Polish or Russian or both or neither

NOTPARS

Recently I was looking at a Polish P-94 Makarov. My FFL acquaintance told me his cost was $139 (new, unissued). For me, adding taxes, shipping, profit margin, it would be around $185. I tried on and on double action, the trigger felt like 25 pounds! He let me try one that had had an action job. I'm not familiar with what is done during an action job, but it was a world of difference. Is it worth it? I gave up trying to find Bulgarian Maks.

The other firearm is a Russian Mosin-Nagant revolver. My cost would be $125. I like the way it feels but have never shot one. Is this worth it or do I get them both?

jonk

Both are good. Mosin had nothing to do with the Nagant revolver, unlike the collaborative work on the 3 line rifle Model 1891. Prices sound steep on the Nagant though.

Colonel Plink

Lord, they are getting scarce. And expensive.

There are a few here on Gunbroker. here's the least expensive.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=63390344

Iconoclast

NOTPARS - my suggestion would be to look at the availability of the ammunition. The Nagant ammo hasn't been made commercially since before WW2, at least domestically. Even milsurp is damned hard to obtain. The Makarov round has both plentiful milsurp supplies and commercial status, so the ammo cost will be a tiny fraction of the Nagant. You'll make up the extra cost of the Mak in very short order if you are going to be shooting the handgun you buy.

tsavo303

polish is a great little pistol. I would pass on th MN, it is not a practical piece unless you want it just for fun

jhimco

We are talking the P-64 correct? Yes it is a fine little surplus pistol and very accurate. But the double action is very tough. And I have had the trigger spring break on mine. This part was VERY difficult to replace and to find. But now it works great. The other guys are right, the MN 1895 is about $80- not $125. Plus I personally think it is a weak round. The cheapest I have seen the ammo recently is $14.99 for 40 rounds of Russian surplus. I have only one box left and I am not in a hurry to shoot it. The makarov 9x18 round is about $7-$8 per 50 round box from Wolf or Silver Bear. And it is much more powerful than the 7.62x38. Last year I found a great Russian Makarov with holster, two mags, and it has a rear leaf sight adjustable for windage and elevation for only $150.00.

horatio

I had three P-64s and got rid of them as soon as I could. The Poles didn't like them or use them, that's why they are cheap. JUNK!!!

NOTPARS

Jonk: Thanks, they always list it as a Mosin-Nagant, so this helps

NOTPARS

For Colonel Plink: Thanks, I had a feeling the Bulgarians were hard to get. When I first joined this forum, they were still around 140 bucks and Southern Ohio had them. Those are superb pictures by the way. I appreciate it.

NOTPARS

For Iconoclast: Good advice, I hadn't even thought about it. I guess, well, the truth is I saw one in the movie Enemy and the Gate, ended up getting three rifles (91/30, M38, and a Finnish model) and figured, what the heck, why not the revolver....darn movies.

NOTPARS

tsavo303: Hey thanks, I liked the one with the trigger job but wondered about their reliability

fastcarsgofast

There are other cartridges that will work in the Nagant revolver. .32 S&W and .32 H&R Magnum come to mind. You can also find new manufactured imported ammo if you look out for it. I would suggest getting a real Makarov. They are tough as nails and easy to conceal. You can still find them at pawn and gun shops from time to time for under $200. If you want a Higher capacity look into the CZ 82 or CZ 83 models. They are a little over $200 but I think well worth it.

NOTPARS

For jhimco: You found a Russian Mak??? I have friends that would now worship at your feet as they consider the Russian one to be the Holy Grail of Maks....Yep, its a P-64. How does it stack up, powerwise, to the .380 (9x17mm?)

NOTPARS

For horatio: Not what I wanted to hear but I sure appreciate it. Are they not very functional, jam, unreliable? I havent' made up my mind yet.

NOTPARS

For fastcarsgofast: That sounds like a great idea. Is the Polish P-64 not a real Mak? I did get a Hungarian P-63 and, well, it wasn't quite what I hoped for. I saw a CZ-82 and it was much bigger than I imagined.

tsavo303

p64 is not compatable with true "makarov" pistols.
powerwise it is more that a .380.
Mine, desipte being heavy for its size , kick pretty hard!