Manufacturer: | Izhevsk Mechanical Factory |
Model: | Pistol Makarova (PM) |
Prototype: | Unknown |
Production: | 1951 |
Country of origin: | Soviet Union |
Caliber: | 9x18mm Makarov |
Fire modes: | Semi-automatic |
Rate of fire: | N/A |
Range: | 50m |
Information
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The Pistol Makarov became the Soviet Union's standard military side arm from 1951-1991. The strange caliber of this pistol is chosen for a specific reason. Although the normal caliber as 9.0mm, the actual bullet was 9.3mm in diameter, being shorter and wider making it incompatible with pistols that chambered the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridges. Consequently, Soviet ammunition was unable in NATO firearms, and in the event of war NATO forces would be unable to use ammunition from Soviet sources.