Question on Eastern Bloc handguns

[HOUSTON RICK]

What am I missing with my lack of interest in Chi Com handguns? I am NOT criticizing what anyone likes or collects. There are many acquired tastes that I simply do not share with everyone and visa versa. I am curious as to what some of the draws (other than price) are to acquire eastern block handguns which seem, at least from my provincial point of view, to be markedly inferior to readily available western handguns. I understand they are historical pieces, but would that not historical interest not be better commemorated with the concurrent long gun (AK-47, etc.)? Thank you.

[Warren Sear]

In what way do you consider them to be inferior to other guns?

[Arik]

Same reason as I have no interest in the 22lr S&W revolver.... What is it? Model 18 or something? I see nothing interesting or fascinating about the gun or the caliber. However many people do and more power to them.

They arnt really all that inferior for what they are and when they were made. The idea was also to have a reliable military firearm and to that end they do it well. If you're criteria is bluing and finish then they probably don't hold much for you but that wasn't the reason they were made. And if it were a choice between say a Bersa 380 or a Makarov (similar style/size) I'd go with the Makarov. However, obviously guns like HKs, SIG's, Glocks are superior in many other ways

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[Jim PHL]

Chocolate and vanilla

[les.b]

Rick:

I spoke about this a little in post #1 on my recent thread: http://smith-wessonforum.com/firearm...rms-share.html if you would care to check it out. Some of the other posters also commented on their experiences as well.

I am a Smith and Wesson collector, also Colts, and some other things as well, but my experiences growing up in the Cold War, and visiting some of the East Block countries has had an effect on my collecting of these unique and interesting firearms.

Best Regards, Les

[Warren Sear]

In some ways, Com Bloc firearms are superior to others. The AK series of rifles, for example, are more reliable and durable than any other in their class.

[bigwheelzip]

I looked at CZ's because of their reputation and because their design was what I thought I would like. I tried one, and liked it, then got more. Pretty much the same criteria as any other purchase.

[JohnRippert]

Makarovs, especially East German Maks, are some quite nice handguns. Very accurate with the fixed barrel as well.

[H Richard]

I have a couple of Russian (IZH) handguns, the Model 35M .22 RF match pistol. It is an entry level olympic grade gun, no longer imported, but the values have risen from the $400 I paid for it about 15 years ago to above $600 currently. Astoundingly accurate with a trigger adjustable for "everything", which I currently have set at 2.5 lbs (for NRA Bullseye). I have mounted a Burris FastFire III on the weaver rail that comes with the gun. It will eat any kind of ammo, but has preferences in the accuracy dept. for standard velocity.


I did fit it with some Vitarbo grips made to fit my hand.
I also have a IZH 46M single shot single stroke pneumatic .177 air pistol. It shoots like a laser. It is with original open sights as red dots aren't allowed in international air pistol.

[Rpg]

Some of these are quite good.

Good that prices remain reasonable, largely because of country of origin and ignorance, for contemporary consumers.

[shouldazagged]

I've never heard anyone find fault with a Norinco 1911. Generally people who own them are well pleased.

I'd like to have a good Makarov. Almost picked one up some years ago, and wish I had.

[sheepdawg]

Nothing inferior about my CZ82. Fine pistol.

[GyMac]

I consider my East German Makarov to be superior to the Walther PP series, which I consider its chief competitor, in fit and function. The design may be dated, but the same can be said about revolvers.

[Marshwheeling]

You would have to do some convincing to get me to prefer anything to my CZ75BD.

[nutsforsmiths]

I owned a Russian Makarov that was imported with the adjustable sights. It was nice, very heavy handgun, but I sold it because I didn't care for the adjustable sights that had to be on it. Oh, and I doubled my money on it as well!

I do now own a Nagant 1895 revolver (just because I think they are interesting), a CZ-82 and a Polish Radom P-64. The Nagant I have a of the rarer single action type, which has gone up in value. The fit and finish on the Radom P-64 is outstanding and it's also very accurate. The CZ-82 is very accurate and well built.
Like any ex-military firearm, once the supply dries up, then people seem to become interested. I guess I also like the history of them and growing up during the Cold War, these were seen as something Americans just couldn't own or even see. Someday I would like to find a nice Makarov without the adjustable sights. I just hope by then they aren't out of my price range!

[STCM(SW)]

The FEG R61 is just as good as the Walther PPK I had back in the 1960's and less then half the cost.

[Tex1001]

Originally Posted by STCM(SW)

The FEG R61 is just as good as the Walther PPK I had back in the 1960's and less then half the cost.

Yeah, but where the devil do you find spare magazines?

_______________________
I don't have Alzheimer's- My wife had me tested.

[STCM(SW)]

Originally Posted by Tex1001

Yeah, but where the devil do you find spare magazines?

_______________________
I don't have Alzheimer's- My wife had me tested.

The one I got a week ago cost me $50.00!
Same as the one used on the R63 Mark.
Found it on GB.

[Tex1001]

Originally Posted by STCM(SW)

Same as the one used on the R63 Mark.

I never heard of an R63. Is it the same as the PA63?
_______________________
I don't have Alzheimer's- My wife had me tested.

[Tex1001]

$50.00 a pop.
Yowza!
It appears that the SMC 380 magazines may work in the R61. Triple K's website lists them for $38.00.
_______________________
I don't have Alzheimer's- My wife had me tested.