Some More Cold War Pistols in 9x18 Makarov

[TJm15.38]

I have three pistols chambered in 9x18 Makarov that I've collected over the years. The first picture is a late model CZ-82. The Czechs were, once again forced to produce a pistol in a caliber mandated by the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. However, they also produced the CZ-83 in 9x17 (.380 ACP). The CZ-82 is looks just like the CZ-83 and they both use the same magazine. Unique to the CZ-82 is the use of very suttle polygonal rifling. When you first look down the bore, you would swear that it's a smooth bore. The second two photos show a military Bulgarian Makarov (top) and a Russian commercial IJ-7018A Makarov (bottom). All these pistols are good shooters. I reload some 9x18 with Hornady's 95-grain XTP.

[Dave_n]

I was able to pick up one of the East German Makarovs quite a few years ago, and then its Czech counterpart CZ82 to "mate" with my other CZs in 9mm Luger. Dave_n

[Echo40]

I've always liked the FEG PA-63 best of all because it's essentially just a Walther PP with an Aluminum frame chambered in 9x18 Makarov.

I let an opportunity pass me by to buy one in Excellent Condition with two magazines and a leather holster for $150 several years ago and have never forgiven myself.
I saw another one at my LGS just the other day marked at $325. I'd like to put it on layaway, but I think I had better just let it go.

[ACORN]

I had a CZ83 that I sold. It was on those deals where I regretted selling it before I’d signed the transfer paperwork.
They fit my hand like a glove.
I found another one a few years later in the box with the docs.
I ain’t sellin’ it.

[TJm15.38]

Originally Posted by ACORN

I had a CZ83 that I sold. It was on those deals where I regretted selling it before I’d signed the transfer paperwork.
They fit my hand like a glove.
I found another one a few years later in the box with the docs.
I ain’t sellin’ it.

Good for you. I have a CZ-83 Israeli Police trade-in that was mint when I got it. I don't think it was ever issued; looked brand new and dated 2004. I managed to get a factory box for it and it looks like it just came from the factory. I have smaller hands, but the pistol fits me like a clove. One of my favorites.

[robvious]

I too appreciate the FEG PA-63..
The Walther PP Featherweight Magnum.. lol..
it is a sometimes carry gun for me... and it is more accurate than most people think is possible...

[.357magger]

Nothing wrong with the Makarov.

[Mike0251]

Have this Russian one for many years now. I think I paid $85 for it back in the day...way back lol.

[boykinlp]

Originally Posted by .357magger

Nothing wrong with the Makarov.

I like my Bulgarian Makarov. It came with 3 magazines and 2 grips. I think the red star grips look the best!
Larry

[BSA1]

My modest Commie gun collection is a P-64, a Makarov and a CZ-82.

I think the P-64 is the worst handgun I have ever owned. It literally has a 20# double action trigger pull, very small sights, is heavy due to being all steel and recoil hurts when fired. The good news is it has been 100% reliable with steel case ammunition. I keep this gun as a reminder that the Commies can produced a piece of junk once in a whike.

I have no experience with my Makarov as I have never shoot it. I believe it is new and unfired and cannot bring myself to shoot it.

I really like features on the CZ-82. The only issue is it is neither fish or fowl for American shooters. Too small and weak for Police use and too large for concealed carry but it’s size makes the 9x18 comfortable to shoot.

[sheepdawg]

I carry my CZ82 sometimes, fine pistol that cost around $200 back when. Very accurate and reliable.

[sw702]

really bad finish ,good bore, Novak Beretta 92 sights, GREAT shooter !

[Golddollar]

Originally Posted by Mike0251

Had this Russian one for many years now. I think I paid $85 for it back in the day...way back lol.

I have twins of this gun. The first one I got will cut out the 10 ring at 7 yards and it always goes bang.

[Engine49guy]

I had two Chicom Maks, both were sharp as razor blades inside and turned my white cleaning rag orange from their cheap steel.

Still have one of my two P64 Polish "Maks" totally different gun, they refer to those as Makarovs but they are a bit more like the PPK IMO although are a completely different gun.
IIRC I paid around $99 for all of those Maks and P64s back in the day.
The Polish gun was made in Radom IIRC but much higher fit n finish.
Step 1 with any P64 is a Wolff spring swap as yes the factory DA trigger is ridiculous, after that it's a sweetheart.
Yes the sights are tiny but this type of gun is what I consider a really long knife,
it's typically carried because it's small and with the purpose of defending your life at close range,
In a close encounter where deadly force is necessary doubt I will be using the sights much.
Just wanted to add that I once read a report that claimed many Russian officers did not like the change from the TT33 Tokarov to the Makarov because it was less menacing to the occasional subordinate that didnt want to follow orders and when you bashed a drunk soldier in the head it didn't knock them out as easily as the Tok.

[Retired W4]

Thanks for the tip on the Wolff springs Engine49guy. I will try them out in my P-64.

[cherrypointmarine]

I have two , a Bulgarian and an East German . A few years ago I found these grips by an Israeli company . It sets it up so it has a regular type mag release . It's a nice setup .

Years ago Sarco had an ad in the Shotgun News . They were selling rebuild kits for the Makarov . There were two styles , one had almost everything , the other had it all , even a new barrel . I scored one of each , so between two Mak's and two rebuild kits , I'm good to go .