My first gun was a Bulgarian makarov, bought it used almost 20 years ago, shot at least 3000 rounds over the years, including cheap surplus ammo ....never had a malfunction. Most reliable pistol ever made.
Should not store the pistol in the holster. The leather wicks the oil away from the metal and it will rust. Leather also attracts moisture. I have one of these that was stored by the previous owner in the holster in the original box and the pistol is like new except that the slide rusted. It may have taken years, I don't know, but rust it did. Light rubbing with a stainless steel scrubber and motor oil removed most of the rust but it comes back and needs a scrub once in a while. I put some neon green, glow in the dark, acrylic paint on the front site and that helped a lot in acquiring targets. It has remained despite shooting quite a few rounds through the gun and coming in and out of the holster many times. I have more effective, more modern pistols but still keep the Mak next to my bed. I am a lefty so like the butt release for the magazine. The only way the gun could be improved is to have a loaded round indicator like the Polish P64.
Depends on the leather. Many tanneries who supplied the creators of the surplus holsters used chromium sulfate back then to tan the hides in a 1 day tumble process vs 4 weeks for the traditional Tannin bath. Also made the hide softer and easier to shape without sacrificing durability, but the chromium reacts with any moisture, gun oil included, to create a corrosive effect. Sweat was the worst to react with chromium, also caused severe skin irritation. Modern tanneries banned the use of chromium as it caused severe lung cancers in the workers who inhaled the vapors. All leather holsters now are either veg tan (Tannin) or a modern blended oil tan. I've appendix carried all my guns in different oil tanned hide IWB holsters for years and the only signs of wear are where my shirts have rubbed against the back of the slide and rear sights. The worst ones are the IWB nylons, they pull sweat from your body and hold it like a rag.
I own 14 pistols including Glocks and Sigs yet my Russian IJ70 Makarov is my everyday carry! Over 1,500 rounds through it with zero malfunctions. Even my Glocks can’t claim that!
Bought mine new in the 90s... too inexpensive to pass up. Fell in love with the reliability & accuracy. It has digested, without failure, every 9x18 round I have fed it, as well as, a few mags full of 380 acp. I consider it the revolver of auto pistols. It's compact enough, powerful enough, slightly heavier than a S&W 36 (while holding 4 more rds), quick into action and faster to reload. What's not to like? My only caveat was the mag release, however, Fab Defense grips took care of that and you can still use the heel release if needed. I would love to reload ammo for it... if it didn't launch my brass into orbit that is (revolver wins there). Anyway, whenever that "one gun" scenario comes up, I'm like, "but my Makarov..." Wonderful pistols. My son can have it after he pries it out of my arthritic hands... but he better give it back after racking the slide for me.
After firing a number of pistols over the years, I settled on the Russian Makarov. Never found anything I like better -- though I did shitcan those hard grips in favor of some Pearce soft rubber grips.
I have a Bulgarian made Makarov, it's identical except for the rear sight. Thanks so much for the tip on opening a beer bottle. I love a dual purpose tool!
You forgot to mention the magazine follower has that little tab for the slide lock. You can depress it on the edge of a table or counter to make reloading easier. Im not sure if it was intended to work that way but I love it
Hi. The tab is a vestige of an automatic slide release system that lasted only from 1949 to 1952-53. It used a grip, slide release and magazine which differed from later post 1953 production PMs, (Pistolet Makarova.)
@@theurbannomad3263 I know some people were salty about you tossing stuff but this was a great video and made me crack up. You got a like and a couple shares from me brother!!
F- yeah! The title of this video alone, tells me that I am indeed dealing with other cultured individuals... and that's a comforting thing. Yes sir, quality content is in my future. I am subbing. For real though, great video man. Thanks for sharing it.
25 years carrying . It's heavy. You only have seven shots. Sand and salt water on the Oregon coast. I can't ever remember it jamming . Never replaced a part on it except the grip for a quick release one .
