Mak and CZ52 Replacement Barrels

[Dan Forrester]

Has any one converted their Makarov to .380? I have a Circle 10 Bulgarian Makarov that I would like to put a Federal Arms threaded .380 barrel onto. How reliable are these, and how difficult is it to replace the barrel?

How about the CZ52 FAC barrels in 9mm, or for that matter any of the 9mm converted CZ52s. I know that the 9mm is considerably shorter than the 7.62X25 and have heard that this causes feeding problems.

Thanks, Dan

 

[Krinkov]

I remember a military surplus guy in my area used to have .380 barrels for the makarov.

I didn't buy one because my Makarov was chambered for .380 originally.

I am not sure if they used different magazine either.

Either way though you would probably have to take it to a gunsmith because the barrel is joined to the frame.

 

[CZ52GUY]

Mak'
http://makarov.com/barrlrep.html

CZ52' is just a drop in...although the one I got (right after I bought the gun) just didn't seem to fit right so I sent it back...after shooting 7.62x25 a few times, and having other 9mm alternatives in the safe, I had to ask myself...why?

Your experience may vary...I know some do enjoy shooting 9mm out of their CZ52's...similarly with the Mak', given that you can probably pick up a Mak' in .380 for not a whole lot more than converting it (and less of a chore)...I'm not sure a .380 conversion is the best move, but you're the boss of your stuff .

Good luck,

CZ52'

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I like the CZ round too much to mess with a conversion. Also, would rather spend the cash on more ammo

As for the MAK, I had a barrel given to me (gave it back) since I would need a press to put it in and with my limited mechanical ability I was afraid that I would mess up a good gun.
Also, can use the press money for more ammo

 

[Dan Forrester]

I agree I like both the 7.62X25 and 9X18 quite a bit. There’s only one reason why:

http://www.gem-tech.com/TRINITY.html

I should be taking possession of this within the next month. Both the CZ52 and Mak have threaded barrels easily available. Plus their action design lends it’s self well to having a 6 ounce weight on the end of it’s barrel.

Dan

 

[9x19]

The standard Makarov magazine works perfect for either 9x18mm or .380ACP.

Swapping the barrel is a simple thing to do...

Disassemble the pistol, then remove the pin at the bottom of the trigger guard, and remove the guard, plus its spring and plunger. This allows the trigger to be removed as well.

Next remove the barrel pin just below the chamber and press/drive the barrel out of the frame to the rear. Compare the ramp dimensions on the two barrels and adjust the new one if necessary (some have been a bit long in the vertical dimension so won't fit in the frame recess, just use a flat file and remove just enough material so the barrel will fit).

Slip the new barrel into the frame and press/drive it into place (if not cross-drilled for the barrel pin, mark it, remove it, drill it, then re-install it), then install the barrel pin.

Re-install the trigger, and trigger guard with its pin, spring and plunger, then reassemble the complete pistol.

That's it.