Author Topic: Makarov 9x18  (Read 2652 times)

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Offline Cookiemann

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Makarov 9x18
« on: March 21, 2010, 12:56:27 AM »
Gander Mountain has them for $249 this week.  Is that a good price.  Are these good pistols. It comes with a 6 rd. single stack clip.  Is that the max. capacity clip or can you buy hi-cap mags.  Ammo price from Cabela's didnt seem to high. Is it hard to find ammo.

Thanks, Cookie
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Offline Richard P

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #1 on: March 21, 2010, 01:47:41 AM »
  The Maks are very well made.  Be sure you are getting a genuine Mak. Some pistols such as the Hungarian PA63 and one of the Polish guns are chambered for 9x18---and advertised as Makarovs.  They are not Maks.  They are good; they just arent Maks.  People capitalize on the name; some through ignorance. There are commercial Maks. Made in Russia as the IJ70, they have adj rear sights. Also made in Bulgaria from Arsenal.  Maks are also chambered in 9x17 (380 acp). The usual magazine holds 8 rds. Maks were manufactured in Russia, Bulgaria, Germany (East Germany), and some in China. The military guns have fixed rear sights.
   9x18 is not actually 9mm (.356). It is about 9.2mm (.365). If you buy 9x18 you are somewhat dependent on imported ammo for cheap practice. Good SD ammo is made by Hornady.  The 9x18 is a bit better on velocity than 9x17. It may or may not be a defining factor.  If you reload you might like the .380s but some are purists. Good SD ammo is available for .380 but at times .380 is in high demand.
   Check gunbroker and search Makarov.  Today 249 and tax is probably fair.  If they are selling East Germans it elevates to a really good deal.  rp

Offline PA-Joe

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #2 on: March 21, 2010, 02:38:07 AM »
These are Polish p64 in 9x18. It's not a bad price but you will have to change out some springs to get a better DA and to reduce the felt recoil. These are all steel and are somewhat heavy. Great for CC.

Offline spruce

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #3 on: March 21, 2010, 04:00:27 AM »
As PA-Joe said these are not Makarovs, they are chambered in the Makarov caliber, but it's just a rip-off of the Makarov name.

IMO the genuine Makarov is a far better pistol than these.

For that price you're nearly in the Kel-tec P11/PF-9 range.  For just a very few dollars more you can get one of these - and have a 9x19 chambering to boot!

Offline yukondog

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #4 on: March 21, 2010, 04:44:36 AM »
I had one of the romainians that was a pice of junk, got a bulgarian loved it getting another one as soon as I can afford one.
an unloaded wepon is equal to the same mass and volume as a rock.

Offline woodsie57

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #5 on: March 21, 2010, 10:17:20 AM »
Have owned a Russian commercial Mak. for 15 years now. It's a .380, there are 9X18 barrels out there for $30 or so, a simple barrel swap and you've changed calibers. Just never saw the need. Great, sturdy, somewhat heavy little pistol. Kinda like the Moisin-Nagant rifle theory, made into a pistol. Durability and simplicity are it's strong points. Mine has never malfunctioned.

Offline rockbilly

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #6 on: March 21, 2010, 12:49:26 PM »
I have to say “hogwash”  :o :o :o to the comments made about the P-64 not being as good a pistol as the Makarov. 

 The name Makarov simply implies it is a pistol designed by Nikolay Fyodorovich Makarov.  The Makarov pistol evolved from the Czech and German Walther pocket pistils which were popular during the thirties.  They are generally a superb midsized defensive pistol, an easy gun to carry for personal defense. 
The “true” Makarov” was manufactured in several Soviet Bloc countries, most are fairly good quality with the East German being of the highest quality, the Russian comes in a close second (but normally demands a higher price) and the Bulgarian as the runner-up.  There are also examples of pistols made in other Soviet Bloc countries which are less desirable.

The P-64 is a Polish made copy of the PPK chambered in the 9x18 Makarov cartridge, it is of the same high standards as the CZ with most being made in the same plant.  I have owned, used and carried both for more years than I care to remember;   I would choose the P-64 hands down over a “true” Makarov.  It is well designed, all steel, very well fitted and finished and a very reliable pistol.  The only change I would recommend is changing out the springs for a better shooting piece.  The down side, seven rounds, but thats not all bad, I sometimes carry a model 60 S&W with a five shot cylinder.

