Makarov Pistol

[17thfabn]

Originally Posted by MonsterZero

Strange, if those tales are true then the Makarov was inferior to the TT-33 which it was supposed to replace. The TT-33 is supposed to be a very good pistol.

The 9 X 18mm Makarov is undoubtable inferior to the 7.62 X 25mm Tokarev cartridge. I've always wondered why the Soviets switched to it.

[skiplc]

Originally Posted by 17thfabn

The 9 X 18mm Makarov is undoubtable inferior to the 7.62 X 25mm Tokarev cartridge. I've always wondered why th eSOviets switched to it.

Why is it inferior?

My brother bought a Mak many years ago. Pistol, holster, 2 xtra magazines, and 50rds for about 90 bucks. It shoots as well as my Model 70S Beretta and, as I never cared for DA pistols, just couldn't find anything wrong with it.

That thing will hit your noggin at 25' so what's the problem with it?

[17thfabn]

Originally Posted by skiplc

Why is it inferior?

My brother bought a Mak many years ago. Pistol, holster, 2 xtra magazines, and 50rds for about 90 bucks. It shoots as well as my Model 70S Beretta and, as I never cared for DA pistols, just couldn't find anything wrong with it.

That thing will hit your noggin at 25' so what's the problem with it?

No knock on the Makarov itself. Decent workman like hand gun in the tradition of Russian // USSR weapons.

The question is on the 9 X18 mm ammunition. Inferior velocity and energy compared to the Tokarev cartridge.

With hot ammo and steel core AP projectiles, The Tokarev is almost in the class of modern PDW ammo. Especialy in a submachine gun.

[skiplc]

Originally Posted by 17thfabn

No knock on the Makarov itself. Decent workman like hand gun in the tradition of Russian // USSR weapons.

The question is on the 9 X18 mm ammunition. Inferior velocity and energy compared to the Tokarev cartridge.

With hot ammo and steel core AP projectiles, The Tokarev is almost in the class of modern PDW ammo. Especialy in a submachine gun.

I'll buy that but still stand by the fact the 9X18 put ya out of action. My brother carries that thing and I would not want to go up against it or any of the other calibers mentioned in this thread.

As a side note, only reason I sold the 70S is it ain't at all friendly for a southpaw to use.

[Pirate-Drakk]

I bought a Makarov .380 many years ago and it's an OK pistol. The .380 round is whimpy but the gun is reliable and easy to use. It's also fairly accurate at short range although the trigger pull is a bit more than I like. However, hair triggers can be dangerous.

The one thing I don't like is that it is HEAVY! No hi-tech plastics or fancy alloys in this gun. I would bet you could get a modern .380 that weights half as much. On the other hand, I paid $100 used so it was inexpensive.

If you have the money and want a serious weapon, don't get a Makarov. However, if you just want to expand your collection with an historic gun that has cool Russian text on it, it's a must have.

[Onslow123]

Originally Posted by 17thfabn

The 9 X 18mm Makarov is undoubtable inferior to the 7.62 X 25mm Tokarev cartridge. I've always wondered why the Soviets switched to it.

They wanted to use one and the same ammo in both Military and Civilian ( Милиция) handguns. 7.62 X 25mm Tokarev is not very suited for civilian use, it has good ballistics, but lacks the man-stopping ability of the bigger calibers: there were cases when Police ( Милиция) tried to stop fugitives, the bullets of Tokarev flew through the legs of the fugitive, but he could still run away. That is one of the reasons for introducing Makarov; it did not only replace Tokarev, but also Nagant revolvers, war trophies and many other handguns in different calibers.

[SRV Ron]

Originally Posted by String

There are a number of tales about the PM in the ex-soviet states. One of them states that one should only run in a straight line away from the shooter if shot at with a PM, as otherwise you could end up in front of a bullet or two. The other one describes the PM as an excellent throwing weapon after the 8 rounds fired (inevitably) miss. There are talks how heavy coats have stopped PM rounds. And there are several others around the same lines.

Considering that I have seen old ammo for an antique Western six shooter bounce off a cardboard target, I suspect that those stories are from the result of using bad ammunition.

There is a Walters in the Nazi WW2 souvenir cabinet at the museum. There are some unusual Soviet WW1 semi autos in the Polar Bear collection and a piece of junk revolver in badly corroded condition.

[rmark]

I suspect the change from 762x25 to 9x18 was for a more modern design than the Tokarev, lower manufacturing cost using blowback only, and the same gun and round for officers and police. The 762x25 has been generally viewed as tending to over penetrate.

[lcm1]

For you enthusiasts in the pistol lines I have just received the RM bulletin for Febuary which tells me all three of the British forces are having their Brownings replaced by the Glock 17 Gen 4. and the troops in Afghanistan will be
the first to use it. I don't doubt that one of the smart asses amongst you will tell me you already know that,but I do try!! lcm1