Refinishing my mak [Archive]

valkyrie182

08-09-2005, 13:09

My bulgarian Mak doesn't have a blued finish, it almost looks parkerized. It has that rough, "powder" look to it. All the other ones I have seen have the normal blued finish. It does have the tendancy to have some rust spots show up after a week or so of IWB carrying(hot, humid weather). They come off with a little cleaning. I am wanting to re-finish it, and was thinking of going the cheaper gun-coat route and doing it myself. I was thinking of a matte stainless looking lower, with a matte black slide, hammer, trigger and trigger guard, and slide release. Is this a very difficult process? Has anyone ever done this, and if so, any tips? thanks.

Top Gun Supply

08-09-2005, 14:08

I have done a few guns with Gun-Kote. I won't say it is hard, but some basic skills are required. It is a little tricky to spray and not get runs. More so than spray paint. It is recommended that you blast the parts to be finished with alum. oxide 220 grit 1st. Heat the parts to warm them before spraying. Allow to dry, then bake them in the oven. Just put them on the rack underneath the cake your wife is baking.;) Don't really do that. I made racks out of coat hangers to keep anything from touching the outside finish. That way nothing will mark it up. You can get Gun-Kote from Brownells.

Here are 2 Makarov's that I did recently. One is all grey and the other is grey frame and black slide.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/thoallen/IMG_1686_edited.jpg

IMAS

08-10-2005, 00:10

Check out CCR Refinishing (http://www.glocktalk.com/showthread.php?threadid=410230). He has been on GT for years and I have only heard wonderful things about his work.

iimagine

08-10-2005, 20:46

I like those wooden grips!
iimagine

Teakwood

08-11-2005, 04:49

It sounds like you have a commercial Bulgarian, as the milsurps are all blued. Does it say "Arsenal" on the slide?

Nonetheless, if you want to have it refinished, I recommend Mac's
http://www.shootiniron.com/

valkyrie182

08-11-2005, 10:05

Yes, it does say "Arsenal" on the side. Are there any other differences between the commercial and MilSurp Maks?

Teakwood

08-11-2005, 17:52

All Bulgarian Makarovs are made at the same factory, known as Arsenal (circle-10). The commercial Makarovs come in differtent finishes and typically go for a higher price. The commercial Makarovs are still produced, but are not imported. The milsurp Makarovs are no longer produced.

If you have a commercial Bulgie, then IMHO you have a better one.

As to parts, etc., a Bulgie is a Bulgie.