CCW makarov quesitons

[Buster Charlie]

Okay, barnaul HP, I've seen them for $125 for 1000 rounds shipped, is this stuff good for CC?

The rest of this stuff is from makarov.com

1) The Concealed-carry magazines, are they worth 3X the price? how many would I need? one? two?
2)Makawrap vs Pearce grips for CC? I hear Pearce is more comfortable, but the makawrap is better for CCW.
3) What kind of CCW holster would you recomend for a makarov?
4) Recoil springs Are they worth it? #19 or #21?
5) Federal stainless barrel, how much better than the stock barrel? stock length? extended ported or threaded? I imagine standard length would be best for CCW.
6)Phosphorescent "glow-in-the-dark" stick-on sight dots, are these useful?

So what do you all think?

[spitfire_mk_2]

If you are going to spend all that money, you might as well buy CZ-82 or CZ PCR.

[Buster Charlie]

Originally posted by spitfire_mk_2
If you are going to spend all that money, you might as well buy CZ-82 or CZ PCR.

Thank you for not only not answering ONE question of mine, but being totaly ignorant.

I wasn't saying "I am going to buy all of this shit" I was asking what if any is worth buying.

I posted this on a USEFUL makarov forum and got some good advice, so I guess I shouldn't even bother posting on gunsnet because you people seem too busy talking about the Gay TV channel than guns

as far as 'all that money' lets say I get a 'new' makarov instead of surplus special, its all of $150 with two mags, army holster, and some other stuff.

lets say I buy a thousand rounds of ammo, we're up to $275, still less than most pistols. Lets say I buy that concealed carry magazines with the extra strength spring and extended flootplate, we're $279 Say I want to put a extra strength spring in, I dont NEED to, but say I want to. $306 a aftermarket grip $326. this includes shipping on everything but the gun (say an extra $50 for FFL and shipping)

and god forbid, a HOLSTER

which as we all know is onlu needed for a makarov a nice custom made leather holster $35

$391 for a gun, 3 magazines (one custom), 1000 rounds, custom spring, and a aftermarket grip, and a nice holster, include shipping and FFL.

hell I dont even NEED anything but the ammo and the holster.

If im gonna buy all of that extra stuff ANYWAY, what dose it matter what i'll buy it for? The stuff may cost MORE.

Jesus, if you dont have any USEFUL comments, dont reply

[Hoploholic]

Perhaps if he wanted a CZ, he would have bought one. Just a thought.

If you plan on shooting anything that is 95 gr or heavier I would go with the 19 lbs. spring. That spring is all that keeps your slide from battering the frame. I installed them in both mine and I don't really notice the extra stiffness when racking the slide. Personally, I think the glow in the dark sights are just a gimick. They must be exposed to light before they will glow which makes them usless in a CCW role. I like the Fobus holster but I have not tried the Falco that they sell on Makarov.com. Hope this helps.

[vitiaz]

BC sez;
"Okay, barnaul HP, I've seen them for $125 for 1000 rounds shipped, is this stuff good for CC?"

Don't know...I use either Cor-Bon or Federal(yes Federal does make 9x18).

1) Magazines...minimum of 2. Reliability is key here. I don't know what the 'concealed carry' mags are. Bulgarian, E. German & Russian ones work fine for me. Be sure to test with your carry ammo.
2) Pearce grips are great(but I have big hands)
3) Holster...I'm happy with my Fobus.

#'s 4, 5, & 6 I wouldn't worry about

Just my $0.02

[Buster Charlie]

Originally posted by vitiaz
BC sez;
"Okay, barnaul HP, I've seen them for $125 for 1000 rounds shipped, is this stuff good for CC?"

Don't know...I use either Cor-Bon or Federal(yes Federal does make 9x18).

