Makarov Question

[MI2600]

I have four Russian IMEZ Makarovs (IJ70-17A and 18A). Two in .380 and two in 9X18. All are "tanks". However, one of the .380s has been the victim of an overzealous gunsmith wannabe who ground down the chamber ramp. This results in bulged cases in the unsupported area.
I bought a new 9X18 barrel a few years back, but never had it installed.
I don't want to start a .380 vs 9X18 "range war" here, but I'm not a particular fan of the .380. Please don't ask why I bought two! Now, I am questioning my decision to change to 9X18.
The slide is marked (not stamped) .380, the gun is registered as such, and .380 barrels are relatively cheap.
Thoughts?

 

[Sistema1927]

I would slap the 9x18 barrel in it, but I don't have to deal with state registration of handguns.

 

[mgmorden]

Personally, I've got guns in both .380 and 9x18 too (two of each actually). Regardless of which way you go you're still going to have guns that shoot both rounds, so personally I'd take whatever route is cheapest to get the gun properly functioning again - which sounds like 9x18 since you already have the barrel. Not to mention to me the Makarov really "belongs" in 9x18. My only Makarov is a .380 (my two 9x18's are actually a CZ-82 and a P-83), and I've seriously considered changing it over myself. Not because I like one round more or less (I'm not going to carry the Makarov either way - too heavy compared to modern guns), but the 9x18 just seems more appropriate.

 

[Robbins290]

Can not go wrong with either one. Tho 380 is alot more common.

 

[Telekinesis]

I’m not really tied to either caliber. I like the 9x18 a bit more than the .380, but my Bulgarian Makarov is in .380.

I would generally lean towards going with the 9x18 barrel, but considering you have four essentially identical guns, I would recommend sticking with whatever caliber is marked on the gun. That way you don’t have to remember exactly which “.380 Makarov” actually shoots 9x18.

Not sure what to say about the legal registration stuff, but I would recommend doing some more research into that.

 

[MI2600]

Telekinesis, good point. I'm leaning toward keeping it in .380. Not only a possible range mix up, but also if I ever sell it (We can sell guns too, right?) I want to avoid buyer confusion with a mismarked gun.
I may have a new 9X18 barrel for sale in the near future at bargain prices. Stayed tuned.
Thanks to all who responded.

 

[Tallball]

Yeah, I would lean towards that too. Having a pistol marked for one round that was actually chambered for a different but similar one would make me nervous.

 

[Dudedog]

Any way to get the barrel out without buying a barrel press?
Or just go ahead and shell out the $ for one?
Just asking because I was thinking of changing mine to .380. (lots of .380 brass to load MAK brass is precious)

 

[MI2600]

I think the press is a must unless you go to a gunsmith. That probably means more $$. I read an article on the change a while back and if memory serves the process is a little more complicated than it seems. If I can find it again I'll post the site.

 

[Robbins290]

I think the press is a must unless you go to a gunsmith. That probably means more $$. I read an article on the change a while back and if memory serves the process is a little more complicated than it seems. If I can find it again I'll post the site.

The gunsmith i took mine to would not touch mine. He did not have a press and said he will not work in one with out it. I personally would not work on one without it. I have a threaded barrel for mine. I have had for years waiting to find a gunsmith to install it.

 

[LaneP]

Any way to get the barrel out without buying a barrel press?
Or just go ahead and shell out the $ for one?
Just asking because I was thinking of changing mine to .380. (lots of .380 brass to load MAK brass is precious)

Years ago I tried swapping a .380 barrel into my Russian Bakal 9mm Mak and it would not feed reliably at all. Ended up putting a 9mm Mak back in and it returned to flawless functioning. I suspect the slightly smaller case head dimensions of the .380 caused the extractor to fail to reliably hold on to it.

 

[MI2600]

I found the info re changing Makarov barrels on the Pistolsmith site:

"Disassemble the pistol, then remove the pin at the bottom of the trigger guard, and remove the guard, plus its spring and plunger. This allow 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.

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 spring and plunger, then reassemble the complete pistol.

That's it."

 

[Snowdog]

I can understand wanting a 9x18 in a Makarov. I'm weird this way but a .380acp in a Makarov is like an M1 Garand chambered in 7.62x54R. It may be an awesome gun... just not for me.

 

[Snowdog]

Double tap

 

[Robbins290]

Sorry about the attachment. Not sure how that got in there when i posted.