i found one used for sale. Are they worth buying if they are inexpensive?

It would be a steal if you can get this for under $175 as .380 ACP is so much easier to find and if you reload, so much easier to get components for.

Mine is chambered in the standard 9X18. In that chambering they are tough as all get out. With the 380 being less powerful it should be able to take a constant diet of the hottest 380s without ever failing. The reds made some tough guns.

quote:

Originally posted by John C:
i found one used for sale. Are they worth buying if they are inexpensive?

If it came from the factory as a .380 and you're
happy with that caliber it would be a good buy
if UNDER $250 IMHO

Which model is it, John? Russian commercial, Russian military, Bulgarian, Chinese or the elusive, factory East German?

Price will vary depending on the model. For instance, if it has adjustable sights it is Rus commercial. Stock Rus military is virtually unknown in private hands in the US. Price skyrockets then. If Rus commercial, 8 round magazine or Hi-cap?

Fwiw, if you are planning on carrying it, this .380 round makes the 9x18M factory rounds obsolete. http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#380

Just put a 21# recoil spring and a custom-to-your-hand wood grip and you are good to go.

Yep, I'm a sucker for the little bastards.

I THINK it is russian commercial, but not 100% sure. I know they are tough, but didn't know if they were reliable in the 380 cal or not. as for what I am going to do with it, not sure, I just want to buy it. I am far from need. thanks for the feedback

If it has the adjustable sights, it is a Russian commercial. Tough as a tank. Extremely reliable to the point of being ridiculous. No jamming exercise routines with that baby.

If you intend to carry it, you might want to consider replacing the stock rear sight with a custom rear sight found here, http://www.gunpartswarehouse.com/makarov.htm

Lots of folks complain that the rear factory sights bite/hurt/maim/tear their side belly when carrying it IWB.

Fwiw, excellent condition IZH-70s go anywhere from $125.00 to $175.00. Some are luckier.

Read to your heart's content, http://www.makarov.com/ ; http://forums.gunboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=46 .

Don't have a Mak at present but have been thinking about one. If I do get one, I'd want one in the 9x18mm round.

I've got a Russian 380 in almost mint condition and honestly, I'd come closer to parting with my SIGs than the Mak. The little pistols are nothing short of miraculous in terms of their reliability and accuracy. Also have a Bulgarian 9x18, but actually enjoy the Russian model more. Either way you can't go wrong getting one of these pistols.

The Mak's are definitely strong reliable pistols. I have a German unit with ~ 2000 rounds thru it. I have a Rus and Bulg but have always picked up the German when I go to the range.

I found this on another board in the Mak area. Quite interesting

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=5&f=46&t=64039

quote:

Originally posted by hi-power man:
The Mak's are definitely strong reliable pistols. I have a German unit with ~ 2000 rounds thru it. I have a Rus and Bulg but have always picked up the German when I go to the range.

I found this on another board in the Mak area. Quite interesting

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=5&f=46&t=64039

That made me very sad.