POTD: Soviet Union’s Cold War Service Pistol – Makarov PM
Sam.S 11.07.24
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The Makarov PM, adopted in 1951, emerged from the Soviet Union’s post-WWII quest to replace their TT pistols and Nagant revolvers. Under Nikolay Makarov’s leadership, the design won a competition by offering simplicity, reliability, and robust construction in just 27 parts. Chambered in 9×18mm, the PM used a straightforward blowback action suited to the cartridge’s moderate power. The design borrowed elements from the Walther PP but simplified them for mass production. Notable features included a combination safety/decocker and a double-action/single-action trigger mechanism. The Makarov served as the standard Soviet military and police sidearm through and beyond the USSR’s dissolution in 1991. It spread throughout the Eastern Bloc, with manufacturing in Bulgaria, East Germany, and China. Though officially replaced in Russian service by newer designs, the Makarov’s simplicity and reliability have kept it in widespread use. As of 2016, it remained common in Russian military and police service.
“Manufacturer: Soviet State FactoriesModel: MakarovType: PistolGauge: 9 mm MakarovBarrel: 3 1/2 inch roundFinish: blueGrip: plasticThe left side of the frame is dated “1961”. Includes a brown leather holster, extra magazine, and cleaning rod.”
Lot 4384: Soviet State Factories Makarov Pistol 9 mm Makarov – Vietnam Era Soviet Makarov Semi-Automatic Pistol with Holster. (n.d.). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1027/4384/soviet-state-factories-makarov-pistol-9-mm-makarov.
