Maks years ago. $99 for the single stack & $129 for the double when it came out. Both have rubber grips & have shot 1000s of rounds flawlessly. They were my carry for years. Very reliable.

[@alexandrthegreat74]

Makarov is a wonderful pistol! Reliable and simple. Has a large stock of life of shots. When finalized, it becomes a completely modern model of a pistol with a simple mechanism. The Fab Defense handle provides a comfortable grip, bone-bite protection and, most importantly, a comfortable release. And DP PM Rail bar for attaching a lantern for attaching a light and laserdesignator. Work great. Be curious!

[@Predalien195]

Used to have a Russian IJ-70, ended up swapping out the plastic grips for a set of custom wood grips. Definitely soaked up the recoil and made it quite enjoyable to shoot. I probably had close to 5,000 rounds through it before I sold it to a friend. It's a fine cartridge, finding decent JHP options if not hand loading is difficult though. Never had a failure to fire, feed, eject, etc with the gun. Another fun fact, when the slide is locked back you can use the end of the frame and barrel as a bottle opener.

[@wilhelmvonn9619]

The USSR had a policy of not fielding a weapon that would fire enemy ammunition, or ammo that would work in enemy guns, so that captured Soviet weapons or their ammo could not be used against them. Paranoia perhaps but that's how they thought.

[@Styxswimmer]

@@wilhelmvonn9619 double edged sword. If they ran out of ammo they are out of luck

[@danielbalzer3647]

@@Styxswimmer Not so easy with the amount of ammo they produced, the probability of western forces running out of ammo was much higher. And don`t forget even the soviet army was mainly defense orientated, so they did not actually expect to be capturing enemy depots.

[@Styxswimmer]

@@danielbalzer3647 you can produce all the ammo in the world, but ammo produced and ammo on hand in the field are two different things.

[@dominicklipari]

​@@StyxswimmerDoesn't really matter what you're shooting in combat, if you're outta ammo ya done Unless you just waltz up to a German soldier and ask if they got any spare ammo

[@BarkyLondon]

This has probably been mentioned already, but the CZ82 is the Makarov improved in every practical way. At least for a time, you could get them cheaper than Mak's, and man they are fantastic guns.

[@lucastonoli3256]

Expect simplicity, durability, and reliability.

[@vaclavjebavy5118]

the only problem i can think of is that they're not drop safe

[@jimmeli5200]

I bought a CZ82 in about 90% condition about 4 years ago. It came with 4 mags and a .380 barrel as well. Nice shooter that I did carry a bit for the novelty. It is/has been very reliable with any ammo fmj or hp that I've run it with. Also have a P64 (another reliable gun, but snappiy) and always planned on getting a MAK just never got around to it. I'm unwilling to pay the current prices. If I come across one that's reasonable, I'll probably grab it.

[@Saltshaker762-KF4LBG]

@Václav Jebavý Wrong. The drop tests disagree with your opinion. The light firing pin does not strike the Milspec ammo hard enough to cause ignition. They are meant to be used within their specified parameters. Steel cased and hard primers.

[@vaclavjebavy5118]

@@Saltshaker762-KF4LBG Is it enough to ignite other types of ammunition? If so, there's still a safety risk limiting use; obviously not as egregious of course.

[@Ryan_McGee]

First pistol I ever purchased. One of the best pistols I've ever shot or owned.

[@timothybarrett7626]

My first was a glock45 but i hope to get a makarov as my second since i moved from texas to Massachusetts i had to sell my guns since it was easier to get new ones in Massachusetts then it is to bring them from texas due well... disagreements in whats allowed like my extended magazines for my glock since it was my fun gun and my shotgun was a private purchase and while thats fine in texas Massachusetts doesnt quite agree

[@uravnitel4196]

Доброго дня! А где реально можно приобрести боевой ПМ? Цена? Пожалуйста.

[@uravnitel4196]

Реально ли приобрести сейчас боевой ПМ? Цена? Как оформить заказ?

[@ayebraine]

@@uravnitel4196 просто переезжайте туда, где живёт комментатор, получайте гражданство и покупайте в магазинах, на сайтах или на выставках-вернисажах.

[@Gun_Talk]

I'm so glad I bought my Bulgarian Makarov a few years ago. Only paid 250 bucks for it. I don't think we will ever see prices like that ever again.

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

Since you’re doing a series on classes DA/SA small pistols, i think a fitting place to go next would be the wonderfully underrated Sig Sauer P230/P232. An absolute modern classic of the type and possibly the very best of the form factor. A Walther PPK that doesn’t suck if you will.

[@LuckyGunner]

Might tackle it if we can find one for a decent price.

[@dallinliddle2766]

My wife and both sisters in-law were gifted sigs when they graduated high-school. Each one has issues. Unreliable, ammo picky, snappy and heavy. But yeah- it's better than the Walther. At least they don't cut your hand up.

[@W1ldt1m]

@@dallinliddle2766 my wife's is a little snappy but has never once in two decades misfed or misfired

[@DASPEN666Devil]

My baby.

