[erikd65]

So, how many rounds can you run through a Mak befores it gives out? Just curious... I may pick one up if I can find one for a good price.

E

[Erich]

If you're worried about a good price, you won't be able to afford enough ammo to wear one out. :)

[DMK]

I don't have a number, but those are very tough little pistols, easily as strong as anything else in their class. They have chrome lined barrels so barrel wear shouldn't be a big issue. Plus consider that they were designed to be service pistols for the Soviet military and the Soviets didn't expect that their troops would be babying them.

I have a Walther PP, an East German Mak, a CZ-70 and two CZ-52s(although those aren't in the same class). I'd bet on the Mak lasting the longest of them all if given equal use.

[middy]

They have a half-life approximately equal to that of plutonium-239. :)

[Erich]

It'll be half-gone in 24,000 years? :)

[wally]

It'll be half-gone in 24,000 years? :)

No, on average, half of them will have disintegrated in 24,000 years.
The other half should still work (if you can find ammo) :evil:

--wally.

[Scottmkiv]

I figure a little longer if they are still in cosmoline. :p I think anything dipped in that foul commie grease is just about impervious to time.

[Trebor]

I figure a little longer if they are still in cosmoline. I think anything dipped in that foul commie grease is just about impervious to time.

Yeah, when the D@mmn Dirty Apes finally take over, they'll be armed with Maks and Mosin's. As soon as they figure out how to get the cosmo off.

[Teakwood]

The rating is 4,000 rounds. However, I am sure that is a very conservative estimate.

[jc2]

I believe the 4000 round life is for the barrel only (and I'd say very conservative even with Russian ammo). Even so, you can buy a new chrome line Bulgarian barrel for $12 or a Federal stainless steel barrel for $45 (from makarov.com).

[Bemo]

You need to keep the recoil spring fresh. Especially if you're shooting Wolf ammo.

[denfoote]

Erik,
I have had an IJ70-17A (9mm kurz) since the early nineties.

I don't know how many rounds I have put through it, but in the decade, or so, that I have had it, there have been few problems and it's still going strong!!

I have a certain fondness for this wee commie beast!! It was my first carry pistol and the only weapon that I have had occasion to use to defend my family.

Makarovs can be had for about $150 or so. They still are the best autoloader deal out there!!

[Flying V]

I read somewhere (reliable, I know) that the short "number of rounds" lifespans quoted in translated commie gun manuals aren't how long they're expected to last, but the point at which they should be turned over to an armorer for routine maintenance.

[The_Antibubba]

It outlasted the USSR, didn't it? ;)

[c_yeager]

The rating is 4,000 rounds. However, I am sure that is a very conservative estimate.

The 4,000 rounds number was the length of time betweeen visits to the armorer to be checked over. There is no actual lifetime estimate because the Soviets never planned on them wearing out and they don't like retiring ordnance unless they have something better to replace it with.