fadedsun:
There is a lot of variability, even within nationalities. It's surprising to see, as you would think the centralized planning and production would have led to some consistency within a given country of origin (e.g., all Polish guns made in one Gdansk factory, etc.). But they do differ.
By and large, I agree that the Bulgys you see today generally look the best, and I just bought one (not yet fired). Almost totally free of typical Commie tool marks. NIIIICE!
I had two Russians (sold one); the one I kept seems to have the least "play" of the four. It required comparitively little break-in though it appeared unfired when I bought it. Finish is a bit spotty.
My two poles Poles both have developed very smooth triggers. They have "typical" tool marks. As mentioned earlier, one is quite accurate (perhaps attributable to trigger).
Legend has it E. Germans are the best made of all. Some of this is probably based on the American perception of German quality. I'm yet to be convinced. I traveled to Berlin shortly after the East opened up, and , lemme tell you, if the wheezing two-cycle Trabant "automobiles" are representative of E.German manufacturing, I don't ever want one of their guns. Seriously, the Russian Lada and Czech Skoda cars of the '80s were WAY better better than their Stasi-driven counterparts.
But my knowledge of E.German Maks is just speculation. If you find a good-looking one at a good price, buy it.