[@onmilo]

Sig 23 series are closer to the PP than the PPK and in light of the fact spare magazines and parts are now MUCH harder to source for the Sig pistols it in FACT, sucks even more than the Walthers.

[@chriskoort5717]

One reason why you should have it is ammo. 9x19 ran out during ammo shortage while 9x18 was still available.

[@joewright2304]

That was my experience as well. I was carrying a PA 63 of a good deal of the summer of 2020 for that very reason.

[@Nattleby]

Somewhat true, but a lot of gun noobs started buying 9x18 THINKING it was 9mm. The price went from 12.95 a box to 25 a box quickly.

[@neuzdost1939]

9x19 is literally the worlds most produced smallarms cartridge. Dont worry, it will be back on shelfs again soon

[@midwest7176]

I bought mine when they were a $99 bucks, added a set of Fab defense grips. Great shooter!

[@proguninc4080]

The Makarov is a great classic pistol. Very tuff and very reliable. I'd love to someday own one. And I'd definitely take it over many of the "better options of today" that this guy keeps talking about.

[@atropa4102]

I can't tell you how impatiently I've been waiting for this video ever since you teased it at the end of the .380 ACP vid in your Pocket Pistol Series. Already know I'll love this video even though I haven't watched it.

[@hyperloose]

I've been a fan of the Russian/E. Germany/Bulgarian/Chinese Makarovs for years. So much so I started collecting them years ago as a long term investment.....So far I'm well into the green with the 18 I have. I made it a point to get one anytime I found some kind of different variation. Be it color, accessories etc. About the site issue, the Russian models are the only ones with adjustable rear sites, and yes it makes a big difference. One variation I came across and snatched up was a Mak out-rigged for a suppressor. I never considered a Mak being made for a suppressor, but I was lucky enough to get it to prove to myself they exist. The two-tone silver & black look the best to me, but the solid chrome ones run a close 2nd. Thanks for the review of the Mak, you did it "Great Justice"....

[@jimbienkowski7857]

My first handgun purchase ever was a Russian IJ-70 17A in 2 tone back in 1995. Still have the gun, box and paperwork. I shot the piss out of that gun for years, never failed once.

[@nobody-xu8cb]

Хочу вас разочаровать. Пистолет Макарова никогда не выпускался в варианте с глушителем. Выпускали пистолет АПБ , внешне похожий на Макаров, но он похож только внешне, а устройство совсем другое. Все гражданские и коммерческие пистолеты называются "Baikal" , а боевые пистолеты назывались "ПМ" . Качество изготовления отличаются кардинально. Самая лучшая модель пистолета военная. Все что изготовлено для армии лучшее и самое надёжное и безотказное.

[@ayebraine]

Interestingly, due to small collector market and good accessibility, in Russian gun enthusiast circles, there is an incredibly granular market for PMs (mostly deactivated/gas-converted/etc) with authentic manufacture details. They have dozens of parameters, such as certain color of safety case-hardening, 6 types of slide forward shape, et cetera. It's a whole cottage industry )

[@georgewashington7312]

What about the tokarev?

[@TheTimeshadows]

Fk-yeah!

[@resmarted]

tokarev is the hi point makarov.

[@kmieciu4ever]

TT33: when you cannot decide between a Colt 1911 and FN Fiveseven

[@sampleentry5253]

@@resmarted Oh, come on. The Tokarev is clearly worth 1.5 Hi-Points, at least.

[@georgewashington7312]

@@kmieciu4ever I prefer the zastava usa m57.

[@Mak-Daddy]

Nice review! Long time Makarov owner, shooter, & collector here. In addition to Soviet Union/Russia, East Germany, Bulgaria, and China producing the PM, it was also produced in Unified Germany (Simson Suhl), Libya, Vietnam, and likely Cuba. It's estimated that over 10 Million + have been produced worldwide. Potentially more than any other pistol in history, and has been USSR/Russian Federation's primary sidearm for over 70 years(Soon to pass up the Colt 1911). Good to see the PM getting some love.

[@Josh93B93]

When I was working in Cuba as a volunteer a few years ago I stayed with a Russian expatriate that fought in Angola, even by the 1980's most soviet combat troops still prefered the Tokarev due to large imports in the region from China making 7.62x25 easy to acquire and deemed to have better ballistic effect on target, the AKM was also prefered over the AK-74 for its commonality in the region and considered better suited to the bush in Angola, so according to him the AKM and Tokarev would be taken into combat while the AK74 and Makarov stayed at the airport in Luanda. After shooting the two personally I do prefer the TT-33 over the PM

[@Grodd70]

Many years ago I got an East German Makarov for like $200. It is a great gun. It's accurate easy to carry and super reliable.

[@slayersarge]

Sadly the price of a Makarov has went up a lot. It used too be a great grab for only 350$ or less. There is also aftermarket grips that are far more comfortable and add the option too drop the magazine on thumb release style.

[@KenGames45]

I bought my makarov used for about $300

[@upinarms79]

Yeah, you're talking about the grips made by FAB defense. I have one and it actually works pretty well. They also make a good paddle holster for it.

