Remember 'it is what it is,and it ain't what it ain't"..?What a Makarov is ;is a reliable little brute,that's just small enough to carry easily,big enough to shoot reasonably well(better with practice and the odd tweak)and priced that most folks who shoot could have a few should they want one.With the right ammo it beats throwing hard looks at'em.It's NOT an earth shaker,nor is it an "11 inch CAR";its more like a poor man's Kahr.
Is there better tools for the old kit?Is it the worst choice out there?Nope...I'm not gonna do the old reflexive @sshole -like behavior that someone here does when he disagrees with someone's choice.Unless that choice is "out there"to the point of being downright dangerous or careless;and then I'd rather suggest a better course.Neither would I want to be skylined and caught unawares by a skilled operator using either of these two items within their useful envelope.Personally,I like the Maks I've shot,especially some of the ones that had a little aftermarket work(trigger,sights&sometimes barrel/muzzle crown).For stockers,the East German ones were pretty damn good.Preference in a handgun?I'd still go with a service caliber auto or recolver with a 5 inch tube,but the Mak is nothing to throw away if you have one,or get in front of if you don't.