As both the supply and demand of technical information, particularly of maintenance items and problems, has increased, this page should serve as a repository of such information. If you don't see the information that you're looking for, try taking it to the general public via the WWW Message Board.
Complete disassembly of the Makarov is helpful or even required for several operations. These include detail cleaning, barrel replacement, refitting of certain parts, and upgrading to the Simson-Suhl safety set. Read on...
Printer-friendly version with all graphics expanded and no navigation bar available here. Note, might take a long time to load all graphics on slow connection.
To make the magazine removal easier, insert a split keyring into the magazine release. You can
then grab the keyring and the magazine will drop free!
There has often been some confusion about the two different grip screws that were issued on the Makarovs. Here are some quick facts:
Troubleshooting
"Automatic" Slide Dropping when Inserting MagazineThe Makarov, like many modern semi-auto pistols, locks open the slide when the last shot has been fired. This works when the magazine follower tab travels to the top of the magazine after the last round has been stripped out of the magazine and pushes against the slide stop. The follower tab, in case you didn't know, is that thing that sticks out of the side of the magazine and rips your thumbnail when you try to load your magazine without a mag loader.
The follower tab is integral to the magazine follower (part #27 on exploded view). The slide stop (which also acts as the ejector) is part #11 on the exploded view (click thumbnail to expand).
During normal operation, the slide stop is pushed up by the follower tab and engages its mating surface on the slide to lock the slide open once the gun is empty. The slide stop is a stamped piece of metal and is therefore more prone to premature wear than some of the other parts of the pistol.
So... if your Makarov no longer reliably keeps the slide locked open or you find that inserting a full magazine automatically drops the slide, you may have a worn slide stop.
The first test is to see if it's a magazine problem. Does it happen with all the magazines? If no, you may have a goobered follower tab on one more magazines. If it does happen with all magazines, it's either the slide (woe to you) or the slide stop.
Slide stops are available from us one the Makarov parts shopping cart page. They are fairly cheap, so it's usually worthwhile to start there. To install it, just follow the Detail Stripping instructions.
If the problem is your slide, this is more difficult to fix. Replacement
slides are typically not available and you'll want to consult a gunsmith before
modifying the slide.
Magazines are often dirty when buying them used or even right out of the box. Magazine feeding
problems can often be solved by a good cleaning, which involves disassembly. Fortunately, this
is a simple process:
1) Hold the empty magazine with your weak hand such that the floorplate is facing you and locate the portion of the magazine spring that is protruding through the floorplate.
2) Using a small screwdriver, press the magazine spring into the magazine housing through the floorplate. You can also do this by compressing the spring upward through the sides of magazine.
3) Once the spring has been retracted, slide the floorplate forward partially.
4) Using your thumb to hold the spring in place, remove the floorplate the rest of the way.
5) Release the spring gradually and the rest of the magazine pieces will come out.
6) Reassembly is reverse of disassembly.
Safety first! Wear goggles...no kidding! Also consider getting a large
plastic bag and work inside the bag. This will prevent you from having to
buy another extractor plunger from us when it goes flying.
1) Field strip the pistol such that the slide is removed from the
frame of the pistol.
2) Secure the slide, e.g. in a padded vise.
3) Use a tool such as the cleaning rod provided with many Makarovs
(the one with the big loop on one end and a point on the other...see below) to
push the extractor plunger towards the rear of the gun. Compress the
spring to the point where the plunger is flush with the frame of the
gun.
Back in stock... see the
on-line order form.
4) Using your finger, rotate the front of the extractor into the
ejection port until it falls out. If this doesn't work right away, while the plunger is depressed, try to move extractor a little backward (in the direction of the plunger), then rotate. Find the position when it rotates slightly moving it back and forth.
5) Slowly release the plunger. Don't let it pop out or you may not
find it for a week.
If you've done any kind of shooting with the pistol, you'll be
amazed how much grime is in there. If you've been shooting corrosive
ammo, those corrosive salts are probably in there as well.
Soak the 3 pieces in cleaner/lubricant such as BreakFree CLP. Use a firing pin
channel cleaner soaked in the solvent to clean out the extractor assembly hole.
