Because the targets are flatter and thicker than standard clays in order to withstand rolling on the ground without shattering, the clays often require a little harder hit before shooters can prove they are masters of “rascally rabbits.”

All Mossberg autoloaders available are gas operated. Each bleeds a set amount of gas from the ignition of the shotshell, down through a port in the barrel to function the action. The oldest of these guns, the Model 5500, requires the shooter to change barrels when switching from non-Magnum to Magnum loads. Two updated 5500s—the new Model 6000 and the Maverick 60—will continue to do so. A totally new Mossberg, the Model 9200, allows free interchange of ammunition without changing barrels.

For the past five years, the National Shooting Sports Foundation has surveyed federally licensed firearms retailers across the country to find out what products are the biggest sellers and who is buying. NSSF has just issued the latest version of that report from an online survey conducted last month. The data shows which types of firearms and ammunition were most popular in 2012, and at the same time allows retailers to compare their businesses to that of other gun stores across the country.

Newly-released data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) proves that more guns in private hands do not lead to more murders, and a Pew Research study showing widespread ignorance of this fact suggests that the public has been misled, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms says.

Makarov 9x18

Clean, simple, not very expensive, and it works. What more could you ask of a pocket auto? Ammo for the Makarov used to be easy to find, but some sources have dried up. Be sure you can get ammo for your gun in your area. We liked this gun because of its good performance, a distinct notch above all but the Cor-Bon loads in .32 ACP. The DA and SA pulls were long and soft, and didn’t feel as heavy as they measured. We really liked these German-made one-piece grips.

No matter the reasons, many people cling to the idea of a pocket pistol as being somehow useful. Those with more experience will generally arm themselves in a more powerful, if not more convenient, manner, but as someone once said, rule number one for gunfighting is, “Have a gun.” The pocket pistol is often there in the pocket or purse while the bigger, heavier gun stays home. Of course pocket pistols can be, and commonly are, carried in some sort of holster. But some spend most of their lives being dragged around in the dusty confines of a makeshift container.

Gun Tests Magazine recently tested a Makarov in a larger caliber, 9x18 (about $150). It was double action, blued, and had plastic stocks and fixed sights. It had a safety that dropped its hammerIt was well preserved, and about thirty years old. Here’s what they found:

Makarov 9x18, about $150

This Bulgarian-made pistol came with a holster and one magazine, and a cleaning rod of sorts was stowed in the holster. Fit and finish of the Makarov were okay, nothing to rave about but certainly not disgusting. The plastic grips were probably the best grips of this trio, though for right-handers only. There was a thumb rest for the right-hand thumb, and the grip material was modern-looking, gently stippled, and very attractive. The one-piece plastic grip was made in Germany. This gun was nearly as natural-feeling in the hand as a Walther. The front grip strap was long enough that those with narrow to normal hands could get three fingers onto the front grip strap. Some of us were crowded by the magazine lip, which had an uncomfortable sharp edge.

A spring clip mounted on the bottom of the grip retained the magazine, which gave this gun an easy magazine release, though it required two hands.

The metal polish overall was fairly good, way better than war expedient. With this gun the frame extended forward farther beneath the Walther-shaped slide. The top of the slide had a narrow, serrated rib and the rear sight was drift adjustable and the front milled into the steel of the slide. The sight picture was excellent, with a flat-backed front blade that could have been wider, but was okay, and a square-notched rear that had enough room to easily find the front blade.

Wonder of wonders, there was a slide-release button on the left side of the frame, which made reloading fast. Reloads could be accomplished by slamming in a full magazine and hitting the button.

Takedown was simple. The trigger guard was pulled down and pushed to the side, and the slide could then be withdrawn and taken off forward. The guts of the Mak were not all that pretty, but seemed to be well made, sound and solid. As we found, all the parts worked well. One thing we noted was that our particular brand of test ammo left lots of gritty unburned or partially burned powder inside the gun (not in the barrel) that would require careful monitoring in long shooting sessions.

