Makarov Review Part 1

This is JCTheSniper's review of the Russian Makarov PM. It has been issued as a service pistol in several different countries, and is in fact still in use in some countries. It has proven to be a highly reliable and durable pistol. However, it does take some hits due to lack of firepower, excess weight, stupid European style mag release, and non-ergonomic sights. For the price points though, ($200 dollars, give or take) it is hard to do better. This pistol will keep slamming rounds downrange forever, and it is a good value. It is also a small handgun, and would perform well as a concealed carry handgun.

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[h455566hh]

Nice coparing a gun from 1950's to a gun from the 90's

[JCTheSniper15]

@h455566hh Actually, it was designed in 1979. But thanks.

[PledgeFreshness]

BTW I did enjoy the review

[JCTheSniper15]

@PledgeFreshness Well good. I'm glad you've enjoyed it.

[drc9619]

@otter6613 I can see your point but I still think it would have been a wiser choice for him to compare it to something a bit more similar to the Mak than a G19. A Bersa Thunder Perhaps, or really any other cheap, compact .380 that someone who is thinking about a Mak may also be considering.

[otter6613]

@otter6613 Since it was issued to police of all sorts, it is also comparable to the PPK as you mentioned. But my main point is, its use as the primary sidearm of the military also opens it up to comparison to larger pistols used in the same role.

[otter6613]

@drc9619 The Mak was the official sidearm of russia and many other countries, same as our 1911 or M9. Although it is a more compact pistol, its issued to perform the same task as our larger pistols. The fact that this is how and why they were issued and NOT in some detective only sort of role like a PPK or .38 snubbie, that makes it subject for fair comparison to our larger pistols. See what I'm saying? Thank you for being civil.

[otter6613]

@wweironman12XBLGT "they are getting harder to find because so many are buying them because how good they are." has no basis. They have been available for years and rarely sell out. J&G has had them for over a year straight. When J&G or Aim surplus or other large vendors get a shipment of hundreds or thousands of police trade in Glocks, Sigs, HK's or Berrettas they are gone in a week or less. Thats what happens when a pistol is truly desirable. My local shop sold 50 used 92FS's in under 2 wks.

[otter6613]

@wweironman12XBLGT Resorting to name calling, thats mature. BTW Ignorant and unintelligent are the same thing, try to be a little more creative. You trying to fight facts with personal opinion. There are obviously several people here that have some emotional investment to the Mak and won't even acknowledge the fact that is has several fairly significant drawbacks. Its a decent pistol, but far from ideal. If you like it, great. but don't act like its more than what it is.

[drc9619]

@otter6613 I never said newer is always better, most of my collection is historic military arms. That said the Glock and the Mak are two vastly different firearms. Ones polymer frame ones steel, ones Eastern ones Western, etc. And even though they were both technically military sidearms the Mak is far closer to being a compact concealed carry weapon like the Walther PP than a full size military sidearm like the 1911, M9, Tokarev, or in this case, Glock.

[otter6613]

@drc9619 Both the Mak and the G19 are designed to be a primary Police/Military sidearm. So since they are both tools specifically designed to perform the exact same task, yes they are comparable. A tool is a tool. A machine is a machine. You have to take emotion and age out of the equation. If one performs the task its designed to do better,its better, simple as that.1911 vs M9, many would take take the 1911 though the M9 is newer, Its about performance not age. 70SS vs new Camaro Garand vs SCAR

[wweironman12XBLGT]

@otter6613 Don't kid myself? There is a word for people like you. Let me think

A) Ignorant

B)Unintelligent

C)Prick

D) All of the above

Answer is- D, all of the above.

[otter6613]

@wweironman12XBLGT People are primarily buying them for their low price point and nostalgia. Don't kid yourself. Its a decent, reliable and VERY affordable pistol. If the Mak was priced at $600-700 it would not have much of a following. There are a dozen huge online dealers that stock them, they aren't hard to find. They will eventually run out due to lack of supply, not some overwhelming demand. The 9x18 is a little hotter than .380, but its performance is not even near being "similar" to 9x19.

[drc9619]

@otter6613 Just because people have used old weapons against newer ones in combat doesn't mean they're comparable. As an owner of a 1943 Enfield No. 4 I can tell you it is a fantastic rifle. That said you won't find me comparing it to an SR 25 saying its inferior.