Bulgarian Makarov 9x18 Pistol

Published on April 19, 2012
Duration: 10:14

This review covers the Bulgarian Makarov 9x18 pistol, highlighting its Soviet-era origins and continued relevance as a surplus defensive handgun. The pistol offers manageable recoil, surprising accuracy for its basic sights, and a simple, robust blowback design. It's presented as a pocketable and affordable option for concealed carry, with readily available ammunition and various historical variants.

Quick Summary

The Bulgarian Makarov 9x18 pistol, adopted by the Soviet Union in 1951, is a reliable surplus handgun known for its manageable recoil and surprising accuracy. Its straight blowback design, all-steel construction, and compact size make it a popular choice for concealed carry and self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Shooting Demo
  2. 00:25History & Soviet Adoption
  3. 01:11Shooting Experience & Recoil
  4. 02:299x18mm vs .380 ACP Comparison
  5. 03:09Design & Action (Blowback, Walther PP)
  6. 04:06Controls & Magazine Features
  7. 05:15EDC Potential & Holsters
  8. 05:53Simple Field Stripping Guide
  9. 07:28Accuracy Testing at 50 Yards
  10. 08:05Market Variants & Ammo Availability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history behind the Bulgarian Makarov 9x18 pistol?

The Makarov pistol was adopted by the Soviet Union in 1951, designed by Nikolai Makarov. It served as the standard service pistol throughout the Soviet era and remains in limited use by some Russian units today. The Bulgarian variant is a common surplus import.

How does the 9x18mm Makarov cartridge compare to .380 ACP?

The 9x18mm Makarov round is slightly larger in diameter and marginally more powerful than the .380 ACP. It offers a good balance of manageable recoil and defensive effectiveness, especially in a robust platform like the Makarov pistol.

Is the Bulgarian Makarov suitable for everyday carry (EDC)?

Yes, the Makarov is popular as a surplus defensive pistol for EDC due to its compact 6.3-inch length and all-steel construction. It's considered pocketable, and various holster options are available from manufacturers like Fobus and Don Hume.

What are the key design features of the Makarov pistol?

The Makarov features a straight blowback design with a fixed barrel, a double-action trigger, and a hammer-drop safety. Its all-steel construction contributes to its durability and manageable recoil, making it a reliable firearm.

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