Makarov / PM

The Makarov or PM (Пистолет Макарова), designed by Nikolay Makarov in 1948, is an 8-round, semi-auto Soviet pistol that uses 9x18 cartridges. It was the Soviet Union's standard military side arm from 1951 until around the 1990's.

In the game S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl, this gun is genuinely fucking ass. People that have played it know that it's the first gun that you get... and the equivalent of a god damn peashooter. It does as good as absolutely no damage, even if you're in close range. It's like trying to take down a tank with a Nerf gun. I will forever be a hater of the Makarov in that game.

As for real life, it's pretty enjoyable to shoot in my opinion. Although the PM is rather heavy compared to more common/modern handguns considering it's size (93.5 mm barrel length), I'd say it's still a well balanced gun. The main reason for the weight, simply explained, is the fact that it's a blow-back pistol and the slide is pretty fuckin' heavy.

Even if it wouldn't be my first choice of a Russian sidearm, I still intend to get one for my personal collection one day.