Hammer down Makarov

[dashootist]

I see the firing pin on the Makarov is free floating. If I gentle drop the hammer by pulling the trigger, is the firing pin sitting on the primer?

What I mean is: is it safe to carry hammer down with one in the chamber and safety off?

 

[Spec ops Grunt]

Why gentle drop when you can just use the decocker/safety?

 

[fletcher]

The Makarov hammer should not be able to touch the firing pin when decocked (hammer down, safety off). Try giving it a push forward when it's down and take a look.

 

[dashootist]

Why gentle drop when you can just use the decocker/safety?

I don't like the violent slamming of parts that the decocker make happen. Feels abusive to the gun.

Try giving it a push forward when it's down and take a look.

I see. It's like a rebound hammer.

 

[makarovnik]

The Makarov is perfectly safe to carry with a round in the chamber, hammer down, safety off. Yes it's a free floating pin but it is light and will not fire if dropped.

The hammer is also very safe as it can not make contact with the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled fully to the rear.

If you are still worried about the free floating pin then use a proper holster and don't drop it on the ground.

Very safe pistols.

 

[goon]

If you don't like the hammer dropping hard when using the decocker, just hold on the to hammer and lower it gently when you activate the decocker.

 

[hammerklavier]

The decocker is there and designed for that function. The gun is built like a tank, you're not going to break it. Want to talk about violent movement of parts? Try actually firing the gun.

 

[dashootist]

I guess because I learn to shoot on a Single Action Army revolver, I find that pulling the trigger to lower the hammer is more nature than the decocker. Also the decocker is very stiff, difficult to use.

 

[WardenWolf]

Use the decocker. It's fine. The gun does actually have a hammer block safety system. It's perfectly safe to carry hammer down, round chambered. I used to CCW my Makarov this way, until I swapped it out for a Polish P-64 that's a little easier to conceal (and has similar safety features).

 

[dashootist]

Is the Polish P64 smaller than the Bulgarian Makarov?

 

[towboat_er]

Lower it the way you would a single action. Then put the safety on.

 

[towboat_er]

The hammer wont touch the firing pin. After you lower it, look at the space between it and the pin. You have to push it forward in order for it to touch pin.

 

[Litlman]

I use the Decocker. That is what it is made for. Hammer down is fine , double action first shot & transition in to single action for follow ups & decock. The Mak is a great little gun!

 

[dashootist]

Another question: has anyone try to file down the sides of the mainspring to get a lighter trigger pull? Since I will be reloading with Fed primers, I don't need the full power of stock. User has weak hand strength. This Makarov will mostly be a game gun anyway.

 

[towboat_er]

Yep, I use the decocker too. Fun gun to shoot.

 

[WardenWolf]

Is the Polish P64 smaller than the Bulgarian Makarov?

Yes. I own both. The P-64 is a fair bit smaller, particularly in handle length. However, the overall shape is virtually identical, meaning holsters that fit the Makarov will also fit the P-64. I use a Don Hume molded leather holster. It's molded specifically to the Makarov, but it fits the P-64 just as well, if not better. The P-64 is a bit narrower, making it easier to draw from the holster but not at all loose. I personally find the P-64 much easier to conceal. They're good guns. A little abusive to the hand, but pleasant enough once you've installed the strongest recoil spring and the weakest hammer spring Wolff makes.

 

[goon]

You could disregard the decocker, but if your thumb slips while you're lowering the hammer, you just sent a round downrange and that slide coming back at your right thumb at full speed isn't going to be doing you any favors.
It's still safer to use the decocker, but I ain't your mama.

If the user has trouble racking the slide as things are, you could have him or her cock the hammer first, then work the slide.

 

[mxl]

dashootist--I didn't file my spring and it's been a long time ago, but I did bend the spring very slightly and reduced the pull somewhat. A little goes a long ways and you have to sort of sneak up on it. Be sure to check for light strikes after you do it.

 

[lee n. field]

I see the firing pin on the Makarov is free floating. If I gentle drop the hammer by pulling the trigger, is the firing pin sitting on the primer?

Why would you do it that way? The Makarov has a perfectly good decocker.

(The CZ-82 is not a Makarov, despite being chambered in 9mm Makarov.)

What I mean is: is it safe to carry hammer down with one in the chamber and safety off?

Once it's decocked.