Where have all the Makarovs gone???

PALADIN85020 · Jan 2, 2010

I just finished writing an article for Dillon's Blue Press catalog/magazine on the Soviet Makarov pistol. It occurred to me, and was mentioned in the article, that the supply of Makarovs has seemed to dry up recently. In fact, I haven't seen one at a gun show in a couple of years.

I was fortunate enough to pick up one from each of the countries that made them during the Cold War - the Soviets, the Chinese, the Bulgarians, and the East Germans; this being accomplished years ago when they were still fairly available. Here's a pic of that mini-collection:

So the question is, where have all the Makarovs gone? Has our government closed imports? Are there no more available on the milsurp market? Anyone have any information on this?

BTW, if you are interested in reading the article, go to this link and go to page 40:

http://www.bridleandbit.net/ebooks/bluepress/bluepressfeb10/feb10/object_files/main.swf

John

sipowicz · Jan 2, 2010

Gone to young communists everywhere.

cowboy117 · Jan 2, 2010

sipowicz said:
Gone to young communists everywhere.

Too funny!!!!!!

g26s239 · Jan 2, 2010

Here is my Baikal IJ70 with the 3 dot fixed sight slide that I got from Makarov.com back in 1998. It is a very good shooter with the 3 dot sights. Nice collection Pallidin85020.

Muddyboot · Jan 2, 2010

SOG has unissued Bulgarians for 275.00. Comes with holster, extra magazine, and a spare set of grips.

Muddyboot · Jan 2, 2010

g26s239 said:
Here is my Baikal IJ70 with the 3 dot fixed sight slide that I got from Makarov.com back in 1998. It is a very good shooter with the 3 dot sights. Nice collection Pallidin85020.

I have the same 3 dot fixed sight slide from Makarov.com on my East German Makorov, makes the mak much nicer to shoot with a decent sight on it.

digi-shots · Jan 2, 2010

John, that was a great article with some good information!
You've got a nice collection of Maks!

Here's a pic of my one and only, a 1976 Tula Arsenal Russian:

PALADIN85020 · Jan 3, 2010

Linda -

Thanks for the kind words. I really like the way you integrate related items into your gun pictures. I can see Fidel Castro waving a Makarov very plainly when I view that picture. Very nice!

John

blastfact · Jan 3, 2010

I saw two this weekend at local shops. One was $450 to other $500. I walked out knowing I would never be purchasing anything from those rip off artist.

j38 · Jan 3, 2010

Informative article - thanks, John! You all have some good-looking Maks.

Jerry

Gary · Jan 3, 2010

I still see them, but in far fewer numbers, and for a lot more money. I almost bought one 3-4 years ago when they were plentiful. I was looking for a pistol to carry in the console of my car (I live in Texas and have a CHL). I ended up buying one of the surplus Star BMs for $150 or $160. I liked the fact that it was in 9mm. It is still riding in my console and is an excellent gun for the money.

Muley Gil · Jan 3, 2010

I had a Russian one for awhile. Unfortunately, I was in Afghanistan at the time and couldn't import it into the States. So, I sold it.

jimmyj · Jan 3, 2010

WHERE HAS ALL THE MAKAROVS GONE?
They are in a bank vault in Beverly Hills!

VonFatman · Jan 3, 2010

I've owned 2 Bulgarians, a Russian commercial & a pair of E. Germans. The Bulgarians had horrible triggers, fit & finish. The Russian was fine with a cruddy trigger. The 2 E. Germans were by far the picks of the litter. Both had decent triggers.

I never warmed up to Maks...nothing wrong with them (besides the poor triggers) because they always went bang.

I just did not enjoy them. Recoil was not much fun either.

Don't blame me...I have sold off all 5 of the guns I had!

Bob

g26s239 · Jan 4, 2010

Muddyboot said:
I have the same 3 dot fixed sight slide from Makarov.com on my East German Makorov, makes the mak much nicer to shoot with a decent sight on it.

Yes with proper sights the Mak is very accurate.

Gutpile Charlie · Jan 4, 2010

digi-shots said:
John, that was a great article with some good information!
You've got a nice collection of Maks!

Here's a pic of my one and only, a 1976 Tula Arsenal Russian:

[/QUOTE
___________________________________________________
This picture brings back memories. When I was in the Army in 1959, we went to the PX and bought these "Castro" hats. They were not "issue", but were a PX item. They were, however, "required".

I still have mine but the wire ring in the top has rusted and broken. Looks kinda sad!

CW Spook · Jan 4, 2010

Dennis down at Empire Arms usually has a few for sale.

Sistema1927 · Jan 4, 2010

Nice article.

I did my part by buying 3 Bulgarians when I could get them for an average price of $125 each.

Gutpile Charlie · Jan 5, 2010

CW Spook said:
Dennis down at Empire Arms usually has a few for sale.

____________________________________________________

Spook, I've met Dennis...in Tulsa at the big Wannamacher shows. Used to see him ever show and have had dinner with him. He's a real good guy to do business with.....interesting character too!

zoom6zoom · Jan 5, 2010

^^ Yes indeed. And if you've scanned your C&R, he'll accept a copy via e-mail.

Where have all the Makarovs gone???

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