Just picked up a Bulgarian Makarov at a local gunshow. Good condition, 2 mags, cleaning rod, and spare "thumbrest" grips. I gave it a preliminary cleaning tonight, got most of the cosmoline out, but I have a question or two.
1. What areas should be lubed, and how much? I'm somewhat experienced with modern poly autoloaders and 1911s, but the Mak is new to me.
2. How seriously a cleaning does this pistol need to be safe? I'm not afraid to detail-strip if I have to, but it is necessary, before the first firing?
3. I know the firing pin is free-floating. But... should it have any friction in the firing pin channel, or should it just glide with no resistance?
4. Best tool/material for cleaning the FP channel if the answer to #3 is "glide with no resistance"?
Avoiding slam-fires, if that is a real risk, is my biggest concern at the moment.
Thanks!
1. What areas should be lubed, and how much? I'm somewhat experienced with modern poly autoloaders and 1911s, but the Mak is new to me.
2. How seriously a cleaning does this pistol need to be safe? I'm not afraid to detail-strip if I have to, but it is necessary, before the first firing?
3. I know the firing pin is free-floating. But... should it have any friction in the firing pin channel, or should it just glide with no resistance?
4. Best tool/material for cleaning the FP channel if the answer to #3 is "glide with no resistance"?
Avoiding slam-fires, if that is a real risk, is my biggest concern at the moment.
Thanks!