Anybody Carry A Makarov?

[mndoug]

I've been thinking of getting one again to keep in a small compartment in my car where full-size pistols won't fit.  Sure, there are many micro-6s out there these days that WILL fit, but they're not cheap (at least not as cheap as a decent Mak).

   

   My research finds that in terms of "punch," a factory Makarov round falls right between a .380 and a 9mm Luger... but it can also be hand-loaded to increased pressures.

   

   I used to have one, and I remember shooting it and feeling it was quite a bit "snappier" than any .380 out there.

   

   Whatchu think?

[lohman446]

I think a Mak is one of the most underrated firearms available.  There have been several times I have almost bought one (the last one ended in my buying a P232 instead).  Limited ammo availability is a concern for me.

[jupiter7]

Love makarovs. Wish ammo was as abundant as it was 5 years ago. I sold my last one 2years ago. The CZ82  9x18 guns can be had for cheap and are of excellent quality. Hornaday makes critical defense in 9x18.

   

   For sake of reference

   http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?groupid=569&name=Czech+CZ-82+9x18+Makarov+Pistol">http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?groupid=569&name=Czech+CZ-82+9x18+Makarov+Pistol

[scbuxton]

For many years an IJ-40 Mak was my go to concealed carry gun. I've since moved on to a SP101 357. The Makarov never let me down although I kept it loaded for extended periods of time. It withstood all of the abuse I could throw its way and came out fighting.

[theysayimnotme]

I do have a problem with the safety on mine. It can be a bear to put on or off. I've never seen another pistol with that stiff a safety.