Inspect the extractor for signs of wear, particularly the face the
clips over the cartridge rim. This is one of the weak points of the
Makarov. You can tune it by smoothing out the face with a fine grade
polishing wheel. We also have replacement available.
To reassemble:
1) Insert the plunger into the spring. On my pistol, there was only
one correct end of the spring into which the plunger fit.
2) Insert the spring-plunger assembly back into the slide.
3) Using the cleaning tool, compress the plunger back into the hole
so that it is flush with the slide. This may take some effort, and
take care not to let this fly. Again, working inside a plastic bag works
well to avoid ballistic plungers.
4) Insert the extractor in reverse as it came out. Once it is on its
pivot axis and rotated towards your extractor tool, you can release the plunger and snap the extractor into
place.
The whole process can take as little as 10 minutes.
Click the link above for the notes on this. Apologies that we haven't had time to write that
up properly.
The "stand-alone" documentation is also available in this Zipped Word Document (triggerwork.zip) or
for you anti-Microsoft people, there's the quick and dirty HTML version (Thanks to Bill Legge for the HTML).
The Makarov is a superbly reliable and accurate pistol. With a little trigger cleanup, and a feed ramp polishing, I think it is the best in its class. The following is my simple method of improving your trigger.
I recommend firing several hundred rounds through your Makarov before you do the following cleanup. Doing so will allow you to see points on the parts where contact rubbing has taken place, so you can more accurately polish those surface areas.
Although the PA 63 is not a Makarov, it looks similar and has been
widely sold by the same importers. The main difference is the aluminum
frame of the PA 63. The firing mechanism is a closer copy of the
Walther than the Mak is.
I found the trigger on my PA 63 to be too stiff in both single and
double action mode. Here are some of the steps I took to remedy that.
I have done these mods to six of these pistols so far, one would not
fire commercial ammo reliably the first time, and required a stronger
hammer spring. Two others would not reliably fire surplus European
military ammo the first time.
First, I want it understood this dissertation is strictly an account of
my own actions. I do not recommend or promote this as something anyone
else may want to do. I do not advocate unsafe modifications of any
firearm. These changes I have made might not be in the best interest of
all owners, especially if utter reliability is required.
That said, lets see what can be done to relieve the stiff trigger. I
was unimpressed by the sloppy fit of the sear pivot pins. They were
very loose in the frame, falling out when spring stress was relieved. I
fabricated new pivot pins that were a light press fit into the frame
with a close sliding fit in the sear holes. This will give a more
consistent action, and reduce the takeup in the travel, both single &
double action.
Next, and before installing the new pins, I polished the obvious parts.
All pistol trigger work is essentially the same, careful attention to
detail in relieving friction, excess takeup and overtravel. Beginning
with the sear (sometimes called the "stirrup"), stone the curved top
with fine Arkansas stone to smooth it up. Most PA 63's don't need
much. Then, with a sharp cornered Arkansas stone polish the notch on
the underside of the sear where the hammer rests in single action mode.
I have not been decreasing the depth of this notch, but believe it could
be done by about 20% without a problem. It is essential to not "rock"
the stone when doing this. A jig to keep the stone operating in a
smooth straight line is necessary, I use my vise jaws to keep the stroke
straight not curved. (I periodically recut the jaws in the mill!)
Polish the flat bottom of the hammer extension where it fits into the
notch. I do not worry about the top of this extension which is only
used in single action when thumbing back the hammer. Polish the
underside of the hammer fly where the sear lifts the hammer, and the
front where the sear rides on it as the trigger goes forward. A word of
caution, POLISH does NOT mean GRIND! Arkansas stones, #600, #800 Ϩ
silicon carbide paper is what I am talking about, and the silicone
carbide is for drastic work only.
