.380 conversions for Maks just a barrel change?
- Thread starter Clead
- Start date
I've never done it (still in the waiting period to get my first Makarov), but I think that's all you have to do.
But why would you want to? The 9x18 (9mm Makarov) is the original cartridge, it is slightly more powerful than a .380, you can get decent Russian ammo for about $5.50 a box (I bought 500 rounds from Dan's and it works fine in my FEG PA-63), you can buy hollow-point "premium" ammo if you want. Why spend the money and effort to downgrade your gun to an inferior but more expensive cartridge? Sure you may be able to find .380s at Walmart, but 9x18 isn't difficult to get. And for the cost of a replacement barrel, you could probably almost buy an FEG PA-63 and have two nice pistols that shoot 9x18.
Doug
But why would you want to? The 9x18 (9mm Makarov) is the original cartridge, it is slightly more powerful than a .380, you can get decent Russian ammo for about $5.50 a box (I bought 500 rounds from Dan's and it works fine in my FEG PA-63), you can buy hollow-point "premium" ammo if you want. Why spend the money and effort to downgrade your gun to an inferior but more expensive cartridge? Sure you may be able to find .380s at Walmart, but 9x18 isn't difficult to get. And for the cost of a replacement barrel, you could probably almost buy an FEG PA-63 and have two nice pistols that shoot 9x18.
Doug
I wouldn't worry, the Chinese use 9x18, so I think ammo won't be a problem, even if Algore gets in. 
You will need to spend ~$30 for a barrel press to do the job right (i.e., not destroy the barrel when driving it out). Karl at Mak.com recommends Craftsman punches b/c you can take them back and get another after destroying a couple when driving the barrel retainer pin out.
You will need to spend ~$30 for a barrel press to do the job right (i.e., not destroy the barrel when driving it out). Karl at Mak.com recommends Craftsman punches b/c you can take them back and get another after destroying a couple when driving the barrel retainer pin out.
This is not as easy as it sounds! That barrel was never built to be easily changed out! My brother broke a Barrel press trying to change a Russian to .380. Took the gun to the smith who had a heck of a time taking out the old Barrel ( He had to use a torch to heat up the frame section, and expand the metal to pull the Barrel. He put the new Fedral arms barrel in the Freezer for a day heated up the frame section that holds the barrel agian and inserted the barrel.)
Also the fedral arms barrel needed a ramp cut back and a reliability job to feed properly.
My advise is not to worry. American manufatures -notably COR-BON- and others are making truck loads of this ammo and the Russian stuff is cheap good and hot (even if dirty) I suggest buying a few thousand rounds and rotating them if your worried about supply. ( until am. manufatured pick up the slack)...
PEACE
IZZY
Also the fedral arms barrel needed a ramp cut back and a reliability job to feed properly.
My advise is not to worry. American manufatures -notably COR-BON- and others are making truck loads of this ammo and the Russian stuff is cheap good and hot (even if dirty) I suggest buying a few thousand rounds and rotating them if your worried about supply. ( until am. manufatured pick up the slack)...
PEACE
IZZY
Izzy,
WOW! The ones I've done weren't nearly that difficult. Once the pin and spring for the trigger guard/latch were removed, it was simply a matter of driving out the cross pin for the barrel, and knocking the barrel out the back. I use my nylon tipped hammer to avoid any damage.
The Federal Arms barrels do tend to have a too long ramp that must be shortened for proper feeding but other than that it was an easy swap.
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Make mine lean, mean, and 9x19!
WOW! The ones I've done weren't nearly that difficult. Once the pin and spring for the trigger guard/latch were removed, it was simply a matter of driving out the cross pin for the barrel, and knocking the barrel out the back. I use my nylon tipped hammer to avoid any damage.
The Federal Arms barrels do tend to have a too long ramp that must be shortened for proper feeding but other than that it was an easy swap.
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Make mine lean, mean, and 9x19!
The AGI Armorer's video recommends that the brace be heated slightly with a torch prior to removal of barrel. According to that video some barrels can be very tight. Remember barrels were factory installed with a hydraulic press, getting them out will take some force.
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So many pistols, so little money.
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So many pistols, so little money.
Jody Hudson
New member
The 9x18 is what the wonderful Makarov was designed for. The .380 is an inferior cartridge and I've never found it to be nearly as accurate as the 9x18 is. In fact I've NEVER found any gun to shoot .380 accurately nor dependably. While 9x18 from the Makarov is arguably the most dependable and one of the most accurate of any gun for it's size ever made -- and it's inexpensive.
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Talk is cheap; Free Speech is NOT.
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Talk is cheap; Free Speech is NOT.
A good .380 will suprise a person at 100yds off a bench once you get the elevation on the sights figured. They do tend to out shoot most colt super autos also. The Mak is a great pistol not even counting the cheap cost and good quality, but they are a huge pocket pistol and the sights do need work. Its just a shame they dont have a version with a locked breach and in 9x19. I dont see a big differance between .380 and 9x18 in reality. About like the .308 vs the 30-06.