Finally shot new Makarov--feeding problem

[SteelyDan]

Went to the range on Sunday for CCW qualification test, and shot two mags through new Bulgy Makarov when we were done (that's all the time I had, and I just wanted to try out the gun). Very accurate, recoil wasn't bad, and I can see where it would chew one's thumb web a bit with stock grips.

Anyway, here's my question. The 10th shot failed to feed and shoot. The round was extracted from the mag, but the front end of the cartridge went up too high and got stuck on the top, rear lip of the chamber. I didn't think I'd need a feed ramp on the top of the chamber, but that's what it seemed like. I pulled back the slide and used a small screwdriver to work the round into the chamber, and then it worked fine. In the meantime, the slide was stuck part way open, and the gun didn't work.

I was using Barnaul 95-grain HPs.

There has been so much written about the Makarov's reliability, this was a bit of a surprise. Anyone else run into this, or have any suggestions? (For what it's worth, I'm 99% sure the mainspring is pointed in the right direction.)

 

[jem375]

no problems with my Bulgarian Mak as of yet, but keep shooting and it will break in ok.....................

 

[Dot_mdb]

I had one round stop on the feed ramp after a total of 200 rounds through the gun over three sessions. I don't know what caused it, but it could be the cheap commie ammo. I think you have to give the gun a chance and fire a lot more ammo through it. If the problems continue try different mags or change the springs in the mags.

I found that I had to take a file and smooth the frame just above the grip on the left side. It was abraiding my thumb. Shooting comfort was much improved after that small alteration.

Bill

 

[Teakwood]

First thing to keep in mind is that the Mak was designed to handle 95 gr FMJ. Anytime one departs from that, the variations of tolerances of the individual pistols and rounds come into play. Personally, I have had problems with the 109 gr Wolf in my EG Mak, and I do not use Wolf at all anymore. There are plenty of reported feeding issues with the 115 gr Russian ammo. As to the Barnaul, the only problems I have had with that has been in an FEG PA-63 (which I do not use much anyway).

I suggest that a slight variation in the length of the Barnaul JHP round (and there are variations) caused it to hang slightly on the feedramp. The open end of the Barnaul JHP is often somewhat rough.

I suggest that you might want to do some small tuning on your feedramp. I have done this on several of my Maks, especially the ones that were newer when I got them.
First, remove the slide and note that the bottom of the feedramp has a fairly abrupt edge to it. Removing the hammer and sear makes the next part easier. Take a Dremel with one of those conical-nosed polishing felts and smooth the edge so as to create a small radius (a piece of 400# sand paper wrapped over a chainsaw file works also). Next, use the felt tip to polish the feed ramp - you are trying to only smooth it, not grind it down.

I have found that this feedramp polishing really helps to eliminate feeding jams.

 

[wingman]

Like teakwood said, plus use a good lube like FP10 especially during breakin time, I never seen a gun so far that dident run better with fp10.

A lot of the ammo you find in 9x18 is (my opinion) poor quality, try S&B
or winchester white box. Some of the various brands of HP's are too long
(oal) for the mak.

 

[CZ52GUY]

Respectful dissent:

re: Break in - Traditionally Mak's don't require a "break in" period. These aren't out of the box pistols. Most are sold as refurbished, re-arsenaled, pick your favorite term.

re: Ammo' choice. Barnaul JHP is made in Russia specifically for Mak's. There is no compelling evidence that use of a Com'-Bloc' JHP round is inherently unreliable. I've shot many, many rounds of Barnaul (both FMJ and JHP) without a problem.

re: What happened? You're not going to like this, but I found that Mak's require a much firmer grip than one might expect for a little 9x18. I suspect you are limp wristing. Some folks find Mak's very unpleasant to shoot. I experienced similar results during my get acquainted phase with my first Mak'. I have a shooting buddy that also has two Mak's and experienced similar results. His brother came out with us and the same thing occurred. This isn't an attack on your manhood. I'm over 200, as is my buddy, his brother is a black belt. I shoot weekly because I compete...the Mak is simply a different little piece and requires something a little different to get desired results.

Bottom line, try to be very firm (not a death grip which would lead to shaking) and spend some time getting acquainted. Based on my experience with multiple Mak's and multiple shooters, I find that it is more likely the shooter that needs to be "broken in" by his/her Mak'.

Good luck,

CZ52'

 

[wingman]

Break in - Traditionally Mak's don't require a "break in" period. These aren't out of the box pistols. Most are sold as refurbished, re-arsenaled, pick your favorite term.

10.4 on that, mostly your right and the term break in was a generic
term to cover "new tool I'm using", all tools require some break in
in order to become familiar with it, over my 40 plus years of shooting
I've found more problems with people not knowing there firearm
and in the case of autos a dry or dirty gun.

I've fired and owned many Makarov's never had one jam, most cases
I've seen with friends malfunctions were caused poor quality ammo.

 

[CZ52GUY]

Based on my experience with multiple Mak's and multiple shooters, I find that it is more likely the shooter that needs to be "broken in" by his/her Mak'.

the term break in was a generic
term to cover "new tool I'm using", all tools require some break in
in order to become familiar with it, over my 40 plus years of shooting
I've found more problems with people not knowing there firearm

I think we're in "violent agreement" .

Stay safe,

CZ52'

 

[Tecolote]

Lots of the Bulgie Maks are in fact unissued, never used and because they're new they do require a break in period. Use a diet of FMJ until everything is broken in properly.

Barnaul is good ammo but the quality can be inconsistent.