There's not a lot beneath that grip on the Mak, but it's enough. We liked the mag release at the bottom of the gun, and the slide-dropping button just behind the trigger.

The gun was blocky, and a tad heavy, but of course it made larger holes in the paper. We had only one type of ammo on hand, Russian-made 115-grain jacketed hollow point. On the range the Makarov handled this ammo reliably. Despite the tiny ejection port our test gun functioned perfectly with all rounds fired. Accuracy was fair, about three inches on average for five shots at 15 yards. As for tinkering to improve accuracy, we’re in the dark here. The slide-to-frame fit seemed snug, and the barrel was securely pinned into the buttress on the frame. (The barrel was inserted into the frame protrusion from the back and, like the others, held with a single cross pin.) Bullets seemed well sized to the barrel. Grooves measured .366/.367, and bullets measured about .367. Is three inches enough accuracy? Probably. Would we like more? Yep.>[?

The trigger didn’t help accuracy. The Mak had a spongy, creepy SA trigger that broke at 7.6 pounds.

Gun Tests Recommends: Makarov 9x18, about $150. Our Pick. The Mak was comfortable, though it had more whack to the hand than some .32s.

Reader Comments

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Comment by: ttwoodard | June 4, 2012

When these little pistols were first available on the American market, I bought a handful, since they were very inexpensive, have a pretty good feel in the hand, and make pretty good "disposables" to put into one's checked baggage when travelling. My favorite of the lot is a Bulgarian Makarov that is finished in hard chrome. I have no idea as to its current worth, but it is such a neat little hideaway gun, that I'll keep it for the foreseeable future.

Comment by: canovack | June 5, 2012

Intro to article says DA trigger; next to last paragraph says SA. Is it DA or SA?

Comment by: FLboy | June 7, 2012

Intro to article says DA trigger; next to last paragraph says SA. Is it DA or SA?

Comment by: FLboy | June 7, 2012

DA first shot, SA thereafter. Safety drops the hammer when applied. Hornady used to (maybe still does?) makes a 95-gr HP for the 9x18 Mak.

Comment by: Claud | June 7, 2012

So glad to see some interest in this great little pistol. It doesn't have much snob appeal being pretty much a utility tool but interesting as it was side arm used almost exclusively by the Soviet block police. I bought mine about 15 years ago for $155 new in the box and have been using it as my primary carry piece for about 6 yrs. A little heavy being all steel but the size is just right for me and it conceals well. 8 rd. mags are available (or used to be). I carry it much like a revolver. One rd. in the chamber, hammer resting on the hammer block safety and safety lever off. Double action trigger pull is fairly long but did smooth out nice with some careful action polishing & good lube. Single action trigger is lighter and shorter as to be expected. Mine is the Russian IJ70 with adjustable sights which presented a little problem with holstering but after some creative metal/leather work on the mouth of the holster it seats nicely without snagging on the sights sharp corners anymore. It shoots flawlessly with acceptable accuracy but 9x18 ammo supplies are becoming a little thin so I buy every chance I can. 9mm Luger brass can be cut shorter and resized for handloading if necessary.

Comment by: olgare | June 7, 2012

The little Makarov pistol is a DA/SA pistol. It can be fired DA for the first shot, with subsequent shots in SA mode. The hammer can also be thumb cocked for SA mode. The safety is reminiscent of the Beretta M92, being a hammer drop safety.....not a decocker, as the gun cannot be fired DA or SA with the safety engaged.

A nice corollary to the Makarov is the Polish P-64. It, too, is chambered in the 9x18 mm cartridge, but being of smaller size, it has a six round magazine instead of the eight rounder found with the Makarov. Like the Makarov, the P-64 is a relatively inexpensive piece that can be used as a "disposable" in the same manner as the Makarov.

