Bulgie .380 conversion

[epsylum]

I am thinking about converting my bulgie to .380. I know it isn't a drop in and such, but how hard is it? I know I should get certain drill bit and the barrel press. Let's say I have all that, would I (ordinary semi-mechanically inclined person) be able to do it, or should I find a gun smith. Also what spring weight would be good to use?

BTW for all those "why would you swtich from 9x18?" questions that are sure to come.

A few good reasons

-I don't own any other 9x19 caliber guns, but do own other .380's. So ammo would be more availible for all the .380s.
-I can get .380 ammo at wal-mart, no special trips to the selct few shops that have 9x18 and such
-there is a much better selection of .380 ammo availible (as in factory gold dots)
- the power difference IMO is quite negligible. I plan on carrying my Mak and I don't think a BG would feel the 100fps or so difference. The much beter bullet designs availible would help make up for that difference. Also no special orders for that ammo too.
- for my uses, it would be cheaper to shoot.

[grimjaw]

I haven't switched from 9x18 to .380, but I have switched barrels from the factory to a stainless threaded. I can provide some insight on that.

The instructions that came with the barrel press were sufficient, although the 'booklet' was a little primitive. I had to get everything in order beforehand. My barrel was predrilled, so I didn't have to worry about that part. I wrapped the frame in material to keep the vise from scratching it, and then popping the barrel out was no problem. The hardest part for me was getting the barrel and trigger guard pins back in.

I also considered making one of my other Bulgie's .380, no need to justify it to me. In the end I just bought one in that caliber instead.

jmm

[Teakwood]

Here is some info that may be helpful
http://www.makarov.com/barrlrep.html

[M2 Carbine]

Here's my opinions and they are worth what you are paying for them.:)

I looked into converting a Mak to 380.

The conversion is too expensive considering you have to buy a barrel press, etc.

You stand a chance of messing up the gun and if you get a gunsmith to do the conversion it will be way too expensive.

I have two 380 Maks and there is a big difference in the power between the 380 and 9x18 rounds like the Silver Bear 115gr JHP.

The 9x18 round can be reloaded up to a very respectable defense round with Hornady or Gold Dot bullets.
The extra 100-200 FPS velocity does make quite a difference in bullet expansion.
The 380 is maxed out as is.

I decided it was better to find a factory 380.

That said, if you do the conversion, good luck and let us know how it goes.:)
The 380 is an accurate round in the Makarov.

[epsylum]

Originally posted by M2 Carbine
Here's my opinions and they are worth what you are paying for them.:)

I looked into converting a Mak to 380.

The conversion is too expensive considering you have to buy a barrel press, etc.

You stand a chance of messing up the gun and if you get a gunsmith to do the conversion it will be way too expensive.

I have two 380 Maks and there is a big difference in the power between the 380 and 9x18 rounds like the Silver Bear 115gr JHP.

The 9x18 round can be reloaded up to a very respectable defense round with Hornady or Gold Dot bullets.
The extra 100-200 FPS velocity does make quite a difference in bullet expansion.
The 380 is maxed out as is.

I decided it was better to find a factory 380.

That said, if you do the conversion, good luck and let us know how it goes.:)

The 380 is an accurate round in the Makarov.

That might be a good solution, just find a .380 mak. Heck, they're cheap enough.

Oh BTW I just got home with my new CZ 52. I am pretty excited about this one too. Man I love cheap com-bloc handguns. ;f

[valkyrie182]

I have seen factory 9x18 gold dot in a gun store!!!! A little shop here carried it, was cheap(15 bucks for 50!).

[epsylum]

Originally posted by valkyrie182
I have seen factory 9x18 gold dot in a gun store!!!! A little shop here carried it, was cheap(15 bucks for 50!).

I know they used to make it, but I am pretty sure they stopped. They make the bullets for people to reload with still.

I might just get some Hornady XTPs for it.

[M2 Carbine]

Originally posted by epsylum
That might be a good solution, just find a .380 mak. Heck, they're cheap enough.

Oh BTW I just got home with my new CZ 52. I am pretty excited about this one too. Man I love cheap com-bloc handguns. ;f

I just bought a nice Russian 380 for $179. Admittedly that is a good price or I wouldn't have bought it.
And the following week I saw another nice 380 at the Dallas gun show. Asking $200. I started to buy that one to but I'm not even a big fan of the 380.:)

I don't want to influence what you do with your gun, just giving my opinion.:)

[Da Law]

Man proivided that it is in pretty good condition I would give you 150 for that Bulgy Mak. Then you can buy yourself a new one in 380.

[richardoldfield]

I am not big on the idea of a .380 even if ammo is scarce. I think I would contact J&G and order bulk ammo. You can also check out Georgia Arms (http://www.georgia-arms.com/). regards, Richard :D

[epsylum]

Originally posted by Da Law
Man proivided that it is in pretty good condition I would give you 150 for that Bulgy Mak. Then you can buy yourself a new one in 380.

Nah I'm keeping it. But, yes it's in awesome condition.

Maks don't cost enough to worry about selling things to get one. I'll just keep an eye out for a factroy .380 Mak. There is a gun show next weekend. I will be hunting for a deal or two.

[Ruger_Shooter]

Georgia Arms still loads the gold dots for the makarov. I have been picking them up at the gun show. 95g hollow point with 210 ft. lbs. energy at 1000fps. They are $13.00 for 50 at the local show.
http://www.georgia-arms.com/shear.htm