In 1948, trials resulted in a selection of the Makarov pistol in 9x18 as a next military sidearm for Soviet armed forces. However, it took three more years to refine its design, before it was officially adopted in 1951 as the 9mm Pistolet Makarova or PM in short. Makarov is a large version of the German Walther PP. A rugged and simple pistol which is reliable under very adverse conditions the Makarov is widely used throughout the Warsaw Pact Forces and produced in China as Type 59. I
Marks and Stamps: (L side of slider) Cyrillic RY 1489 (Non matching serial) (L of frame) RY624 1964| Accession Number: 245 | Period of Use: 1950s - present |
| Type: Self loading/automatic pistol | War Zones: Vietnam; Cambodia; Middle East; Afghanistan |
| Country of Origin: USSR | Type Date: 1951 |
| Manufacturer: | Serial Number: RY624 (RY1489) |
| Manufacture Date: 1964 | Calibre/Ammunition: 9mm x 18 PM |
| Weight: 730g | Length Overall: 161mm |
| Cyclic Rate: semi-auto | Length Barrel: 93mm |
| Deactivation Certificate Number: DA 53717 |