Next, look at the springs. The hammer spring is the worst offender,
being far too strong for a decent trigger. I experimented with several
springs to get a lighter but workable spring, and have not yet found the
perfect one. I am sure Wolff Springs has one, I am impressed with their
selection but they reflect the cost of limited production items. I
currently make a new mainspring from a Brownells spring kit (p/n
080-950-100) using the .032 wire dia., .260 OD spring. It is 10
turns/in. I make the spring 2.65" long, and counterbore the spring plug
to a depth of about 3/8" to allow a longer spring. The longer a spring
is, the less percentage change in the spring force for a given
compression, all other things being equal. Be prepared to make and
discard several springs in the pursuit of the best one. If the spring
is too weak, you can shim this counterbored area. Next, remove the
trigger return spring and reshape it to weaken it. Do not go too far
with this, I had to restore some strength once. Replace the spring for
the firing pin lifting plunger with a softer one, I have a selection of
springs from electrical contactor work that never fails to provide a
suitable one. I have not tried to lighten the operation of the firing
pin spring, but I suppose it would help.
After all these mods, reassemble the pistol with the new pins and test
it. If still not suitable, try a lighter hammer spring since this is
the major way to lighten the pull. The double action length of pull
cannot be improved on much, and the single action creep will still be
there (unless you decreased the depth of the sear notch).
9x18 Cartridge Velocity Data, compiled by Leif Christenson, posted with permission, Originally posted on Gunboards.com
Posted are velocity tests I completed over
2-days using a Beta Chronograph purchased from a gentleman airline pilot down in
Texas. The chrony was set at 5-feet from the muzzle of a 1985 Bulgarian Makarov.
My results generally agree with what information has been previously posted on
9x18 velocities, and included here are varieties of ammunition for which
published data are not available.
Thanks for many the Forum member who helped me collect some of the more obscure
varieties. Slim Tim wins the Golden Chrony for sharing his stash and
providing support. VWTim, BNitch, kitchwb, Nietzsche, MakNik, VonAlt - there are
others who endured my nagging. Remind me and I'll edit the list.
I pulled and weighed a single bullet from each variety tested (well, Extreme
Shock pulled itself). That's the weakest part of this data. Commercial
ammunition is built within tolerances and even 10-rounds measured are only a
snapshot of the production line. One bullet weighed is not representative but
does provide some information. I used a digital scale calibrated using brass
weights from an assayer's balance.
I have never seen any steel-cored 9x18 ammunition.
Abbreviations:
OAL: Overall length. Measured with digital calipers.
Avg: Average
ES: Extreme Spread (difference between minimum and maximum)
SD: Standard Deviation.
gr: Grains
fps: Feet per second
ins: Inches
|
American Eagle 95-gr FMJ (10
rounds tested) Manufacturer: Federal Cartridge Co., Anoka, Mn Headstamp: F C 9x18 MAKAROV Cartridge Case: Brass, boxer primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 94.5-gr (1 measured), fully-copper coated, concave base Magnetic: No OAL (ins) Range: 0.971 0.987 Avg: 0.974 Velocity: (fps) Range: 1004 1056 Avg: 1033 ES: 52 SD: 19 |
Fiocchi 95-gr FMJ (20 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: Fiocchi Munizioni S.P.A., Lecco, Italy Headstamp: G.F.L. 9 MAKAROV Cartridge Case: Brass case, boxer primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 94.5-gr (1 measured), copper (brass?)-coated, with concave exposed-lead base Magnetic: No OAL (ins) Range: 0.970 0.975 Avg: 0.972 Velocity: (fps) Range: 976 1077 Avg: 1040 ES: 101 SD: 27 |
RBCD 45-gr TFSP (Total
