got a mak today

sunil r · October 18, 2001, 06:48 PM

I've wanted a Mak for a while now, and haven't been thrilled with my Ruger SP-101 (.357). And finances are tight, and I haven't been able to go shopping. So today when I saw that a local pawn shop had a Bulgarian Mak, I went down with my Ruger to see if I could work a trade. I left with a used Mak and a new Marlin 25 bolt action .22, so I'm pretty happy right now. I know at least a few of you will think this was a bad deal, but what the hell.

Anyway, now I need some advice about the Mak. It definately looks used, it's not in cosmoline. Is there anything I need to do before I shoot it? I am planning to clean it first, of course. I picked up some 90 grain Blazer hollowpoints (it was the only 9x18 the store had) just so I'd have something in the gun, but I don't plan on shooting it right now.

So, what do I need to do, if anything? Look forward to your responses.

Mike H · October 18, 2001, 07:17 PM

What type of Mak did you get.

What to do :

Feed ramp polish & re-profile
New sights (Ashley Express Big Dot Tritium)
Pearce grip
New Wolff recoil spring #19
Hi-Mag release kit.

Seriously though, get the Pearce grip ($15), don't shoot Wolf ammo, use Hornady XTP Low Flash for defence, LVE or Barnaul for plinking.

Give it a thorough clean and make sure you clean the firing pin channel, see Makarov.com for details, this helps protect against slamfires, an occasional Mak problem on guns that have fouled firing pin channels. Mine had light primer strikes until I realised it required attention.

Other than that, shoot and enjoy, they really are the best value out there. They can out shoot a Sig accuracy wise, just watch out for the recoil, it can be stout especially if you use Wolf ammo.

Mike H

Herr Walther · October 18, 2001, 07:17 PM

Not a thing besides cleaning it. Very reliable, well-made, inexpensive
pistols. Have fun.

J. Parker · October 18, 2001, 11:20 PM

I like to get a polish that is safe on blued guns and polish 'em up real good. Had a Bulgy Mak and it polished up real good. I don't recall doing anything fancy to it before popin' rounds through it. I think there're good to go. I took it apart, made sure rails were lubed and that was about it.
This past weekend I tried to get my East German Mak to choke up and couldn't. Shot CCI Blazers and Hornadys, upside down, gangster style, one hand, off hand, weak hand, left hand, no hands, and just couldn't get it to choke.
It's a fun little pistol...enjoy

Destructo6 · October 18, 2001, 11:20 PM

Just take it out and shoot it. That will tell you what you need/don't need. Personally, I don't like the Pearce grip, nor the Nolan high release (if you want both, I'll sell to you for cheap).

Any hollowpoint needs to be tested before you rely on it for defense. My EG Mak hated Hornandy XTP but likes Fiocchi JHP.

denfoote · October 19, 2001, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Feed ramp polish & re-profile
New sights (Ashley Express Big Dot Tritium)
Pearce grip
New Wolff recoil spring #19
Hi-Mag release kit.

Seriously though, get the Pearce grip ($15), don't shoot Wolf ammo, use Hornady XTP Low Flash for defence, LVE or Barnaul for plinking.

Welcome to the Makarov Collective!!

The accessories outlined above will cost more than the pistol itself!!! The Ashley sights cost $120 alone!!!

I must disagree with the no Wolf ammo advice!! The Makarov was designed to shoot Wolf ammo!! If anyone here doubts this, I can provide the historical documentation. There is nothing wrong with Wolf ammo, in fact that is all I use for plinking purposes. For defense, I think that the Federal 90gr Hi-Shok is a better choice, although the Hornady is certainly good. Other than that, you have been given some sage advice. Go and enjoy your Makarov. It is a tough little beast that will give you years of service. I currently own 7 Makarovs from every country that made them, including China!!!

Hoppy · October 19, 2001, 09:45 AM

My opinion... You don't need to add anything to a Mak, except ammo. I've fed everything I can get my hands on into my East German, it likes it all. My sites are right on. They are small but effective, I wouldn't want them any bigger. I like the original grips. They are comfortable and they are smooth enough not to grab your clothing when you carry. Once in a while the screw on the grip will loosen though, but that is easily fixed.

