Bulgarian Makarov Tabletop Review and Field Strip

Published on February 9, 2020
Duration: 12:48

This video provides a tabletop review and field strip of a Bulgarian Makarov pistol, highlighting its design influences from the Walther PPK and its chambering in 9x18mm Makarov. The presenter, with apparent familiarity with firearms, demonstrates the simple blowback operation, the heel magazine release, and the SADA (Single Action Double Action) trigger mechanism. The field stripping process is shown to be very similar to the Walther PPK, emphasizing the gun's straightforward and reliable construction.

Quick Summary

The Bulgarian Makarov pistol's design is heavily influenced by the Walther PPK, featuring a blowback operation and a simple field stripping method involving the trigger guard. It is chambered in 9x18mm Makarov, a cartridge dimensionally between .380 ACP and 9x19mm Parabellum. The pistol typically has a heel magazine release and operates in a Single Action/Double Action mode.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Bulgarian Makarov Review
  2. 00:30Background: Walther PPK Influence
  3. 01:21Makarov Design and Origin
  4. 02:12Cartridge Comparison: 9x18mm vs 9x19mm vs .380 ACP
  5. 03:53Blowback Operation Explained
  6. 04:23Century Arms Import Marks
  7. 05:17Aftermarket Fab Defense Grip
  8. 06:00Exterior Features and Fit
  9. 06:30Fixed Barrel Design
  10. 06:58Trigger Guard and Grip Size
  11. 07:26Grips and Soviet Star Emblem
  12. 07:47Rear Sight and Racking Capability
  13. 08:17Extractor and Ejection Port
  14. 08:27Field Stripping Procedure
  15. 08:58Internal Construction and Reliability
  16. 09:34Century Arms Surplus Availability
  17. 09:57Recoil Spring and Blowback Recoil
  18. 10:35Reassembly Process
  19. 10:43Trigger Feel and Performance
  20. 11:04East Meets West: Cartridge Lore
  21. 11:33Cold War Nostalgia and Makarov
  22. 11:58Bulgarian Production Quality
  23. 12:02Shooting Impressions Preview
  24. 12:23Conclusion and Where to Find

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary design influence for the Bulgarian Makarov pistol?

The Bulgarian Makarov pistol's design is heavily influenced by the Walther PPK. This is evident in its overall profile, blowback operation, and the method used for field stripping, which involves manipulating the trigger guard.

How does the 9x18mm Makarov cartridge compare to other common 9mm rounds?

The 9x18mm Makarov cartridge has a case length of 18mm, making it dimensionally between the .380 ACP (9x17mm) and the standard 9x19mm Parabellum. While all use a 9mm projectile, their case lengths differ.

What is the field stripping procedure for a Bulgarian Makarov?

Field stripping involves pulling the trigger guard down and to the side to rest on a ledge, then pulling the slide back, lifting it over the barrel, and sliding it forward off the firearm. Reassembly reverses this process.

Does the Bulgarian Makarov have a heel magazine release, and what is its purpose?

Yes, the Bulgarian Makarov features a heel magazine release. This design was common in older European pistols and was intended to help retain the magazine during a reload, preventing it from being dropped.

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