[@Nattleby]

I was lucky 🍀 to pick up mine unissued with holster, logbook, spare mag, lanyard and Cleaning rod for $280 back in the day. It was part of that over run Arsenal made for the Slovenian Army in the 80’s. I also got an original Russian Izvehsk made detective holster for it.

[@oklahomahank2378]

I paid about $150 but that was when they first appeared.

[@andrzej2501]

Here in Poland you can get one for about $250 - you guys have insane prices. E.g. a mutilated PM-63 for $1500? I got mine for $300, with full kit (3 large spare magazines) in original open-bolt configuration (just with tiny welded-in bolt limiting the trigger movement making it officially semi-auto).

[@gwcrispi]

I used to carry a lot of odd and interesting firearms when working at the gun store. None got as much attention as when I was carrying my Mak. It's just cool. And yes, the red bakelite grips with the Commie star are a must.

[@rangersmith4652]

I kind of wish I had bought one or two of these ten years ago when they were quite inexpensive and milsurp ammo was plentiful. The best reason to own one today is it provides another workable option should you find any 9x18 rounds stashed away someplace after the world finishes going sideways.

[@upinarms79]

You can still get PPU, Fiocchi, S&B,Winchester, and Hornady ammo, as well as some specialty defense ammo like Underwood. I daily carry a Mac and shoot it pretty regularly. The Russian ammo ban is really only making a void that other non-Russian companies will fill.

[@pe4958]

Agreed...Gotta have a Mak for the chance you find the house of a guy who had a whole pallet of 9x18 ammo when you wake up in the Fallout game universe amirite?

[@jamesahumada4260]

I just found a Makarov for 300 dollar never seen ammo

[@Nattleby]

Geco also produces a decent brass cased 9x18 load.

[@TingTingalingy]

@@upinarms79 piss on Hornady. Otherwise I agree, and shame on us for relying on Russia to provide us with Ammunition

[@cjthompson346]

Loved your review. Keep them coming. Personal note: I bought my makarov for $175.00 dollars 10-15 years ago. I have put a lot of rounds through it when you could get really cheap ammo. I have several other pistols. A 686 revolver, a 1911, a glock, a XD, a P3AT and the only pistol that has never missed fired is the Makarov. Because of the sites and weight I stopped carrying it, but it is by far the most reliable pistol I own and also the oldest and cheapest.

[@Bayan1905]

I got my East German Makarov PM about 5 years ago for $350 & that came with 2 mags, 1 holster and a full box of ammo. I also decided a while back to buy every single box I saw when I saw it. So I have enough to last me for a very, very long time and that includes a lot of Hornady XTP ammo that I carry in the gun now. I agree, I wouldn't buy a Makarov now with the prices, even a P-64 is going for $500 from what I've seen (wish I had gotten one sooner), but the Makarov is still a viable option for those that planned ahead.

[@thulanidngubane8603]

De cock lock , double Action, semi automatic pistol, twelve rounds from eight rounds, conceal carry, a small AK , fixed Burrell, iron pistol❤️❤️❤️❤️ honestly I can not ask for more❤❤

[@User-dc6sm]

0:23 what? AK iron sights are beautiful

[@aaa8509]

I think my favorite gun that I ever owned was my Makarov. The vast majority of the cool quirks of the Makarov is so that it can be easily used with heavy winter gloves. He also forgets to mention the trigger guard is removable and the slide is partially aluminum to prevent it from seizures when it gets to cold. The 1911 in contrast doesn't work if it gets too cold

[@jimbob465]

Nothing works if it gets too cold.

[@aaa8509]

@@jimbob465 no where on earth is it to child for a Makarov...

[@bubblefish17]

7:40 An arms dealer from Turkey tells me Makarov is effective, particularly effective in the right hand, however for a real target, you need to choose a 'soft spot'. He was a good guy, except prices are non-negotiable. :)))

[@grumpycalenzana7514]

Just as detail, the "heel" release has a major advantage for me, I am left handed, so I call it the ambidextrous box magazine release ,

[@robertsmit1894]

Great video... managed to get a Bulgarian version before the latest big price jump. Agreed with all your points but would put an asterisk regarding the sights. Even with the trigger pull, recoil and sights I find it remarkably accurate and I think that has been mentioned on other reviews.

[@LuckyGunner]

Accurate? Yes, absolutely. Usable in a close range emergency situation? Definitely not.

[@raymondmaglaris4149]

@@LuckyGunner so you think the makarov isnt suitable for close range defensive encounters? I dont have an opinion either way. But who used their sights up close?

[@robertsmit1894]

@@LuckyGunner If by close range you mean beat'em over the head with it I'd say it would work. Otherwise like you said to many better choices... I need the LCP Max which probably is less expensive at the moment.

[@LuckyGunner]

@Raymond Maglaris It is not ideal for defensive use when we have better options available for the same cost. If a Makarov is what you happen to have and you're proficient with it, then it will probably work. But you would be putting yourself at a disadvantage for no reason other than "the Makarov is neat." As for whether people use their sights close up, that's a whole new can of worms, but I covered it in detail here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpe7YYejgrJ9fMU

[@raymondmaglaris4149]

@@LuckyGunner yeah id agree there. Given the options . But im sure it would work just as well.

