New Grips for my Makarovs
Hello. Ever since seeing the magic worked by Mr. Craig Spegel
and Mr. Hakan Pek on their handgun stocks, I've sort of kept my eyes open for
new handgun grip makers.
I noticed a fellow named "Erich" on several boards with some really nice looking
grips on a Makarov. It turns out that they were from Hungarian-made from a place
called Marchalgrips, which appears to be run by Denes and Gustav Marschalko.
Eventually (between ammunition/reloading orders), I ordered a set for my Russian
IJ-70 Makarov. These were made from checkered Bubinga wood (backstrap checkered
as an option, too) and finished with the "red" stain. Total cost, including
shipping was $50.00. (You can get Makarov grips for $40 in other woods; the
Bubinga wood added $10.00 to the price.)
The grips slide on and off exactly like the tough plastic factory
stocks.
From the bottom, it is not difficult to see that these stocks fit very
snugly and evenly.
Here we can see the side of the stocks as well as the checkered rear.
I am extremely pleased with the fit, feel and finish on these grips.
For those who might be interested, the standard factory Makarov grips are
thinner but not by much.
On the left we see the tough, brown plastic factory grips. These
measured 1.10" across. This set of Marschalko grips measured 1.31" across at
their widest point.
A grip's comfort is subjective. To me, the Marschalko grips with their palm
swell are considerably more comfortable than the factory grips, which I have
never found unsatisfactory. I was surprised at how much I like the
checkered rear. (I guess it shouldn't have been much of a surprise as I like
checkered mainspring housings on my 1911-pattern pistols.)
If you opt to order, the on-line order form will let you easily order for the E.
German, Russian or Bulgarian Makarov. This differentiation is not because
of different frame dimensions but because of the different diameter screw heads
used in the EG guns as compared to the Bulgarian and Russian ones. The grip
screw hole diameter is determined by the country of your Makarov's origin.
On the left we see the appropriate factory grip screw for the
Russian/Bulgarian guns. The one on the right is for the EG. The threads are the
same, however.
My grips were ordered for the Bulgarian/Russian Makarov grip screw. Fits both my
Bulgarian and Russian guns just fine. By using an E. German grip screw, the
grips fit perfectly on my E. German gun, too. Thus, if a fellow wants to change
out grips between an E. German Makarov and say an IJ-70 or a Bulgarian, he can
do so by changing to the appropriate grip screw.
As this is written, Makarov grip screws can be found here:
http://www.gunpartswarehouse.com/makarov.htm
I don't know how long these will last but the $5.00 price is not bad if one
wants to buy one of each type grip screw.
Here are the same stocks on an E. German Mak but using the Russian
grip screw. (It doesn't turn too deeply into the magazine well. Works just
fine.)
I am very favorably impressed. In fact, I just paid for a couple more Makarov
grips from Mr. Marschalko.
This company makes grips for several handgun makes at different price levels.
They also allow for very easy checking of your order's status on-line.
I am in no way associated with this company, but definitely am a
satisfied customer.
If you are interested in their products, take a gander here:
http://www.marschalgrips.com/
Best and good shooting.