Makarov IZH-70

Falcon642 · February 17, 2013, 12:23 AM

Local gun store has a Makarov IZH-70 in 9mm Makarov on consignment. Price is $269. I was really impressed with the build and feel of the gun.

I have heard so many good things about Maks that I've always kept my eye out for one. Problem is, I don't know if thats a good price or potential red flags. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

w748 · February 17, 2013, 12:41 AM

I have the same pistol. Not sure what the going rate is today but if I wanted another one I'd pay that price. If you've never shot one you'll be amazed at how accurate they are and I've never had any problems with the 2 I have.
Simple , accurate and AK reliable , what else can you find for under $300??

TxFlyFish · February 17, 2013, 12:45 AM

The price is slightly on the lower sider, decent deal but not a steal

Snowdog · February 17, 2013, 06:14 AM

I had an IJ-70 for a while and loved it. It fed everything I gave it and it was accurate with most.

It was a solid handgun over all, however the rear sight did crack in half after 800 rounds or so, mostly Norinco 95gr ball.

lee n. field · February 17, 2013, 09:45 AM

Quote:

I have heard so many good things about Maks that I've always kept my eye out for one. Problem is, I don't know if thats a good price or potential red flags. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

No great red flags other than the obvious ones. Double check that the adjustable sight is OK.

Price? <sigh>. I guess everything's gone up.

carguychris · February 17, 2013, 11:45 AM

The primary potential red flag is the rear sight. Most of the commercially imported IJ-70 or IJH-70 Maks came with an adjustable rear sight to meet 1968 GCA legal import criteria. This sight is fragile and prone to damage if the pistol is dropped. Also, on the pistols I've handled, IMHO the front sight blade and rear sight notch were too narrow to be appropriate on a defensive firearm. If I had one, I would widen the rear sight notch with a file, but maybe that's just me.

Other than the sights, these pistols are pretty much bombproof.

Be aware that two basic versions of the pistol were sold- a standard variant with an 8rd single-stack mag, and a wide-grip high-capacity variant with either a 12rd or 10rd double-stack mag, depending on whether the 1994 AWB was in force when the mag was made. The double-stack mag is a peculiar 2-into-1 design that merges into a single column at the top. Single-stack mags supposedly work in the double-stack pistols, but not vice versa. All single-stack Mak mags are basically identical- 9x18mm or .380ACP, commercial or military, it doesn't matter- and they're cheap and plentiful. However, spare double-stack mags are supposedly quite difficult to find, particularly the 12-rounders. IOW if the pistol is double-stack, the number of mags should be taken into account when assessing the price.

Under normal market conditions, IMHO $269 is a slightly high but not outrageous price for a standard single-stack commercial Makarov, and about the normal going rate for a double-stack; however, in the current market, all bets are off.

Colokeb · February 17, 2013, 06:38 PM

You have an email from me stuck in your earthlink filter.

TxFlyFish · February 17, 2013, 06:44 PM

In the current market the price is good. He will be able to find others for the same price but not much lower

February 17, 2013, 12:23 AM	#1
Falcon642 Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 2010 Posts: 316	Makarov IZH-70 Local gun store has a Makarov IZH-70 in 9mm Makarov on consignment. Price is $269. I was really impressed with the build and feel of the gun. I have heard so many good things about Maks that I've always kept my eye out for one. Problem is, I don't know if thats a good price or potential red flags. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

February 17, 2013, 06:14 AM	#4
Snowdog Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2001 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 1,074	I had an IJ-70 for a while and loved it. It fed everything I gave it and it was accurate with most. It was a solid handgun over all, however the rear sight did crack in half after 800 rounds or so, mostly Norinco 95gr ball. __________________ "What We Do In Life, Echoes In Eternity" -Gladiator- ************************* Brevity Is The Soul of Wit. -Shakespeare-

February 17, 2013, 11:45 AM	#6
carguychris Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2007 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 7,523	The primary potential red flag is the rear sight. Most of the commercially imported IJ-70 or IJH-70 Maks came with an adjustable rear sight to meet 1968 GCA legal import criteria. This sight is fragile and prone to damage if the pistol is dropped. Also, on the pistols I've handled, IMHO the front sight blade and rear sight notch were too narrow to be appropriate on a defensive firearm. If I had one, I would widen the rear sight notch with a file, but maybe that's just me. Other than the sights, these pistols are pretty much bombproof. Be aware that two basic versions of the pistol were sold- a standard variant with an 8rd single-stack mag, and a wide-grip high-capacity variant with either a 12rd or 10rd double-stack mag, depending on whether the 1994 AWB was in force when the mag was made. The double-stack mag is a peculiar 2-into-1 design that merges into a single column at the top. Single-stack mags supposedly work in the double-stack pistols, but not vice versa. All single-stack Mak mags are basically identical- 9x18mm or .380ACP, commercial or military, it doesn't matter- and they're cheap and plentiful. However, spare double-stack mags are supposedly quite difficult to find, particularly the 12-rounders. IOW if the pistol is double-stack, the number of mags should be taken into account when assessing the price. Under normal market conditions, IMHO $269 is a slightly high but not outrageous price for a standard single-stack commercial Makarov, and about the normal going rate for a double-stack; however, in the current market, all bets are off. __________________ "Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules... MARK IT ZERO!!" - Walter Sobchak

February 17, 2013, 06:38 PM	#7
Colokeb Member Join Date: February 15, 2008 Location: west Posts: 86	W748 You have an email from me stuck in your earthlink filter.

February 17, 2013, 12:41 AM	#2
w748 Member Join Date: February 19, 2008 Location: High in the Rockies Posts: 89	I have the same pistol. Not sure what the going rate is today but if I wanted another one I'd pay that price. If you've never shot one you'll be amazed at how accurate they are and I've never had any problems with the 2 I have. Simple , accurate and AK reliable , what else can you find for under $300??

February 17, 2013, 12:45 AM	#3
TxFlyFish Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2011 Posts: 1,246	The price is slightly on the lower sider, decent deal but not a steal

February 17, 2013, 06:44 PM	#8
TxFlyFish Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2011 Posts: 1,246	In the current market the price is good. He will be able to find others for the same price but not much lower