[@perplexingperceptions8888]

I remember like 6 years ago seeing these go for $299.99 & the 9x18 Mak ammo going for $89.99 per 500 rounds & I regret not buying one when I had the chance. Now I haven't seen them in a long time.

[@ftdefiance1]

I bought a Bulgarian Makarov almost twenty years a go. It's accurately is really surprising. Yes they were inexpensive in the day.

[@sonofyasharahla1164]

I inherited a Baikal Makarov chambered in .380 Pretty accurate and very fun to shoot.

[@al_lahn4264]

I missed the time when Makarovs were plentiful and cheap because of my age and my finances when I was old enough to buy one...And I'm kicking myself for not getting a Polish P83 a few years ago when they were newly in country and plentiful.

[@Nattleby]

Polish P64: Let’s make custom small carry gun with snag free design, loaded chamber indicator, beautiful bluing, super safety trigger, and anti glare checkering. Polish P83: Jeez that P64 was expensive, no money left, let’s make P83 by welding sheet metal together roughly into shape of Makarov.

[@francosamericanmusings1560]

Same here!!

[@davidderler5924]

Been difficult finding ammo for my Maks but going to a large gun show tomorrow so I am always looking.

[@SW-ii5gg]

I have seen Polish brand Mesko coming in lately, it's brass cased,copper jacketed, non-corrosive berdan primed. A few other brands out there with brass cased, boxer primed if you are into reloading or you can get the dies to stretch 9x19's and trim them back to 9x18 , I think they are are around 9.2 to 9.3 mm.

[@davidderler5924]

@@SW-ii5gg OK at gun show going to see what's available. I like polish products,. good quality.

[@Raccoonaspie]

I'm a huge Makarov fan and I'm glad I stuck around for the "triggering part". It's obvious that a gun this old, let alone made by the soviets is going to be significantly obsolete by today's standarts. The reason I bought it for CCW was my budget. In my country they still circle for half the price of e.g. S&W SHIELD which I would buy immediately, If I had the money. I actually think you did the Makarov justice. Thanks for the great video.

[@LuckyGunner]

Glad you enjoyed it. If you can still get them for cheap, they are a really good value

[@onpsxmember]

Just for future use: *standards

[@Raccoonaspie]

@Christian Constitutionalist Czech Republic

[@jakeb8298]

@Christian Constitutionalist based??

[@marinvelcev4461]

I live in the same country (Czech Republic) and I have couple Glocks and 2 Makarovs. Under normal circumstances I prefer to carry Makarov, mainly because it is DA/SA with well functioning safety/decocker. I just feel safer to have Makarov in my pocket than Glock, which would need pocket holster. I draw Makarov faster than Glock. Disengaging safety is matter of fraction of second. HP ammo appears recently in our shops (Prvi Partizan), one of big disadvantages of Makarov is over (for long time we can get only Sellier & Bellot FMJ ammo), so my Glock 26 is mostly out of CCW business (OK, if I would need more powerful CCW gun, I would take G26 with +P JHP ammo, but it is fortunately not the case). I agree that most miserable feature of Makarov are sights. Makarov definitely needs extra training in low visibility conditions. BTW - Glocks and Makarovs have one common thing - after many thousands rounds, I never experience single failure with both type of pistols. Conclusion is, that even with low budget, you can get very useful and practical CCW gun.

[@henrybrown8624]

Makarovs have entered the realm of collector's now so the prices have risen dramatically. Still, they are robust, very reliable, made to fire crap ammunition, (I have personally had one dud cartridge as the only stoppage in 11,000+ rounds fired,) and easy to maintain with just 27ish parts, just replace the recoil spring every 4000 to 5000 shots fired. In 2005 IZMECH announced that 5 million had been made in Russia alone. They are still manufactured or re-manufactured in several models. Good video by the way.

[@poopenfarten9497]

As someone that carried a .380 ACP Makarov on a farm in their younger years, it served me quite well in dealing with raccoons and groundhogs lmao.

[@Agallx]

Can probably hit them easier with a makarov than a comparable modern browning tilting barrel polymer frame handgun. I know my makarov is unnecessarily accruate.

[@poopenfarten9497]

@@Agallx Probably because the barrel is fixed and not free floating (I believe I'm using the term right? Basically, the barrel doesn't move at all.) so it is actually a pretty accurate little handgun.

[@poopenfarten9497]

@Random Pickle I was never allowed to target practice because ammo was too expensive lol. Nothing beats a nice single action trigger, though. The Makarov's trigger is crisp and even double action was good.

[@Agallx]

@@poopenfarten9497 Precisely, also the smaller sights at least for me allow more precision at the cost of speed.

[@Agallx]

@Random Pickle I love revolvers for that reason, shooting double action on even a big revolver is great for training on handguns. I'd say my skill level with handguns started to really kick off after I got my first revolver, starting out single action then having enough pride to get to the point of even shooting long range in double action.