1) Magazines...minimum of 2. Reliability is key here. I don't know what the 'concealed carry' mags are. Bulgarian, E. German & Russian ones work fine for me. Be sure to test with your carry ammo.
2) Pearce grips are great(but I have big hands)
3) Holster...I'm happy with my Fobus.

#'s 4, 5, & 6 I wouldn't worry about

Just my $0.02


I'll have to check out federal or cor-bon, where do you buy it from? I however think barnaul might be the best choice since it is almost as cheap as wolf, AND I can practice with it 100% and if I can go through 1000 rounds of barnaul HP without any problems, I think it'll be the ideal CCW ammo since i'll be so familar with it.

most maks come with two, I think i'll get that "CCW" magazine, What it is, is they reblue the magazine, they add a new wolff extra power magazine spring, and a extended floorplate, which from what I hear really makes the gun easier to handle in larger hands. I think it's worth it for the new spring alone. I hear good things about pearce but I hear they're a bit wide for CC? And I hear Fobus is great. Thanks for the advice.

And like Someone said, if I wanted a CZ, i'd get a CZ. I don't think the chances of me having to use a pistol to defend myself are high, if I did, i'd carry TWO guns :) I think if I'm gonna own a small pistol, for plinking, its only logical I make use of it for defense, if ever it arises. My friend has a TZ-75, GREAT gun, and I want one, but he's like twice my size, and he says its a pain to wear CC because of it's size and weight.

thanks for the input

[yasnevo]

Relax dude...
I will address exery one of your questions:

1. Q: Conceal carry mags, are they worth 3x the price?
A: No... on they are not... I use the standard mags that came with the pistol.. why? The neat little finger groove on the bottom of the pistol keeps my hand a positive grip on the pistol when I draw from the holster... every time. The +2 mags...I never liked them...I always stick with standard mags and I will get into it at the bottom of this post.

2. Q: Makawrap vs Pearce grips for CC? I hear Pearce is more comfortable, but the makawrap is better for CCW.
A: Neither. Go with the smooth sided military grips, like the Red Star... why? If you have the rubber grips, they can get hung up on glothing of you have a close fitting hoster against your body. I have test this extensively and have found this to be true. I do, however, like the Pearce Grips above the military grips if I am using the shoulder holster that I bought in Russia. The East German shoulder holster is a POS. If yo use this holster, by the time you dig it out when the excrement hits the rotory actuator, you will be dead...

3. Q: What kind of CCW holster would you recomend for a makarov?
A: The Fobus hoster is a very good holster. I like it, i ahave used it. I like my Russian made, black nylon shoulder holster that I bought in Russia 4-5 years ago. They do not sell them here, but I am going back this summer and i will bring some back. This holster is great! It holds the pistol horizontal, it has a thumb-break and the opposite side has a holder for 2 mags. Next, the best holster is the Blade-Tech holster...its expensive, but I like the workmanship they do on these holsters.

4) Q: Recoil springs Are they worth it? #19 or #21?
A: No... however, keeping an additional recoil spring is always good...just in case the original one gets too gummy...

5) Q: Federal stainless barrel, how much better than the stock barrel? stock length? extended ported or threaded? I imagine standard length would be best for CCW.
A: No... for legal liability reasons, keep the barrel standard. Ported, threaded (gasp!)...keep it simple when it comes to adding all this extraneaous crap to your gun. God forbid you have to use it in a life and death struggle, if you di, and you end up wining the engagement, you will have to explain yourself why you have a threaded, ported barrel... most prosecuters would look very hard at you and there is a chance...a strong chance...that an intentional murder or a wrongful death suit could be put against you... again, could be...


6) Q: Phosphorescent "glow-in-the-dark" stick-on sight dots, are these useful?
A: Night sights are good. However, a flashlight is better... Besides, the short sight radius and the narrow rear sight make it hard to pick up the glow in the dark sights. Stats show that most gunfights take place during the dark hours...and at a distance of 3-5 yards... at these distances you can almost instinct shoot and hit the targets.