Comment by: canovack | June 7, 2012

I'm sure you guys that have them love them and good on you. But I think they are just butt ugly. Like all older designs though it's always good to have a loyal following and to keep the shooting public aware. Thanks for the input!

Comment by: Markbo | June 7, 2012

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Markbo. To each, his own. The Makarov and the P-64 are both very reminiscent of the Walther PP and PPK. Fact is, they both field strip in the same manner as the Walther pistols. Remembering my first comment about beauty being in the eye of the beholder, I personally view any and all Glock pistols as supremely ugly, and they don't feel good in my hand either. That said, I respect the Glocks for their consistent reliability and durability.

Comment by: canovack | June 7, 2012

I have one of these though mine I have worked on. I did not like the 9x18 ammo so I changed out the barrel to 380 auto and added a stiffed spring from wolf to take the "wack" out of it.

Comment by: Emil | June 7, 2012

Use 9 x 18 makarov brass only. this should really be called the 9.2 MM Dia as the bullet (projectile) itself is .010 approx LARGER in Diameter then is the 9 x 17 and 9 x 19 (luger) ammo.

Comment by: Cava3r4 | June 7, 2012

The Czechoslovakian (now Czech Republic) being in the CommBloc nations reluctantly, were required to change from the Tokarev and variants to the 9x18 Mak cartridge. They designed their pistol to be a double stack mag variant of the Walther PPK, and improved on the design. Theirs was the CZ-82 all steel DA/SA blowback pistol, and their police/civilian variant was the CZ-83 in .380ACP, .32ACP and special order 9x18 Mak. The CZ-83 is still being produced. It is a superb pistol, but definitely not a pocket pistol with it's weight. Extremely accurate, well made. NOTE: The 9mm & .380ACP cartridges are .355 and the 9x18 Mak is .365 (commercially). Consequently, if you shorten 9mm brass to be used in a 9x18 pistol, you'll find that the case head will swell and sometimes split. Not a good practice. 9x18 Mak ammo is plentiful and inexpensive, Hornady still makes their XTP version of the ammo at 95g. and Fiocchi provides their version of the XTP (with Hornady Bullets) at the same price (Hornady is 25 rounds per box, Fiocchi is 50 rounds/box).

My CZ-82 is my main CCW carry pistol and has been 'tuned' by my gunsmith with a great trigger and adjustable Fiber-Optic sights.

Comment by: JPKirkpatrick | June 7, 2012

Full size, big bore pistols are not always desirable in certain situations. I own 2 East German Maks that are more reliable and accurate than the Sig 239 I have shot. It always boils down to bullet placement. I definitely do not feel unarmed with these.

Comment by: tailfeathers | June 7, 2012

Ain't trading my S&W 637 for one.

Comment by: olafhardtB | June 7, 2012

It would hardly be an even trade..... I wouldn't either.

Comment by: canovack | June 7, 2012

Not to wander too far afield, but speaking of Czech pistols I dearly love my early (1983)CZ75 in 9x19. Dead reliable, shoots better than I can see, and a bluing job to rival S&W.

Comment by: Larry L | June 7, 2012

I have a CZ 82 Makarov 9X18 and I'm quite happy with it. While somewhat primitive looking, it has a button to drop the magazine along with a slide release and frame mounted safety. The barrel looks like a tube, but after a few rounds you can see the spirals of polygon rifling. The trigger is, like most Czech firearms, excellent. Double action is about 12 pounds and single action is about 5. The 9X18 round itself is no barn burner, with most loadings midway between .380 heavy and 9X19 light. I use several brands of ammo in it, from Wolf to Silver Bear to Sellier & Bellot and they are all about equal in accuracy, that being 1½ to 2" at 7 yards. My only gripes are: 1: the thing is too narrow for my hand, and 2: using the excellent sights, I hit about 4" low. That means a 12 o'clock hold for a center bullseye, but it's doable on a regular basis. I may either shorten the front sight or find a taller rear sight...sometime. For a light carry pistol, its good and dependable, and the Makarov cartridge may not be a long distance champion, but at street fighting distances it will do the job dependably.