Maks are great! You can hit your target and then take out the other BG to your right with your high velocity flying brass!!

btw, 2 holsters I use. the Fobus paddle for the mak and a Shooting Systems nylon IWB, both excellent.

Looking for a recommendation on an ankle holster for it though, any thoughts?

glockorama · October 19, 2001, 10:15 AM

Maks are awesome! I pretty much agree with Hoppy, you don't really need to do much to a Mak, they normally work right out of the box. I always polish the feed ramp on all my auto's, so I would siggest doing that. Just to be sure. I also hate those peirce grips. They are too big and ruin the feel of the gun.
I had an SP-101 and did not like it at all. Inaccurate, to big for 5 shots, etc.. I would say you made a pretty good deal. Fair, at least. Enjoy your new Mak.

mlk18 · October 19, 2001, 10:55 AM

Amen glockorama! The pearce completely change the feel of the Makarov and increase the width of the grip considerably. First I bought makawrap grips, felt like holding a good 2X4. Then I upgraded to Pearce, felt like holding rubber brick. So back the originals I went. If felt recoil is too snappy for you, buy a set of the bulgarian commerical grips. Same basic style as military, but black, rubber coated and with a small thumb rest which helps with muzzle flip (and they aided in improving my double taps).

Congrats on the purchase! mlk18

oweno · October 19, 2001, 11:48 AM

Speaking of which ... Just got back from the range with my Bulgarian Mak - I usually run green-box Novosibirsk ammo (sadly, no longer available) so I ran a box of Wolf through it (picked up at a gunshow for 5 bucks a box of 50).

100% perfect functionality, just as accurate as any other, but ... sure seemed to be a hotter round. My paw is a tad sore right now.

And I, too, am one of those people who like the issue grips better than the aftermarket ones.

Owen

Tropical Z · October 19, 2001, 12:04 PM

Good trade-Maks rule!
Just shoot and enjoy.
Try out 1000 rounds of Barnaul ammo at
www.ammoman.com

AC's & 45's · October 19, 2001, 03:25 PM

Good trade...
You really don't need all of the doo dads for your MAK.
All you actually need is lots of ammo and several mags.
Since you don't know whether it is a Bulgy Russian, EG make sure
you get Bulgarian or russian mags. The EG mags won't work in anything but and EG. The other makes of mags will work in a EG though.

Oh yeah, one little doo dad you will appreciate a lot and it is cheap is a mag loading tool. Check out Makarov. com

Incidently I do happen to like the Pearce grips.
To each his own......

bradster · October 19, 2001, 11:30 PM

curious,never heard that EG mags won't function in anything but EG Maks-can this be verified by anyone else? not that i don't believe it,but after reading hundereds of posts regarding Maks all over the internet,it's never come up.i own a couple of EG's and 10 mags and i have a bulgie on order (comes with 1 mag) hence my question.

mlk18 · October 20, 2001, 12:38 AM

I know there is a very minor difference in the East German magazines (from the others). I remember looking at my EG and Russian (when I had both) and noticing a small portion of metal toward the bottom of the mag on one that was not on the other. But I am pretty sure I used the mags in both Maks w/o and problems. Check with makarov.com and if it isn't in the FAQ just send Karl and email, he'll know if anyone does.

mlk18

Tom B · October 20, 2001, 04:33 AM

I never had a problem with EG mags working in my other Maks.

aircarver · October 20, 2001, 08:05 AM

I bought a bunch of EG mags for my Bulgie.
"If they don't work, I haven't noticed it.... "

bradster · October 20, 2001, 08:25 AM

i guess the question has been answered in a most timely fashion,may i add.

thanks to all the Maknuts out there-hope the 3 bulgies on the way from J&G are the cats meow! after all they cost me a whopping $100 each! why do i feel like buying 10 more? am i in the terminal stage of this disease? Barnaul JHP here i come!

aircarver · October 20, 2001, 08:44 AM

I just got 2 more of the $99 Bulgies from J&G.
I had kinda hoped they'd be 'unissued' but it was asking a lot for the price. What I got look to be police/military turn-ins, a lot of holster wear but not shot very much. They were fired & uncleaned, one was very dirty. They both cleaned up well (bless those chrome bores...)