Either one of these guns will serve very well as a self defense weapon but if I had my choice I would select the P-64 over the Makarov for reliability and service.   I think the price quoted seems a little stiff, but then again take a look at a PPK compared to the P-64, you are getting twice the pistol at half the price.   

Offline Robert357

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #7 on: March 21, 2010, 07:32:20 PM »
+1 to Rockabilly.

I own an FEG PA-63 in 9x18 Mak.  I feel it is superior to the Russian design.

Let me be specific.  The FEG PA-63 is basically a Walther PPK that has been slightly modified by the FEG factory (which use to be a licensed manufacturer of Walther designs).  The 9x18 Mak cartridge is just slightly more powerful than a .380 Auto or the 9mm Kurz (as it is known in Europe).  Some of the more robust .380 Auto designs are capable of handling the 9x18 Mak cartridge with little modification outside of the barrel (it is a larger diameter bullet and the cartridge is also different.)  Actually the German's in WW2 worked on designing a cartridge that was the maximum power that a blowback could handle.  That cartridge is pretty close to the one that serves as the food for the Makarov.   

The Walther PPK is a wonderful design and this close copy by FEG (called the FEG PA-63) is one hell of a reliable and accurate firearm, just like its Walther cousin.

From what I know the Polish P-64 and the Soviet Makarov are much further from the original Walther PPK design than is the FEG PA-63.  I have a friend with a Walther PPK and we have compared it and my PA-63 side by side and been amazed at the similarity (and price difference). 

Calling 9x18's that are not the true soviet designs "junk" is just plan.......I'll be kind and say wrong.

What I like about my PA-63 is the weight, the safety of one in the chamber, its safety, double action capability, quality workmanship.  The two tone finish looks nice and the shape is classic Walther.  I would echo Rockabilly in saying a spring kit change makes it much more shootable.  Other than that, it is an incredible value.  I purchased mine a few years ago for $175.  I have seen them recently at gun shows from $250 to $350.




Offline rockbilly

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #8 on: March 22, 2010, 09:41:58 AM »
A bit of additional information on the P-64, it is smaller than a Kel Tek P-9 in all areas, a much thinner pistol.  It weighs almost three times what the Kel-Tek does.  This site will provide much more information on the gun.

I purchased my first two P-64s at a gun show in Texas for the grand total of $160.00.  I kept one and gave one to my son.  His has been the go-to-gun since a test firing, he loves it and wouldn't carry anything else.  I often carry mine when out and about in the local area, but opt for a higher capacity Sig in .357 Sig for dress up when I go to town.

Anyway you slice it, the P-64 is an excellent pistol for the price and should serve anyone well.

     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-64_pistol

Offline TOGO

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #9 on: March 22, 2010, 03:14:59 PM »
I to am a huge fan of the PA-63's. I bought 2 of them through a friend that has his FFL back in 2003 for $100 a piece. My father passed a few years ago and now I have his, think he paid $160 for his. Anyway I have been reloading the 9x18 for some years now, I take 9X19's size them in the 9x18 sizer then I use my Lee trimmer to get the case to the propper length.

Offline S.S.

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #10 on: March 22, 2010, 05:14:03 PM »
one thing about the PA-63 is that it needs some sort of recoil buffer
designed for it.
The 9mm Mak is really stretching the limits of a blowback pistol.
Some of the imported Baikal ammo is too hot for this gun
so be careful with it. That said, I love mine. Wish I would have
bought 2 when I got it. It has traveled a lot of miles with me.
It is semi-retired now but still takes a ride in my jacket
pocket every now and then.
Vir prudens non contra ventum mingit
"A wise man does not pee against the wind".

Offline Reed1911

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #11 on: March 23, 2010, 04:42:05 AM »
I'm sorry but I have to chime in here. The P-64 is one of the worst pistols I've ever ran across. And yes I do have quite a bit of experience with them. We ordered in and sold close to 100 of them a few years back. Not one single pistol was worth a crap. They are terribly fitted, gritty, and the DA pull is so bad you have to look at the hammer to verify it is actually moving and you are not pulling against the safety. We sold them at cost just to get rid of them.

 I do like the Makarov, I have several, they are not a primo gun, but compared to the P-64 they are a hand fitted custom 3000.00 gun. Re-read that last sentence, compared to the P-64...

That being said, the Mak has its drawbacks as well. The ammo is not as common as it used to be, but still pretty easy to find. Long ago you could not find it in most stores, and you still will have a problem in smaller stores today (not counting the ammo shortage). The DA pull on most is pretty heavy, but fairly smooth. All the mil-spec units have fixed sights which is at times hard to correct for.

