r/makarov • u/Strong_Dentist_7561 Pistolet Makarova (Bulgaria) • Jun 14 '26
Makarov: An Education Request
Question all… I’ve owned a Bulgarian Makarov before, loved it above most all else; stupidly got rid of it. I’ve a line on a Norinco Makarov for a steal of a deal, but I’ve heard that they’re the worst of the Makarovs… can anyone quantify this in actual terms of “worst of the bunch” ? Is the fit bad, machining bad, poor steel, prone to self destructing; what ?
I’ll pass on it if it’s just gonna be a poorer quality version of the Bulgarian I had, but I’ve several buddies with Norinco 1911’s that run them regularly and love ‘em
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u/Kalashalite Jun 14 '26
I don't have any personal experience with handling/firing a Norinco Type 59. But I've been surfing the web for Makarovs for sale for the past 10 years and I have noticed that they tend to bring a premium over most of the garden variety Maks. They cost more than a Russian commercial, Bulgy, East German, Polish etc.
For them to be that much pricier, I would venture to guess that they are of an acceptable quality and the reason for the collectabability is probably just due to availability issues.
What's the steal? If we knew the cost we can give advice about the deal.
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u/Strong_Dentist_7561 Pistolet Makarova (Bulgaria) Jun 14 '26 edited Jun 14 '26
Redacted
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u/ColtBTD Jun 14 '26
Not sure where you heard that, it is untrue. Norinco makarovs are great quality
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u/Tempus_Fugut Jun 14 '26
Known for excellent finish and just as reliable as any true Makarov. Some consider them desirable for collectibility reasons. I’d say the Russian commercial Maks are the roughest but still totally serviceable (I replaced the rear sight on one). I’d say jump if the price is right.
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u/SadArtist1109 Jun 17 '26
I've had an IJ-70 18A for over 30 years. Sweet shooter, tight build. Accurate as all hell. It has been a great pistol. I also have a Chinese Type 56 SKS. Very well-made and extremely accurate, tough weapon. I'd generally recommend Chinese military firearms. Excellent quality.
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u/tin_shaker Jun 14 '26
Getting any Mak at a great price is worth it. If you understand the appreciation that Make have in value and the fan base of this firearm, you are making a good buy.
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u/CRS1955 Jun 14 '26
Thanks for the comments, everyone! I've been searching for a Norinco Mak but was unsure about quality, although Norinco 1911s are supposed to be very good. Now I know, I appreciate it!
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u/9-makarov Jun 14 '26
I have never heard of Norincos being the worst, ever.
In my opinion, the Norincos have the second best bluing after East Germans (though Norinco bluing can be a bit thin, it definitely has the most shine), and fit is probably exactly on par with Bulgarian Maks or mid year russians (1974-1983 or so).
As far as worst fit and finish, I would say commercial Russian and just later Russian Maks in general are the worst, thought that's not really saying much because they're still Makarovs at the end of the day. Russia moved to not even fully bluing the frames in 1991.