I intended to do a plastic refinish anyway so I'm not too disappointed, but folks should know that the current batch aren't new, unissued anymore.

bradster · October 20, 2001, 09:18 AM

yep-unissued bulgies selling for 40-50% more than the used from J&G (who is advertising them as used,excellent condition) not worth the extra $ for new IMHO,unless of course you get a real dog from J&G (which i hope won't be the case) thinking about refinishing from the co.(whose name escapes me) parkerizes,then coats (several colors available) them, does internal parts also,i believe,and F&B to boot---i'll wait till he runs his monthly special geared to maks (which he did a few months ago)

aircarver · October 20, 2001, 09:51 AM

Mac's Shootin Arm Restorations ? www.shootinarm.com

The guns appear eminently shootable (range trip today).
I would have characterized their appearance (comparing with my real unissued' Bulgie) as 'good' & 'very good'. The unissued was 'excellent'.

Hope you're right about the 'special'. It's currently for a rifle..

Frenchy · October 20, 2001, 05:00 PM

Just clean it, shoot it, and have fun. My East German has performed flawlessly and it's my carry piece.

sunil r · October 22, 2001, 02:09 PM

It's a Bulgarian. Went out yesterday and shot at my friend's barn (with his permission, of course.) First I ran ball ammo through both magazines, and it performed flawlessly. Then ran the Blazer hollowpoints through both, and again it shot everything. It has the black grips with the thumbrest, and while I noticed the recoil, it was still more pleasant than my old Ruger (and I had Hogues on that puppy.)

Now I need to order some ammo. Looked all over Moscow and Lewiston, and ended up paying $14 for the Blazers, box of 50, and $12 for the ball, again 50 rounds. Looks like some of you have found it for less elsewhere. I saw Hoppy's holster recommendation; does the Fobus have a thumb-snap (thumb-break?) on it? I saw that makarov.com has some other holsters for sale. Does anyone have one of those?

I have to say that the Marlin bolt-action .22 was a kick in the pants. I've never owned a rifle before, and I know I'm going to shoot this one a lot.

mlk18 · October 22, 2001, 03:50 PM

The Fobus does not have a thumb-break, but does hold the Mak firmly. Almost like a level 1 retention holster, by pinching the trigger guard. I have the standard nylon pancake holster from Makarov.com and it has worked well for me. When I need it extra concealed I just put a couple rubber bands around the grip and carry it mexican IWB.

For ammunition check out www.dansammo.com. They Barnaul Arsenal JHP's in 9x18 are excellent rounds.

mlk18

bradster · October 22, 2001, 05:56 PM

jack fuselier quoted me 35.00 to satin nickel plate a Mak slide and 50.00 for a bright shiny nickel finish-check out his website >www.gunsmith.fuselier.com

Guyon · October 23, 2001, 04:06 PM

I second the recommendation for www.dansammo.com

Dan is fast, and the ammo is reliable and clean (cleaner than Wolf anyway). No shipping charges east of the Mississippi and only $10 west of the Mississippi.

Enjoy that Mak. Those Bulgies are still the best deal going.

October 18, 2001, 07:17 PM	#3
Herr Walther Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2001 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 589	Not a thing besides cleaning it. Very reliable, well-made, inexpensive pistols. Have fun. __________________ "It was people who upheld their duties to their office, the constitution, and the public by opposing Hitler who were called traitors" ------------------------------------- "...a historian asked what had happened to the German people for them to accept a criminal government. Unfortunately, nothing needed to happen. In nations across the world people accept government crime." ------------------------------------- "In democracies as well as dictatorships, subordinates illegally obey their rulers. Subordinates who remain true to their oaths of office by opposing their rulers are rare."