Fragmenting Soft Point) (5 rounds tested) Manufacturer: RBCD Performance Plus Ammunition, San Antonio, TX Headstamp: *-* 9x18 MAK Cartridge Case: Brass Case (Starline), boxer primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 39.2-gr (1 measured), lead-filled or coated tip, convex (bulged) copper-coated base Magnetic:No OAL (ins) (5 rounds) Range: 0.940 0.946 Avg: 0.943 Velocity: (fps) Velocity (fps): 1671, 1661, 1032, 1558, 1640 Avg: (1512) **Note: The round that shot 1032 fps did not have the energy to cycle the slide |
|
Barnaul 94-gr FMJ (10 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: Barnaul Machine Tool Plant JSC, Barnaul, Russia Headstamp: 9 mm MAK Cartridge Case: Lacquer-coated steel, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 94.3-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated, concave exposed-lead base Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.967 0.981 Avg: 0.976 Velocity: (fps) Range: 1038 1063 Avg: 1049 ES: 25 SD: 8 |
Hi-Shok 90-gr JHP (10 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: Federal Cartridge Co., Anoka, Mn Headstamp: F C 9x18 MAKAROV Cartridge Case: Brass case, boxer primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 89.4-gr (1 measured), copper-coated with concave copper base Magnetic: No OAL (ins) Range: 0.967 0.972 Avg: 0.969 Velocity: (fps) Range: 986 - 1047 Avg: 1022 ES: 61 SD: 19 |
Reeds 90-gr Gold-Dot (10
rounds tested) Manufacturer: Reeds Ammunition & Research, Oklahoma City, OK Headstamp: *-* 9x18 MAK Cartridge Case: Brass (Starline), boxer primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 88.9-gr (1 measured), copper-coated, concave copper base Magnetic: No OAL (ins) Range: 0.959 0.963 Velocity: (fps) Range: 922 - 979 Avg: 957 ES: 57 SD: 19 |
|
Barnaul 95-gr HP (10 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: Barnaul Machine Tool Plant JSC, Barnaul, Russia Headstamp: 9 mm MAK Cartridge Case: Lacquer-coated steel, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 94-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave copper-coated base Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.935 0.941 Avg: 0.938 Velocity: (fps) Range: 1004 1028 Avg: 1020 ES: 24 SD: 9 |
Hornady 95-gr JHP (20 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: Hornady Manufacturing Co., Grand Island, NE Headstamp: HORNADY 9X18 MAKAROV Cartridge Case: Brass case, boxer primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 94.6-gr (1 measured), copper coated with flat copper base Magnetic: No OAL (ins) Range: 0.933 0.940 Avg: 0.939 Velocity: (fps) Range: 908 - 956 Avg: 934 ES: 48 SD: 15 |
Sellier & Bellot 95-gr FMJ
(24-round White Box) (10 rounds tested) Manufacturer: Sellier & Bellot JSC, Vlaim, Czechoslovakia Headstamp: 9 mmM S & B Cartridge Case: Steel case, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 93.5-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.961 0.965 Avg: 0.963 Velocity: (fps) Range: 898 - 934 Avg: 916 ES: 36 SD: 14 |
|
Brown Bear 92-gr JHP (20 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: LVE (Low Voltage Equipment Plant), Novosibirsk, Russia Headstamp: LVE 02 9x18Mak Cartridge Case: Bi-metal case, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 93.2-gr (1 measured), Steel-cased copper-coated with exposed-lead concave base Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.964 0.984 Avg: 0.977 Velocity: (fps) Range: 966 1041 Avg: 1006 ES: 75 SD: 21 |
Jing An 95-gr FMJ (10 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: Exported by Jing-An Equipment IMP/EXP, China Headstamp: 71 93 Cartridge Case: Steel case, berdan primed, non(?)-corrosive Bullet: 94.5-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated bullet with concave exposed-lead base Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.970 0.975 Avg: 0.972 Velocity: (fps) Range: 998 - 1095 Avg: 1037 ES: 97 SD: 29 |
Sellier & Bellot 95-gr FMJ
(50-round green/red/white box) (10 rounds tested) Manufacturer: Sellier & Bellot JSC, Vlaim, Czechoslovakia Headstamp: 9 mmM S & B Cartridge Case: Brass case, boxer primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 93.7-gr (1 measured), copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base Magnetic: No OAL (ins) Range: 0.977 0.979 Avg: 0.978 Velocity: (fps) Range: 914 - 966 Avg: 940 ES: 52 SD: 16 |
