Unlike the Russians, the Chinese, Bulgarian and East German PMs come with fixed sights only.
Russian and Chinese guns can no longer be imported, and the East German guns are now long gone.
Shown above is a Soviet-era surplus Makarov PM that was made at the Izhevsk Mechanical Factory in 1986. Image: Jeff Hallinan of Collectors Firearms in Houston, Texas – PR54816
Shown above is a Soviet-era surplus Makarov PM that was made at the Izhevsk Mechanical Factory in 1986. Image: Jeff Hallinan of Collectors Firearms in Houston, Texas – PR54816
This is a GCA-compliant standard capacity Russian commercial IJ70-18A Makarov in 9×18mm with an adjustable rear sight assembly. Image: Jeff Hallinan of Collectors Firearms in Houston, Texas – PR49317
Here is a Bulgarian surplus “Circle 10” Makarov PM in 9×18mm with fixed sights and a thumbrest grip. Image: Jeff Hallinan of Collectors Firearms in Houston, Texas – PR58132
East German Makarovs are often considered as some of the best examples of the Communist sidearm. Others are not held in the same regard.
During a 1991 West African Training Cruise of the USS Barnstable County (LST-1197), a U.S. Marine takes aim with a Makarov pistol as West African soldiers watch. Image: DoD
Shown here is the author’s commercial Type 59 pistol in 9×18mm that was made by China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) and imported by China Sports International of Los Angeles.
A Makarov pistol, binoculars, and other items were confiscated from Taliban fighters by U.S. Marines in the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit during combat operations in Afghanistan. Image: DoD
Long gone from the import marketplace, the East German-made Makarovs are true collectible pistols.
