[Aceman]

So I have always kinda been jonesing for a Makarov in 9x18. No reason. I'm an AK fan, just think its a cool little gun.
But, a CZ83 in .380 is also a cool little gun!

So - what can you tell me about a CZ v a Makarov, and .380 as opposed 9x18 or my very favorite 9x19.

Note - I have 2 9x19 carry guns (Ruger EC9 and Walther PPS v1). Not necessarily looking to do anything with gun other than range toy.

 

[bac1023]

The CZ 83 is a small straight blowback pistol.

It wouldn’t handle the 9x19 round.

 

[Aceman]

All apologies....Lost my mind: .380

 

[garya1961]

The way I see it is the CZ is more practical but the Mak is more cool. Everyone has a 380 but not everyone has a Makarov, I would get the mak.

 

[bac1023]

Both are pretty crude ComBloc pistols, but both very reliable .

 

[Tahmail]

Everyone has a 380

Not everyone Gary. Turn in your man card.

 

[Peak Fudd]

The Makarov is a single stack magazine, the CZ83 is a double stack.

The Mak safety is on the slide, the CZ is frame mounted.

The CZ can be carried cocked and locked, not so with the Mak.

As to the two cartridges; both are adequate for self defense, neither is ideal, though the 9x18 is a little more powerful. Not really an issue for your stated use as a range toy.

I‘d expect to find more spare parts available for the Mak, and would probably look for a parts gun irrespective of which these two I chose.

If you live in a state with mag capacity restrictions, I’d suggest you look at a Makarov.

If you find .380 more accessible, I’d go with the CZ.

If you have access to a good supply of surplus 9x18, I’d look for a Mak, or a CZ82, which is identical to the 83 except for caliber.

You should be able to buy a Makarov or CZ82 on a C&R, if you have one.

The CZ83 was also chambered in .32 acp. Pretty large pistol for a .32, and probably a lot of fun at the range.

 

[bac1023]

The Makarov is a single stack magazine, the CZ83 is a double stack.

Plenty of double stack Maks around too

 

[Nestor]

I would go with Makarov myself. That thing is dead reliable and basically indestructible.

 

[Aceman]

I like indestructable and dead reliable, obviously.

What's a good Makarov price? CZ price...CZ82, for 9x18

 

[GlockBill]

I've had an E German Makarov that I bought ~ 1999 or 2000 (when surplus Makarovs were plentiful and inexpensive). I like it. It's reliable and very (surprisingly) accurate. It has some historic significance, which gives it a certain "cool factor". That said, as much as I like it - I don't think that it's a better pistol than the CZ.

I haven't priced the CZ in several years, but you may be able to buy one for less than what a decent Makarov costs today.

 

[DocCasualty]

I’m hardly objective owning a Russian military Makarov PM, Polish P64 and P83 but would definitely go with 9X18 Makarov. Makarov’s original concept in developing the cartridge and PM was to have the most powerful cartridge in a blowback pistol, which I believe he accomplished. Simple, accurate and as already stated indestructible.

 

[Aceman]

Plenty of double stack Maks around too

Around where???

 

[Berto]

I prefer the ergos of the CZ better, esp the safety....but the Mak is a rock solid choice too and plenty capable.

 

[Nestor]

Not that I am a fan of the torture tests and similar exercises, but this is basically mirroring what I can remember from the old days. Take it for what it’s worth.

 

[Gray Dood]

Pick the Makarov and don't look back.

(at least until you decide to get the CZ too 🙂)

As others have noted regarding reliability, you're really going to have to work at it to make one choke. The power factor is acceptable, falling between the 380 acp and 9X19mm Parabellum. Accuracy, allowing for the small sights, is stellar due to the fixed barrel design.

And with regards to "crude", I beg to differ. Internally, yes, the Soviet bloc didn't worry a lot about internal finishing, other than how it relates to function. But externally, I challenge you to find flaws on the pictured Bulgarian. It's certainly comparable to commercial guns of the era, even guns produced in the good old USA. And if possible, the E. German and Soviet produced guns are more finely finished.

I bet my life on one of these for a time. And I'd do so again if necessary, especially with current offerings in 9X18mm defensive ammo.

Sure there are better choices today, but the Makarov served the Warsaw Pact for a long time. And there was a reason for that. Google some videos of Spetznaz demonstrating Makarov techniques, it'll blow your mind on what's possible with this model.

Yeah...count me as a fan. 🙂

 

[billy b]

So I have always kinda been jonesing for a Makarov in 9x18. No reason. I'm an AK fan, just think its a cool little gun.
But, a CZ83 in .380 is also a cool little gun!

So - what can you tell me about a CZ v a Makarov, and .380 as opposed 9x18 or my very favorite 9x19.

Note - I have 2 9x19 carry guns (Ruger EC9 and Walther PPS v1). Not necessarily looking to do anything with gun other than range toy.

i've owned 2 Makarovs in 9x18. the second one i picked up at a garage sale for $10. it was in a box with junk in it. was filthy dirty & missing its safety & no mags. when he said give me 10 bucks for it, i couldn't get the money out of my pocket fast enough. new safety, which holds the firing pin in, cost me $18. i shot it before i picked up some mags for it. not knowing if the gun was OK. picked up 3 used Russian mags for $50. total $$ in it $80. these guns are extremely reliable & surprisingly accurate.

 

[BigBluefish]

I’ve had, shot & carried both. The Mak is slimmer and more comfortable to carry, though not appreciably lighter than the CZ, and has a hammer dropping safety.

The CZ has better sights, a better trigger (though neither is great) and a better grip if you have large hands.

These days, it seems .380 is far more plentiful than 9 x 18 and a little cheaper.

Carry gun? Mak
Range toy? CZ83

 

[CajunBass]

Just get both. You will sooner or later anyway.

 

[mc1911]

I was looking at getting a conversion barrel for a G42. It might be interesting if I can find ammo.