military surplus guns

[cammobunker]

OK for CCW, either the Makarov in 9X18 or the CZ82 are great choices. Both are heavier than "modern" guns using Poly frames, but both are utterly reliable. The Mak in particular is just boringly relaible, it just keeps going bang, bang, bang. I've got thousands of rounds through my EG mak and a Bulgarian version. It's truly the AK of handguns. The CZ 82 is just about as accurate and reliable, and carries the bigger magazine as well.
I am not, in any way, a fan of .380. If you have the choice of the same gun but different calibers, pick 9mm Mak (CZ82).

Speaking of 9MM Mak, check out the Polish P83 "Wanad". It's the Makarov's ugly cousin, but it's a sleeper that just works. Here's an American Rifleman review: https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2016/6/3/polish-p-83-wanad-pistol/

A bunch of really acceptable police weapons have been coming from Israel over the past few years, including some decent compact Smith&Wesson Autos that probably just need new springs and a good cleaning. Also some Tanfoglio compacts as well.

Military pistols tend to be larger and more difficult to conceal with a few notable exceptions. The Polish P64 is pretty small but have really, really crappy triggers, and are difficult to shoot well. Lots of smaller milsurp pistols date from when 7.65/32ACP was considered an acceptable cartridge. We know better now; avoid anything in .32 (probably stating the blindingly obvious, but...). Unless you can conceal the standard full size service pistol, your choices are going to be limited. Also a lot of the older surplus pistols are, ah, lacking in what we consider modern safety systems, like, you know, actual safeties (Tokarev) or free floating firing pins (most surplus STAR autos). Many; like the old S&W Victory model revolvers are really expensive collector items now. Some are just really poor designs, and many of those that are not have seen long, hard service lives.  Almost unversally they will have sights that range from "crappy" to "invisible"

I love my surplus guns, and I carry a CZ 82, but I'm getting a Grand Power P1 MK12 this week for carrying. My surp guns are fun and I love them, but my life depends on what I carry. I want every possible advantage on a bad guy.  I'm also looking at picking up an Israeli surplus Jericho (poly frame) and I may carry that come winter.

[jwc007]

Speaking of 9MM Mak, check out the Polish P83 "Wanad". It's the Makarov's ugly cousin, but it's a sleeper that just works. Here's an American Rifleman review: https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2016/6/3/polish-p-83-wanad-pistol/

Very Interesting!     Looks well made! 

[tpelle]

I agree with Eastman on the Critical Defense.  I carry it in my Makarov 9x18, and in my .380 CZ 83.

Someone questioned the choice of a milsurp pistol for defensive carry.  I wholeheartedly agree with this idea for several reasons.  First, milsurp pistols are generally very reliable and built like the proverbial brick convenience facility.  Second, magazines and such are usually available at a low cost.  Back in the day I stocked up on Makarov magazines at $8.00 each - and still have some new in the wrapper.  Third, they probably already have some cosmetic surface wear from use, so one need not get stressed over putting a scratch on one's carry piece.  Finally they're cheap enough that, if impounded for evidence in the aftermath of a shooting you aren't stressed out as you would be about the same thing happening to, say, a $2000 Les Baer custom 1911, and the cost to get in the game is way less too.

[eastman]

Speaking of 9MM Mak, check out the Polish P83 "Wanad". It's the Makarov's ugly cousin, but it's a sleeper that just works. Here's an American Rifleman review: https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2016/6/3/polish-p-83-wanad-pistol/

Very Interesting!     Looks well made! 

The P-83 is a great little pistol. They made a lot of improvements over the P-64. The only downfall is the low capacity.

[cammobunker]

I agree with Eastman on the Critical Defense.  I carry it in my Makarov 9x18, and in my .380 CZ 83.

Someone questioned the choice of a milsurp pistol for defensive carry.  I wholeheartedly agree with this idea for several reasons.  First, milsurp pistols are generally very reliable and built like the proverbial brick convenience facility.  Second, magazines and such are usually available at a low cost.  Back in the day I stocked up on Makarov magazines at $8.00 each - and still have some new in the wrapper.  Third, they probably already have some cosmetic surface wear from use, so one need not get stressed over putting a scratch on one's carry piece.  Finally they're cheap enough that, if impounded for evidence in the aftermath of a shooting you aren't stressed out as you would be about the same thing happening to, say, a $2000 Les Baer custom 1911, and the cost to get in the game is way less too.

Yeah, but. Most milsurp handguns run somewhere in the cost range of a SAR K2 or B6P, or Ruger SR9E, or Taurus PT series, or any other host of decent but cheap carry guns. If I have to shoot somebody, the last thing I'm worried about is the gun I used. I'm more worried that A) I had to shoot somebody, and B) if I am going to get sued or go to jail for some reason. 

[dominic135]

you're not the first to recommend CDI. Thanks!

[Furncliff]

I shoot both a CZ83 and the Mak. As a pure carry gun the Mak might have an advantage since it's more compact. I'm sure it's just me, but I don't feel unprepared because I use FMJ ammo.

[Rhino]

I agree with Eastman on the Critical Defense.  I carry it in my Makarov 9x18, and in my .380 CZ 83.

Someone questioned the choice of a milsurp pistol for defensive carry.  I wholeheartedly agree with this idea for several reasons.  First, milsurp pistols are generally very reliable and built like the proverbial brick convenience facility.  Second, magazines and such are usually available at a low cost.  Back in the day I stocked up on Makarov magazines at $8.00 each - and still have some new in the wrapper.  Third, they probably already have some cosmetic surface wear from use, so one need not get stressed over putting a scratch on one's carry piece.  Finally they're cheap enough that, if impounded for evidence in the aftermath of a shooting you aren't stressed out as you would be about the same thing happening to, say, a $2000 Les Baer custom 1911, and the cost to get in the game is way less too.

Yeah, but. Most milsurp handguns run somewhere in the cost range of a SAR K2 or B6P, or Ruger SR9E, or Taurus PT series, or any other host of decent but cheap carry guns. If I have to shoot somebody, the last thing I'm worried about is the gun I used. I'm more worried that A) I had to shoot somebody, and B) if I am going to get sued or go to jail for some reason.

I'm more worried about A) Did I survive an encounter with someone intent on doing me harm, and B) Do I have any extra holes in me?

FIFY!😄

[dominic135]

Very interesting! I guess
I'm pretty similar. I know there is very little profit in guns. Hell! There's tons of used guns for sale for more than they cost new! Have you every seen a used CZ75b selling for $650? I have! But I bought mine new last year for $552.00 at Buds last year, and that included shipping! No profit at all with contemporary hand guns, but buying surplus arms, polishing up on my mechanical aptitude, does show a profit!
Not much, one project at a time but at least you aren't wasting your money buying fad hobby's! In fact, your money is all about you, on your desk, in your workshop. It greets you every day!
You are... "KING OF THE ARMORY" 

[Kraash]

I've bern thinking about one of these myself and I gotta say I'm leaning toward the makarov. I dig the models you can find that come with the period holster