Makarov replacement Federal barrels: crap/not crap?

[grimjaw]

I replaced the 9x18 barrel in one of my Makarovs (a Bulgarian, if it matters) with a Federal 9x18 stainless threaded model. I used the barrel press to do this, and I didn't have any problems. I can't measure the headspace accurately, but I'm assuming it's not off by a dangerous amount.

I've noticed the barrel gets dirtier than any of my other barrels, regardless of ammunition used. It also seems like accuracy suffers in this particular Makarov now, but I can't say that definitively yet.

I had been considering going with a Federal stainless .380 barrel (non-threaded) in this gun, but now I'm concerned about the quality of the type.

Has anyone else here used the Federal barrels, and what are your opinions? I'm not prepared to say that they're crap. I need to work with this one quite a bit more.

TIA, jmm

 

[railroader]

I don't know if you are just looking for another barrel but makarov.com is selling 9x18 barrels for $12. http://www.makarov.com/cart/vitemmakparts.htm Mark

 

[grimjaw]

railroader, thanks for the tip. I only replaced the original barrel with a threaded version for kicks. There was nothing wrong with the original (both were 9x18), and I have a parts kit that has another factory original barrel like the $12 versions.

I'm was just concerned that either
- I screwed up the barrel change and now the accuracy of a formerly accurate gun is shot or
- the Federal barrels are not as quality as the factory original barrels or
- both

Like I said before, I was looking at switching to a .380 Federal. I consider the 9x18 round adequate as a carry round, but the .380 in the Makarov is easy to shoot with less recoil. I was considering gifting one to a female friend to replace the .32ACP autoloader she has currently.

jmm

 

[denfoote]

I'm sure you know that Federal Arms Corp of America is currently kaput!!!

I got the info from the guys over at TopGlock.com .

 

[railroader]

380 barrels here for $14.95. Looks like they are factory since they aren't stainless. http://www.e-gunparts.com/DisplayAd.asp?chrProductSKU=468650&chrSuperSKU=&MC= Mark