9x18 Makarov
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DWalt
Member
I suspect that many do. It's in the same class as the .380. Not too long ago, Maks were plentiful and cheap, and make ideal carry guns. Not o much today.
Funny you should mention the Mak round - I have a poorly-finished Russian Mak that I've enjoyed for years. I'm saving my nickels and dimes now to get a conversion barrel for my Glock 42. Prolly sounds silly to most but variety adds spice to life. I'm back into handloading after a near-20 year absence and am looking forward to cooking up some loads ... well, if Starline offers the brass which I think they do.
I use one in my rotation... FEG PA-63 in 9mm MAK...
basically a PPK Magnum...
basically a PPK Magnum...
Pisgah
Member
It's slightly more than the run-of-the mill .380 load, but short of the 9mm Luger.
MOONDAWG
US Veteran
The MAK is still used widely in the communist countries still standing.
It has a tad more "ump" than the .380. If memory services me it fires a .361-.363 diameter bullet opposed to the .355 of the .380 ACP at about the same velocities 900-1,000 FPS.
It has a tad more "ump" than the .380. If memory services me it fires a .361-.363 diameter bullet opposed to the .355 of the .380 ACP at about the same velocities 900-1,000 FPS.
I have on occasion carried one of mine and I know a couple of people who do so regularly. Hornady makes a very decent JHP round that is in the ballpark of minimal reasonable power for a serious SD load. Both of mine, a Bulgarian and a Chinese, are accurate and reliable, though I did have to change the springs in the Chinese one for German springs.
Chubbo
Member
I have a mint, German model, superbly machined, and finished, with mint holster, and accessories. It is one of several, strategic stash weapons, stashed around our house, loaded, and ready for use.
Chubbo
Chubbo
squidsix
Member
I have a Mak. Added night sight to the front and dehorned. actually had two like it and sold one off. It's a great shooter and a really good carry piece. I have a pic someplace.
Found it.
This is an old pic, and I don't remember if it's the one in my safe or the one I sold, but they are basically identical.
Found it.
This is an old pic, and I don't remember if it's the one in my safe or the one I sold, but they are basically identical.
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Vulcan Bob
Member
Don't know if its still available but I found the CCI Blazer Speer 90gr Gold Dot hollow point to work well in my Russian Mak.
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DWalt
Member
I once had a friend with a Mak. We fired his one day with .380 ammunition. it functioned ok, but as noted the .380 bullet diameter is somewhat undersized. Nonetheless we could keep all hits on the paper at 15 yards with no problem. Not even any keyholing.
I remember that at one time, someone was selling drop-in .380 replacement barrels for the Mak. I wish I had bought a Mak when they were selling for less than $100 (including holster and a spare magazine).
I remember that at one time, someone was selling drop-in .380 replacement barrels for the Mak. I wish I had bought a Mak when they were selling for less than $100 (including holster and a spare magazine).
DWalt
Member
As I remember, some of the Soviet Maks were sold with an original instruction manual in Russian. One of the items in it said something about using the pistol to shoot deserters. I have not seen such a manual but it wouldn't surprise me.
I bought a Polish P64 in 9x18 Makarov and really like the little gun. It has good ergonomics and has proven to be reliable and accurate enough for my needs. I added some better grips and it transformed the pistol into a very friendly gun to shoot and carry. They are currently available for under $300 (with a magazine and holster) have little to no wear, and can be purchased with a C&R FFL. Plinking ammo can be had for about $10/50 round box. Not bad..
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I don't think the CZ82 has anything to do with a Makarov except the round it shoots. The Czechs sometimes had different ideas than their Warsaw Pact buddies and often came up with a superior firearm like the VZ58 vs. all of the AK platforms.
And the CZ82.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
i think the time of the Makarov (cheap guns and ammo) have passed. Today I would NOT buy one since I could feed a 9mm (9x19) cheaper and hide a .380 (9x17) easier. My dad had one and the pistol and ammo were very inexpensive when he bought it. It was sort of a super charged .380 and although was comparable in size to the PPK it was a LOT cheaper. Also there was not the proliferation of good .380's and 9mm compacts there are today. One who buys one today buys it because they want one not as a cheaper alternative to the .380 and 9mm.
Having said that, and in full disclosure, I just bought 500 rounds of 7.62x54R for my Mosin. So what the hell do I know
Having said that, and in full disclosure, I just bought 500 rounds of 7.62x54R for my Mosin. So what the hell do I know
Beauetienne
Member
Having held an '03 since 1993 I've been through four pistols chambered for it. My favorite is a CZ that now belongs to my oldest son. Two were Maks.
I still have a P64 loaded with Hornady's and stashed at an easily accessible, but not visible, location in my home.
Shooting the CZ is a real pleasure. The P64 will punish you.
I still have a P64 loaded with Hornady's and stashed at an easily accessible, but not visible, location in my home.
Shooting the CZ is a real pleasure. The P64 will punish you.
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