Makarov pistol

The Soviet Makarov Pistol (PM or Pistolet Makarova) was the standard-issue handgun equipped to Soviet Russian forces, designed along the lines of the Walther PP, and shares a similar design. The Makarov is produced in Russia (Iszmash or Baikal), East Germany (Ernst Thaelman Factory), China (Norinco), and Bulgaria (State Arsenals), with varying quality. Most modern-era Makarov pistols are from Bulgaria.

The Makarov is not quite as advanced as most European and American handguns, since it was designed after the German Walther PP (which in turn was made in the 1930s). Still, it is highly durable and tough. Its main drawbacks are that it uses the older and weaker 9x18mm Makarov round, and carries only 8 rounds per clip. The PMM (Pistolet Makarovka Modified) is a newer version developed in the late 1980s to accept a 12-round magazine and the high-powered 9x18mm PMM round. This was partly to improve the pistol's ability as a backup weapon in close combat as well as its use by Russian police forces and the KGB.

Despite this, the Makarov was still not enough to meet up with modern weaponry, and the post-communist Russian army has since begun to adopt the NATO 9x19mm round. Diehards in the Russian military, however, have stuck to their Makarovs, much like the Colt 45 fans in the US Military have. The handgun Olga throws overboard is a Makarov--but it's difficult to identify at first due to it's blocky appearance in-game. The rest of the Spetsnaz carry it as well. During the events of the Virtuous Mission, a young Ocelot carried a Makarov, until Snake commented that since Ocelot twists his elbow to absorb recoil from the gun, his style would be better suited for a revolver. Ocelot then famously dumped his Makarov for his patented Colt Single Action Army Revolvers. Major Ivan Raidenovitch Raikov also carried a Makarov, suggesting the weapon may have been standard issue for Soviet officers of the era. Colonel Volgin used a Makarov to shoot Nikolai Stephanovich Sokolov's legs. The pistol is also used by attack teams who use them in conjunction with a bullet-proof shield.

During The Manhattan Incident, the pistol was again used by attack teams of the Gurlukovich Mercenaries, who were also equipped with bullet-proof shields. The Makarov was used as a last resort for these strike teams, as if the shield was destroyed they would switch to their assault rifle.