Connecticut Preparedness

[Harry]

I was wondering as a first Makarov, which one should I buy and why ?

[Chantry]

If you can find one, buy one of the East German Makarov's.

The CZ-82 is chambered in 9x18 Makarov, but is not an actual Makarov in design. If I had to choose between the CZ-82 and the Bulgarian Makarov, I'd probably pick the CZ-82 because of the better features (ambi safety and mag release) and probably better quality

[jkysmrf]

I never handled a CZ, but a Bulgarian Makarov was the first pistol I ever bought & to this day I think every time I go to a pistol range it makes its way out there. It's ugly and probably has a billion or so though it at this point, but it feels great in my hands and is very pleasureable to shoot. My 1 peeve is the mag release.