Baikal 9mm Makarov

[EW3]

I went to a gun auction today with my Dad, and this Russian Baikal Makarov was just calling out my name. I set my limit to what I'd spend at $200 and when it came up, I outbid another guy and got it for $200.

How did I do? I found a receipt inside the user manual from October, 1993 showing the gun sold new for $150. It looks like it may have been only one previous owner who shot it very little if at all, it's in great shape. I picked up a box of the 9x18 Makarov ammo from my local gunshop (yikes, that stuff is steep! ) and will give it a tryout tomorrow.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[pgrass101]

You did pretty good.

I have the same pistol but in .380 (in 1996) for $127

I bought a 9x18mm barrel and barrel press from Makarov.com two years ago. I have used them for grips and mags and always have recieved good service.

I now have 2 9x18mm Maks (East German) they are good shooters

[dmorris68]

I took a Makarov from an Iraqi officer EPW we captured back in GW1. Excellent condition, looked like it had never been fired, holster looked brand new too. I tried to keep it as a trophy, but the CSM made me give it up. Found out later that HE brought it back and kept it himself! RHIP as they say in the military.

[EW3]

I took a Makarov from an Iraqi officer EPW we captured back in GW1. Excellent condition, looked like it had never been fired, holster looked brand new too. I tried to keep it as a trophy, but the CSM made me give it up. Found out later that HE brought it back and kept it himself! RHIP as they say in the military.

LOL, let me guess...that CSM goes around telling everyone that he took the Mak off the Iraqi officer.

[EW3]

You did pretty good.

I have the same pistol but in .380 (in 1996) for $127

I bought a 9x18mm barrel and barrel press from Makarov.com two years ago. I have used them for grips and mags and always have recieved good service.

I now have 2 9x18mm Maks (East German) they are good shooters

Any info, tips, tricks to know about? I cannot use Wolf or other Russkie ammo at my range; they don't allow any steel or aluminum cased ammo.
Where can I get a good OWB holster? I'd get one from Nate at UBG, but he doesn't make one for the Makarov, hint, hint...

[pgrass101]

Any info, tips, tricks to know about? I cannot use Wolf or other Russkie ammo at my range; they don't allow any steel or aluminum cased ammo.
Where can I get a good OWB holster? I'd get one from Nate at UBG, but he doesn't make one for the Makarov, hint, hint...

My Mak have eaten every type of ammo I ever feed it including the .380 Mak.

Don Humes Holsters for Colt Mustang's fit My Maks, mines IWB though.

I would suggest replacing the rear sight with the fixed one avalible on Makarov.com and getting some better grips. There are not many tricks except for painting the front sight and going to a range that lets you shot cheap steel cased ammo, 'cause Maks love steel cased ammo.

[randytulsa2]

Maks are tanks and surprisingly accurate.

Never seen one with those target-type rear sights, though....

[para owner]

I would suggest replacing the rear sight with the fixed one avalible on Makarov.com and getting some better grips. There are not many tricks except for painting the front sight and going to a range that lets you shot cheap steel cased ammo, 'cause Maks love steel cased ammo.

Lots of luck with finding the fixed rear sight for the adjustable replacement, I've been looking for months for one. Makarov.com is closing and sold most of its inventory, so parts are going to become a little more scarce.
The Mak is a great accurate piece, I love mine!!

[pgrass101]

Lots of luck with finding the fixed rear sight for the adjustable replacement, I've been looking for months for one. Makarov.com is closing and sold most of its inventory, so parts are going to become a little more scarce.
The Mak is a great accurate piece, I love mine!!

Well I haven't been shopping for my Maks in awhile

[pirate]

I think you did well. The Makarov is one of if not the most reliable semi-auto designs ever made. Any holster that fits the PP series pistols or a CZ82/83 will work with the Mak.

[bluesteel]

Any info, tips, tricks to know about? I cannot use Wolf or other Russkie ammo at my range; they don't allow any steel or aluminum cased ammo.
Where can I get a good OWB holster? I'd get one from Nate at UBG, but he doesn't make one for the Makarov, hint, hint...

Just curious as to why your range prohibits the use of steel and aluminum cased ammo. I have heard of restrictions on bullet material at some ranges but never on casings. Maybe the ROs don't want to be bothered sorting the brass when they sell it for scrap?

[jeepnjay]

These are great guns My wife and I both use one for EDC. I have a $150 1984 Bulgarian, wife has $270 East German. So you did pretty good on the price. I am having a spare slide milled out for Novak Tritium sights.
Jay

[pirate]

Just curious as to why your range prohibits the use of steel and aluminum cased ammo. I have heard of restrictions on bullet material at some ranges but never on casings. Maybe the ROs don't want to be bothered sorting the brass when they sell it for scrap?

They are likely just too lazy to want to seperate it from the brass cases they sweep up off the floor. More useless rules to make your range experience even less enjoyable.

[EW3]

Just curious as to why your range prohibits the use of steel and aluminum cased ammo. I have heard of restrictions on bullet material at some ranges but never on casings. Maybe the ROs don't want to be bothered sorting the brass when they sell it for scrap?

I asked, and yes they said it was becoming too much of a hassle to separate the brass and the steel. I guess they never heard of this thing called a magnet.

[EW3]

Field stripped and cleaned/lubed my Makarov today; I really don't think it was ever even fired!



Went to the range and put 50 rounds of American Eagle 9mm Mak FMJ through it at 5 and 7 yards. Amazingly accurate even with the less-than-ideal combat sights. The more I shoot blowback type guns, the more I like them over Browning type! This gun is definitely going into my carry rotation and I'll be looking to get some night sights installed.