The Makarov pistol was introduced in 1951. As the new standard issue sidearm for all Soviet military, police and security forces it was intended to be carried both holstered and concealed. It can still found in front-line service with Russian military, police and security forces. The Makarov is a medium-size, 9-shot, 9x18mm, blowback-operated, all-steel construction pistol. The general layout and field-strip procedure of the Makarov pistol is similar to that of the Walther PP. The 9×18mm cartridge is a practical cartridge in blowback-operated pistols; producing a respectable level of energy from a gun of moderate weight and size. Other, more powerful cartridges have been used in blowback pistol designs, but the Makarov is widely regarded as particularly well balanced in its design elements.