October 19, 2001, 10:55 AM	#9
mlk18 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2000 Location: South Dakota "Yes, it sucks here. So stay away and leave us to our misery. Posts: 240	Amen glockorama! The pearce completely change the feel of the Makarov and increase the width of the grip considerably. First I bought makawrap grips, felt like holding a good 2X4. Then I upgraded to Pearce, felt like holding rubber brick. So back the originals I went. If felt recoil is too snappy for you, buy a set of the bulgarian commerical grips. Same basic style as military, but black, rubber coated and with a small thumb rest which helps with muzzle flip (and they aided in improving my double taps). Congrats on the purchase! mlk18 __________________ "...people can come up with statistics to prove anything.....14 percent of all people know that. " Homer J. Simpson

October 19, 2001, 12:04 PM	#11
Tropical Z Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2000 Location: Atlantis Posts: 1,683	Good trade-Maks rule! Just shoot and enjoy. Try out 1000 rounds of Barnaul ammo at www.ammoman.com __________________ FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE!!!!!!!

October 19, 2001, 03:25 PM	#12
AC's & 45's Senior Member Join Date: November 8, 2000 Location: Mid, Mo Posts: 403	Good trade... You really don't need all of the doo dads for your MAK. All you actually need is lots of ammo and several mags. Since you don't know whether it is a Bulgy Russian, EG make sure you get Bulgarian or russian mags. The EG mags won't work in anything but and EG. The other makes of mags will work in a EG though. Oh yeah, one little doo dad you will appreciate a lot and it is cheap is a mag loading tool. Check out Makarov. com Incidently I do happen to like the Pearce grips. To each his own...... __________________ Common sense is not something you can aquire. You must be born with it. So, you either have it or you don't!

October 19, 2001, 11:30 PM	#13
bradster Senior Member Join Date: May 5, 2001 Posts: 73	new to me curious,never heard that EG mags won't function in anything but EG Maks-can this be verified by anyone else? not that i don't believe it,but after reading hundereds of posts regarding Maks all over the internet,it's never come up.i own a couple of EG's and 10 mags and i have a bulgie on order (comes with 1 mag) hence my question.

October 18, 2001, 06:48 PM	#1
sunil r Member Join Date: April 24, 2001 Location: Lewiston ID Posts: 25	got a mak today I've wanted a Mak for a while now, and haven't been thrilled with my Ruger SP-101 (.357). And finances are tight, and I haven't been able to go shopping. So today when I saw that a local pawn shop had a Bulgarian Mak, I went down with my Ruger to see if I could work a trade. I left with a used Mak and a new Marlin 25 bolt action .22, so I'm pretty happy right now. I know at least a few of you will think this was a bad deal, but what the hell. Anyway, now I need some advice about the Mak. It definately looks used, it's not in cosmoline. Is there anything I need to do before I shoot it? I am planning to clean it first, of course. I picked up some 90 grain Blazer hollowpoints (it was the only 9x18 the store had) just so I'd have something in the gun, but I don't plan on shooting it right now. So, what do I need to do, if anything? Look forward to your responses.

October 18, 2001, 07:17 PM	#2
Mike H Senior Member Join Date: August 26, 1999 Posts: 1,160	What type of Mak did you get. What to do : Feed ramp polish & re-profile New sights (Ashley Express Big Dot Tritium) Pearce grip New Wolff recoil spring #19 Hi-Mag release kit. Seriously though, get the Pearce grip ($15), don't shoot Wolf ammo, use Hornady XTP Low Flash for defence, LVE or Barnaul for plinking. Give it a thorough clean and make sure you clean the firing pin channel, see Makarov.com for details, this helps protect against slamfires, an occasional Mak problem on guns that have fouled firing pin channels. Mine had light primer strikes until I realised it required attention. Other than that, shoot and enjoy, they really are the best value out there. They can out shoot a Sig accuracy wise, just watch out for the recoil, it can be stout especially if you use Wolf ammo. Mike H

October 18, 2001, 11:20 PM	#4
J. Parker Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2000 Location: Ephrata, wa. USA Posts: 1,338	I like to get a polish that is safe on blued guns and polish 'em up real good. Had a Bulgy Mak and it polished up real good. I don't recall doing anything fancy to it before popin' rounds through it. I think there're good to go. I took it apart, made sure rails were lubed and that was about it. This past weekend I tried to get my East German Mak to choke up and couldn't. Shot CCI Blazers and Hornadys, upside down, gangster style, one hand, off hand, weak hand, left hand, no hands, and just couldn't get it to choke. It's a fun little pistol...enjoy

