[Peak Fudd]

Plenty of double stack Maks around too

I stand corrected.

 

[John W in SC]

I have a CZ-82 in 9 x 18 Mak. Bought it years ago with a C&R. Nice gun, fun to shoot, and I even have some Gold Dot for it loaded by Georgia Arms. .380 is supposed to be more common, but can be hard to find.

If you want one or the other "just because", get both. If you want something to carry, there are better choices.

John W in SC

 

[bac1023]

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

The problem with 9x18 is the lack of development for JHP bullets

 

[jstrange]

I like indestructable and dead reliable, obviously.

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

In my opinion they are too pricey for what they are at this point. The cheap ones are all gone now. Classic had a batch in last year and I put one in the cart because these ones had looked a little nicer than one I got previously. By the time I factored in the shipping, tax, and transfer fee it was going to be well over $500. I like them but not that much.

 

[Berto]

The problem with 9x18 is the lack of development for JHP bullets

Certainly not like the luger round, but there are some decent ones like Hornady Critical Defense or better yet the XTP juiced by Buffalo Bore or Underwood which get the penetration and expansion.
The Hornady load is good, but more close to .380 ballistics than 9mmP

 

[GuitarmanNick]

I have an affection for the P-64s in 9x18 Makarov. Snappy but accurate little pistols that are built like tanks.

One thing to consider when choosing between Mak and .380 for a pistol is that you can fire .380 in a Mak if necessary, but not the other way around.

I reload so ammo availability has not been an issue so far.

 

[Ia.redneck]

I have a CZ 82 9x18, it's an accurate and reliable little pistol. Got it pretty cheap several years ago. Most of thoses surplus guns are good investments if you grab them right away. They're getting kinda pricey now.

 

[Terry G]

Went a little crazy in the Golden Age of C&R. Three Makarovs, East German, Bulgarian, and Russian. The Russian was not C&R and has those required adjustable sights. CZ's were $180.00 with two magazines, ambi holster and cleaning rod. I bought seven. First one I broke down for cleaning and saw no rifling in the barrel. Those cheats! Ready to place a hot phone call to call to AIM, I luckily read about how the bore differed from normal. Then I shot it. FMJ, Military surplus from I don't remember where and put all twelve rounds center mass ar 25 yards. I have been hooked on CZ's ever since. As far as comparison, I prefer the CZ but haven't sold my Makarov's either. The CZ with 12 rounds has the higher capacity and to me it's a bit more accurate. They both are great guns and I still enjoy shooting both.

 

[ROGER4314]

I've owned Makarov pistols but not the CZ pistols (but I have fired them). I am very impressed with the Makarov and especially like the variety of them. There are plenty of variations and if one doesn't suit you, just keep looking around for one that does.

I reload for 9x18 and .380. Both are easy and economical to reload and both require specific diameter slugs for each one. They have no relationship to 9x19 slugs. The 9x18 bullets have a unique round nose shape.

The FEG PA-63 is very similar to the Makarov and is a good choice, too. It's also in 9x18.

None of the pistols are terribly expensive. Buy them all. That's how I did it and I had a great time!

Flash

 

[Pred8tory]

I own both a CZ83 in .380 and a Bulgarian Makarov in 9mm Makarov. I can tell you that the Bulgarian is lot softer shooter, but I can't explain why. They are both great guns.

 

[cciman]

Steampunk chic.

Unless you are intent on C&R (privacy, no paperwork, ship to home ) and want something cheap to buy but not shoot, and want something "iron curtain" historic --- and given the price of 9x18 is not cheap these days--- I don't really see a reason to buy one of these, given there are plenty of modern design, slim, micro 9mm polymer wonders that are plenty more reliable and easier to shoot well than these relics.

I own a few, and would not suggest buying-- given the options.

 

[Terry G]

Steampunk chic.

Unless you are intent on C&R (privacy, no paperwork, ship to home ) and want something cheap to buy but not shoot, and want something "iron curtain" historic --- and given the price of 9x18 is not cheap these days--- I don't really see a reason to buy one of these, given there are plenty of modern design, slim, micro 9mm polymer wonders that are plenty more reliable and easier to shoot well than these relics.

I own a few, and would not suggest buying-- given the options.

Probably for the same reason people buy and shoot Black Powder guns, buy strictly .22 plinkers, or buy expensive range only firearms. Am I ever going to carry a CZ 82? Probably not, although I have. People are paying high dollar for WWII M-1 Garand's. Why? For home defense you can buy an AR-15 for half the price and cheaper ammunition too. The reason's are because they want to and they're fun. Strange you would wonder why.

 

[boilergonzo]

Steampunk chic.

Unless you are intent on C&R (privacy, no paperwork, ship to home ) and want something cheap to buy but not shoot, and want something "iron curtain" historic --- and given the price of 9x18 is not cheap these days--- I don't really see a reason to buy one of these, given there are plenty of modern design, slim, micro 9mm polymer wonders that are plenty more reliable and easier to shoot well than these relics.

I own a few, and would not suggest buying-- given the options.

I keep contemplating selling my Bulgarian Mak. When it was $70 and cases of them were in gun stores and gun shows, it was a no brainer! Great pistol, low cost. Those prices are gone, and I wouldn't pay the current prices for this gun, but back in the surplus glory days, it was a heck of a value!

 

[Ebb27]

How about a Makarov in .380.

It's a Russian commercial model I picked up years ago.

Had a Bulg. in 9x18 too but sold it long ago in a caliber purge I was doing. Kept the Russ cuz I had other .380s and I had a lot of mags and accessories that were the same.

 

[DocCasualty]

How about a Makarov in .380.

View attachment 1173338

It's a Russian commercial model I picked up years ago.

Had a Bulg. in 9x18 too but sold it long ago in a caliber purge I was doing. Kept the Russ cuz I had other .380s and I had a lot of mags and accessories that were the same.

That makes sense to me. I came to a point where I just didn’t want to add another caliber either.

 

[Ebb27]

That makes sense to me. I came to a point where I just didn’t want to add another caliber either.

Every now and then I like to clear out some of the safe queens or just get rid of something to get something else....being an oddball caliber is a good way to get to the top of the list.

Besides that the .380 is a much more pleasant round to shoot in a Mak than 9x18. 9x18 is pushing the limit for a blowback even for a hefty pistol like the Mak......from an enjoy shooting and control standpoint .380 is very nice by comparison.

 

[Makarovii]

I have a few Maks, but for fun at the range my Radom P-83 in 9x18Mak is better. I haven't fired a CZ in 9x18Mak in a decade so can't comment on the comparison.

 

[papa whit]

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.

The Mak, CZ and PPK would make and interesting collection.

 

[Pier23]

Any ComBloc is worth having and enjoying —BUT — consider perhaps a CZ52 in 7.62x25? Want to announce your presence at the range? 7.62x25 will do it! One great fireball of a round with a very distinctive report!

I don’t know the current prices of these ComBlocs - I got my CZs and Mak when they were dirt-cheap imports some years ago. The one issue I have with my Mak is I got a Russian version with adjustible rear sights. Huge mistake. The adjustment wont hold for more than two rounds (actually you can see the rounds drift with each round) and I haven’t bothered to either Lock-Tite the rear sight down or replace it with a fixed sight.