Looking for a "beater" gun - Mak or CZ52?

[aaronrkelly]

I know they are entirely different guns for entirely different purposes but I need assistance in rationalizing which one is best for my purposes.

My daily carry is either a 4" 1911 (Kimber Pro Carry II) or a Browning High Power.....size doesnt matter, I carry a big gun daily.

Im looking for a "just in case" gun while mowing the yard (open carry) or changing oil in the car (ie rolling around on the ground). I dont care about looks, function is more important. This gun will most likely ride in a cheapy nylon holster, no point in a nice custom rig for a "just in case" beater gun.


I have a C&R - SOG can get my a CZ52 for $116 shipped.....

Local FFL will order a Mak from SOG for me at $20 over cost. That makes the gun $176.....of course I could add handpick for $10 extra but Im not sure its necessary.

Which one would you guys recommend.....

I have heard NOTHING bad about the Maks - everyone says they are tanks and are flawless in function.

I heard 95% good stuff about the CZs with the occasionally person mentioning the frame will crack at 3K rounds and its a flawed design.

Ammo availabilty doesnt mean nothing - nearest large town I can pick up both or order from the net.....

My budget is around $145 but if the Mak is the better buy for me then I will stretch it....

[jack19512]

I have both, and would recommend everyone have at least one of each. I am not familiar with the flawed design or cracked frame problem of the CZ52. The firing pin in the CZ52 doesn't take to dry firing though.

I usually don't carry my pistol when changing the oil in my car but if I did I probably would carry my Mak simply because of the size and weight difference.

I would get a Mak first and then when funds permitted would get a CZ52.

[M2 Carbine]

I've also got both.

For your use I'd favor the Mak.
Smaller but costs more.

What I think would be a big advantage of the Mak would be the cheap full coverage holster that comes with the gun or you can buy for about $6.
It not only protects the gun but protects whatever the gun butt might bang against, like your car fender.
You can throw the holstered gun and do no harm but maybe scrape the holster.

And if needed you can quickly slip the holster off your belt and chuck it aside for the moment if it's in your way.

And as an added benefit these holsters carry an extra mag that's also protected by the holster.

[IMAS]

Originally posted by M2 Carbine
I've also got both.

For your use I'd favor the Mak.
Smaller but costs more.

What I think would be a big advantage of the Mak would be the cheap full coverage holster that comes with the gun or you can buy for about $6.
It not only protects the gun but protects whatever the gun butt might bang against, like your car fender.
You can throw the holstered gun and do no harm but maybe scrape the holster.

And if needed you can quickly slip the holster off your belt and chuck it aside for the moment if it's in your way.

And as an added benefit these holsters carry an extra mag that's also protected by the holster.

The makarov is a much better gun for carry. If you're going to rub it on the driveway then don't worry about hand pick.

[Top Gun Supply]

I agree, go with the Makarov. It is smaller, very robust and you get the double action pull with the 1st shot.

[JWP]

both are a hoot to shoot but the mak works easier and is more compact - mak

[aaronrkelly]

Thanks for the replies, my only fear is I will get this "beater" gun and think its so nice that I wont use it as intended......then I will be ordering the CZ next week. Ahh, the smell of new guns...

[jack19512]

Posted by aaronrkelly

"Thanks for the replies, my only fear is I will get this "beater" gun and think its so nice that I wont use it as intended......then I will be ordering the CZ next week. Ahh, the smell of new guns..."







The only problem with that is if you didn't want to use the Mak and ordered a CZ52 for the purpose you stated the CZ52 might be in as good condition as mine are and then you might not want to use it for that purpose either.

:)