|
Brown Bear 115-gr HP (20 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: LVE (Low Voltage Equipment Plant), Novosibirsk, Russia Headstamp: LVE 01 9x18Mak Cartridge Case: Bi-metal case, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 116.8-gr (1 measured), steel-cased copper-coated bullet with flat copper-coated base Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.951 0.969 Avg: 0.964 Velocity: (fps) Range: 971 1023 Avg: 1001 ES: 52 SD: 15 |
LVE (Green Box) 95-gr FMJ (20
rounds tested) Manufacturer: LVE (Low Voltage Equipment Plant), Novosibirsk, Russia Headstamp: LVE 99 9x18Mak Cartridge Case: Steel case, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 92.2-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.971 0.979 Avg: 0.974 Velocity: (fps) Range: 968 - 1029 Avg: 1008 ES: 20 SD: 61 |
Silver Bear 120-gr JHP (10
rounds tested) Manufacturer: LVE (Low Voltage Equipment Plant), Novosibirsk, Russia Headstamp: LVE 01 9X18MAK Cartridge Case: Nickel-plated steel, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 116.8-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with flat copper base Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.961 0.974 Avg: 0.968 Velocity: (fps) Range: 945 983 Avg: 960 ES: 38 SD: 12 |
|
B-West 100-gr FMJ (10 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: TCW (Tula Cartridge Works) Tula, Russia Headstamp: B West 9x18 Cartridge Case: Bi-metal, berdan primed, corrosive Bullet: 105.2-gr (1 measured), steel-cased copper-coated bullet with flat exposed-lead base Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.972 0.978 Avg: 0.976 Velocity: (fps) Range: 912 943 Avg: 930 ES: 31 SD: 10 |
Mesko 93-gr FMJ (10 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: Mesko - Skarzysko-Kamienna, Poland Headstamp: Mesko 9x18 Mak Cartridge Case: Brass case, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 92.9-gr (1 measured), copper-coated bullet with concave exposed-lead base Magnetic: No OAL (ins) Range: 0.970 0.980 Avg: 0.974 Velocity: (fps) Range: 934 - 1026 Avg: 975 ES: 92 SD: 31 |
Silver Bear 115-gr FMJ (20
rounds tested) Manufacturer: LVE (Low Voltage Equipment Plant), Novosibirsk, Russia Headstamp: LVE 01 9X18MAK Cartridge Case: Nickel-plated steel, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 116.5-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with flat copper base Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.960 0.972 Avg: 0.966 Velocity: (fps) Range: 992 1037 Avg: 1011 ES: 45 SD: 12 |
|
CCI 90-gr GDHP (10 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: Blount (CCI), Lewiston, Idaho Headstamp: CCI R Makarov 9x18 N Construction: Aluminum case, berdan primed, non-corrosive Magnetic: No OAL (ins) Range: 0.959 0.963 Avg: 0.961 Velocity: (fps) Range: 1024 - 1074 Avg: 1051 ES: 50 SD: 15 |
MFS 93-gr FMJ (10 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: MFS: Hungarian Ammunition Manufacturing, Inc., Sirok, Hungary Headstamp: MFS 9x18 Mak Cartridge Case: Brass case, boxer primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 93.4 (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base Magnetic: Cartridge case no; bullet yes OAL (ins) Range: 0.973 0.979 Avg: 0.976 Velocity: (fps) Range: 986 - 1024 Avg: 1002 ES: 38 SD: 11 |
Silver Bear 92-gr FMJ (10
rounds tested) Manufacturer: LVE (Low Voltage Equipment Plant), Novosibirsk, Russia Headstamp: LVE 01 9x18MAK Cartridge Case: Nickel-plated steel, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 92.9-gr (1 measured), steel-cased copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.971 0.983 Avg: 0.975 Velocity: (fps) Range: 885 1057 Avg: 1033 ES: 172 SD: 52 |
|
CCI Blazer 95-gr TMJ (10 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: CCI, Lewiston, Idaho Headstamp: CCI R Makarov 9x18 N Cartridge Case: Aluminum case, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 94.6-gr (1 measured) fully copper-coated with concave base Magnetic: No OAL (ins) Range: 0.971 0.976 Avg: 0.973 Velocity: (fps) Range: 946 - 982 Avg: 969 ES: 36 SD: 14 |