It’s a neat gun and an important part of history. The rugged simplicity of it is very impressive. Main downside is ammo availability, of course. Harder to find and not many options. The weight isn’t such a big concern as it helps with recoil management. It’s a little bulky but not that bad. Capacity is kinda limited but for most situations it should do fine. If you need more than nine rounds you are in more trouble than most people will ever see. Would I get one? No. I’ve got a Springfield Armory 911 that carries only one less round, but can fire hotter .380 defensive ammo than anything you can get for a Mak in the US, is extremely accurate, and has night sights, plus is lighter and more compact - a true pocket pistol - while still being all-metal. Only downside of my 911 versus the Mak besides one less round, is that it does require frequent cleaning to ensure reliability. But as long as I do my due diligence in the cleaning department, it is as reliable as anything. The bottle opener feature was pretty cool. My 911 doesn’t have that, either. Learned something new today.
*""GETRID OF THAT OLDTIME, ""OLD-FASHIONED LEATHERHOLSTER FOR A MORE-UPDATED-STYLE QUICK-CONCEALMENTHOLSTER OF TODAY, ""THEMAKAROV HAS-SURVIVED THROUGH THEYEARS, ""IT JUSTCONTINUES TO PROVE IT'S POINT OF VIEW, ""THEMAKAROV CONTINUES TO SERVE IT'S PURPOSE OF SELF-DEFENCE AND COMBAT""!!!!!!!!!!!!*
Oof when he tossed the cleaning rod- 😂 I had to buy one of those online because I had to take apart the extractor and spring and you need the cleaning rod to take it apart and put it back together. There’s a little pin on the end of it specifically designed to do this. I know he probably just did it for dramatic effect tho
I have and carry the Bulgarian 9mak , I love the reliability and the fact that its damn accurate. I have had people that have never shot a pistol put rounds center mass at 25 ft
For me the markarov is the best compromise between size and power. It's like carrying a nine shot snub nose 38 power wise. It's the only pistol ive ever owned that's never jammed. It's an East German that still looks new. I bought it back in 95 for $179 at a local gun store. I'll definitely never sell it.
I have had my Makarov Baikal for about 40 years. It is quite similar to the Walther PP/PPK but more simplified. I have fired many variations of semi automatic pistols, double and single action from many manufacturers. The Makarov is, in my opinion, close to the top of the list for a safe carry, quick handling and very easy maintenance belly gun..first get rid of the stock grips.
Anything but the foreign made crap. And it depends on if it is .380 or the Russian 9mm. Mine is .380 and is my travel carry. It is strictly a belly gun for protection, is very reliable and very fast.
Where can I get more info on the Bulgarian Mak. ? I have one that does not have the Circle 10 stamp. It has a square trigger guard. It is stamped as being made by the "Arsenal" company. Serial # BD391408. Is there anything you can tell me about this piece or refer me to a book/article with more info?
Yes, they are the best for fit and finish. Mine is a 1965 manuf, with holster and spare mag. I have a Baikol also, not as nice. Both run flawless. Semper Fi.
I just bought an ij70-17a, the .380 version, and I’m excited to see how well it carries! I’m a gay dude who doesn’t wear loose clothing, so the fact that it’s so relatively small makes it perfect for concealment
Why? Its only an item. He didnt destroy it. If we were talking about putting polymer stock on a m1 thats one thing but all he did was chuck a rod and holster, zero damage done.
I love my Makarovs. But...unequivocally stating that it is absolutely "better" than whatever other pistol someone might happen to own? Ridiculous. It's a fine little pistol, well made, reliable, and accurate. Those qualities, paired with the price at which Makarovs *used* to sell...made it a very good choice for new shooters, or anyone on a budget. At today's prices, it's more of a collector piece, with other more modern pistols outperforming it, at similar or lower price points.
Weapons are like computers. Folks argue about which is best and it can get highly heated. However the best weapon is often the one a person or soldier has used many times and feels safe with as to it's power to stop the enemy etc. I like the Makarov a lot as Soviet Bloc weapons are simple accurate and reliable. As a former Special Forces weapons, man, sniper and combat veteran, I like the AKM, the AK-74, the PKM, and the Makarov or TT-33 a lot.
