What do you guys think about using a Makarov for CCW?

Any advantages?

Disadvantages?

I like the Walther PPK, but it's expensive.  What's the size comparison between the PPK and the Makarov.  

Anyone carry the Makarov for CCW?  

I ususally carry a Kimber Custom CLassic for carry, but I want something that is a little smaller but isn't horribly expensive.

Thanks

My friend carries a makarov as his CCW. I really like them. Better than a 380, cheap ammo and mags, real steel, accurate for that size pistol and can't beat the price. Disadvantage is the size versus power. They are larger that a khar or glock 26 and less powerful. If your on a budget they are good but I would upgrade to a more powerful cartridge if you have the chance.
Check thisMakarov.com

Quoted: My friend carries a makarov as his CCW. I really like them. Better than a 380, cheap ammo and mags, real steel, accurate for that size pistol and can't beat the price. Disadvantage is the size versus power. They are larger that a khar or glock 26 and less powerful. If your on a budget they are good but I would upgrade to a more powerful cartridge if you have the chance. Check thisMakarov.com

This is the info I am looking for.  None of the gun stores around here carry them, so I don't know how big they really are.  I didn't know they were bigger than a Khar or a Glock.

check your IM

I have carried amy Maks and I haven't felt unprotected. THe Maks are very flat like 1911s and in fact you may be able to use an Officer holster with your Mak. I am honest when I say I prefer my Bersa Thunder 380 to my Walther PP, Sig P230, or PMs. Why? It is less expensive, it has better sights, grips, and it weighs less than them. Regards, Richard:D

I carry mine. It is comparable in size to a Kahr K9, almost exactly.

As long as you hit your target, the Mak will most likely put them down. Don't kid yourself, it's no 10mm, but as long as you are accurate, that is 95% of the equation.

I don't feel undergunned with my Mak. I load it with Hornady but the Barnaul JHP would work fine if that was all you had.

I used to carry my G27 but it's way too big to carry, especially in the sumer.

guardian855

I had the same thoughts a couple days ago too.. Needed a cheap backup gun to my glock 40. So i
went to sportsman's guide and did a 15min ballistics check, the only numbers to look at are the last two sets, fps/ ft lbs of energy HP.357 Mag. 110 JHP 1,500 555
.38 Special 110 STHP 945 218
38 Special (+P) 129 HSHP 950 255
.357 Mag 158 HSHP 1,240 535
39391 .357 Mag Swat 68 1,790 483
12576  357 Mag. Defender 70 1,860 538
357 Mag. 125 BJHP 1,220 413
.38 Special+P 125 BJHP 975 264

Now thats just a quick run through some popular brands. Shot placement is king,
but you also have  to have the tools that will do the job.  So yesterday at the funshow I gota taurus model 605, 357mag,concealed hammer, 24oz, 5-shot,pocket gun for $264 out the door. Double the $130 mak price but also double the power. Not the best brand but sufficient imho. Blackops_1.

Quoted: guardian855 I had the same thoughts a couple days ago too.. Needed a cheap backup gun to my glock 40. So i went to sportsman's guide and did a 15min ballistics check, the only numbers to look at are the last two sets, fps/ ft lbs of energy 9x18 Makarov 100 1,033 258   9x18 Makarov 100 1,033 258 9x18 Makarov 100 1,033 258 .38 Spec.+P 110 JHP 1,250 382 .357 Mag. 110 JHP 1,500 555 .38 Special 110 STHP 945 218 38 Special (+P) 129 HSHP 950 255 .357 Mag 158 HSHP 1,240 535 39391 .357 Mag Swat 68 1,790 483 12576  357 Mag. Defender 70 1,860 538 357 Mag. 125 BJHP 1,220 413 .38 Special+P 125 BJHP 975 264 Now thats just a quick run through some popular brands. Shot placement is king, but you also have  to have the tools that will do the job.  So yesterday at the funshow I gota taurus model 605, 357mag,concealed hammer, 24oz, 5-shot,pocket gun for $264 out the door. Double the $130 mak price but also double the power. Not the best brand but sufficient imho. my .02 ymmv Blackops_1.

Keep in mind:  The figures for the .357 mag and .38 special look as if they came from 6" barrels.  It is doubtful you will see as big a difference as your figures show when you shoot the .357 out of a 2" barrel.  The .357 will still be more powerful, just not as far ahead as your figures would make you think.  

Kent

I carry mine because of the reliability. It's never jammed once. It's also very unobtrusive in an IWB holster.

Mr. Oldfield has a good point about how flat they are. Mine fits perfectly behind the folding arm rest in my truck.

The Falco IWBs that Makarov.com carries are really nice.