(SK) Nimrod 93-gr FMJ (10
rounds tested) Manufacturer: Mesko - Skarzysko-Kamienna, Poland Headstamp: S K N 9x18 Mak Cartridge Case: Brass case, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 92.2-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base Magnetic: Cartridge case no; bullet yes OAL (ins) Range: 0.973 0.978 Avg: 0.975 Velocity: (fps) Range: 886 - 1000 Avg: 954 ES: 114 SD: 36 |
TCW 109-gr FMJ (10 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: Tula Cartridge Works, Tula, Russia Headstamp: TCW 9mm Makarov Cartridge Case: Steel case, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 2 measured: 108.2-gr; 109.8-gr; copper-coated bullet, flat exposed-lead base Magnetic: Cartridge case is magnetic; bullet is not OAL (ins) Range: 0.972 0.980 Avg: 0.975 Velocity: (fps) Range: 978 1037 Avg: 1013 ES: 59 SD: 17 |
|
CCI Centerfire 95-gr TMJ (20
rounds tested) Manufacturer: CCI, Lewiston, Idaho Headstamp: CCI R Makarov 9x18 N Cartridge Case: Aluminum case, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 94.5-gr (1 measured) fully copper-coated with concave base Magnetic: No OAL (ins) Range: 0.969 0.977 Avg: 0.972 Velocity: (fps) Range: 903 - 946 Avg: 928 ES: 43 SD: 10 |
Norinco 93-gr FMJ (10 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: China North Industries Corp., China Headstamp: 71 93 Cartridge Case: Steel case, berdan primed, non-corrosive(?) Bullet: 94.5-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.971 0.978 Avg: 0.975 Velocity: (fps) Range: 950 - 1063 Avg: 1014 ES: 113 SD: 36 |
Tiger 95-gr JHP (10 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: Barnaul Machine Tool Plant JSC, Barnaul, Russia Headstamp: 9mm Mak (W/ Trademark) Cartridge Case: Zinc plated steel, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 94.3-gr (1 measured), steel-cased copper-coated with concave copper-coated base Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.935 0.941 Avg: 0.937 Velocity: (fps) Range: 1040 1070 Avg: 1053 ES: 30 SD: 9 |
|
Cor-Bon 95-gr JHP (10 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: CorBon/Glaser, Sturgis, South Dakota Headstamp: *-* 9x18 MAK Cartridge Case: Brass case (Starline), boxer primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 94.9-gr (1 measured) copper-coated with flat copper-coated base Magnetic: No OAL (ins) Range: 0.946 0.950 Avg: 0.948 Velocity: (fps) Range: 1123 - 1153 Avg: 1135 ES: 30 SD: 9 |
PS Grand 95-gr FMJ (10 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: PS Grand a.s., Bytca, Slovakia Headstamp: PS 9mm M Cartridge Case: Brass case, boxer primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 94.6-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base Magnetic: Cartridge case no; bullet jacket is magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.967 0.974 Avg: 0.970 Velocity: (fps) Range: 1041 - 1093 Avg: 1070 ES: 52 SD: 17 |
Winchester 95-gr FMJ (10
rounds tested) Manufacturer: Sellier & Bellot JSC, Vlaim, Czechoslovakia Headstamp: WIN 9x18 Mak Cartridge Case: Brass case, boxer primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 93.8-gr (1 measured), copper-coated bullet, concave exposed-lead base Magnetic: No OAL (ins) Range: 0.977 0.977 (!!) Avg: 0.977 Velocity: (fps) Range: 904 - 966 Avg: 928 ES: 45 SD: 13 |
|
East German 95-gr FMJ (10
rounds tested) Manufacturer: East Germany Headstamp: 78 04 Cartridge Case: Steel case, berdan primed, corrosive Bullet: 92.5-gr (1 measured) steel-jacketed copper-coated bullet with flat exposed-lead base Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.974 0.979 Avg: 0.977 Velocity: (fps) Range: 1002 - 1056 Avg: 1033 ES: 54 SD: 17 |
RAM 95-gr FMJ (10 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: Barnaul Machine Tool Plant JSC, Barnaul, Russia Headstamp: 9mm Mak (with a trademark) Cartridge Case: Zinc-plated steel case, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 93.7-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.969 0.977 Avg: 0.973 Velocity: (fps) Range: 1043 - 1086 Avg: 1063 ES: 43 SD: 17 |
