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MAKAROV

The standard sidearm of the Soviet military for four decades. Simple, robust, and reliable — the Makarov is a Cold War icon you can hold in your hands.

9×18
Caliber
8+1
Capacity
1951
Introduced
27
Total parts
Book this firearm→
€2 / shot · 5 rounds min.
Catalog · MAKAROVMAKAROV// 9×18mm · Pistol
Origin
USSR
Maker
Izhevsk
Action
Blowback
Designer
Nikolai Makarov
Era
Cold War
Heritage
Walther PP-derived
The Story

Makarov PM

For four decades, the Makarov PM was the sidearm of the Soviet Union and the entire Warsaw Pact. Designed by Nikolai Makarov to replace the aging TT-33, it's a masterpiece of minimalist engineering.

Just 27 parts. Blowback-operated. No locking system needed. Built to function flawlessly in Siberian winters or Central Asian deserts. A handgun with no excuses and no apologies.

It's a piece of Cold War history you can hold in your hand. The 9×18mm cartridge has a distinctive, snappy character, and the all-steel build feels indestructible.

The Makarov was Vladimir Putin's standard-issue sidearm during his KGB days. It was carried by every Soviet officer, cosmonaut, and party official from 1951 until well after the USSR's collapse.

Development · History · Heritage

Makarov PM — Timeline

The history behind this firearm, from conception to the present day.

Post-War Design Brief

The Red Army issues a requirement for a new compact service pistol to replace the ageing TT-33 Tokarev.

1945
1948
Makarov Wins

Nikolai Makarov's blowback design defeats rival submissions — simpler, lighter, and easier to produce at scale.

Soviet Adoption

The PM (Pistolet Makarova) enters service with the Soviet Army and KGB, replacing the Tokarev across all branches.

1951
1960s–80s
Warsaw Pact Standard

The Makarov becomes the standard officer sidearm across the Eastern Bloc, produced in the USSR, East Germany, Bulgaria, and China.

Cold War Legacy

With the Soviet Union's dissolution, millions of Makarovs enter the collector market — one of the most sought-after Cold War pistols.

1991
Today
Available at GunRange.lv

Shoot the definitive Cold War sidearm at our Riga range — €2 per round, 5 rounds minimum.

In service · in cinema · in history

In the wild.

Where you've seen this firearm — on screen, in service, or making history.

Service
Soviet KGB
1951–91

Carried by KGB officers including a young Vladimir Putin.

Service
East German Stasi
1950s–89

Standard sidearm of the GDR secret police.

Game
Metro series
2010–

Iconic in-game sidearm capturing post-apocalyptic Russian atmosphere.

From the range

What our visitors say.

Real feedback from guests who fired this weapon at our Riga range.

★★★★★

“I grew up reading cold war thrillers where the Makarov was the KGB pistol. Holding and firing the real thing was genuinely surreal — simpler and heavier than I expected, but absolutely authentic.”

James W. · Edinburgh
★★★★★

“The Makarov's blowback action is so smooth compared to more complex modern pistols. There's something satisfying about a design that does exactly what it was built to do with zero unnecessary complexity.”

Ingrid S. · Stockholm
★★★★★

“My grandfather carried one of these in the Soviet Army. Firing it felt like holding a piece of our family history. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable about the history behind it.”

Alexei V. · Riga
Available today

Pull the
trigger.

5 shots from the Makarov PM. €2 each. No experience required — just bring an ID and your curiosity.

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