Makarov slide not staying open after last round

[cubhead]

Just purchased a Bulgarian Makarov. Came with 2 mags. Gun in very good condition. Manufactured in 1983.

When I brought it home, thoroughly cleaned and inspected internals.

Took it to the range the other day and put 100 rounds thru it with no problem excpet one. After the last round was fired, the slide did not stay open. This happened evry time. Is this normal? I thought the slide remains opened after mag is emptied?

The slide will stay open when I pull it back with an enpty mag every time, just not after the last shot is fired.

Is this normal?

 

[harmon rabb]

Not normal. Your mag springs may be worn. I think Wolff sells new mag springs.

 

[hammerklavier]

Since the hold open is on the magazine, the most likely problem is the magazine itself. Check and see if that little tab that sticks out is bent or worn down. Or you may need a new mag spring.

Also clean the area on the slide that catches the magazine tab.

Third thing to check is the slide release 'button' is it loose?

 

[cubhead]

The tabs on both mags are about 1/16". Not appeared to be bent. There is enough force with the spring to lift the slde release. Attached are some photos. I'll clean the slide area again and see what happens.

Thanks for quick feedback!

 

[harmon rabb]

Honestly, you should post this over on the makarov forums. There are some REALLY knowledgeable guys about maks on there.

 

[cubhead]

Thanks again. Didn't know there was one!

 

[gearhead]

What ammo are you running? Most current ammo is a little hot but if your ammo is slightly weak, or if someone installed a heavier recoil spring to fire that super-hot Czech Mak ammo then it could be short-cycling the slide and not going back far enough to catch.

 

[Lost Sheep]

Gearhead and Hammerklavier missed one possibility

Good answers, all, from those two, but there is one more consideration. If you are not holding the pistol firmly (limp-wristing) you can get the performance you describe.

I have some target 45 ACP load that I can 1) cause to fail to strip a new round from the mag (or to lock open on the last round) or 2) function perfectly just depending on how rigidly I hold the pistol. I found just the right power level where the hold can make the difference.

This is GREAT for practicing stoppage drills! (Not recommended for combat operations.)

Good luck.

Lost Sheep

 

[Kiln]

The one I had used to do this same thing. I got a different magazine and it fixed the problem.

 

[cubhead]

Was using Tula 92 gr FMJ & brown bear 94 gr FMJ.
1) will try different ammo
2) I believe I'm holding it more firmly, will try again
3) If the above still doesn't work, I'll look into a diffferent recoil spring. Really don't know what spring is in it. Can only assume it is factory spring.

Thanks again!

 

[cubhead]

Turned out to be a worn slide release.

 

[Paulus]

Yes, I had this with a "new" Pistole Makarova as well. Replaced the slide stop and all was well. However, the slide stop did not look worn at all.

Perhaps someone can comment on how a slide stop doesn't look worn but still can cause this failure.

Paulus

 

[cubhead]

Here are some photos of the old and new slide release. I really se no obvious difference. Does anyone else?