Makarov or CZ 83?

00scoots

I thought I would put forth this question as these two pistols have generated some of the most replies for 9X18 chambering....and I can buy one or the other, but not both.

What's your impressions and experiences and which would you choose or do you favor another?

You can never have too many guns!!!

oneshy

CZ 83. The Eastern Bloc Maks are coming up with too many problems. Parts such as the safety lever falling off, a heavy trigger pull, mags difficult to load. Gun Tests had 2 Bulgarians that dropped parts, the first after 1 rd., the second after 25 rd. The Russian original is the only one considered worthy. If you can get 1 at a good price it might be worth it. The 1 I know of was made by IMEZ model name and no. PMIJ70-18A on the slide. Haven't seen any bad reports on the 83.

oneshy

lrarmsx

You'll find the CZ83 to be more expensive, but you'll get a much nicer trigger pull, better feeling grip, and higher mag capacity than the Makarov. However, you will lose the cheaper price of the gun and its mags as well as the easier availability of parts of the Makarov. You'll find very few if any aftermarket accessories for the CZ83. The CZ83 is more left handed friendly with the mag release and safety on both sides. The Makarov is a slimmer gun side to side.

Both guns have the good and bad points. You should keep in mind the Czech's were told by the Russians to make a Makarov (or at least a pistol in that caliber), but they felt they could make something better, so they did the CZ83. Finding a CZ83 in 9x18 is not going to be as easy as finding one in .380 however.

00scoots

Thanks for the input!!

Oneshy - I'm a reader of Gun Tests and I really enjoy their evaluations. Somewhere I missed the Makarov eval. Do you recall which issue the Makarov eval was done? I would like to offer a little feedback to the individual that suggested a Makarov.....and he doesn't even own one, but he has MORE than his share of hot air that he likes to sell to everyone!!!

You can never have too many guns!!!

oneshy

March 2002. They also did the M95 Carpati and the FEG PA63 both of which also failed for various reasons.

oneshy

joeaf1911a1

The Russian IMEZ in .380 cal is a winner. Comes with fully adjustable
rear sight, double action on first shot. Its not fancy but exceptionally dependable. Have fired over 500 rds through mine with
all types of ammo including lead reloads without one jam. 3 of us
bought them at one time and all love them. A little heavy, being all
steel and no alloy. Nice and flat. The other Makorov 9 mm has a
different .360" bore and does not use 9 mm Luger (parabellam) shells,
and no good for regular 9 mm (Luger) slugs, and power difference is
not much better than a .380. Hate to tell you but we each paid
$138.00 with 3 mags. New in box about 6 years ago.

NOTPARS

You might want to go the the Makarov site, www.makarov.com and especially go to gunsnet.com, the AK-47 site. Even though it is for AK's, they cover EVERYTHING FROM RUSSIA AND FORMER EASTERN BLOCK countries. Once on, scroll down to the Makarov forum. You will find that this question was asked, reference made to the Gun Test Article, some of their findings disputed, my questions on the Hungarian PA-63 answered, and so forth. Don't over-look this opportunity. This site is moderated and used by people who own and use Makarovs on a regular basis.

Myself, I have a new stainless Walther PPK/S made in America. Its new so maybe that explains why it is tighter and not as smooth as my old Munurhin PPK/S. However, I have ordered a Bulgarian Makarov, NIB, for $150. I actually lean toward the CZ83 but the price is higher than I wanted to pay.



"7.62 mm 168 grn. BTHP
When it absolutely positively
Has To Be there in 2650 fps"

magnumcreekranch

You will not be disappointed with a Makarov. I have shot mine in .380 for years. Fun and reliable.

NRA Life MemberHill Country ShooterBobbyLIVE TO SHOOT & SHOOT TO LIVE.