Instead of derailing a thread asking about Walther PPK’s compared to newer offerings, I decided to make this thread comparing another cousin to the Walther (the Makarov) to one of the most modern defensive handguns that is in the same size class as it and the Walther. This is just my opinion and largely for fun so please don’t be too upset with me if your opinion differs.
Here is my pristine German Makarov PM next to a modern defensive handgun, the Springfield Hellcat:
Both of these guns have a lot going for them and I like them a whole lot. But, as good as the Makarov is, for a fighting handgun in 2020 it comes up short on all levels compared to more modern offerings such as the aforementioned Hellcat.
Both guns are very similar in size. The Makarov is actually a tiny bit thicker in the slide and grip areas, making it an ever so slightly fatter platform. The Hellcat is smaller in length and width dimensions. The Hellcat is also just 17 ounces unloaded while the all-Steel Makarov pushes the scales at 26 ounces, heavier than most modern full-sized striker-fired duty pistols.
Using flush fit magazines the Makarov only holds 8 rounds vs 11 in the Hellcat. The Hellcat is available with a +2 magazine the brings its overall height equal to the Makarov but offers 13+1 rounds. There are no magazine extensions for the Makarov that I am aware of.
Ballistically, the 9x18mm cartridge is marginally more powerful than .380 ACP, producing approx. 230 ft-lbs. There is a lack of good performing hollow point ammunition for this caliber, the best all around being the Hornady Critical Defense load (pictures above).
9x19mm Para even when fired from the short 3” barrels of micro pistols such as the Hellcat still produce more velocity, use heavier bullets, with energies as much as 60% more in the low to mid 300 ft-lbs range. The pictured Federal HST Standard pressure 124 grain load produces 340 ft-lbs out of the Hellcat.
Of course, energy isn’t everything but there are tremendously superior performing bullets (such as the Federal HST) for the 9x19mm that give excellent expansion and penetration characteristics even from micro barrels. The 9x18mm Makarov comes up short with most leadings, it just doesn’t have nearly the same bullet selection or ballistic capabilities.
Ergonomics are subjective but up and down the Springfield has the Makarov best in most respects. Sights are better, grip Texture is superior, trigger is better, the list goes on and on. Both guns are a bit snappy but despite the Makarov being heavier and firing a weaker round, its straight blowback operation actually make it just as snappy as the lighter Hellcat using a recoil operated system. Reliability of both guns is excellent. Both have been torture tested and passed with flying colors and various internet videos on the subject are available. The Hellcat has the primary advantage in being designed to feed hollow points from the get go, the older Makarov can and will occasionally choke on certain hollow point designs.
Years ago I carried a Bulgarian Makarov as my primary CCW gun. Now, we have far better options. Would a Makarov still work? Of course it would. Is it obsolete? No. By definition, it is not. It’s still used all over the world.
But here in America where we have much better options, I’d pick the Springfield Hellcat every single time.
-Jay
Here is my pristine German Makarov PM next to a modern defensive handgun, the Springfield Hellcat:
Both of these guns have a lot going for them and I like them a whole lot. But, as good as the Makarov is, for a fighting handgun in 2020 it comes up short on all levels compared to more modern offerings such as the aforementioned Hellcat.
Both guns are very similar in size. The Makarov is actually a tiny bit thicker in the slide and grip areas, making it an ever so slightly fatter platform. The Hellcat is smaller in length and width dimensions. The Hellcat is also just 17 ounces unloaded while the all-Steel Makarov pushes the scales at 26 ounces, heavier than most modern full-sized striker-fired duty pistols.
Using flush fit magazines the Makarov only holds 8 rounds vs 11 in the Hellcat. The Hellcat is available with a +2 magazine the brings its overall height equal to the Makarov but offers 13+1 rounds. There are no magazine extensions for the Makarov that I am aware of.
Ballistically, the 9x18mm cartridge is marginally more powerful than .380 ACP, producing approx. 230 ft-lbs. There is a lack of good performing hollow point ammunition for this caliber, the best all around being the Hornady Critical Defense load (pictures above).
9x19mm Para even when fired from the short 3” barrels of micro pistols such as the Hellcat still produce more velocity, use heavier bullets, with energies as much as 60% more in the low to mid 300 ft-lbs range. The pictured Federal HST Standard pressure 124 grain load produces 340 ft-lbs out of the Hellcat.
Of course, energy isn’t everything but there are tremendously superior performing bullets (such as the Federal HST) for the 9x19mm that give excellent expansion and penetration characteristics even from micro barrels. The 9x18mm Makarov comes up short with most leadings, it just doesn’t have nearly the same bullet selection or ballistic capabilities.
Ergonomics are subjective but up and down the Springfield has the Makarov best in most respects. Sights are better, grip Texture is superior, trigger is better, the list goes on and on. Both guns are a bit snappy but despite the Makarov being heavier and firing a weaker round, its straight blowback operation actually make it just as snappy as the lighter Hellcat using a recoil operated system. Reliability of both guns is excellent. Both have been torture tested and passed with flying colors and various internet videos on the subject are available. The Hellcat has the primary advantage in being designed to feed hollow points from the get go, the older Makarov can and will occasionally choke on certain hollow point designs.
Years ago I carried a Bulgarian Makarov as my primary CCW gun. Now, we have far better options. Would a Makarov still work? Of course it would. Is it obsolete? No. By definition, it is not. It’s still used all over the world.
But here in America where we have much better options, I’d pick the Springfield Hellcat every single time.
-Jay