[@EcchiRevenge]

Main advantage of Makarov is ability to pull it out of knockoff abibas tracksuit, kill potential assailant, then slav-squat for style points.

[@fadugleman]

Don’t forget the FEG PA-63 can be had in 9x18.

[@fendermon]

I have a PA-63. Trigger linkage is under the grips, and literally falls apart if/when the hard plastic grips get loose. Never seen anything like it. A grand total of ONE screw holds the grips on. How any engineer ever signed off on this.. is beyond me.

[@bodied93toy66]

I’ve had a Russian Makarov .380 since 1994, I bought it new for $200. Great gun, I love it. As he was saying about velocity, the 9x18, and the .380 are identical, except the barrel, the 9 has a thinner barrel wall, allowing more flex causing a loss of velocity.

[@geertgietman]

The Makarov is in my opinion the most beautiful firearm always ever designed

[@mrpete2405]

I bought mine back in 1992 for $149, my son put a barrel with. 2" inches protruding in the front and it reduced the felt recoil a bit. That gun will shot all day without a hiccup and now there are hollow point ammo. I love my Mak.

[@ryth-2401]

The trigger on East German makarov are actually really good even in today's standard

[@Artexmadera]

Late 90s, bought mine for $90usd at a gun show, you could even buy a wooden box with 6 of them for $500....Guess the price is a little higher today....

[@bluemouse5039]

I wanted a Makarov pistol several years ago , but when I went to a gun show to buy one, there was a CZ 82 sitting next to it for roughly the same price , both felt nice in the hand , the Makarov had a better blued finish and I really liked the looks of it over the CZ, but I choose the CZ because it has a 13 round double stack magazine that the other one doesn't

[@PermanenceAesthetic]

I have both and love them both for different reasons.

[@seanflorian4653]

Good call getting the cz instead

[@bluemouse5039]

@@seanflorian4653 It's my favorite pistol out of all my other ones, it fits my hand like it was custom made just for me

[@MrCravin8388]

My son begged me out of my 1942 East German two years ago, I wanted to keep it a while longer but my aged eyes reminded me how bad I was with it and gave it up.

[@terrybrown5402]

I really wish more companies would develop new designs around the 7.62x25mm Tokarev cartridge. And even the 9×18mm makarov. The only examples we have are the very well loved Tokarev and makarov variety pistols. No one has made any new designs in years.

[@Gieszkanne]

.380 is just as good. There is no need for a modern gun in 9x18.

[@jakekaywell5972]

@@Gieszkanne 9X18 has more penetration while retaining much the same form factor as .380. It's the superior cartridge by technical merit.

[@joewright2304]

I own a Cz 82 in 9mm Mak. After having it refinished and up grading the sights I find it to be a reliable and accurate weapon that I am proud to own and carry.

[@pandorasflame7742]

My IJ-70 (9x18 with 8rd capacity and fully adjustable rear sight), was great for carrying, but I just upgraded to a Beretta M9A3. My A3 is significantly bigger, but also has a much larger capacity (17rd standard which is more than double the Makarov). Those sights are crystal clear at night, too! That being said, my Makarov still outperformed multiple “subcompact” pistols of similar size as far as accuracy is concerned. Those same pistols, while less (and sometimes SIGNIFICANTLY less) accurate, also tended to hold more ammo, sometimes even in larger calibers. I love my Makarov, but I can’t argue with the fact that it isn’t the best for CC or OC. I’d still say it’s up there for pistols under $500 (they cost between $300 and $600 in my area depending on condition, rarity, and store).

[@Me2Lancer]

Thanks for your post on the 9x18 Makarov. I've had mine for about 20 years and even trained with it while preparing for my license to carry. I noticed the Circle 10 stamp on your Makarov slide. That Circle 10 is a Bulgarian Makarov, just like mine.

[@Craigs-corner]

I have a nice Bulgarian and also a Baikal IJ-70 high capacity Makarov with box and docs. I love the Bulgarian single stack…very accurate.

[@SCH292]

9x18 PISTOLS--->Attack bonus vs Politician and P.O.W when they are on kneeling on the ground or when they are laying down on the ground.

[@jakedorsey7924]

Clearly, cleanly presented information without overbearing tones, framing or extra emphasis. A likable, personable, everyday presenter who strives to meet the needs of citizen shooters, newbies to the gun world and even some experienced hands. Points are labored on to cover potential questions and concerns, but none is overwrought. Really great work. It's much appreciated!

[@arch3088]

I own an old Russian Makarov in .380. I really like the gun for the price I paid for it. It is a little rough operating, the safety is gritty and the mag release is slightly unhandy. I have put hundreds of my reloads through it without a malfunction and for me it is comfortable to shoot. Let me just say this, I have sold any handgun that didn't perform and I haven't sold my Makarov. Do I carry it? No. But I would feel fairly well armed if I did.

[@richardbarton750]

I have a Bulgarian Mak I bought some years ago a model. Paid $200 for it. Glad to see the value go up instead of down. I also bought about 1200 rounds that should last me awhile.