If you can get one, buy it and try it, if you don't like it it will sell. If you plan on having a gun around that you want to be able to ditch for an excuse then buy a p-64.
Ron Reed
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Offline rockbilly

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #12 on: March 23, 2010, 06:41:35 PM »
Reed1911.  I think we had this discussion before; I would like to say I have had very good experience with my P-64; it performs well, never fail, and is fairly accurate out to about 15-20 feet.  To me it is worth the money. ;)

We can equate this discussion to most any product we choose, cars, TVs, Computers; some have better luck and service with a certain product than others.  What it boils down to is simply “different strokes for different folks!” ::) ::) ::)

Offline mtdotcomm

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #13 on: March 23, 2010, 08:37:53 PM »
This outfit has MAKAROV 9X18 in a CZ 82, looks like a good price for what you get, someone else might now better though.


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Offline Reed1911

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #14 on: March 24, 2010, 03:07:15 AM »
Rockbilly,

Well said.  ;D
Ron Reed
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Offline JW/OK

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #15 on: March 24, 2010, 05:32:49 PM »
Since the CZ 82 was mentioned, what is everyone's opinion of it?

Offline rockbilly

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #16 on: March 24, 2010, 06:02:55 PM »
My first experience with this gun was several years ago, CDNN had them for $85.00, I looked and walked away.  I have heard good things about them but the finish is trash, the paint on bluing chips off easy leaving bare spots when banged against most anything.  I have friends who swear by them for a kick around truck gun but at the current (CDNN) price of 159.99 I would really have to think about it.

For seventy dollars more you can get a new Kel-Tec PF-9 ($229.99) from CDNN, call Mashall at 1-800-588-9500, I have had good service from him.

Offline coyotejoe

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #17 on: March 25, 2010, 05:09:24 AM »
Since the CZ 82 was mentioned, what is everyone's opinion of it?
I tried one out a while back and didn't keep it long, not that there is anything wrong with it. I just didn't care for the paint finish. Aside from the finish it is the same gun as the CZ-83 for about 1/3 the price and comes with two mags and a new holster. If you don't mind paint it is a heck of a deal. I tried three different brands of ammo and all functioned perfectly. The double action trigger pull is surprisingly light as is the single action pull which is almost as long as the double action, sort of like a light Glock trigger. I had no trouble selling mine for more than I paid for it and the new owner loves it.
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Offline ohiobenito

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #18 on: April 05, 2010, 03:36:15 PM »
cz 82 is a great pistol.  made by the czechs with 12  rd capacity.  SOG sells them for 200.  so add ffl and shipping you're looking at 250. 

Offline Cookiemann

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #19 on: April 05, 2010, 04:19:02 PM »
Thanks to all of you for your comments and input.  Rockbilly, I was very interested to read the info in the Wikki link that you posted.  As it turned out, I was at Gander tonight and spied in the used case a P64, Original Polish Model from 1968.  The fit was good and the finish was only showing holster wear.  $249 doesnt seem like a bad price for that gun.

Thanks, cookiemann
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Offline Jal5

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #20 on: April 17, 2010, 05:09:22 AM »
Cookie how did you like that P64? I am also looking at something in the Makarov round for CC weapon.  Either that or a nice 38spl snub since I am partial to revolvers  :D

You and I seem to like the same guns over the years.

Joe
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Offline MGMorden

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #21 on: April 19, 2010, 06:18:33 AM »
Since the CZ 82 was mentioned, what is everyone's opinion of it?

It's a decent deal.  They're well built, and the surplus price can't be beat.  On the other hand, 9x18 ammo is a bit less common and more expensive than 9x19, and as coyotejoe mentioned, they're painted.  Also, for me it just doesn't feel as good in the hand as some of my other guns.   That's subjective and varies per shooter, but at the range I've noticed that my SIG P6 for example just comes up and points more naturally. Truthfully though, I've noticed that in general, I typically just prefer the grip on single stacks either way, and most 9x18 guns are single stack, so that likely wouldn't be a problem on a real Makarov, PA-63, or P-64 (though I've never actually fired any of those).

Offline torpedoman

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Re: Makarov 9x18
« Reply #22 on: April 19, 2010, 06:52:07 AM »
cz82 is an excellent pistol very accurate, reliable and has a very good trigger, best way to buy one is get a copy of shotgun news find an ad for one and get your local shop to order it for you if you happen to have a C&R just pick up the phone and order it yourself and they appear on your doorstep.
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