9x18 Mak or .45 GAP?
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silicosys4
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Makarov.
I have 1500 rounds of makarov ammo and 0 rounds of GAP ammo.
I think anything chambered in makarov is vastly more interesting than anything chambered in 45GAP
I have 1500 rounds of makarov ammo and 0 rounds of GAP ammo.
I think anything chambered in makarov is vastly more interesting than anything chambered in 45GAP
I'd pick the 45 GAP - using the 38 as my example (same frame size as a Glock 19).
The Glock 38 would be as easy to conceal as a Glock 19
The 38 has a 8 + 1 capacity so I'd have the same number of .45 bullets as a full size 1911 in 45 acp.
If I was under a 10 round limit nine rounds of 45 caliber aint a bad choice.
Reloading 45 GAP would be easy.
If one had to rely on FMJ (they ran out of HP or live where it is prohibited) 45 FMJ would be about as good as FMJ gets.
The Glock 38 would be as easy to conceal as a Glock 19
The 38 has a 8 + 1 capacity so I'd have the same number of .45 bullets as a full size 1911 in 45 acp.
If I was under a 10 round limit nine rounds of 45 caliber aint a bad choice.
Reloading 45 GAP would be easy.
If one had to rely on FMJ (they ran out of HP or live where it is prohibited) 45 FMJ would be about as good as FMJ gets.
hoardingthemanual
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Mak. Neat history and cool guns.
JohnMc
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The Makarov, especially if it's Russian or East German, because Maks are Cold War collectibles. A Glock in a caliber on life support is m'eh, IMHO.
S.Crockett
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CZ 82 M&Ps rule. Easily concealed, easily carried. Plus it has a great DA/SA trigger with premium CZ frame ergonomics designed to fit a human hand, not an orangutang’s.
Interestingly, the 9mmMak cartridge itself is a ‘tweener’ 9x18, with an oddball 0.365” bullet. That puts it right between the .380 (9x17) and the 9mm parabellum (9x19).
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JohnMc
Member
A Bulgarian Makarov would probably sell for less than the Glock, Russian maybe even, and an East German for a few bucks more. At the last gun show I went to, a year ago, I saw an IJ-70 for $400. That's the civilian/commercial, Russian made version with adjustable sights. They're generally of less interest to collectors than the military version.
I agree that a Mak would sell faster than a .45 GAP Glock.
jonnyc
Member
Definitely the GAP. I've always wanted a gun I couldn't ever shoot...duh.
The 45 GAP. I have a ton of 45ACP brass that can be modified to GAP specs. I can have loaded ammo for cheap with the components I already have. The Glock 37 has an identical grip to the G22 so i know exactly how it fits and shoots.
To each their own I guess. To me, the CZ 82 is a crude straight blowback with a lousy trigger. All the early CZ’s were crudely built, including the early CZ 75. Much like the rest of the ComBloc pistols.
Oh and 9x18 power level is much closer to 380 than it is to 9x19.
JohnMc
Member
I was just about to google making GAP brass from ACP just out of curiosity; I'll never buy a gun chambered in it.
FWIW, you can make Makarov brass from 9x19mm Luger, I have.
The GAP is basically a short 45ACP but at higher pressure. They have almost identical ballistics so it’s the same old school “man stopper” with “knock down power.” If that’s your thing, the GAP is a very effective caliber in a platform that will run all day. Of course it’s a plastic Glock so that can trump all for the old school guys.
S.Crockett
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All the 9mm Mak guns I’ve shot were of straight blowback design, so I’m not persuaded that’s a valid criticism. The fixed barrel design is also very accurate.
I’ve found the power level of 9mm Mak ammo varies, depending on who’s loading it. Even with the same 95grn bullet-weight, the Euro-made stuff generally runs hotter.
Then there’s the ’boutique’ ammo from Buffalo Bore in 9Mak which launches a heavier hard cast FP slug @ 1Kfps.
BB makes a lot of boutique ammo in many calibers.
As for the gun design, my point is that the 9x18 is a “blowback caliber”, much like 32ACP and 380. Is it marginally hotter than 380? Yes it is.
However, there’s a big gap between 9x18 and 9x19, especially the hotter 9x19.
If the Mak were one of the rare collectable ones it would be that hands down.
If it were just "shooters" it would be the Glock because I could just change the upper for something practical.
If it were just "shooters" it would be the Glock because I could just change the upper for something practical.
lincen
Member
I would choose the Mak, I already own a brick, I mean Glock 
. I do own a Glock 23 and treasure it because it was my uncle’s LEO sidearm. I went kicking and screaming into the world of “crude” 9x18 handguns. Having owned dozens I could never call them crude. Reliable like few other handguns, at times uncomfortable to shoot, accurate, simple…..
I have two that are built out of parts from 4 countries and both function reliably. Just my opinion…..
. I do own a Glock 23 and treasure it because it was my uncle’s LEO sidearm. I went kicking and screaming into the world of “crude” 9x18 handguns. Having owned dozens I could never call them crude. Reliable like few other handguns, at times uncomfortable to shoot, accurate, simple…..I have two that are built out of parts from 4 countries and both function reliably. Just my opinion…..
Ohen Cepel
Member
Mak, for so many reasons. Biggest one that there are many more, interesting things to use it in.
Hangingrock
Member
I would choose neither one. I'm not that bored today. In 1964 I was introduced to the 45ACP by the USMC. It was satisfactory then and still is today.
buck460XVR
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^^^same here. Ain't into either caliber or the collecting of such. Whatever the "won" gun brought, would go towards another 1911 in .45 ACP.
Mak. I have one and they are good, as it happens, my daughter, who absconded with mine also likes them. This way we would both have one.
One thing I did with my Makarov was to detail-strip it (that means, take it completely apart). I then used a green pad and polished all parts that contact with other parts. It got oil at all points that needed it. The result was a very smooth gun that felt like many, much more expensive, western pistols. Before doing this, it felt gritty, like a typical Makarov. No, it didn't destroy any collector's value, it is an import gun with almost no value other than as a shooting pistol.
One thing I did with my Makarov was to detail-strip it (that means, take it completely apart). I then used a green pad and polished all parts that contact with other parts. It got oil at all points that needed it. The result was a very smooth gun that felt like many, much more expensive, western pistols. Before doing this, it felt gritty, like a typical Makarov. No, it didn't destroy any collector's value, it is an import gun with almost no value other than as a shooting pistol.
lee n. field
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Mak.
I have an unused .380 Makarov barrel, and a barrel press.
Can one do a caliber conversion on a .45 GAP Glock?
tommy.duncan
Member
Well a chop saw and you have all the brass/ammo you want for that pistol in a smaller grip.
If you reload, the 45gap is a great choice, if not, no available ammo.
9mm Mak isn't always available either, different size projectile then 9mm specific brass and dies.
Not a fan of either but I would side with the 45gap.
If you reload, the 45gap is a great choice, if not, no available ammo.
9mm Mak isn't always available either, different size projectile then 9mm specific brass and dies.
Not a fan of either but I would side with the 45gap.