October 18, 2001, 11:20 PM	#5
Destructo6 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 1999 Location: Nogales, AZ USA Posts: 3,521	Just take it out and shoot it. That will tell you what you need/don't need. Personally, I don't like the Pearce grip, nor the Nolan high release (if you want both, I'll sell to you for cheap). Any hollowpoint needs to be tested before you rely on it for defense. My EG Mak hated Hornandy XTP but likes Fiocchi JHP.

October 19, 2001, 09:45 AM	#7
Hoppy Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2000 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 224	My opinion... You don't need to add anything to a Mak, except ammo. I've fed everything I can get my hands on into my East German, it likes it all. My sites are right on. They are small but effective, I wouldn't want them any bigger. I like the original grips. They are comfortable and they are smooth enough not to grab your clothing when you carry. Once in a while the screw on the grip will loosen though, but that is easily fixed. Maks are great! You can hit your target and then take out the other BG to your right with your high velocity flying brass!! btw, 2 holsters I use. the Fobus paddle for the mak and a Shooting Systems nylon IWB, both excellent. Looking for a recommendation on an ankle holster for it though, any thoughts?

October 19, 2001, 10:15 AM	#8
glockorama Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: WA Posts: 513	Maks are awesome! I pretty much agree with Hoppy, you don't really need to do much to a Mak, they normally work right out of the box. I always polish the feed ramp on all my auto's, so I would siggest doing that. Just to be sure. I also hate those peirce grips. They are too big and ruin the feel of the gun. I had an SP-101 and did not like it at all. Inaccurate, to big for 5 shots, etc.. I would say you made a pretty good deal. Fair, at least. Enjoy your new Mak.

October 19, 2001, 11:48 AM	#10
oweno Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 1999 Location: was NH, is FL Posts: 159	Speaking of which ... Just got back from the range with my Bulgarian Mak - I usually run green-box Novosibirsk ammo (sadly, no longer available) so I ran a box of Wolf through it (picked up at a gunshow for 5 bucks a box of 50). 100% perfect functionality, just as accurate as any other, but ... sure seemed to be a hotter round. My paw is a tad sore right now. And I, too, am one of those people who like the issue grips better than the aftermarket ones. Owen

October 20, 2001, 12:38 AM	#14
mlk18 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2000 Location: South Dakota "Yes, it sucks here. So stay away and leave us to our misery. Posts: 240	I know there is a very minor difference in the East German magazines (from the others). I remember looking at my EG and Russian (when I had both) and noticing a small portion of metal toward the bottom of the mag on one that was not on the other. But I am pretty sure I used the mags in both Maks w/o and problems. Check with makarov.com and if it isn't in the FAQ just send Karl and email, he'll know if anyone does. mlk18 __________________ "...people can come up with statistics to prove anything.....14 percent of all people know that. " Homer J. Simpson

October 20, 2001, 04:33 AM	#15
Tom B Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 1999 Location: GA Posts: 1,832	I never had a problem with EG mags working in my other Maks.

October 20, 2001, 08:05 AM	#16
aircarver Member Join Date: July 6, 2001 Location: Ft. Worth TX Posts: 38	I bought a bunch of EG mags for my Bulgie. "If they don't work, I haven't noticed it.... "

October 20, 2001, 08:25 AM	#17
bradster Senior Member Join Date: May 5, 2001 Posts: 73	put it to bed i guess the question has been answered in a most timely fashion,may i add. thanks to all the Maknuts out there-hope the 3 bulgies on the way from J&G are the cats meow! after all they cost me a whopping $100 each! why do i feel like buying 10 more? am i in the terminal stage of this disease? Barnaul JHP here i come!

