What to look for?

[jonny772]

With christmas and gunshow coming up I thought I would buy myself something and a friend mentioned a makorov. I see them at the shows and want one but have no idea what kind to look for. And what price is reasonable. If anyone can help me out or point me in the right direction I would appreciate it.

[epsylum]

Bugarians are around $150-$200. IMO they are the best deal. They are a true makarov and do not cost as much as the others.

East Germans are around $300 IIRC. Lots of people seem to think they are of much better quality than the other maks. I have handled a few and IMHO I cannot tell much of a difference between them and the Bulgarians.

Russian ones much more often than not are Baikal IJ-70s. They have an adjustable rear sight and they go for about $200-$250. I would like to add one to my collection. The non-IJ Russian Maks are very rare and command a lot of money for a Makarov.

Then there are the 9x18 guns that a lot of people call Makarovs, but are not. They just shoot the same round.

Polish P-64. I hear they are decent. They have a nice SA, but the DA is insanely heavy.

Hungarian PA-63. I have heard mixed reviews on them.

CZ-82 (and I think some CZ-83s). I just got one and so far am very impressed. Awesome trigger, way better than my Bulgarian Mak. Double stack mags for 12+1 capacity. You can carry it DA/SA or cocked and locked (nice little ambi frame mounted safety).

Other than that check out www.makarov.com . Lots of parts and good info.

[M2 Carbine]

I hope it doesn't continue but at the gun show a couple weeks ago I didn't see a Makarov below $350.

Probably you won't see any East German Maks.
If you can find a Bulgarian or Russian Mak, in nice condition, below $225 buy it.
Below $200, buy a spare.:)

AIM still has used CZ-82 (9x18) pistols in stock. I don't know the condition. It's not a Mak but not a bad pistol.

I've got a PA-63 and several P-64's. You might not want those.

[Spitzerbullet]

Cole Distributing has had East German Maks for a while now for $300-$325 and they are C&R.