[@thebootleggers2926]

Great video while i get tired of the endless release of small 9mm guns it’s amazing how practical they actually are

[@LuckyGunner]

Small 9mm pistols are practical and fill a much-needed niche in the concealed carry market. They are also completely boring and making them seem interesting on camera is exhausting.

[@thebootleggers2926]

@@LuckyGunner oh thats right you started this “series” saying something similar lol. Thanks for the great videos especially the learn to shoot series.

[@davidjakiela9553]

I have a east German Makarov made in 1960. It looks like it was made yesterday. I've been offered $800 for it but il never sell it . I have fired hundreds of 9×18 rounds thru it without a single malfunction.i paid $179 for it 15 yrs ago.

[@vxy357]

YOU LUCKY DOG! 🐕

[@OmarGreeneotraPedroVerde]

My best buddy has a Russian IZH-70 that he has carried for over thirty years. It has never failed him in ANY respect. In addition, it will eat whatever you feed it. Ultra reliable.

[@timmartin6410]

The first season of Mannix back in 1967 he carried a Makarov and made some one handed, fantastic, incredible, completely impossible shots. Why in one episode he took out a sniper on an adjacent rooftop, a 50 - 75 yard shot. It was hilarious. In subsequent seasons he carried a snub nose 38 but was still able to show us incredible marksmanship, with one handed point and shoot awesomeness.

[@bluecow2655]

I am a Mak fan, but can't imagine paying $500 for one. The one advantage the Mak has over the new generation of mid sized handguns is that it is NOT made out of recycled Tupperware >;) Vary good video and accurate to boot, gold (red) star to LUCKY GUNNER

[@fridaybuilder]

East-europe price tag is 300$ for a new one, and I cant imagine me paying even that much. But good that its possible to find decent used items even under 100$.

[@timdewalt1747]

You can drive a tank over a Mak or submerge it in mud and still shoot it, and it is super easy to maintain. So there's that. When you could get them for under $300 they were a no-brainer to add to your collection.

[@rkow8508]

Wish I had one best I could find is a Feg smc 918 made in Hungary. Still good reliable little gun. Good video.

[@murphykenji]

Initially the Makarov looks like an awkward PPK; but the more you handle it, the more perfect it seems.

[@JuvyThaKid]

I'm reading a book, The Spider by Lars Kepler, and this gun is used by the killer. So it's cool to be able to put a visual to it now!

[@Z_BoyPanduh]

I would love to have Makarov, even if it’s just Bulgarian. I have a couple Walthers and I really like the PPK series.

[@ToddIngram1000]

Love my bulgie

[@tomhunter91]

Love my Russian mak. Shoots great

[@jbjbhbkhb154]

I have an East German, Russian and a Bulgarian mak. As far as pure reliability and durability, the Bulgarian makarov is superior. The East German mak does have the best finish tho.

[@Z_BoyPanduh]

@@jbjbhbkhb154 good to know if I get one in the future, especially since I’m in the US and would most likely only find a Bulgarian mak.

[@evaldnarubin6037]

Bulgarian is better than IJ 70. It is true military grade gun. I have both.

[@bxjibaro73]

Funny how he tells Makarov gun fans to leave the room before he critiques the firearm's drawbacks. Still sounds like a good handgun overall, especially if you are a historical collector.

[@Nattleby]

I carry a P64 daily. I would carry my Bulgy Mak, but I got it unissued years ago and the bluing is too perfect to scratch up. My P64 absolutely disappears inside an IWB holster. People complain about the heavy DA pull, but mine has smoothed out after years of shooting. I see it as a safety feature.

[@ratagris21]

I have a P-64 that I upgraded the grip to a wrap around finger grove grip from Ebay. Put in a heavier recoil spring, lightened the trigger spring to improve the DA pull down to 12 lbs. Very good comfortable and controllable shooter.

[@haroldkreye8770]

My P64 (1976 vintage) is beautifully finished, absolutely reliable, and the most accurate pistol in my arsenal.

[@paulakaFATBOY]

I'm glad I bought mine it's my main low profile carry piece and thanks to Lucky Gunner I won't run out of ammo for a while

[@max1ynn]

I’m a Makarov fan, and I agree with everything you said. Fine gun but there are better choices out the these days at current prices.

[@BaconSlayer69]

One thing for sure soviets knew how to design extremely reliable firearms and cartridges

[@stanleybarret990]

I have a Mak, I love it, such a nice "point and shoot" gun and looks good too.

[@NCLUSA]

I have owned two of these pistols, shot them a lot, they are one of the most reliable guns, and! they are more accurate than most of us shooters. I believe the fixed barrel makes them accurate.

[@Bayan1905]

Of all the handguns I've owned and carried, and that includes a Glock 21 that was my service pistol when I was in law enforcement, and many others, my favorite handgun to carry for self defense has been my East German Makarov. I've taken my last two carry classes for my federal permit with the Makarov, much to the surprise of the instructors, until they see how well the thing shoots. It just works. I've shot hundreds or rounds through mine, it was an East German police gun and is a great handgun.

