Makarov question

[Serbian]

I know the Makarov is chambered for the 9x18mm. But can you (safely and efficiently) load 9x19mm into it? Anyone have any experience?

[nick]

Nope. Aside from everything else (say, pressure), 9mm casing is longer. Also, I believe Mak bullets are wider than 9x19.

[BamBam-31]

No. It isn't a revolver.

[luckystrike]

wont fit. the 9x18 case is a little fatter than the nato9mm

[Markus]

baaaaaad idea..... nuff said

[morrcarr67]

The Makorov 9X18 bullet is .365 while the 9x19 Luger/Parabellum is only .355. Also the case and total overall length of the Luger/Parabellum is longer.
I had read somewhere that the Russians had designed their Makorov PM's so that they could fire 9MM Kurtz/9MM Browning Short/.380ACP/9X17 but it would have MUCH less accuracy do to the 9MM Kurtz sharing the Luger's .355 bullet size.

[jinggoyd1967]

NO! Even if you were able to manage to chamber a 9x19 mm, the Makarov design cannot handle the pressure. The Makarov has a direct blow back action. With very few exceptions, the 9x19mm require a locked breech design.

[Mikeb]

You can shoot .380 with the .380 barrels that are made for the mak. You need a little barrel press tool to remove and replace the barrel. But the 9x18 is hotter.
take care
Mike

[sigfan91]

A Mak (9x18) can load and fire 380ACP (9x17) rounds. The 380ACP cases will bulge and maybe split, but they will work.

The Soviets designed it this way so in the event of war, they would be able to use captured NATO 380 ammo stockpile but the Euros wouldn't be able to use captured 9x18 in their 380 pistols.

This pistol was designed for war and military use. It was not designed for civilian or competition.

As mentioned already, 9x19 will not chamber in 9x18 pistols. Which is good. Maks are built like a tank but still not designed to handle the pressure of 9mm NATO, which runs hotter than civilian 9x19.

[Turbinator]

Hi guys, do some Google research - there is a Makarov in 9x19mm but it was never imported into the USA.

http://www.makarov.com/makfaq.html

Also - Karl Bloss of the Makarov.com web site did convert one of his many years ago to shoot 9x19mm - but of course he could only fire lower powered rounds, not full 9x19mm. Here are some of his notes:

#The 9x18 bullet diameter is .363 while the 9m/m Luger is .355;

True. We were talking about making a 9x18M, which is really a 9.2x18, into a 9.2x19. This, of course, requires handloading.

#How do you propose this conversion, and how much to you pay for product liability insurance when the
#gun blows up ??

Well, there's this gizmo called a chamber reamer. And the guns ain't for sale.

Turby

[Ranger20]

NO...

If you want a small 9x19 get a Kahr P9.. Same size roughly.

[redcliff]

A Mak (9x18) can load and fire 380ACP (9x17) rounds. The 380ACP cases will bulge and maybe split, but they will work.

The Soviets designed it this way so in the event of war, they would be able to use captured NATO 380 ammo stockpile but the Euros wouldn't be able to use captured 9x18 in their 380 pistols.

This pistol was designed for war and military use. It was not designed for civilian or competition.

As mentioned already, 9x19 will not chamber in 9x18 pistols. Which is good. Maks are built like a tank but still not designed to handle the pressure of 9mm NATO, which runs hotter than civilian 9x19.

Just where are these huge stockpiles of Nato .380acp I have to wonder. And what Nato force used a .380acp military issue handgun in 1951?

I've heard this rumor before, but I'd love to see an actual quote by Nikolay Fyodorovich Makarov attesting to the veracity of this statement. Personally I think it's just a coincidence.

[paul0660]

Sure you can:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGRtEFH7VFg

And, don't do it.

I heard that the Rooskees made the 9x18 fatter so that the West couldn't use it in their lugers, not the other way around.