IsoMAcK
Member
I recently obtained a "like-unfired" Chinese Norinco Makarov. I rarely see a Chinese Makarov, and this particular specimen has one of the best bluing jobs I've ever seen. The quality seems as good or better than the Bulgarian and Russian Maks that I have handled, contrary to what I have heard from people over the years. It is also very reliable, so far.
I replaced the stock 17 lb. recoil spring with a Wolff 19 lb. spring at the recommendation of the folks over at makarov.com. This is recommended to reduce the feel of the recoil and to ease wear and tear on the frame due to the blowback design. Since installing the new spring, I noticed that of any live rounds that I eject from the chamber, that the primers have a small indentation. I learned that the firing pin in Makarovs do not have any spring, and are free to move around. It seems that with the extra 2 lbs. of the Wolff recoil spring's strength, the firing pin "taps" the primer of the round when the slide is racked normally to chamber a round.
I'm staying with the 17 lb. spring which does not do this. I already checked the firing pin channel for any binding or obstruction, and everything checks out O.K. Someone chime in if this has happened to them. I can't help but wonder about the even heavier spring available (21 lb.) setting off a soft-primered round when chambering.
-IsoMAcK
I replaced the stock 17 lb. recoil spring with a Wolff 19 lb. spring at the recommendation of the folks over at makarov.com. This is recommended to reduce the feel of the recoil and to ease wear and tear on the frame due to the blowback design. Since installing the new spring, I noticed that of any live rounds that I eject from the chamber, that the primers have a small indentation. I learned that the firing pin in Makarovs do not have any spring, and are free to move around. It seems that with the extra 2 lbs. of the Wolff recoil spring's strength, the firing pin "taps" the primer of the round when the slide is racked normally to chamber a round.
I'm staying with the 17 lb. spring which does not do this. I already checked the firing pin channel for any binding or obstruction, and everything checks out O.K. Someone chime in if this has happened to them. I can't help but wonder about the even heavier spring available (21 lb.) setting off a soft-primered round when chambering.
-IsoMAcK