Makarov pistol
Produced by Izhevsk Mechanical Plant (USSR/Russia: 1949–2013) Kalashnikov Concern (Russia: 2013–present) Ernst Thaelmann (Germany) Arsenal AD (Bulgaria) Norinco (China) Factory 626 (China)
The Makarov Pistol (Russian: Пистолет Макарова, romanized: Pistolet Makarova, IPA: [pʲɪstɐˈlʲet mɐˈkarəvə], lit. 'Makarov's Pistol'), commonly known simply as the PM or Makarov, is a semi-automatic pistol manufactured by the Russian company Kalashnikov Concern. The PM was designed by Nikolay Makarov to replace the TT pistol, becoming the standard service pistol of the Soviet Armed Forces and the Militsiya in 1951. It is chambered in the 9×18mm Makarov round which is unofficially named for the pistol. The PM has been manufactured continuously by Izhevsk Mechanical Plant and Kalashnikov Concern in Izhevsk since 1949, while licensed copies have been produced outside of Russia. It is one of the most-produced firearms in the world, with over 5,000,000 manufactured, and is the second most-produced pistol after the Glock. It was adopted in some capacity by most Eastern Bloc and Second World states, and remains in active service in the militaries and police of these states and their successor states.