Makarov, any advise?

[TA_Raider]

I am a gun enthusiast, but my dad has not been into shooting for a long time and I just recently got him back into it. Therefore I had not been able to get a firearm. I went to a gun show recently and picked up a Russian Makarov in 9x18 for $230. It is in good shape and has not been fired much. I went over to a friends house and field stripped it and cleaned it and had him check it out to make sure it was in working condition. Is there anything that you would recomend that I do? The makarov did not come with a manual and I am afraid that if I start to detail strip it that I would have to take a trip to the gunsmith. Does anybody know a website on how to detail strip it or know how to? Thanks for your advise.



TA_Raider

 

[ugaarguy]

TA RAider, welcome to THR! The Makarov is a very robust and well built pistol, excellent choice. They are quite simple to maintain, and you can find everything you want to know and more, at www.makarov.com, including a photo tutorial on detail stripping here; http://www.makarov.com/tech/assembly.html

 

[cookekdjr]

A Russian for $230? Nice job.
My advice? Keep this gun. It is one of the best-designed handguns. Ever.
-David

 

[M2 Carbine]

Unless there's something broke there's no reason to detail strip the gun. If you want to give it a good cleaning, field strip it, take the grips off, spray it down with WD40 and blow it out with a air hose.

Keep an eye on the rear sight screws, they have been known to come loose.

I never use the thumb safety, but if you do, take note if the safety starts to move UP out of the ON notch fairly easily.
If the safety becomes too free it will move upward towards OFF, when the gun is fired, , and the hammer is blocked the next shot.

Get a magazine loader. They are about $5 at makarov.com

I post this a lot, but if you haven't seen it, it will show you what a tough, reliably pistol you have.
http://www.glocktalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=294814

 

[longeyes]

Make sure the firing pin channel is clean.

Spray it down with an anti-rust compound now and then (I use Rig) and wipe it off with a silicon-based cloth.

As others have said, the Mak is a keeper. It's a classic. Elegant design.

 

[TA_Raider]

Thanks, I appreciate the input. I checked the firing pin and it makes a sound when I shake it (I believe that that is right). I put over 100 rounds through it the other day and no misfires, jamms, or anything of that sort. It shoots wonderful. I have never shot a pistol before but have shot rifles and it was a very good experience. Once I got the hang of it, I was shooting between 3" and 4" groupings at 15 yrds with Wolf 95gr fmj. I also shot my friends S&W .44 magnum and going from the makarov to the .44 mag, I wasn't prepared for what was layed before me. I learned that .44 magnum was a bigger buck than I thought it was.

 

[joneb]

 

[Newton]

Get a Wolff 19lb recoil spring (some prefer the 21lb but that's a little heavy for me) and a Hogue replacement rubber grip.

The Wolff spring reduces frame battering and felt recoil and has a much higher life expectancy than the original, which I believe was rated at 17lb. The original spring has also likely seen some use as you are buying a used gun, so it's a good move if only for that reason.

The Hogue grip is a wonder compared to the original red star plastic grip which can make shooting the gun downright unpleasant with some of the stiffer rooshun ammo.

The already mentioned Makarov.com website will offer you every imaginable upgrade, you should take a look.

 

[Dr_2_B]

Congratulations, Raider. Be warned! I don't say this in jest. You've spoiled yourself by (re-)beginning with a makarov. Don't expect to enjoy any other handgun you buy as much as you enjoy that thing. You'll find other styles you like and other calibers and many will be wonderful; but you're not likely to find anything else that feels so great to shoot! Hope you enjoy it.

 

[lee n. field]

Makarov, any advise?

Buy extra magazines. Shoot it a lot.

No really, go through the documentation at makarov.com. The Mak is a pretty simple gun, and well understood. It's unlikely you'll have any problems.

 

[Davo]

As said above detail clean it, get the wolf spring, and the hogue grip. Then get some cheap steel cased ammo and shoot the heck out of it. Its a great pistol, I love mine.

 

[Harry Paget Flashman]

You really need a Makarov in every flavor...Bulgarian, Russian, East German...9X17 and 9X18.