[@PermanenceAesthetic]

When it comes to the Makarov, you either "get it," or you don't. There are several real world advantages to its design (including the ones many consider to be flaws). Some examples are as follows: the blowback action allows one to be able to press the firearm into an assailant or object and make contact shots - a typical selling point for a revolver. The stiff recoil spring makes this one of the only semi-automatic handguns that can be expected to perform reliably when shooting from inside a pocket (or if you are scrambling to get out of bed in the middle of the night due to an intruder making his way into your room and you find yourself tangled in your bedsheets)... It is "heavy" for it's size, yet is balanced well due to its excellent use of dimensions. So much so that the weight issue is negligible (especially if you carry in a holster as you should) as it tends to tuck away nicely. Seeing as how I used to carry a full size 1911 Government Model every single day (for almost a decade), this wasn't something I came to appreciate until later. The caliber - while light - is potent. It is far easier to shoot the 9x18mm out of a Mak than almost any lightweight .380 pocket pistol imaginable. And follow-up shots are almost laughably simple. These are only a few of the many excellent selling points of "the Little Soviet Pistol That Could," and in a way can all be summed up in the phrase: "once you go Mak, you never go back!"

[@828enigma6]

Federal permit for what.? Please elaborate. Thanks

[@mattnw42]

@@828enigma6 He was a cop and he has a fed. LE permit since he likely retired and could retain it. He has to go through an LE qual. Every few years to maintain it.

[@danadanehouston3329]

I love my two Makarovs, an East German, and a Russian Double Stack in 9x18. I shoot them both very well, and they are very accurate. Being that I was a Military Police Officer, and a member of a Special Reaction Team, I have no problem with the Makarov's weight, or it's function. I have other pistols I could carry, but my confidence, and reliability, is in my Mak.

[@splitt_1923]

Here in bulgaria its full of second hand and surplus makarovs that cost around 100$ at most so its still an amazing deal here. I recently found a makarov in mint condition for 35$ here.

[@JF-xq6fr]

How easy is it to own firearms, handguns in particular in Bulgaria? Your country looks absolutely beautiful, and I'd like to visit it someday.

[@AluminumStud]

You perfectly explained why I've never bought one. By the time I learned about them, absolute junkers were selling for $199. The special ammo was the same price as 9mm of you could find it.

[@andrewhaley8992]

That’s a good explanation of differences of the three calibers. Cool video.

[@johnkinsel5027]

Good stuff. Mine had zero problems feeding cast bullets. I ran thousands of rounds through it, and it jammed once, on Silver Bear.

[@stevenmoore4078]

I had a lovely East German Makarov I purchased for $150 (with a box of ammo). It was my first handgun and a joy to shoot.

[@pr073u569]

The 12 round civilian versions are amazing and fun to shoot. Got one not too long ago with 10 boxes of ammo for $300 from a guy whose wife didn't like using it.

[@SW-ii5gg]

Wow, he didn't know what he had, that's a steal now.

[@whitespacemarines4308]

1) Fixed barrel (Inherently accurate). 2) Few parts ( Less thing to go wrong). 3) All Steel (Durable, reliable and can be used to beat an attacker, if you run out of ammo. Try that with a Glock or a Shield). 4) Will eat ANYTHING you feed it. 5) Run out of gun oil?,....Can use a greasy piece of Pizza to lube it. 6) Faster reloads than a revolver (Although I still love revolvers). 7) Combat sights,....made for COMBAT,..not target shooting. 8) Combat sights,...will not snag on clothing. 9) DA/SA, with de-cocker and safety, so you do not shoot your junk off. Or your foot. Or the dog, etc. 10) Single stack mag. (Yeah, so tiny you can hide them ALL over your body) Makarov,........there is NO substitute!

[@jameshenryarchbold5061]

Mak is a part of my summertime EDC rotation. I did upgrade from the Standard to the CZ 82. Fine shooter and tucks away easy.

[@ulfhunden]

I have an East German and a Russian IJ-70 double-stack model. The E. German was my first carry pistol. It's the best bottle opener on the market.

[@laskalives]

As someone who carried a P-64 for 4 years, I agree on some points but disagree on a lot as well. I first want to say that the ballistic comparison was unfair; comparing ball ammo in .380 and 9x18 to self defense ammo in 9mm para is not a good way to bring your point across. Buffalo Bore does make 115g HC for the 9x18 if you'd like a more even comparison between said round and a 115g 9x19. In terms of technology of the makarov family, it is in my opinion a very good beginner pistol due to the amount of safety built into the manual of arms which would ease the minds of people who are first starting their journey into CC. I'm not trying to imply that firearms safety should not be practiced so please don't confuse my statement with this idea. Sights are not the best, I'll agree but they do teach you how to be proficient. Disassembly of a makarov is ridiculously simple making maintenance an enjoyable task. Over 1500 rounds through that little P64 and not one single issue (who knows how many more before it was taken out of service). It's damn reliable. Good holster and belt and I feel as if weighs as much as my Shield 2.0 w/TLR6. I'd take it over a Glock 42 any day.

