Three popular 9x18mm pistols, left to right: Polish P-83, East German Makarov and Hungarian RK59.

Although the Soviets exported a substantial number of Makarov pistols, they were also manufactured in at least three other countries. China produced its own version, at least a few of which turned up in Southeast Asia. East Germany and Bulgaria produced Makarov pistols as well. I have handled and fired examples of all of these Makarov pistols and have found them all to be of good quality.

The first I owned was a Chinese one I picked up in Thailand 30 years ago. I have used Russian ones quite a bit, including when working with one Russian special police unit, but Russian examples were only imported into the U.S. in limited quantities. Currently, the Bulgarian Makarovs are available at quite reasonable prices and are the most commonly encountered. Quite a few East German Makarovs were imported into the U.S. as well.

In January 1994, production began on the PMM, an improved version of the Makarov that has a double-stack magazine that holds 12 rounds and is chambered for a hotter 9x18mm round. This cartridge, designated the 57-N-181SM, has a muzzle velocity about 35 percent higher than the standard 9x18mm round. The PMM retains a blowback action, but the chamber has three grooves that, in effect, cause it to function as a delayed blowback.

Actually, there are two versions of the PMM: the PMM-12 and the PMM-8. The latter does not have the double-stack magazine but is chambered for the hotter round. The last time I was in Russia, some of the OMOH, the special police unit with which I had contact, had handled the PMM-12 but were still using their older Makarovs. It is my understanding that FSB Alpha, the Russian national counterterrorist unit, and some other units have been issued PMM-12s, though they are now reportedly using a newer pistol chambered for a round hotter than the 9x19mm.

The Russian Makarov, which is still widely used by Russian military personnel.

At least some commercial PMM-8 and PMM-12 pistols were imported into the U.S. but with adjustable sights to help them gain import points. I have one of these PMM-12 pistols and have fired a few hundred rounds through it. The grip remains comfortable, though thicker, but the trigger pull is among the worst I've ever felt. There are other special loadings for the Makarov, including a frangible load intended for use in aircraft assaults and other specialized hostage-rescue operations or by air marshals.

While many members of the Warsaw Pact adopted the Makarov, others chose to produce their own design chambered for the 9x18mm round. Hungary, for example, manufactured at least two pistols. One of these--my own favorite pistol in the 9mm Makarov chambering--is virtually unknown in the U.S. Usually designated the RK59, this pistol is basically a PPK with an alloy frame chambered for the 9x18mm round.