Makarov in .380

[whm1974]

I'm thinking of getting a Makarov since it is a decent pistol for the price. And I'm looking for a compact pistol anyway.

My problem is the range I go shoot at is owned by Olin, and thier rules is that: I can buy ammo there, bring reloads, or bring Winchester branded ammo.

I keep forgetting to ask if they have 9x18 Makarov there, but I don't think they do. So I'm thinking of getting a Mak in .380 or getting a .380 barrel.

What are the pros and cons of this? If get a standerd Mak how hard is it to swap out barrels?

-Bill

 

[denfoote]

Winchester makes 9mm Makarov ammo!!

9x18 Makarov
95 gr. Metric Calibers Full Metal Jacket


Ballistic Coefficient: TBA Barrel Length: 4-1/2" Product Symbol: MC918M


Suggested use: -
Description: -
Application: -


Bullet features include:
Positive Functioning
No Expansion
Good Accuracy
No Barrel Leading



Packaging Options
Rounds Per Box: 50
Box MSRP: $13.40
Rounds Per Case: 1000
Case MSRP: $268.00

Handgun Ballistics

Distance (yds) Muzzle 50 100
Velocity (fps) 1017 925 -
Distance (yds) Muzzle 50 100
Energy (ft. lbs.) 212 180 -

If your range is owned by Olin, then they should have it in stock!!
If not, then ask for them to order it for you!!
Now go and buy that Makarov!!

 

[whm1974]

If your range is owned by Olin, then they should have it in stock!!
If not, then ask for them to order it for you!!
Now go and buy that Makarov!!

I'm aware that Winchester loads 9x18 Makarov. But $13.40 a box is very high compare to Bear and Wolf. Of course the range would sell it cheaper then that.

They might carry it due to how many people own Makarov pistols. If they don't I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask.

-Bill

 

[Pilot]

My first Mak was in .380, a Russian commercial. I still have it, along with four others of various origin in 9x18. They basically shoot the same, although, I reload for .380 and was able to get some very nice target loads that wer light, but accurate, so I don't remember shooting full power .380's. From hwat I've heard the .380's have a little less felt recoil than the 9MM Mak, but I don't fine the 9MM Mak has stiff recoil like some.

You can re-barrel a Mak to .380 with a barrel press. Both barrel and press are available at:

http://www.makarov.com

Maybe just find another range if you don't want to search for a .380 Mak or convert one.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

Wolf and Bear ammo last I checked still used bullets that had steel in them A large number of ranges ban this ammo b/c these bullets spark when they hit range armor. The spark has been known to cause fires (happened at a local range - nearly burned down, the range was shut for months). Now all this ammo is marked FMJ or something like that, but take a magnet and see if you can get it to stick to the bullet (the case with this ammo is usually steel, I know). This is a way that these companies use to get the cost down.

 

[whm1974]

Maybe just find another range if you don't want to search for a .380 Mak or convert one.

Problem is they are they closest range to me. Plus to shoot there I hust have to buy thier ammo or pay $10 if I bring my own(reloads or Winchester).

-Bill

 

[Old Dog]

I've got a Russian Mak in .380, and I got it over the 9x18 simply because of the bigger variety in .380 loadings (and the pricing and availability). If I'd wanted a Mak solely for the edge in velocity (and presumably stopping power), I'd have got the Mak round ... But being as mine's a plinker and a truck gun, I see no real need for the 9x18 (unless one simply wants to have the caliber).

 

[whm1974]

Old dog, online there are vendors who sell 9x18 Makarov quite abit cheaper then .380. Of course locally .380 is ussally easyer and cheaper to find.

My problem is the range I go to. If I live out in the boondocks where I could shoot in the backyard... I could just order 1000 rounds and be done with it.

-Bill

 

[JohnKSa]

Some of the Russian Maks were originally chambered in .380, you could look for one of those.

Or you can rebarrel a 9x18 Mak to .380 for around $90 IIRC. About $40 for a barrel and another $40 or so for a barrel press & then add shipping.

 

[whm1974]

At that price, I could spend a little more and have another Makarov in .380.

-Bill

 

[railroader]

Or get a bersa 380. http://budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod...25381?osCsid=7d33cee341399a9d43aa1227be0c4855 $169 plus shipping. Mark

 

[txcoyote]

Railroader,

That price at Bud's sounded real good but the Bersa picture on his site is not real appealing. The picture looks like that particular Bersa has been a victim of dubious usage IMO. Is he selling new or used at that price? The picture http locator says "auction".

http://budsgunshop.com/auction/25381.jpg

 

[rde]

I have a Bulgarian Commercial Makarov chambered in 380 (Arsenal) which is very well made and very accurate.

Winchester does make brass case 9X18 ammo but I don't remember how much it costs. I ordered some from Cheaper than Dirt and it was very accurate out of my standard surplus Bulgarian Makarov.

Bersa 380 as recommended is a good alterntive. Also a CZ-83 I believe.

 

[whm1974]

I wouldn't mind getting the Bersa .380 either....

On another note I can see how guns reproduce...

-Bill