Conclusion:

In the end, it all comes down to practice and common sence.
1. If you go out to eat, or you are in your car sitting or in a place sitting down in a char, you don't want a SOB (small of the back) holster...) its too hard to get to.
2. You do not want to add a bunch of stuff to your pistol that, in the event thaty ou use it, you open yourself up to legal liabilty...

In the words of Gabriel Suarez, KIS, Keep It Simple...

Hope this helps...

Yasnevo

[Buster Charlie]

Blood vessel? Why do people always assume I'm upset? I was kinda pissed at the FIRST reply, but after that everything is grand.

To the first point, i've decided that one of the CC mags are worth it. maybe you don't understand what they are? It's a 8 round magazine that's been reblued, it has a new wolff extra power magazine spring, and a extended floorplate. this is NOT a +2 bullet floorplate, it just enhances the grip of the pistol and everyone i've asked says they're great for holsters because it makes it so much easier to get a grip on the gun. also, all these features alone cost much more than the finished product. I think its worth it, I value your opinion, and I dont think the 'CC magazine' is gonna save my life vs a stock magazine. I just think it's a good idea.

here is a pic of the extended floorplate http://www.makarov.com/graphics/magext1.jpg
http://www.makarov.com/graphics/magext2.jpg

as far as grips, other people have said the same thing, the russian red grips are best for CC, but pearce grips feel better for plinking.
I plan on getting a FALCO holster. I'm not sure which one I should get, I like the double rig with the magazine pouches, I dont like the idea of wearing a IWB holster under a t-shirt, I think that'd take longer to get to than wearing a jacket over a sholder holster. it got really high reviews on cruffler.com and everyone else seems to like it a lot.

as for the barrel, I agree, most people say the mak is plenty accurate with the stock barrel. K.I.S.S.

yeah, gener consensus is the stick on sights are pretty gimmiky, especialy since they need ligh to activate them :(

[yasnevo]

WHy do people think that you are always upset? Well, dude, you come across that way...
Now that we got that out of thay, let us continue.

I see what you mean now about the mag, it is a good idea. I like the way they have accentuated the bottle flare so that you can get a positive grip. I also think that this accentuated flare can act as a catch-all on clothing, and just about anything else Mr. Murphy would like to throw your way when the SHTF rears its ugly head.

I would try it out though... seems marginally worth while.... but, i am sticking with standard ones. Again, nothing personal, just personal preferences.

Yasnevo

[Buster Charlie]

Originally posted by yasnevo
WHy do people think that you are always upset? Well, dude, you come across that way...
Now that we got that out of thay, let us continue.

I see what you mean now about the mag, it is a good idea. I like the way they have accentuated the bottle flare so that you can get a positive grip. I also think that this accentuated flare can act as a catch-all on clothing, and just about anything else Mr. Murphy would like to throw your way when the SHTF rears its ugly head.

I would try it out though... seems marginally worth while.... but, i am sticking with standard ones. Again, nothing personal, just personal preferences.

Yasnevo

Sorry if I sond like im freaking, I should proof read my messages more. ;) I seriously dont want to offend anyone, with the exception of the first reply.
Yes, I was thinking the same thing about the extended floorplate catching on cloathing. But I ran this same subject in the gunboards makarov forum and at least two people recomended I buy one of these, that they are great. So I'll treat myself, if I hate it I can sell it for the cost of a stock magazine.
yes, nothing personal. Some people think that only .45 ACP is worth a damn for self defense, I think it's all about what you feel comfortable with.

[number_6]

The Makarov is an excellent CCW. I only have one point of disagreement to make, though. If you shoot Cor-Bon or the Barnaul ammo, I would get and use a 19# spring. The Barnaul is notably hotter than every other load except Cor-Bon that I've tried. When firing Barnaul HP, sparks were being thrown out because the action was opening prematurely. This was on two Bulgarian military Maks, which I believe have the 17# spring. My Russian commercial has a 15# spring, which I replaced.