October 20, 2001, 08:44 AM	#18
aircarver Member Join Date: July 6, 2001 Location: Ft. Worth TX Posts: 38	I just got 2 more of the $99 Bulgies from J&G. I had kinda hoped they'd be 'unissued' but it was asking a lot for the price. What I got look to be police/military turn-ins, a lot of holster wear but not shot very much. They were fired & uncleaned, one was very dirty. They both cleaned up well (bless those chrome bores...) I intended to do a plastic refinish anyway so I'm not too disappointed, but folks should know that the current batch aren't new, unissued anymore.

October 20, 2001, 09:18 AM	#19
bradster Senior Member Join Date: May 5, 2001 Posts: 73	so true yep-unissued bulgies selling for 40-50% more than the used from J&G (who is advertising them as used,excellent condition) not worth the extra $ for new IMHO,unless of course you get a real dog from J&G (which i hope won't be the case) thinking about refinishing from the co.(whose name escapes me) parkerizes,then coats (several colors available) them, does internal parts also,i believe,and F&B to boot---i'll wait till he runs his monthly special geared to maks (which he did a few months ago)

October 20, 2001, 09:51 AM	#20
aircarver Member Join Date: July 6, 2001 Location: Ft. Worth TX Posts: 38	Mac's Shootin Arm Restorations ? www.shootinarm.com The guns appear eminently shootable (range trip today). I would have characterized their appearance (comparing with my real unissued' Bulgie) as 'good' & 'very good'. The unissued was 'excellent'. Hope you're right about the 'special'. It's currently for a rifle..

October 20, 2001, 05:00 PM	#21
Frenchy Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2000 Location: Mid-Missouri Posts: 723	Just clean it, shoot it, and have fun. My East German has performed flawlessly and it's my carry piece. __________________ ...Steve Charter member/Plank owner of XD Talk. Com

October 22, 2001, 02:09 PM	#22
sunil r Member Join Date: April 24, 2001 Location: Lewiston ID Posts: 25	It's a Bulgarian. Went out yesterday and shot at my friend's barn (with his permission, of course.) First I ran ball ammo through both magazines, and it performed flawlessly. Then ran the Blazer hollowpoints through both, and again it shot everything. It has the black grips with the thumbrest, and while I noticed the recoil, it was still more pleasant than my old Ruger (and I had Hogues on that puppy.) Now I need to order some ammo. Looked all over Moscow and Lewiston, and ended up paying $14 for the Blazers, box of 50, and $12 for the ball, again 50 rounds. Looks like some of you have found it for less elsewhere. I saw Hoppy's holster recommendation; does the Fobus have a thumb-snap (thumb-break?) on it? I saw that makarov.com has some other holsters for sale. Does anyone have one of those? I have to say that the Marlin bolt-action .22 was a kick in the pants. I've never owned a rifle before, and I know I'm going to shoot this one a lot.

October 22, 2001, 03:50 PM	#23
mlk18 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2000 Location: South Dakota "Yes, it sucks here. So stay away and leave us to our misery. Posts: 240	The Fobus does not have a thumb-break, but does hold the Mak firmly. Almost like a level 1 retention holster, by pinching the trigger guard. I have the standard nylon pancake holster from Makarov.com and it has worked well for me. When I need it extra concealed I just put a couple rubber bands around the grip and carry it mexican IWB. For ammunition check out www.dansammo.com. They Barnaul Arsenal JHP's in 9x18 are excellent rounds. mlk18 __________________ "...people can come up with statistics to prove anything.....14 percent of all people know that. " Homer J. Simpson

October 22, 2001, 05:56 PM	#24
bradster Senior Member Join Date: May 5, 2001 Posts: 73	might be of interest jack fuselier quoted me 35.00 to satin nickel plate a Mak slide and 50.00 for a bright shiny nickel finish-check out his website >www.gunsmith.fuselier.com

October 23, 2001, 04:06 PM	#25
Guyon Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2000 Location: Over the Hills and Through the Woods, Tennessee Posts: 1,207	I second the recommendation for www.dansammo.com Dan is fast, and the ammo is reliable and clean (cleaner than Wolf anyway). No shipping charges east of the Mississippi and only $10 west of the Mississippi. Enjoy that Mak. Those Bulgies are still the best deal going. __________________ Gun control should just be about hitting your target.