The Makarov pistol is a semi-automatic handgun designed in the Soviet Union in the late 1940s. It was named after its designer, Georgy Makarov, and officially adopted by the Soviet military in 1951. The pistol is chambered for the 9x18mm Makarov cartridge, which offers a balance of power and manageable recoil, making it suitable for both military and civilian use. The Makarov features a simple blowback operation and a double-action trigger mechanism. Its compact size and robust construction have made it popular among various military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. The design has influenced many other firearms and remains a notable example of Cold War-era weaponry.