Finally found a Makarov for a Decent Price!

[KeeperoftheH]

So, I've said for a long time now that no matter how many guns I've bought or sold, there's only two I truly regret getting rid of: my Hi-Point 9mm carbine, and my Bulgarian Makarov. I bought the Mak probably 20 years ago, back when you could get them surplus in very good condition with case and 2 mags for $130-$150. I had it for a few years, and loved the way it shot, but I was dead-set on a different gun, and unwise with my money, so sure enough, the Mak walked away at a gunshow for a gun that I got rid of shortly thereafter because, like I said, I was an idiot.

For years, I couldn't shake the knowledge that I messed up. However, when I was finally in a financial position to go after one is right around when they skyrocketed in price; it still amazes me what they go for these days! Anyway, had to take the car in for service this morning, and decided to swing by a favorite pawn shop on the way home. Looked in the case, and did a double-take when I saw it; a very clean Bulgarian Mak, with red star grip and two mags. Asked to take a look at it, and when I rolled the price tag over, I couldn't believe it: $200! I'm assuming they didn't know what they had; the older Bulgarian ones aren't marked in a way that makes them easy to identify, especially if you aren't familiar with them. Better believe I put that bad boy on layaway, and hopefully in about two weeks, I'll have some pictures for you guys!

 

[Goodcat]

So, I've said for a long time now that no matter how many guns I've bought or sold, there's only two I truly regret getting rid of: my Hi-Point 9mm carbine, and my Bulgarian Makarov. I bought the Mak probably 20 years ago, back when you could get them surplus in very good condition with case and 2 mags for $130-$150. I had it for a few years, and loved the way it shot, but I was dead-set on a different gun, and unwise with my money, so sure enough, the Mak walked away at a gunshow for a gun that I got rid of shortly thereafter because, like I said, I was an idiot.

For years, I couldn't shake the knowledge that I messed up. However, when I was finally in a financial position to go after one is right around when they skyrocketed in price; it still amazes me what they go for these days! Anyway, had to take the car in for service this morning, and decided to swing by a favorite pawn shop on the way home. Looked in the case, and did a double-take when I saw it; a very clean Bulgarian Mak, with red star grip and two mags. Asked to take a look at it, and when I rolled the price tag over, I couldn't believe it: $200! I'm assuming they didn't know what they had; the older Bulgarian ones aren't marked in a way that makes them easy to identify, especially if you aren't familiar with them. Better believe I put that bad boy on layaway, and hopefully in about two weeks, I'll have some pictures for you guys!

That’s an awesome price!! I have the exact same regret, my old Bulgarian Makarov, sold it off probably 7-8 years ago.

 

[Bluedragon]

Nice score on the Bulgy Mak. I miss the one I used to own and have been wanting to find another at some point.

 

[r3126]

Nice score on the Bulgy Mak. I miss the one I used to own and have been wanting to find another at some point.

WOW! I wish I had seen it first! I am a Mak lover and have collected them over the years. The Bulgarian is the workhorse of the Makarovs but the East Germans are the elite. I am ever on the lookout for them but now days, they are as rare as hen's teeth. Again, good find!

 

[KeeperoftheH]

Well, I couldn't wait, and was able to move things around so that I could pick up the Mak today! Hoping to tear it down to the frame and clean it (there's still some cosmolene stuck in the nooks and crannies inside), and pick up a .380 conversion barrel so that I can actually shoot the thing.

 

[r3126]

Well, I couldn't wait, and was able to move things around so that I could pick up the Mak today! Hoping to tear it down to the frame and clean it (there's still some cosmolene stuck in the nooks and crannies inside), and pick up a .380 conversion barrel so that I can actually shoot the thing.

Looks really good! 9x18 Mak ammo is about (or less) than .380 and has a bit more power. It isn't too hard to find, either. 9mm=9x19, 9Mak=9x18 and .380=9x17.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

WOW! I wish I had seen it first! I am a Mak lover and have collected them over the years. The Bulgarian is the workhorse of the Makarovs but the East Germans are the elite. I am ever on the lookout for them but now days, they are as rare as hen's teeth. Again, good find!

I've got an East German that I think I bought here on INGO a few years ago. They're solid pistols for sure.

 

[r3126]

This link takes you to, probably, the best site for info on your Mak - technicals, history, production notes, etc. https://www.makarov.com/

 

[r3126]

I've got an East German that I think I bought here on INGO a few years ago. They're solid pistols for sure.

I MAY have sold it to you. I sold a couple a few years back before I decided to stop selling and keep buying/trading for them.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

I MAY have sold it to you. I sold a couple a few years back before I decided to stop selling and keep buying/trading for them.

Apparently whomever I got it from didn't leave any feedback, nor did I. Although now I want to say it may have been edporch.

 

[r3126]

Apparently whomever I got it from didn't leave any feedback, nor did I. Although now I want to say it may have been edporch.

I just checked my feedback, also. I suspect I was not the seller.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

I just checked my feedback, also. I suspect I was not the seller.

I found the feedback I left and it was ed. And he sold it for $275! That was back in January of 2020.

 

[DaveO]

I've had everything but the Chinese. I am also always on the lookout for them. The one that I will not part with is my German. Got it at an auction for $64 , it was missing the safety/ spring. With the parts I'm at a $100. That was about 15 years ago

 

[bgcatty]

I had a Bulgarian Makarov also but sold it off about 5 years ago for about $200. Another grand mistake in my gun collecting hobby. Ouch!

 

[KeeperoftheH]

I had a Bulgarian Makarov also but sold it off about 5 years ago for about $200. Another grand mistake in my gun collecting hobby. Ouch!

Been there!