Be seeing you.

[vitiaz]

Natchez has both Cor-Bon & Federal,

http://www.natchezss.com/ammo/pistol/pa918mak.html

I think they are out of stock in Cor-Bon but should have some in shortly.

Ammo-man has the Hornady,

http://www.ammoman.com/

Check six...

Vitiaz

[Fistula]

$0.02

1) The stock mags are very strong and were ment to be carried loaded. Get 4 or more factory mags carry them around loaded, let them accumulate pocket lint and take some dings and check them at the range. Toss any bad ones.

2) Do not use any grip that will stick, snag or hold up on any clothing or in your hand. Some times the sticky rubber grips can be 'fixed' with acetone or other solvent. It smooths and hardens them giving them the feel of hard rubber like an Ace comb.

3) No holster, keep in jacket pocket. In summer use 'belly band' or 'Thunderware' or baggy pants pocket.

4) Use hot ammo and the strongest spring that will cycle 100% of the time.

5) By and large use the stock length. I do like the flash hider thing though.

6) Probably not very useful for personal defense.

[Zip06]

Buster Charlie - I have several Maks and have put about 4,000 rounds through them. I carry an East German concealed. To answer your questions:

1. Standard magazines are just fine. Getting used to the european magazine release is awkward but you will get use to it with a little practice. You can get magazines very reasonable from Karl Bloss at www.makarov.com I would get about a half a dozen of them. Remember that the East German magazines hold one round less than the Russian, Bulgarian or Chinese.

2. The Pearce grip is the most comfortable grip for the Mak. Unfortunately, it adds bulk to the gun and will sometimes bring up your shirt when you draw. Originally, I had put Pearce grips on most of my Maks, but eventually took them off and now use the East German plastic (black) stock grips as they are very flat and are the most concealable. I am now use to the recoil so that does not bother me as it initially did. I shoot 95 grain Barnaul or LVE in mine. The 109 grainers still make my hand buzz after a while.

3. For a holster, I have two recommendations. First, the Fobus in either the belt slide or the paddle work just fine. The slide is very comfortable but sticks out a little more than I like. My other recommendation is the IWB that you can get through Karl Bloss which is made in Eastern Europe.

4. I put 19 pound recoil springs in every used Mak I purchased because I did not know how many rounds had been previously fired. The Mak with the 17 pound recoil spring ejects shell casings in an impressive manner, launching them in low orbit. I have not worn out any springs yet.

5. Alternative barrels, I have no experience with them but would mention that there is nothing the matter with the stock barrels in any of my Maks or any Mak I have ever heard of.

6. Maks are inherently accurate but the sights are marginal. While I have not put any night sights on mine, I have had Sig-Sauer sights put on one of my Maks with good results. At the distances I think I would be shooting my Mak, glowing sights would be inconsequential.

Hope this helps. My $.02

[Buster Charlie]

Thanks for the good info, someone resurected this thread, any reason why you dont recomend sholder holster? I currently live in Maine, so the weather dictates coats a lot, I imagine in the summer i'd need a waistband holster of some sort..

I wish people would stop trying to 'convert' me to a higher power pistol. I'm not a big person (tall but skinny) so I dont want a big bulky gun that i'm not comfrotable with. I want a gun that I know will fire 100% no matter what. I'd rather have reliability vs 50 BMG pistol that I wont be able to hit shit with. I'd think a pistol would be better than nothing, a good deterant, nobody with a gun pointed at them is gonna think "thats only 9X18 makarov, I have a 40% chance of surviving i'll take the bullet!" vs "Thats .45 ACP I have a 20% chance of surviving I better do as he says"

I imagine, most people (including me) would be more like "Oh shit he has a gun pointed at my face!"

So please, no more 'get a better gun' posts, I cannot afford a $500 pistol right now, and even if I could I'd rather have a gun that I am comfortable with shooting, and can rely on, than a expensive gun I am not sure of.

