Does the PL-15 represent a large step up from existing sidearms? The short answer is, yes. The Russian military still predominantly uses the 9x18mm Makarov pistol, a single stack design from the 1950s. The PL-15 represents a quantum leap ahead of this ancient design, being a modern, striker-fired pistol. However, the Makarov is likely to soldier on for much longer in wide service.
И таки да, одним из лучших пистолетов мира назвал его концерн Калашникова, т.е его создатель :
The PL-15 is hyped up by Kalashnikov Concern to be one of the best pistols in the world.