My first gun was a Bulgarian makarov, bought it used almost 20 years ago, shot at least 3000 rounds over the years, including cheap surplus ammo ....never had a malfunction. Most reliable pistol ever made.
no other pistol can compete makarove in terms of reliability size simplecity concealibility and prize.
I’ve survived 50 years with only makarov and I’ll survive 50 more
50 years ago there weren't even Mak imports.
@@toska3528 You're assuming his Makarov needed to be imported... his sentence structure is possibly a clue.
@@sotoo9645he is trained professional Russian
Should not store the pistol in the holster. The leather wicks the oil away from the metal and it will rust. Leather also attracts moisture. I have one of these that was stored by the previous owner in the holster in the original box and the pistol is like new except that the slide rusted. It may have taken years, I don't know, but rust it did. Light rubbing with a stainless steel scrubber and motor oil removed most of the rust but it comes back and needs a scrub once in a while.
I put some neon green, glow in the dark, acrylic paint on the front site and that helped a lot in acquiring targets. It has remained despite shooting quite a few rounds through the gun and coming in and out of the holster many times.
I have more effective, more modern pistols but still keep the Mak next to my bed. I am a lefty so like the butt release for the magazine.
The only way the gun could be improved is to have a loaded round indicator like the Polish P64.
Depends on the leather. Many tanneries who supplied the creators of the surplus holsters used chromium sulfate back then to tan the hides in a 1 day tumble process vs 4 weeks for the traditional Tannin bath. Also made the hide softer and easier to shape without sacrificing durability, but the chromium reacts with any moisture, gun oil included, to create a corrosive effect. Sweat was the worst to react with chromium, also caused severe skin irritation. Modern tanneries banned the use of chromium as it caused severe lung cancers in the workers who inhaled the vapors. All leather holsters now are either veg tan (Tannin) or a modern blended oil tan. I've appendix carried all my guns in different oil tanned hide IWB holsters for years and the only signs of wear are where my shirts have rubbed against the back of the slide and rear sights. The worst ones are the IWB nylons, they pull sweat from your body and hold it like a rag.
I own 14 pistols including Glocks and Sigs yet my Russian IJ70 Makarov is my everyday carry! Over 1,500 rounds through it with zero malfunctions. Even my Glocks can’t claim that!
Dang that's awesome
Is it accurate?
@@royjaber571 it has a fixed barrel so it’s as accurate as you are good at shooting
@@SharmutaCartel nice i was concerned about it because he mentioned that he didn't like the sights
@@royjaber571 it's pretty accurate
Bought mine new in the 90s... too inexpensive to pass up. Fell in love with the reliability & accuracy. It has digested, without failure, every 9x18 round I have fed it, as well as, a few mags full of 380 acp. I consider it the revolver of auto pistols. It's compact enough, powerful enough, slightly heavier than a S&W 36 (while holding 4 more rds), quick into action and faster to reload. What's not to like?
My only caveat was the mag release, however, Fab Defense grips took care of that and you can still use the heel release if needed. I would love to reload ammo for it... if it didn't launch my brass into orbit that is (revolver wins there). Anyway, whenever that "one gun" scenario comes up, I'm like, "but my Makarov..."
Wonderful pistols. My son can have it after he pries it out of my arthritic hands... but he better give it back after racking the slide for me.
After firing a number of pistols over the years, I settled on the Russian Makarov. Never found anything I like better -- though I did shitcan those hard grips in favor of some Pearce soft rubber grips.
Where did you order the grips from
I have one in .380 and it’s a tank. Super accurate as well
Its the most reliable handgun ever made
Pistol version of a ak
Gaston hate Nikolai
Possibly the most reliable semi-auto.
Colt Single Action Army Model of 1873 begs to differ
Most underrated ever made....
I have a Bulgarian made Makarov, it's identical except for the rear sight. Thanks so much for the tip on opening a beer bottle. I love a dual purpose tool!
You forgot to mention the magazine follower has that little tab for the slide lock. You can depress it on the edge of a table or counter to make reloading easier. Im not sure if it was intended to work that way but I love it
Hi. The tab is a vestige of an automatic slide release system that lasted only from 1949 to 1952-53. It used a grip, slide release and magazine which differed from later post 1953 production PMs, (Pistolet Makarova.)