[krinkov bob]

This may not answer all of your questions, but here's my take. I have a near new Bulgarian Mak. I've just got the two mags that came with it so far. I shoot Barnaul hollowpoint. It seems like pretty hot ammo, it's accurate, and so far (250?) rounds 100% reliable. I'm skinny, so I would worry about the extended floor plate sticking out a little too much. However, they may be easier to extract. I carry mine in a simple belt slide made for a 1911 that I remolded. It's not bad, but would be a little more secure with an added stitch in front of the trigger guard. The sights do need work, but that's pricey, although probably worth it. A little paint on the front sight always helps. A more pwerful recoil spring would be good and probably lessen the beating of the hotter ammo. All in all, agreat carry gun for a good price, unique, and althhough I love the 45acp, it's plenty powerful for most social situations. If it's not, that's why we have our AKs.

[krinkov bob]

Oh yeah, I forgot about the grips. Mine are the stock, black Bulgarian. They're fine, but I think that the red star grips look better. Also, if you'll shop around, you may save $10 or so on ammo. My friend just bought a case, but I can't remember where from. Once again, a perfectly good handgun. Great for CCW and still cheap and accurate enough for lots of plinking.

[cz83ut]

I carried a CZ 83 .380 for a long time and upgraded to a Mak version...basically the CZ 82 mentioned earlier. I have other CCW's that all have the same setup. The gun you carry doesnt matter to me...I have a Mak up to a .40........how it is setup does matter. ALOT...IMO.

Mags; Get the wolff springs. Just to be sure the springs are new and the +5% is just insurance...if it doesnt feed when you need it its useless. The extended floor plates are nice for grip, especially in a "panic draw" situation...you need as much gun to get ahold of as you can get. BUT, they do print more. If they print, Big deal, use the CCW mags with the stock floorplate.... now your happy.

Grips; Dont use wrap around rubber grips. They snag when your weapon is drawn and let your clothes "creep" up when you move around when carrying. This lets everyone know you have a gun, a CCW that is no longer concealed...instant legal issues. They feel nice but when you are pointing your gun at a BG...who cares. Plus, the stock grips are thinner...
this really is a big deal after you carry for a while. Thinner=better.

The fobus, Falco IWB and Bladetech are all first rate. I carry my 83 in a B-Tech UCH and a Falco IWB...both are top quality. IWB
carry is a good option for you. Especially in Maine. In the summer wear a long T shirt and your covered. Shoulder carry is
more a thing of LEO and movies. IWB is very comfy, versatile, more reasonably priced and more choices are available.
And use a holster...it prevents crap from getting inside your CARRY gun....crap effects reliable function! which is pretty much what you need. It also keeps the gun in place all of the time.
If you have to run or jump...your gun will turn, get upside down in a pocket or just fall out ("look everybody, a gun!")...without a good holster. USE A HOLSTER.

Use the strongest, reliable, accurate and quality ammo you can find and your gun likes ALOT! Get the wolff 19# spring...it will keep your gun from the abuse of the hotter ammo, which is CCW
friendly and you really dont know how old the current spring is.
Plus, again its cheap and easy insurance for a properly functioning gun.......gotta love it.

Leave the barrel alone..any aftermarket barrels may be better if your current one needs replacing...other than that..not needed.
Especially threaded....Cop "whats the threaded barrel for?" You
"uh, I dont know...but not a silencer!" Cop "uh huh, lets go!"

If you cant get night sights...a must for my CCW's...just me, k.
Dont get glow in the dark sticky thingymahickeys. They need a light charge to glow anyway...useless for a CCW. If you want
quicker sight acquisition..get some "dayglow orange" testers
model paint and hit your front sight with it...white out" is pretty
good for the rear sight. Cheap, easy and it really works.......

Hope this hasnt put you to sleep and shoot well.