Пистолет Макарова

[CLASSIC12]

Пистолет Макарова

Something cheaper and less exclusive this time. A good old Пистолет Макарова (Pistolet Makarova, Makarov Pistol).

I only bought it in 1994 at a gun show for one reason (ok two reasons maybe) : it was dirt cheap back then, $ 150.- I couldn’t believe you could buy a good condition 9 mm pistol for that price.

The other thing is that I like service pistols, as many here I guess.

I have no idea when it was made, if it was police or military issue. If any one has infos, they’re welcome.

EDIT : I just found out it was made in the Bulgaria arsenal (10 in a circle). Still trying to figure out the year built.

Serial number, artfully designed, is IN 27 1243

Very tiny sights, as most old service pistols

So, not the most elegant, refined, well finished or accurate pistol I own, but it goes bang every time, as designed. And it’s part of history, on the other side of the iron curtain.

 

[03hemi]

Damn, Classic you've got a great collection! I'd love to come to your house and see them first hand. Keep it up.

 

[mrchuck]

A buddy of mine has 2 of them in the same condition.
His gun show price is 300 dollars each. Incl holster.

 

[RGVshooter]

Ok..... You have a Bulgarian arsenal makarov. The circle "10" indicates that the production started for this series in 1970 at the Bulgarian plant. The Russians controlled the series until 1975, then Bulgaria took over production in 1976.

Look at the serial number. the first two letters are the production series, The next two digits (27) is the year of manufacture, the last 4 numbers are the unit number in that production series.

Your Makarov was produced in 1987 and was military issued. Makarov.com - FAQL

 

[CLASSIC12]

Ok..... You have a Bulgarian arsenal makarov. The circle "10" indicates that the production started for this series in 1970 at the Bulgarian plant. The Russians controlled the series until 1975, then Bulgaria took over production in 1976.

Look at the serial number. the first two letters are the production series, The next two digits (27) is the year of manufacture, the last 4 numbers are the unit number in that production series.

Your Makarov was produced in 1987 and was military issued. Makarov.com - FAQL

Great info and link, thanks a lot. I didn’t imagine it was so modern, and I can see why my Italian 1986 Beretta 92 F cost a lot more.

 

[Zarr]

I have a small collection of Maks, including an East German made example. I remember a time twenty years ago when you saw them everywhere, at every show. They were between $100.00 and $170.00 and you could buy magazines for $3.00 each (I bought many, only to learn later which ones were made in which country.). Those days are gone forever.
I carried a Mak every day for over ten years, along with a J frame (one on my person and the other in my brief case, and yes, I would switch them out). They are great guns, and you have a very nice example. Enjoy shooting it.

 

[Texas Star]

Great photos and gun, as always!

But about that holster...don't they sell shoe polish in Switzerland?

Can you easily get 9mm Makarov ammo there? Which brands?

 

[Inusuit]

The grips on that Makarov are beautiful. I have the Russian IJ70 commercial, an East German, and a Bulgarian. But nothing with grips like those.