Lmfao I laughed so hard when he tossed the cleaning rod.
Lol
@@theurbannomad3263 I know some people were salty about you tossing stuff but this was a great video and made me crack up. You got a like and a couple shares from me brother!!
F- yeah! The title of this video alone, tells me that I am indeed dealing with other cultured individuals... and that's a comforting thing.
Yes sir, quality content is in my future. I am subbing.
For real though, great video man. Thanks for sharing it.
25 years carrying . It's heavy. You only have seven shots.
Sand and salt water on the Oregon coast. I can't ever remember it jamming . Never replaced a part on it except the grip for a quick release one .
7 shots? Are you talking about 1911? Makarov have 8 rounds in a magazine
You have to try the older sister of the Makarov, the Stechkin APS
I use the Czech cz82 and Polish P-64, both chambered in 9 makarov. Love that round.
It’s a neat gun and an important part of history. The rugged simplicity of it is very impressive.
Main downside is ammo availability, of course. Harder to find and not many options.
The weight isn’t such a big concern as it helps with recoil management. It’s a little bulky but not that bad. Capacity is kinda limited but for most situations it should do fine. If you need more than nine rounds you are in more trouble than most people will ever see.
Would I get one? No. I’ve got a Springfield Armory 911 that carries only one less round, but can fire hotter .380 defensive ammo than anything you can get for a Mak in the US, is extremely accurate, and has night sights, plus is lighter and more compact - a true pocket pistol - while still being all-metal. Only downside of my 911 versus the Mak besides one less round, is that it does require frequent cleaning to ensure reliability. But as long as I do my due diligence in the cleaning department, it is as reliable as anything.
The bottle opener feature was pretty cool. My 911 doesn’t have that, either. Learned something new today.
Regretted not purchasing this pistol when they were selling them for less than 200 bucks! This was around 2003 2004!
Nice. I especially liked the extra tool features.
The makarov is one those handguns that can't die dam thing will run no matter what 9X18 ammo you put through it
كيف يمكن ان يعمل بدون تسعه في ثمانية عشر
*""GETRID OF THAT OLDTIME, ""OLD-FASHIONED LEATHERHOLSTER FOR A MORE-UPDATED-STYLE QUICK-CONCEALMENTHOLSTER OF TODAY, ""THEMAKAROV HAS-SURVIVED THROUGH THEYEARS, ""IT JUSTCONTINUES TO PROVE IT'S POINT OF VIEW, ""THEMAKAROV CONTINUES TO SERVE IT'S PURPOSE OF SELF-DEFENCE AND COMBAT""!!!!!!!!!!!!*
I bought that exact same pistol in the 90's. I wish I still had it.
UN that's called or refered to us a rebounding hammer. And its a fixed barrel. All are pinned.Have great day.
Oof when he tossed the cleaning rod- 😂 I had to buy one of those online because I had to take apart the extractor and spring and you need the cleaning rod to take it apart and put it back together. There’s a little pin on the end of it specifically designed to do this. I know he probably just did it for dramatic effect tho
No, you dont need it to put it all together. And thet "throw away" was just disgusting.
I have and carry the Bulgarian 9mak , I love the reliability and the fact that its damn accurate. I have had people that have never shot a pistol put rounds center mass at 25 ft
>you can use it as a can opener
... well that's an interesting party trick lmao
For me the markarov is the best compromise between size and power. It's like carrying a nine shot snub nose 38 power wise. It's the only pistol ive ever owned that's never jammed. It's an East German that still looks new. I bought it back in 95 for $179 at a local gun store. I'll definitely never sell it.
I have had my Makarov Baikal for about 40 years. It is quite similar to the Walther PP/PPK but more simplified. I have fired many variations of semi automatic pistols, double and single action from many manufacturers. The Makarov is, in my opinion, close to the top of the list for a safe carry, quick handling and very easy maintenance belly gun..first get rid of the stock grips.
What's a good Ammo for a Makarov?
Anything but the foreign made crap. And it depends on if it is .380 or the Russian 9mm. Mine is .380 and is my travel carry. It is strictly a belly gun for protection, is very reliable and very fast.
