Just got an email from Sarco advertising Bulgarian Makarov's for $395. If photos are believable, may be old stock. Looks like small import marks.

https://www.sarcoinc.com/bulgarian-makarov-pistol/?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Weekend+Blast+03-17-2023&utm_id=Weekend+Blast+03-17-2023

Some Maks just came in, Atlantic was advertising them I think.

You would be correct

For the Atlantic ones:

$399, still in stock as of this posting.

But..this is not a Makarov, it is a CZ83 chambered in 9x18mm (9mm "Makarov").

Close, but not exactly the same.

The bulgarian ones on Sarco are traditional Makarovs, but they appear to have bastardized non-factory safeties added on the slide. If this is true, collector value will be compromised.

I thought the Mak had a slide mounted safety?

That’s the standard Mak safety.

I've been looking at Bulgarian 9x18 Maks from Sarco Inc. & Atlantic Firearms as of late. Just want the basic bare bones military surplus with brown bakelite grips and the Star on grips (I really want the brown bakelite Star grip). Period, that's it. Watched a few video's on You Tube University and they may look ruff, but seem to work in the most extreme conditions.

Sarco Inc. $395 vs Atlantic Firearms $429 to $459. Any ones past experience with either company concerning the Maks? Would like to hear your feedback. Thanks.

My thread in this forum regarding a Mak from Atlantic in February.

Some of the ones that have surfaced since then seem like they may have a slightly nicer surface finish, but I have no reason to expect any wear couldn't be fixed by a blueing pen.  

But from my experience, you may have to buy the Bakelite grips you want separately from the gun itself, as many of the Bulgarians seem to come with that stupid black thumb rest grip or Pearce rubber grips, probably for "sporting" points.

IMHO, I'd trust Atlantic more than Sarco for honsesty about condition. That said, Sarco sometimes does come up with some nice stuff out of the woodwork. I'd see if you can find if their batches have different import markings. Some markings have gotten pretty heinous. The ancient batches had fairly faint and discrete marks. Some more recent came in with a huge billboard on the slide. Most recently some marks have been on the frontstap of the grip which would be my preference since it would be easy to cover or removed(another can of worms for some drama llamas).

Makarovs are kind like the AK of the pistol world. Solid guns and very easy to work on for repairs. As posted above, grips are easy to find for cheap on Egay or gunporker. I like the Pierce grips for shooting and the EG black bakelite for occasional carry.

Mine from Atlantic had the markings on the front strap.  

And while the red Bakelite grips "look the part", the FAB defense grip that have a beaver tail and a button push mag release are quite useful.