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Makarov PM
Model: Makarov PMThe Makarov PM is one of the most common pistols in Eastern Europe. It was the standard sidearm of the Soviet Union from 1951-1991, and was also in use with many Eastern European militaries. Despite attempts to replace it, the Makarov is in large use in the Russian military and police and numerous copies and variants are found around the world.
The Makarov was developed by Nikolai Makarov as a replacement for the Tokarev TT-33. Makarov was a fan of the 9mm Ultra cartridge developed for the German Luftwaffe in World War II. The cartridge used in the PM, the 9x18mm Makarov, is slightly shorter and wider than the 9x19mm Parabellum round used worldwide, and is inferior in power but allows for a simpler blowback-operated weapon. This meant that, in case the Cold War went "hot", NATO and Soviet forces would also be unable to scavenge workable pistol and submachine gun ammunition from the other side.
The PM is a bit heavy for its size, but the heavy slide reduces the already small recoil of the cartridge and allows for better accuracy.
The most widely-known variant is the Makarov PMM. The PMM is a 1990 redesign that fires the 9x18mm PMM cartridge, which has a higher load and is more powerful; while the PMM can fire standard Makarov cartridges, a Makarov PM cannot safely fire the PMM cartridge. The Type 59 is a Chinese copy some minor cosmetic differences. The IJ70 is an import version for the American market chambered for .380 ACP and 9x18mm Makarov and a few minor modifications, such as a low-quality adjustable rear sight. The PA-63 is a Hungarian copy chambered for the same round, but with different construction and no interchangeable parts.
Where to find:
As stated above, the Makarov is still in large use with the Russian military and police. Over 30 countries still use the Makarov for their military and police forces, including Cuba, Ethiopia, Ukraine, and China, making the gun or a copy very common while traveling through Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia. The IJ70 import model is unlikely to be imported in the future, but can still be found in the United States. Vintage Makarovs (older than 50 years) are classified as Curio & Relic eligible items by the ATF, so a C&R license can be used to buy these pistols. Depending on the country of manufacture, they can cost from $250 to $450.
Complexity:
The Makarov is a simple, rugged pistol. It is resistant to jamming and can be field stripped with no tools in a minute or less. The biggest problem is finding ammunition; the 9x18mm Makarov round is a specialty round used only in Russian and Eastern European weapons, and is much less common than the 9x19mm Parabellum round. It's best to stock up on the ammunition if you plan on purchasing a Makarov, as most 9mm ammo that can be scavenged won't fit in your gun.
Size and weight:
Weight 730 g (26 oz). Barrel length 93.5 mm (3.83 in.). Total length 161.5 mm (6.34 in.)
Action:
Blowback
Caliber(s):
9x18mm Makarov
.380 ACP
9x18mm PMM
Magazine:
Detachable box magazine. 8 rounds standard, 10 or 12 on special models
Trigger:
Double/single-action
Controls:
The magazine release is on the heel of the handgrip, a European style. The safety/decocker is on the left side of the slide; down for fire, up for safe. The slide release is on the left side of the gun, just below the slide.
Loading: How to load the firearm and make ready to fire.
Condition One, or "Locked and Cocked." Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer cocked and safety applied.
Cannot be done, as the safety blocks the movement of the slide and decocks the hammer when applied.
Condition Two. Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.
1) Point in a safe direction. Critical step in case the gun accidentally discharges!
2) Take a magazine and push it all the way up into the handguard until it clicks into place.
3) Pull the slide back and let it snap forward.
4) Push the safety up to decock the hammer, then push it down to take it off.
To fire, pull the trigger.
Condition Three. Chamber empty, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.
1) Point in a safe direction. Critical step in case the gun accidentally discharges!
2) Take a magazine and push it all the way up into the handguard until it clicks into place.
3) To fire, pull the slide back and let it snap forward, then pull the trigger.
Unloading:
How to unload and make safe.
1) Point in a safe direction. Critical step in case the gun accidentally discharges!
2) Push the safety up to activate it.
3) Press the magazine release in the heel of the butt, just behind the magazine, back. Pull the magazine free.
4) Take the safety off.
5) Pull the slide back to lock it and clear the chamber. Inspect the chamber for ammunition.
6) Press the slide release down.
7) Pull the trigger.
Field Stripping:
1) Point in a safe direction. Critical step in case the gun accidentally discharges!
2) Remove the magazine and clear the chamber as described in the unloading procedure.
3) Pull the front of the trigger guard down and move it to the side to keep it from springing back into place.
4) Pull the slide back and lift the back end off of the pistol, then ease it forward off the barrel.
5) Pull the recoil spring off the barrel.
Reverse to assemble.
Design Quirks:
Unique aspects of this gun.
Jahadaz |
Latest page update: made by Jahadaz
, Nov 21 2010, 8:59 PM EST
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Keyword tags:
autoloader
handgun
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USSR
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