9x18 Makarov: The best civilian pistol caliber?

I should point out before I go any further that I'm a tad biased towards Russian weapons and firearms theory. I prefer the AK to the AR, I think they developed the perfect combat round with the 7.62x39, their concept of the Designated Marksmans Rifle was 50 years ahead of the Western world, etc. I could go on, but I won't (right now anyways). So it shouldn't be a big surprise for me to say I think the 9x18 Makarov round, and most pistols chambered for it, are the best value a civilian can have.

Stock Photo

The biggest caveat here is that I'm speaking about civilian handguns, not military (though that's what the Makarov family was designed for initially). The increase in armor makes the military days of the Makarov a thing of the past. But for civilians, who do not often have to contend with armored thugs, the Makarov round and family of pistols is perfect.

So a little detail; The Makarov is typically loaded with a 95gr bullet and driven at around 1100 feet per second, generating around 225-250 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle. For anyone familiar, this sounds....unimpressive. It's more than acceptable for defense and leads to one of the Maks greatest advantages. Because of the relatively low power of the cartridge, it can be chambered in simple blowback pistols. This is about as simple and fool proof as a firearm can realistically be, so you can be damned certain your gun will work when you need it too. In fact, many experts (myself among them) consider the 9x18 the most powerful round you can chamber a blowback gun in and still have it be practical.

The next advantage of the Mak round is its low recoil. This is a double advantage because it allows for quicker follow up shots, should they be needed. It also allows for more reliable training. If you're recoil sensitive, you can develop bad habits, such as a flinch, or bad trigger squeeze. In a situation where your life is on the line, that's the LAST thing you want. Also, surplus ammo for the Mak is about as cheap as one could find, so that allows for even MORE practice (because there is no such thing as too much practice).

The last advantage of the Mak round lies in the pistols it's chambered in. Guns such as the Cz82 (pictured above), the Polish P64, the Hungarian PA63, and of course the actual Makarov itself, are all very reliable and accurate pistols that display a minimum of good ergonomics and excellent, natural pointability. The Cz82 is probably the best example of a good Mak guns, and a good carry gun in general (it's what I carry in fact). Sights are outstanding, the gun is as simple and reliable as can be, and the trigger is good considering the gun itself is older than I am.

Even if you're not looking to be sold on a defense pistol, the Mak family is still one to look at. The most expensive pistols (the actual Makarovs) can be had for $300, and most others around $225. At that price, you certainly don't risk a lot by purchasing one, even if it's just for fun. Oh, and most pistols are C&R qualified. So what are you waiting for? Go check one out.