Quoted: I have an opportunity to buy a Russian Makarov model IJ70-17A,it is a B-West import, seller is asking $300.00 with 2 mags. I know nothing about Makarovs,and judging by the price range in the FAQ,this seems a bit high priced. Seller says it is about 90% condition,and shoots very good.

Those Makarov FAQ on this site are outdated by years.  Check the prices at Makarov.com, which is going out of business.

I just recently sold a Russian commercial makarov in .380 with two mags and a set of Hogue grips for $250.00.  I have 3 of them and on the website I sold the one on everyone was commenting that it was a good price.  Makarovs have dried up, I used to have a number of them and have sold 5 over the years.  I still have 4 which includes 2 Bulgarians.  Have you seen any come into the country in the last 3 years?  You aren't going to find $99.00 makarovs anymore.

I used to find them at gunshows for $130.00 to $160.00 for the Bulgarian ones.  I did get some at $99.00 though.  The Russian commercial ones I found at pawn shops for around $175.00 from time to time.  I have one that I converted to the Makarov.com fixed sight.  One of my Bulgarians I was able to get a Beast slide years ago with the Novak sights.



The CZ-82/83 pistols available now are very nice in my opinion and have a higher capacity but shoot the same rounds. Similar to the makarov They are a good choice for around the $200.00 price for a surplus model.  Parts are available from CZ as they are interchangeable with the commercial pistol though mags have become pricey.    

Quoted: More like $200 tops. Only East German Maks are going for $300+. Tell him this and offer him $200 or less.

You think so?  Makarov.com that was in the business of selling these pistols and accessories for years has a different view.  You guys are about 6 years out of date on your values.

What's my Makarov worth? Price is always difficult to nail down because ultimately it comes down to what the buyer and the seller are willing to agree upon. Having said that, here are some guidelines for the most common Makarov pistols. We assume that the pistol is in very good to excellent condition and includes at least 2 magazines. Aftermarket and original accessories are extra. East German: $250 - $350 Bulgarian military or police: $125 - $200 Bulgarian Miltex "Special Edition": $250 - $400 depending on finish. Norinco Type 59: $250 - $400 Note: These are becoming exceedingly uncommon and thus may fetch an even higher price Russian Military: $250 - $400 Russian commercial (IJ-70, adjustable rear sight, single stack magazine, 9x18M or .380 ACP, blued): $250 - $400 Russian commerical (IJ-71, fixed rear sight, single stack Magazine, 9x18M or .380 ACP, blued): $400 Plus - Note VERY Rare in the USA. Russian commercial high capacity (IJ-70-18AH or IJ-70-17AH): $250 - $400 Note: 12-round magazines add about $75 - $90 each to the value Russian commercial, "satin" stainless steel: $300 - $400. About 15,000 were imported. Russian commercial, nickel: $200 - $300. About 30,000 were imported. The finish on these is VERY thin. Simson-Suhl German Makarov: $400 - $800. These are quite rare and owners tend to jealously guard them. SOG had some a while back, but they were gone almost instantly.