[@JimYeats]

His ballistic comparison was very fair. He compared 380, 9x18, and 9mm ball rounds in their most common loading configuration, and he then compared each rounds most representative hollow points for defensive use. 9x18 has extremely limited self defense loadings, you have Hornady, two boutique loadings from Buffalo Bore, and then some random loadings from manufacturers like PPU, Silver Bear, exc. The point is that 9x18 is much closer in ability to 380 due to its limited overall cartridge length, and thus overall bullet weight, and with only mild to moderate increases in speed. Sure, if you want to compare boutique loads from Buffalo Bore, compare them across the calibers equally; their load for the 380 is a 95gr HP going 1125fps, their 380 hardcast load is 100gr going 1150 fps. For the 9x18 they have the same exact HP loading, and their Hard cast loading is 115gr at 1000fps, which is less energy than the 380 version. All of those loads come in around 250-275ft-lbs of energy, pretty low when compared to Buffalo’s 9mm loadings, which are normal hot 9mm loads, 124gr going 1300fps at about 500ft-lbs of energy. Energy isn’t everything, but it does give a point of reference. The point being, for self defense purposes on human sized targets, the 380 and the 9x18 are going to perform pretty similarly in the vast majority of cases.

[@Nattleby]

I’ve been carrying a P 64 for 10 years. I carry JHP (Hornady critical defense or Silver Bear) in the summer and Ball in the winter. I found that the S&B 9x18 fmj loads are quite hot, so I like that load for winter carry.

[@Seseous]

As someone who also used to carry a P64...to each their own. Jim Yeats made a good point below. More power to you if you want to carry the old tanker, but the G42 is superior in every way for CCW. I would never carry the P64 today when we have so many modern options on the market.

[@jamesslick4790]

I love my P-64 It's beautifully finished for a milsurp pistol, and functions flawlessly. Luckily I "scored" a bunch of 9x18 Mak. when it was still cheap!

[@Brad-ic4bp]

This was one of the few guns I ever regret having sold. I had the ubiquitous Bulgarian version. I'd get that one again, but I'd prefer a Russian one. Having recently bought (and subsequently sold) a new Walther PPK/S, I can say without a doubt - the PPK/S might be prettier to look at, but the Makarov is better in every other way (assuming you can find a steady source of ammo for it).

[@terrancewilhite9260]

I have an Izhevsk Izh-70 in .380. I love it, not pretty, sights sucked(i replaced them) but always reliable. I have carried it as a back up for many years. Your comments about the makarov as a carry pistol were very fair. After all these years my pistol fits me very well and just like my car, there are better on the market but this one is mine. To tell the truth, I have not shot another pistol in this class in around 40 years.

[@keithsimpson2685]

IT's mostly a symbol of authority tbh. The fact that it always goes boom and is pretty useable is a bonus.

[@mattkase6644]

When I was in high school, my father began bringing these Russian "9mm" pistols home from the MAC drivers at Dover AFB. He and I thought they were cool, but everyone else decried them as shit. When I got to college and saw them at gun shows for $99, I thought they were even better. In later years, people talked shit about the little Soviet pistols, until supply dried up and true enthusiasts began to investigate them seriously. Today we understand that they are nearly unstoppable, as accurate as a Mark 23, and are worth many times their 90s era price-point. Seems my old man knew a little something after all.

[@humanbean67]

I saw Brandon Herrera's video on the Makarov & he points out something interesting. Very, very low chance of accidental discharge(when holstered). For those favoring appendix carry, I think that when That Which Is Most Precious To A Man is, quite literally, in the line of fire, this should be given careful consideration.

[@koobertohumperdink8702]

or just carry a Glock

[@hansamon2506]

@Liam that honor doesn’t belong to Sig now?

[@avjeeper7006]

Fantastic pistol. I sent my Bulgarian Makarov to Novak for custom sight upgrade (front and rear) with Mustang sights. Also installed a Wolffe 19# spring. It's a joy to shoot, and accurate.

[@DrAgan_tortojed]

That "heel mounted mag release" is actually a very good thing, since it does not stand in the shooter's way, as opposed to button placed on any of the grip's sides.

[@TheBamidd]

Not exactly a Mak but I love my Hung FEG PA 63 chambered in 9x18. I was fortunate enough to pick it up with 2 magazines for $150 a few years ago.

[@TheBamidd]

@matt Harvey I did the same thing, really improved the trigger and sharp recoil feeling in that aluminium frame.

[@Just1American1966]

Bought my Bulgarian in 2014, I think, for $250. Excellent, rugged, and reliable pistol. I've carried it, but I don't anymore because I want to preserve its deep, beautiful bluing.

[@dorseykindler9544]

This was almost my first Gun. Was friends with my county’s former sheriff. Neat old Vietnam-era Green Beret. Wanted to sell me one but I didn’t have the cash. Wish I had it to remember him by. RIP Tom McCort.

[@saucen1785]

The ballistic part did hurt my feelings😂