how to identify serial numbers on makarov ij-18a

drewchubbs · 08-01-2004, 11:20 PM

How exactly do you find the history of a Makarov, based on serial number? Where can I go to get this info? I've recently purchased a Bulgarian Mak, but don't know where to find out anything about this particular pistol, other that it was produced in 1981 (KT 21 XXX). Thanks for any info you can send my way! I've seen some users on here (and other forums) who say, "It's only been test fired" or "Un-issued". I'm just curious to know where my little pistol has been and if it may or may not have been treated well.

Teakwood · 08-02-2004, 04:17 AM

Other than the info at the link below, you don't:
http://www.makarov.com/makfaq.html

There is no factory vault with the history of the pistol. These are mil-issue psitols made in four countries. I have heard of occasional pistols that had milirtary papers with them, but that is EXTREMELY rare.

There is no confirmation that a Mak has never been fired other than an examination of the finish on the interior components.

guypowell · 08-02-2004, 10:31 AM

http://www.arsenal-bg.com/history.htm

A little bit of Makarov history. I wish there were more too.

drewchubbs · 08-02-2004, 02:01 PM

Thanks for the info. I did look at the inner workings of the pistol, and all I found was a bunch dirt balls! None of the surfaces seemed to have any wear, though I did not thoroughly clean it. I just wiped off most of the dirt and quite a bit of what I assume is cosmoline. That stuff has the consistency of Atomic Balm (but doesn't smell near as good!). I can't wait till I get some free time and go through a couple boxes of ammo with this thing. Paper bad guys, Beware!

08-01-2004, 11:20 PM	#1
drewchubbs Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 4	Tracing the History of a Mak? How exactly do you find the history of a Makarov, based on serial number? Where can I go to get this info? I've recently purchased a Bulgarian Mak, but don't know where to find out anything about this particular pistol, other that it was produced in 1981 (KT 21 XXX). Thanks for any info you can send my way! I've seen some users on here (and other forums) who say, "It's only been test fired" or "Un-issued". I'm just curious to know where my little pistol has been and if it may or may not have been treated well.

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how to identify serial numbers on makarov ij-18a

makarov serial numbers

tracing makarov serial numbers

08-02-2004, 04:17 AM	#2
Teakwood Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 28	Other than the info at the link below, you don't: http://www.makarov.com/makfaq.html There is no factory vault with the history of the pistol. These are mil-issue psitols made in four countries. I have heard of occasional pistols that had milirtary papers with them, but that is EXTREMELY rare. There is no confirmation that a Mak has never been fired other than an examination of the finish on the interior components.

08-02-2004, 10:31 AM	#3
guypowell Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 40	http://www.arsenal-bg.com/history.htm A little bit of Makarov history. I wish there were more too.

08-02-2004, 02:01 PM	#4
drewchubbs Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 4	Thanks for the info. I did look at the inner workings of the pistol, and all I found was a bunch dirt balls! None of the surfaces seemed to have any wear, though I did not thoroughly clean it. I just wiped off most of the dirt and quite a bit of what I assume is cosmoline. That stuff has the consistency of Atomic Balm (but doesn't smell near as good!). I can't wait till I get some free time and go through a couple boxes of ammo with this thing. Paper bad guys, Beware!