Baikal IJ-70 9x18mm Makarov Compact Semi-Auto Pistol – Russian Commercial Makarov, Blued, 3.75" Barrel
This Baikal IJ-70 is the Russian commercial variant of the classic Soviet Makarov, imported by KBI between 1993 and 1996. Chambered in 9x18mm Makarov and built on a fixed-barrel, straight-blowback system, it offers the rugged reliability collectors expect from Izhevsk while adding a micrometer-adjustable rear sight for U.S. sporting compliance. Limited import numbers, Cyrillic-plus-Latin serial prefixes, and its pre-sanctions status make this compact sidearm a noteworthy find.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good – showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good – intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The pistol bears scattered scratches, blemishes, and areas of light rust and pitting; the bore remains clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Baikal IJ-70 9x18mm Makarov pistol with after-market wrap-around rubber grip
- One factory IJ-70 8-round steel magazine with polymer finger-rest baseplate
Built at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, the IJ-70 retains the original Makarov’s fixed 3.75" barrel, a design well-known for tight mechanical lock-up and practical accuracy. The straight-blowback, DA/SA action keeps operation simple and reduces felt recoil for a compact carry size.
To satisfy U.S. sporting-purpose import rules of the early 1990s, this model received a micrometer-adjustable rear sight paired with the traditional fixed front blade. The result is finer elevation and windage control without sacrificing the pistol’s proven ruggedness.
This example wears an after-market one-piece rubber grip with molded finger grooves that wraps around the frame, giving the shooter improved purchase compared to the original military-style panels.
Heel-style magazine release, slide-mounted safety/decocker, rear slide serrations, and an anti-glare rib stay true to the classic Makarov form. Izhevsk proof marks and the KBI, Inc. Harrisburg, PA import stamp verify its Russian manufacture and limited U.S. import history.