Unmatching Slide Hurts Value of Makarov?

[Drakejake]

I have two E. German Maks in very good condition. One of them will not fire double action but works fine single action. The peculiar thing is that if I switch the two slides, both pistols work fine, double and single action. Would it make more sense for me to sell the misfiring Mak as is and disclose the problem, or swtich slides and disclose the mismatch? These of course are shooters and not collector pistols so perhaps a mismatch is of no importance.

Thanks,

Drakejake

 

[Zundfolge]

You're talking Makarovs here ... not Korths. How much value could you lose?


I'd think "not firing double action" would devalue the pistol more then a mismatched slide.

 

[Tecolote]

I disagree, mismatched parts will hurt the resale value of anything. If your EGs are in excellent condition you could probably get $300+, but non-matching numbers will cause them to lose $100 or more on resale. I'm basing my guess on the prices I've seen for matching and non-matching "parts" Maks.

If the slide is the issue than it could be something as simple as a worn safety. Have you tried swapping the safeties? If that doesn't work your best bet is to take the trouble Mak to a smith. Replacements parts are easily available from www.makarov.com

 

[Drakejake]

I have examined and replaced the safety, the hammer, the firing pin, and all of the other relevant parts. The problem is that if I switch slides, both of my Maks will be non-matching. I hate to do that to the Mak that has no problems. Perhaps I could get lucky and buy a German slide really cheap.

Drakejake

 

[Zundfolge]

Are you planning on selling one or both of them?

If not, then swap the slides so you have two functional pistols and if you decide to sell then swap them back (although you'll probably have to figure out whats causing the one to not fire DA).

 

[Tecolote]

Try posting at the home of MakNiks http://www.gunboards.com/forums/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=3 They might have a cure for the slide problem.