I was so confused when you said table top review cuz I definitely thought the video was mislabeled and this was gonna be about board games 😂
In 20 years time people watching this video will not get the references at the end of the video :)
Throws cleaning rod and instantly devalues father's og packaging care
thanks ..this model looks great
Where can I get more info on the Bulgarian Mak. ? I have one that does not have the Circle 10 stamp. It has a square trigger guard. It is stamped as being made by the "Arsenal" company. Serial # BD391408. Is there anything you can tell me about this piece or refer me to a book/article with more info?
Love my East German! Around the size and weight of a glock 19 so that’s good enough for me!
Lots of love for that
Yes, they are the best for fit and finish. Mine is a 1965 manuf, with holster and spare mag. I have a Baikol also, not as nice. Both run flawless. Semper Fi.
@@jameseast7966 1962 in great shape! I now have 8 mags. Lots of fun, accurate enough and tough! Also thanks for your service!
It always goes bang.
Super cool collection.
I just bought an ij70-17a, the .380 version, and I’m excited to see how well it carries! I’m a gay dude who doesn’t wear loose clothing, so the fact that it’s so relatively small makes it perfect for concealment
You didn't discuss the decoder feature
I’m your 400th sub! Keep up the great work!
Dude that's awesome I really appreciate it I just saw that. Welcome to the family
Why you have to disrespect the items that come with the gun... The holster, or the cleaning rod. Tossing them around.
I was shocked when he threw it out like that.
Because they're only items
@@greateranimations6749 when something is rare or have history you don’t disrespect it. Common knowledge
Why? Its only an item. He didnt destroy it. If we were talking about putting polymer stock on a m1 thats one thing but all he did was chuck a rod and holster, zero damage done.
@@greateranimations6749 you wouldn’t want to throw around a ww2 soliders dog tag
Where can i find that grip? I need to change my stock grip its very thin.
I wonder if this would count as a concealed carry if it were worn in public.
Cleaning rod? Bah! Makarov works better when dirty!
I love my Makarovs. But...unequivocally stating that it is absolutely "better" than whatever other pistol someone might happen to own? Ridiculous.
It's a fine little pistol, well made, reliable, and accurate. Those qualities, paired with the price at which Makarovs *used* to sell...made it a very good choice for new shooters, or anyone on a budget. At today's prices, it's more of a collector piece, with other more modern pistols outperforming it, at similar or lower price points.
Weapons are like computers. Folks argue about which is best and it can get highly heated. However the best weapon is often the one a person or soldier has used many times and feels safe with as to it's power to stop the enemy etc. I like the Makarov a lot as Soviet Bloc weapons are simple accurate and reliable. As a former Special Forces weapons, man, sniper and combat veteran, I like the AKM, the AK-74, the PKM, and the Makarov or TT-33 a lot.
@@genegarren833 ارجوك احتاج الى جواب على سؤالي......هل ان النسخه موديل ١٩٧٥ من مكاروف السفيتي هي اقل جوده من ماقبلها
That gun never came with either holster I know I bought one back when they first released them in the United States.just like that one in the same box
Mine did. Just as shown
i don't know why you need a cleaning rod for a makarov? to clean it. it does need cleaning. duh.
it can also erase political prisoners. Cheers from Bulgaria
The bottle opener is the best feature.
Please name pistol, 1,makarov , 2, ..... 🙏
Brown holster/ military.....black holster/city police....white holster/traffic police
That's awesome
He doesn't know why you need a cleaning rod and tosses it?!?
I prefer Open Carry! It does suck U don't have the choice though!
I have a German
Rewiever shouldn't film anything, please.
Thank you for being a part of the 2nd amendment community.
Thank you 🇺🇲🦅
Say and uh again
just picked up this exact gun, box, holster, 5 extra mags and everything on a trade earlier today!
Makarov for what it is is a decent pistol, but if you think it's the best gun ever made, then you need to get off the farm more.
haha
love it
Mockerov huh
Get one
Disrespectful.
Cyka !!!
blyat!
Please read up on the Makarov before doing a video