WOLF 100-gr FMJ (10 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: Tula Cartridge Works, Tula, Russia Headstamp: 9mm Makarov WOLF Cartridge Case: Steel case, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 101.2-gr (1 measured), copper-coated with flat exposed-lead base Magnetic: Cartridge case is magnetic; bullet is not OAL (ins) Range: 0.969 0.979 Avg: 0.974 Velocity: (fps) Range: 908 987 Avg: 951 ES: 79 SD: 22 |
|
Extreme Shock 85-gr PDR (3
rounds tested) Manufacturer: Mullins Ammunition Co., Clintwood, VA Headstamp: *-* 9x18 MAK Cartridge Case: Brass Case (Starline), boxer primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 84.2-gr (1 measured), Tungsten-Nytrilium (plastic tip), flat copper-coated base Magnetic:No OAL (ins) (5 rounds) Range: 0.981 0.984 Avg: 0.983 Velocity: (fps) 1060, 1045, 1048 (avg = 1051) ** Note: One round separated during handling Editors Note: Mullins Ammunition was made aware of the problems that occurred during testing, and has since changed the crimping method used to prevent this from happening. |
RAM 95-gr HP (10 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: Barnaul Machine Tool Plant JSC, Barnaul, Russia Headstamp: 9mm Mak (with a trademark) Cartridge Case: Zinc-plated steel case, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 93.8-gr (1 measured), steel-jacketed copper-coated bullet Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet jacket are magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.934 0.944 Avg: 0.939 Velocity: (fps) Range: 1039 - 1083 Avg: 1069 ES: 44 SD: 16 |
WOLF 109-gr FMJ (10 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: Tula Cartridge Works, Tula, Russia Headstamp: 9mm Makarov WOLF Construction: Steel case, steel-cased copper-coated bullet, berdan primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 107.4-gr (1 measured), copper-coated with flat exposed-lead base Magnetic: Cartridge case is magnetic; bullet is not OAL (ins) Range: 0.969 0.977 Avg: 0.972 Velocity: (fps) Range: 950 992 Avg: 973 ES: 42 SD: 14 |
|
(Cor-Bon) 70-grain Pow'RBall
(10 rounds tested) This ammunition is produced by Glaser, but shooters recognize it as Cor-Bon. Pow'RBall bullets are copper-coated (jacketed) hollowpoints capped with a tight-fitting polymer ball in the nose. Glaser states that this aids in controlled expansion and better penetration, and that they are designed to offer the feeding reliability of FMJ ammunition Manufacturer: Glaser, Sturgis, South Dakota Headstamp: 9x18 MAK * - * (Starline Brass) Cartridge Case: Brass, boxer primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 71.7-grains (1 measured); flat, copper-coated base Magnetic: Case and bullet are non-magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.970 0.974 Avg: 0.948 Velocity: (fps) Range: 1304 - 1384 Avg: 1348 ES: 80 SD: 22 |
"Lake City" (Armscorp) 95-gr FMJ
(14 rounds tested) Manufacturer: MFS: Hungarian Ammunition Manufacturing, Inc., Sirok, Hungary. Imported by Armscorp USA, Inc. Headstamp: LC 9X18 Cartridge Case: Brass case, boxer primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 92.9 (1 measured), copper-coated with concave exposed-lead base Magnetic: Cartridge case and bullet are non-magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.968 0.979 Avg: 0.972 Velocity: (fps) Range: 1001 - 1050 Avg: 1024 ES: 49 SD: 14 |
MFS 93-gr "+P" FMJ (20 rounds
tested) Manufacturer: MFS: Hungarian Ammunition Manufacturing, Inc., Sirok, Hungary Headstamp: MFS 9x18 MAK+P Cartridge Case: Brass case, boxer primed, non-corrosive Bullet: 2 weighed: 92.9 & 92.3-gr; brass-coated with concave exposed-lead base Magnetic: Case and bullet are non-magnetic OAL (ins) Range: 0.973 0.978 Avg: 0.975 Velocity: (fps) Range: 924 - 1006 Avg: 981 ES: 82 SD: 23 |
Here is the formula for my cleaner/lube. It is cheaper to make than
buying any gun stuff I have found yet !! It will leave a light oil
film on metal and will displace water.
