The Makarov pistol or PM (Russian: Пистолет Макарова, Pistolet Makarova, literally Makarov's Pistol) is a Russian semi-automatic pistol chambered for the 9x18mm cartridge. It served as the standard military and police sidearm of the Soviet Union from 1951 to 1991, and the pistol continues to serve in many former Soviet states.