Comment by: KMacK | June 7, 2012

I bought a case of 6 Bulgarian ARSENAL Maks a dozen or so years ago for a paltry $135 each after reading a glowing recommendation by Massad Ayoob. Dolled them up with Pearce grips, brass mag extensions with finger rest (can't find them anymore), glue on night sight dots, a little polishing on feed ramp, slide rails, and other sliding contact points...they are sweeeet! Stockpiled several thousand rounds S&B ball and assorted Russian 9x18 - it was dirt cheap and plentiful back then, like under $100/1000 (should have bought more, huh?). Absolutely the best handgun bang for buck I've ever seen - warts and all. Every one of them (spread around among freinds and family) has been totally reliable, reasonably accurate, and buckets of fun to shoot. Some scumbag broke into my truck and stole my (not well enough hidden)favorite pet Mak, damn! I was royally pissed, but nowhere near as crazed as I would have been were it my favorite pet 1911-A1. That was an unfortunate demonstration of where the el-cheapo firearm is golden...exactly the point of Ayoob's treatise on great "expendable" guns to have.

Comment by: Dragonchow | June 7, 2012

I have a Russian in .380ACP. Great little Gun and scary accurate.I think I got it for $100.00 and it had Pearce grips already installed.I would buy another in a heartbeat!

Comment by: azroamer1 | June 7, 2012

KMack, I found out that any of the sights for the CZ75 and CZ85 series firearms will fit the CZ82 and CZ83. I picked up a set of adjustable Fibre-optic sights (Red Front, Green Rear) for my CZ 82 and love them, and a set of Meprolite Tritium Night Sights for my CZ-83 (from Optics Planet, $79). I have a lot of info on the CZ 82/83 line of pistols, since we have a Private Pistol Club here with 6 owners of them and new ones on the apron ready to join. If you (or anyone else) need or want to contact me, my email is: jpkirkpatrick@yahoo.com. The CZ is the Primo Pistol. I own S&W M&P 40 and a Glock 22 and several others, but prefer to carry my CZ (or my Taurus M327 327Mag Revolver). John

Comment by: JPKirkpatrick | June 7, 2012

not a bad looking little gun I won't mind having one or two in my collection. God Bless America and Our Troops Past Present and Future. Keeping to My Oath Locked Loaded and Keeping My Powder Dry. Get the US Out of the UN and the UN Out of the US

Comment by: bear1 | June 10, 2012

I have an East German Makarov that I purchased in the mid 1980's and it's one of the few guns in my collection that I wouldn't consider selling. Over the years I've fired several different Mak variants (Russian surplus and commercial, Chinese, Bulgarian, etc.) and the East German ones consistently have better finish and are very accurate considering the tiny sights and mediocre trigger. The CZ82's that others have mentioned are a much later design and are also VERY nice little guns which are nicely made (as are almost all CZ handguns). About 10 years ago my ex and I both got our carry permits and she qualified with my Mak and I qualified with my CZ75. The instructor was very familiar with the CZ75 and was not surprised when I shot the best target in the class but what did surprise him was that my ex shot the second best with the Mak lol! A few guys with very expensive toys left the class with egg on their face after being out shot by a $150 pocket gun.

Comment by: CLARK W | June 15, 2012

Does not surprise me at all. My 2 East Germans are not for sale either.

Comment by: tailfeathers | June 15, 2012

There are several guns that take Makarov ammo but the one that I truly like is the Hungarian PA-63. The reason is when I fire the Polish P-64, the web of my hand gets hit to the point of bleeding but with the PA-63, the design is such that the grip is one peace, smooth, and no sharp edges to push into the skin. Just my thoughts for you.

Comment by: RightwingPatriot | September 19, 2012