Recoil spring for Mak 380

[Guy Powell]

I've fortunately been able to buy a Russian Makarov 380 that's in excellent condition. That said, I'd like to replace the recoil spring and magazine springs like I did when I first got my 9x18. Should I go with an 18lb recoil spring like my 9x18 has or is that too strong for the 380's pressure?
Thanks for the help.:supergrin:

[denfoote]

Since the 9mm kurz is loaded to lower pressures than the 9mm Mak, I would think that stock springs would suffice.

You can go over to Makarov Forum (http://www.gunboards.com/forums/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=3) and ask.

Also www.makarov.com has great information.

[Spydermonkey]

Shortly after I bought my Bulgy Mak I did a .380 barrel swap. I've never had a problem before or after the swap so I'd say the stock spring works fine.

[M2 Carbine]

I use 21 pound Wolf springs in all my Maks, even the .380s.

Although I have never had the slightest problem with the 21 pound spring, even with my lightest reloads, if I used the Maks for a primary defense gun I think I'd keep a 19 pound spring in the gun (after a lot of testing) and stick the 21 pound spring in the gun for plinking.

[Guy Powell]

Thank you guys. I THOUGHT I'd put an 18lb replacement spring in my 9x18 after I got it, but it's been so long ago I may have forgotten. Think I'll go with a 19. As I understand it, both pistols can use the same magazines so I'm going to put new springs in some of the old magazines that I had lying around for my original Mak, so while ordering those I figured I'd get a new recoil spring.
Thanks again for the input. I'd posted this same question 2-3 times on the makarov.com board and not had a single reply.

[M2 Carbine]

If you replaced the spring it was probably a 19 pound. The 21 is the stoutest one Wolf makes.
I asked them if I could get a 23 pound spring for some 1,100+fps loads I was working on but they said the spring wire was too large a diameter, so wouldn't work.

Yes the .380 and 9x18 magazine is one in the same.

If you still have the 9x18 be careful of mixing up a loaded .380 and 9x18 magazine in the wrong gun. Don't ask.:upeyes:

[Guy Powell]

If you still have the 9x18 be careful of mixing up a loaded .380 and 9x18 magazine in the wrong gun.

:shocked: