BULLET POINTS
THE MAKAROV
PHOTO AND ARTICLE BY : BRODY KENNEN
Firearms technology has evolved heavily , since the end of World War II , across all platforms . It is debatable on whether the modernization of firearms became simpler or more complex over time . The materials have certainly changed but , due to optimizations for many different end-user aspects , it seems as if modern designs are more complex by comparison to the preceding models . The 9x18 Makarov handgun has an uncanny beauty about it and is very specifically tailored .
The Makarov was designed in 1949 in the Soviet Union and remain prominent in the Russian Armed Forces despite the PYa ( MP-443 ) being chosen to replace it . The Makarov is also still in service within the Bulgarian Armed Forces . In 1970 , Bulgaria began producing Makarovs and eventually Circle-10 picked up the design . This handgun was produced in 1985 and the original serial number , in English , is IK-25-1777 . The middle two digits are date codes . PW Arms imported the handgun into the U . S ., but wasn ’ t the only importer to do so . Importation requires new markings . The importing company name and location , and model and origin are required ; as well as a new U . S . serial number in the case of these handguns . They shipped with the original leather flap holster and two magazines .
As with all firearms from the yester-years , the Makarov feels like a machine – matching the looks . It ’ s a feeling that I don ’ t feel when I pick up a Glock or even something like a SIG P229 . It ’ s a testament to the all-steel construction . I have felt the same feeling in older M1911s , Japanese Nambus , German Lugers , and Russian TT33s . They were meant to be workhorses and are tools through and through . This Makarov features red-star Bakelite grips which blend seamlessly with the bluing of the frame and slide .
The Makarov is almost purely right-handed . The exception is the magazine release , which is directly behind the baseplate of the magazine . You can shoot it left-handed but manipulating the controls will be problematic . There is a lanyard loop , safety / decocker on the slide , and a slide-stop on the left side . The weapon is disassembled by locking the slide to the rear , pulling the trigger guard down and sliding it onto the frame sideways , dropping the slide stop , and slowing pulling up and away as the slide moves forward enough to clear the guide rails .
The sights are simple notched rear and bladed front . The sharp design specifications were smoothed out , but are still crude enough to be annoying , and it is best fired one-handed . Replacement rubber grips can be purchased , but they diminish the originality of the firearm . If you want to eliminate snappiness , especially if you have larger hands , then those grips may be a Godsend to you . The leather holster isn ’ t conducive to quick access in a desperate situation . The leather would catch on both the safety / decocker and the front of the magazine . The issue prevented full and immediate holstering and it is my assumption that the quality of the holsters is universal .
Unfortunately , the Bulgarian production Makarovs are still not classified as Curio & Relic firearms , by the ATF , as the Russian and East German models are . If you have a C & R license , you won ’ t be able to obtain these through that avenue . As the years go by , and as with all other surplus firearms , the prices continue to rise as collectors snatched up what they want . Whether you are simply looking for something different or something new to collect , a Makarov will perfectly compliment a collection .
If you wish to read the extended version of this article , visit : www . thearmednovelist . com . Questions or comments ? Email thisistheline3 @ gmail . com .
16 Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana / Mississippi | August 2018 | www . thunderroadslams . com