The Hungarian RK59 is a rarely seen 9x18mm pistol, but it is the author's favorite.

I have shot the .32 ACP version quite a bit and have handled a .380 version, but I have never even seen a 9mm Makarov Skorpion. They are cataloged in reference works such as Jane's Infantry Weapons, so they must exist, but I believe this is the least popular chambering for the Skorpion.

Poland has produced some interesting machine pistols for the 9x18mm round as well. The PM-63 (a.k.a. Wz 63) is larger than the Stechkin, at around 13 inches overall with stock retracted. Still, the PM-63 is designed to be carried in a webbed holster. Fifteen- and 25-round magazines are available. The PM-63 is relatively easy to control since its cyclic rate is 600 rounds per minute, and its integral shoulder stock and fold-down front pistol grip allow the shooter to keep it on target relatively well.

As machine pistols go--and bear in mind, this is a very specialized weapon--the PM-63 is a fairly good weapon. However, if I had a choice among the 9x18mm machine pistols, I would always choose the Stechkin. The PM-63 was superseded by the PM-84, another compact 9x18mm weapon, but now that Poland is in NATO the 9x19mm PM-98 has replaced both.

This overview of those pistols chambered for the 9mm Makarov round has been intended to show the diversity of pistols that evolved in those countries where the 9x18mm round was the military and police standard. While the chill of the Cold War was still causing the world's teeth to chatter, the 9x18mm pistol rode on the hips of those charged with keeping order on the other side of the Iron Curtain.

Today, however, many of those same countries are U.S. allies and, in many cases, now carry weapons chambered for cartridges such as the 5.56x45mm and 9x19mm, which are standard in the West. Pistols chambered for the 9mm Makarov, on the other hand, are continuing to serve in the U.S., where they have proven to be very popular as reliable, inexpensive self-defense pistols.

Indicative of the popularity of the 9mm Makarov round in the U.S. for self-defense is the fact that ammo is widely available in a variety of loadings. Currently, the Makarov and Polish P-63 are available to U.S. shooters for around $200. For that price, one not only gets a good combat pistol but a piece of 20th century history. I think that's a good combo.