Baikal IJ-70-380K .380 ACP Pre-Ban Russian Makarov Variant with Adjustable Sights
This IJ-70-380K is a rare, U.S.–market export version of the Russian Makarov pistol line. Imported by B-West before the late-1990s restrictions on Russian handguns, this full-steel, fixed-barrel pistol comes in the less common .380 ACP chambering and carries an early importer serial number 00018 from the first shipment. Its adjustable rear sight, thumb-rest grip, and polished blue finish give it a distinctive look while meeting U.S. sporting criteria of the era.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Details: This pistol shows minor scratching, scuffing, and blemishes on the exterior surfaces. The original magazine is not present.
What’s Included
- Baikal IJ-70-380K .380 ACP pistol (no magazine)
The IJ-70-380K was engineered specifically for the U.S. market, exchanging the original 9×18 mm chambering for .380 ACP to align with domestic ammunition availability and sporting import rules. The fixed carbon-steel barrel remains press-fit to the frame, a design that supports inherent mechanical accuracy and simplifies the straight-blowback action.
Sporting features unique to the “K” variant include an adjustable square-notch rear sight and a one-piece black polymer grip with a molded thumb-rest and checkering. These additions, paired with the polished blue finish and longitudinal anti-glare rib on the slide, distinguish it from standard military Makarov models.
A slide-mounted safety also serves as a decocker, and the heel-type magazine catch reflects its Russian service roots. Rear cocking serrations provide positive purchase, while the external ring hammer allows both double-action and single-action operation.
As a pre-ban import bearing the B-West TUC. AZ mark and an early serial number from the first shipment, this pistol represents one of the final Russian-made handguns legally brought into the United States before the executive restrictions took effect. Its collectible status is bolstered by its limited .380 ACP production run and early import provenance.