TO MAKE: 1 Gallon 4 Gallons
MIX:
Kerosene or Diesel fuel (40%) 2/5 (.40) Gal. 1-3/5 (1.6) Gal.
Mineral Spirits (40%) 2/5 (.40) Gal. 1-3/5 (1.6) Gal.
Marvel Mystery Oil (15%) 3/20 (.15) Gal. 3/5 (.60) Gal.
or 3/5 (.60) Quart or 2-2/5 (2.40) Quart
Rislone oil (5%) 1/20 (.05) Gal. 1/5 (.20) Gal.
or 1/5 (.20) Quart or 4/5 (.80) Quart
Use thickwall HDPE containers with tight fitting lids. I use buckets
from the local home center. Look for the HDPE symbol on the bottom
of the container. I have NO experience with any other type of
container. (HDPE= High Density PolyEthylene)
You can round up the numbers if you want. This is not rocket science.
Using 5 or 10 weight motor oil as a substitute for Marvel and Rislone
oil is O.K. It doesn't work as good but is a suitable substitute. I
use odorless Mineral Spirits. Marvel Mystery Oil and Rislone Oil is
usually available in auto parts stores.
EXAMPLE: Kerosene 45%, Mineral Spirits 45%, 5 weight motor oil 10%.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE:
REMOVE ALL GRIPS, STOCKS, SCOPES from the gun BEFORE USE !!! You could
test your rubber and plastic grips in a hidden spot to see how it
reacts. I remove the grips.
NO WOODEN GRIPS OR STOCKS. This stuff will soften wood finishes!
Not strictly necessary but, I wear rubber gloves to protect my hands.
This cleaner is meant for short term cleaning. I have dunked the whole
gun (without the grips) in this stuff and cleaned with no problems. I
have left BLUED guns in it for months with no problems.
For nickel or chrome finishes it is fine, no problems. DO NOT leave
nickel or chrome plated guns in this solvent for LONG periods of time
!! The red dye in the Marvel Mystery Oil will soak into the pores and
leave a yellowish cast to the finish. As I said it is fine for
cleaning nickel/chrome just don't leave it in the cleaner for 2 months
!! ;)
Cleaning night sights is o.k. I haven't seen any problem with Triticon
etc.. Just don't leave the gun in there for marathon soaking sessions
over night. The solvent properties may loosen the glue. Soak for a few
minutes then, Clean it off right away!
Scopes definitely won't like being dunked in this stuff !! Just use
common sense.
I and others have soaked: old, new, blued, rusty, stainless, polymer
and bare steel in this stuff for over two years with no ill effects
other than the yellow stain on nickel or chrome finish mentioned
earlier. It has no effect on stainless steel I can see.
When the cleaner gets cruddy: I just let it sit and pour the cleaner
off the top into another container leaving the crud in the bottom. I
let the solvent evaporate off the crud and then dispose of rest
wrapped in newspaper in the trash. You can also dispose of used stuff
just like old motor oil, (NOT DOWN THE DRAIN !! ) take it to your
local used motor oil recycler. Most auto parts stores here in SO CAL
take used motor oil.
I have HAZMAT MSDS forms for those that really want to see them.
E-mail me: samplawski@home.com for address to send Self Addressed
Stamped Envelope.
For Makarov Pistols: I remove the grips, then soak the gun over night.
The next day a simple brushing and wiping and the gun is clean in
about 2 minutes !!!! NOW THAT'S WHAT I LIKE......
My 1911A1 pistols clean up just as easy. I use a long, narrow, shallow
plastic flower planter to soak my long guns. (without the wood
stocks/scopes, of course ! ) I have also used this to clean tools and
car parts !!! It leaves a light oil film on metal and displaces water.