Makarov PM

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	Weapon: Makarov PM Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol Country of Origin: USSR Year Adopted: 1951 Overall Length (mm): 161.0 Overall Length (in): 6.34 Weight (kg): 0.00 Weight (pounds): 0

The Makarov PM (Pistolet Makarova) was designed in the Soviet Union in the late 1940s by Nikolay Fyodorovich Makarov as a successor to the Tokarev TT-33 pistol. Officially adopted in 1951, the Makarov PM is a blowback-operated, semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x18mm Makarov. The pistol is simple and robust, featuring a fixed barrel that enhances accuracy, and a single/double-action trigger system. Its compact size, relatively low recoil, and ease of maintenance made it an effective sidearm for military and police use.

Production of the Makarov PM began in the Soviet Union and continued in several satellite states, including East Germany, Bulgaria, and China, resulting in millions of units being manufactured over its lifespan. In the Soviet Union alone, production spanned from the early 1950s to the late 1980s, and it remained the standard sidearm of the Soviet armed forces until it was gradually replaced by more modern designs like the MP-443 Grach. The pistol was also widely exported to allied nations, making it one of the most recognizable handguns of the Cold War era.

The Makarov PM is renowned for its reliability and durability, even under harsh conditions, earning it a strong reputation among soldiers, law enforcement, and civilian users. Its notoriety stems not only from its widespread use during the Cold War but also from its appearance in countless conflicts and its adoption by various organizations worldwide. Today, the Makarov PM is considered a classic design, with many still in use by militaries, police forces, and private owners, and it holds a special place in the history of Soviet small arms development.