Mak problems at the range

SPOCAHP ANAR · 06-10-2007, 07:35 PM

Two problems at the range.

1. The slide did not lock back after the last round - twice.

2. The trigger did not fire when I pulled it, released it then tried again and it fired.

I'm thinking the first was due to not having the mag all the way in and the second I didn't fully release the trigger.

Any other thoughts?

SilverRun · 06-10-2007, 09:47 PM

Sounds like a good diagnosis. You may want to try a different mag as well.

Dennis · 06-15-2007, 02:52 PM

Sounds about right, Sometimes the mag follower misses the slide lock, nothing unusual

Doctor Larry K · 06-15-2007, 04:27 PM

Had you put a LOT of rounds through the piece before this happened ? Maybe just a little dirt or crud in the weapon.

Zen900 · 06-15-2007, 05:00 PM

Is this your E German or Bulgarian Mak? My E German is far and away a better Mak than my Bulgarian. The function of the E Germans is flawless. Also did you change your recoil spring when you got your mak? You can replace Mag springs too.

BTW. You weren't out plinking in all that rain today were you? That mighta caused the Mak to hiccup.

Dookiebutt · 06-18-2007, 06:43 AM

I had problems with one of my Bulgy Maks not locking the slide back after the last round. I bought a replacement part on makarov.com along with new springs. I never had the problem again. I still have the part in my desk drawer at work I think. I'll pull it out and tell you what it was.

Teakwood · 06-20-2007, 05:43 AM

First do a thorough cleaning. Dirt and residue can cause problems.
Makarov.com Tech - Detailed Disassembly and Reassembly

If the slide problem still persists, it is probably the "slide stop and ejector." These are available from Makarov.com for about $11.
Makarov.com On-Line Shopping Cart

If that does not do it, the problem may be wearing of the slide stop notch inside the slide itself.

With regard to the failure to fire, it may be your technique. If you do not release the trigger fully in between rounds, it will not reset and fire. It may also be a worn component in the mechanism, like the trigger bar and disconnector.
One other thing which comes to mind is the extractor. If you have never cleaned the extractor channel, it is probably jammed with old cosmoline and powder residue. Disassembly and re-assembly of the extractor is not for the faint of heart. It is a tricky maneuver. Here is something that may help:
Gunboards - Extractor Removal Video

mauserman · 07-14-2007, 08:59 PM

I have had my Bulgarian Mak in 9x18 for 4 years with only one (1) stovepipe. I can't believe the reliability of this pistol. The only thing I had to get were new rubber grips from Makarov.com because the little bugger would bite me on the web of my shooting hand. I am a retired cop of 25 years and the 1st thing I learnt when going from a wheeler to a semi was keep a locked grip with both hands for a positive line of angle for the slide to come back and eject/insert a new cartridge.

Tex in Maine · 07-15-2007, 01:35 PM

OOOhhhhh, very scary..tell you what, send it to me and I'll hold on to it so your not in any danger, I'll even pay shipping. Now I know you must be thinking, as a single glistening tear wells up in your eye, my god what a humanatrian...hey it's just who I am..

billy · 07-27-2007, 06:21 AM

^

you are a saint tex!
i got choked up just reading your post.
a prince among men!

rocketmonty · 08-13-2007, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPOCAHP ANAR

Two problems at the range.

1. The slide did not lock back after the last round - twice.

2. The trigger did not fire when I pulled it, released it then tried again and it fired.

I'm thinking the first was due to not having the mag all the way in and the second I didn't fully release the trigger.

Any other thoughts?

looks like the firing pin is worn or hammer is scuffed. also recoil spring slide check that area too

06-10-2007, 07:35 PM	#1
SPOCAHP ANAR Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: SC-upstate Posts: 4,096 Images: 3 Blog Entries: 4	Mak problems at the range Two problems at the range. 1. The slide did not lock back after the last round - twice. 2. The trigger did not fire when I pulled it, released it then tried again and it fired. I'm thinking the first was due to not having the mag all the way in and the second I didn't fully release the trigger. Any other thoughts? __________________ Spocrest Out!..........

06-15-2007, 02:52 PM	#3
Dennis Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 1,877	Sounds about right, Sometimes the mag follower misses the slide lock, nothing unusual __________________ Submitted with respect to all

06-15-2007, 05:00 PM	#5
Zen900 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 701	Is this your E German or Bulgarian Mak? My E German is far and away a better Mak than my Bulgarian. The function of the E Germans is flawless. Also did you change your recoil spring when you got your mak? You can replace Mag springs too. BTW. You weren't out plinking in all that rain today were you? That mighta caused the Mak to hiccup. Last edited by Zen900; 06-15-2007 at 05:03 PM.

06-20-2007, 05:43 AM	#7
Teakwood Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New Mexico Posts: 46	First do a thorough cleaning. Dirt and residue can cause problems. Makarov.com Tech - Detailed Disassembly and Reassembly If the slide problem still persists, it is probably the "slide stop and ejector." These are available from Makarov.com for about $11. Makarov.com On-Line Shopping Cart If that does not do it, the problem may be wearing of the slide stop notch inside the slide itself. With regard to the failure to fire, it may be your technique. If you do not release the trigger fully in between rounds, it will not reset and fire. It may also be a worn component in the mechanism, like the trigger bar and disconnector. One other thing which comes to mind is the extractor. If you have never cleaned the extractor channel, it is probably jammed with old cosmoline and powder residue. Disassembly and re-assembly of the extractor is not for the faint of heart. It is a tricky maneuver. Here is something that may help: Gunboards - Extractor Removal Video Last edited by Teakwood; 06-20-2007 at 05:58 AM.

07-15-2007, 01:35 PM	#9
Tex in Maine Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Norway, Maine Posts: 235	OOOhhhhh, very scary..tell you what, send it to me and I'll hold on to it so your not in any danger, I'll even pay shipping. Now I know you must be thinking, as a single glistening tear wells up in your eye, my god what a humanatrian...hey it's just who I am.. __________________ Man's Prayer: Oh Lord I'm a man, but I can change... if I have to...I guess.

06-10-2007, 09:47 PM	#2
SilverRun Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: AL Posts: 1,661	Sounds like a good diagnosis. You may want to try a different mag as well.

06-15-2007, 04:27 PM	#4
Doctor Larry K Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Palm Springs, Calif. Posts: 428	Had you put a LOT of rounds through the piece before this happened ? Maybe just a little dirt or crud in the weapon.

06-18-2007, 06:43 AM	#6
Dookiebutt Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: America's North Coast Posts: 1,163	I had problems with one of my Bulgy Maks not locking the slide back after the last round. I bought a replacement part on makarov.com along with new springs. I never had the problem again. I still have the part in my desk drawer at work I think. I'll pull it out and tell you what it was.

07-14-2007, 08:59 PM	#8
mauserman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Oakland, Maine Posts: 5	I have had my Bulgarian Mak in 9x18 for 4 years with only one (1) stovepipe. I can't believe the reliability of this pistol. The only thing I had to get were new rubber grips from Makarov.com because the little bugger would bite me on the web of my shooting hand. I am a retired cop of 25 years and the 1st thing I learnt when going from a wheeler to a semi was keep a locked grip with both hands for a positive line of angle for the slide to come back and eject/insert a new cartridge.

07-27-2007, 06:21 AM	#10
billy spiritual counselor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 12,164 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 146	^ you are a saint tex! i got choked up just reading your post. a prince among men! __________________