So this time I mean it when I say I'm going to start blogging again. No, seriously...I've gotten so much advice (some good, some bad) from blogs that I've decided to start the blogging off right by giving my thoughts on the Makarov as a CCW piece.
The Makarov is a semi-auto pistol designed the the late 40's by Nikolai Makarov. It came from a competition to replace the Tokarev TT-33. Rather than use an existing cartridge, Nikolai designed a new one - the 9x18mm or 9mm Makarov. He did this for two main reasons: One, the 9x18 is the strongest cartridge that can be safely fired from the straight blowback action of the Makarov ; Two, it was a totally new round that NATO forces could not use if captured from Soviet soldiers. The U.S.S.R. adopted the Makarov as it's military and police sidearm in 1951, and it stayed until the fall of the U.S.S.R. in 1991.
The Makarov has an 8 round magazine, 3.83" barrel, all steel construction, and a bakelite grip. It has been made by several countries like Russia, East Germany, China, Bulgaria, and Germany. Since the Russians went and set up all of the factories, all the specs and tooling are pretty universal. There are differences in price, fit, and finish - but they're basically identical. There are some variations, such as a high capacity version (10 or 12 rounds) as well as aftermarket kits that change it's caliber to .380acp.
-Pros-
The Makarov is a good size for concealed carry. It's a bit too big for pocket carry for most people but fits nicely on the hip. The barrel is short enough that carrying OWB is easy with just a long shirt. IWB it just disappears. It has a long enough grip so you can get a good hold on it and with it's all steel construction, it's practically indestructible.
Some say the 9x18 cartridge is too small to be effective for self defense. I believe that the best gun is the gun you have with you, and the Makarov gives you no excuse to not carry it. I'll leave it up to the reader to decide whether the 9mm Makarov is enough bullet.
Another plus to the Mak is the price tag. I know you shouldn't put a price tag on your safety but in the real world money is a factor. While Makarovs have been increasing in price, you can still get your grubby little paws on a Bulgarian Mak for about $200 - $250.
The trigger isn't the best trigger on the planet, but it never fails. It has a safety/de-cocker that prevents the hammer from hitting the firing pin when activated, so carrying with a round in the chamber is totally safe. If you practice drawing just abit, you can flick off the safety with your thumb before you're ready to fire quite easily.
It's also super easy to take down and clean.
-cons-With the all steel construction comes weight. The Mak is heavy! Weight is not that big of a deal to some (like myself) but to others it's a deal breaker. Another problem is the finish. It's a blued gun and requires some maintenance to prevent rust, especially if you're in a climate like me in South Louisiana. A wipe down with CLPwipes and a silicon cloth once or twice a week does the trick. Carrying in a good (i.e. not nylon) holster with a high back goes a long way as well. I carry in a Bianchi Professional IWB and I only really have to pay attention to the grip.
The other main drawback to the Makarov is the lack of aftermarket accessories, mainly holsters. Some manufacturers do make holsters for the Mak specifically, but for the most part you'll have to get a holster that is for a range of pistols and see what works.
All in all, I love my Mak as a concealed carry weapon. It goes bang when I want it to go bang and is pretty easy to carry, and it didn't break the bank.
