The Makarov: The AK of the Pistol World

This video provides a demonstration of four classic Combloc pistols: the TT Tokarev, CZ 52, Makarov PM, and CZ 70. It showcases shooting demonstrations of each, highlighting their historical significance and basic operational characteristics. The Makarov is presented as the standard Soviet sidearm, the CZ 70 as a police pistol, the CZ 52 as a unique roller-locked design, and the TT Tokarev as an iconic Soviet service pistol.

This video offers a visual comparison between the Chinese CF98 and the Russian Makarov PM pistols. It highlights their distinct calibers, 9x19mm Parabellum for the CF98 and 9x18mm Makarov for the PM. The presentation focuses on close-up shots of the firearms and their magazines, showcasing visual differences without spoken commentary.

This video provides a detailed look at a 1963 Makarov PM pistol, showcasing its operation and historical context. It highlights the loading process with Sellier & Bellot 9x18mm ammunition and features a live-fire demonstration with safe handling practices. The review emphasizes the pistol's mechanical sounds, characteristic of an ASMR style, appealing to collectors and firearm enthusiasts.

This video features Shawn Ryan and MACV-SOG legends John Stryker Meyer and Dale Dye testing a variety of firearms, with a focus on the Russian SKS rifle. They discuss its 7.62x39mm caliber, semi-automatic action, and demonstrate its integrated folding bayonet. The session also includes comparisons with historical sidearms like the Luger and Colt 45, modern pistols like the 2011 and Sig P365-AXG Legion, and AR-15 platforms during speed shooting competitions.

This video reviews ten Russian handguns, arguing they rival Western counterparts in craftsmanship and engineering. It covers iconic models like the Makarov PM and Stechkin APS, alongside modern designs such as the SR-1M Vector and SR-2 Udav, highlighting their unique features, historical significance, and tactical applications. The review emphasizes reliability, firepower, and innovative design elements like low bore axis and suppressed capabilities.

The m/27PH, Finland's first standard sniper rifle, featured a unique prismatic scope and modifications like a bent bolt and wooden cheek rest for improved ergonomics. Its scope utilized a novel inertia-based mounting system and a reticle with human silhouettes for range estimation between 300 and 800 meters. Despite its innovative features, the rifle is noted for its significant design flaws.

Chris Baker of Lucky Gunner Ammo explains the 'Cruiser Ready' method for storing a home defense shotgun, balancing safety and accessibility. This technique involves a loaded magazine tube but an empty chamber, with the safety off and action unlocked. This allows for rapid deployment by simply racking the slide. Baker also advises loading the magazine one round shy of capacity to preserve magazine spring longevity and prevent potential failures.

The FBI's brief adoption of the 10mm Auto in 1989, primarily with the Smith & Wesson Model 1076, proved disastrous due to mechanical issues and complexity. This led to the development of the '10mm Lite' and ultimately the .40 S&W cartridge, which was quickly adopted by Glock and dominated law enforcement for decades. The 10mm Auto's potential was recognized, but its practical implementation by the FBI failed.

The Ruger Mini-14 has maintained popularity for nearly 50 years by filling a market gap for an affordable, practical semi-automatic rifle, drawing inspiration from the M14. Despite early accuracy criticisms and political controversies, design updates and competitive pricing have kept it relevant, though the rise of affordable AR-15s presents new challenges.

This review of the Chiappa 1892 Alaskan Takedown lever-action rifle highlights its unique takedown feature, making it highly packable. Chris Baker of Lucky Gunner Ammo details its design evolution, caliber options (.44 Mag, .357 Mag), and compares it to other takedown lever actions. While praising its smooth action and crisp trigger, Baker notes some cosmetic quality control issues and suggests ergonomic modifications for improved handling. The rifle demonstrated 100% reliability over 300 rounds with good accuracy from premium loads.