Any love for the 9x18 ?

[Sgt. Stiglitz]

I like it a lot, and load for a PA-63, Missouri bullets, Red dot, 93gr at around 800 is a fun load in cut 9mm cases. I would shoot it far more, if parts were available for the FEG guns. I still like .380 more though, because of the wide range of bullets, and very few 9mak guns are serviceable, or still supported.

Have you looked on Ebay for PA-63 parts? Lots of stuff!

 

[Ignition Override]

Yes, but---

My commercial .380 Makarov had almost identical muzzle energy as the 9x18.
And they don't have some collector value like the very attractive East German Makarovs I've owned. This means that there is much less temptation "to baby" a commercial Makarov, and the comm. versions are just as rugged and reliable.

 

[mjsdwash]

Have you looked on Ebay for PA-63 parts? Lots of stuff!

I actually have not. I have looked about everywhere else, but will check EBay. i have had so many problems with Paypal, I just swore EBay off. I may give it another try if they have the parts. I have a APK that took me years to find parts for, and as much as i love that (FEG PPK copy, finished every bit as good as any other maker) I have been reluctant to shoot since.

 

[golden]

I am not a big MAKAROV fan. I rented a 9x18 MAKAROV clone at a range and found it to be the most miserable semi-auto I have ever shot. In addition, you have a limited selection of ammo. If you want to fire ball, no problem, but there are VERY FEW choices for self defense ammo.
On the other hand, I have a CZ-82 and it is just the opposite of the MAKAROV pistols. It is easy to shoot, reliable, accurate, has a 12 round magazine and a good trigger. Exactly what I have come to expect from CZ. The negative is that it is heavy and bulky, as large as my BERETTA 84 pistol, so pocket carry is out. The only real down side on the CZ-82, is the lack of a hammer dropping safety, which I want on a pistol. I know some adore the CZ line for cocked and locked safety, but I am not a fan of it.

Jim

 

[Schlegel]

I am not a big MAKAROV fan. I rented a 9x18 MAKAROV clone at a range and found it to be the most miserable semi-auto I have ever shot. In addition, you have a limited selection of ammo. If you want to fire ball, no problem, but there are VERY FEW choices for self defense ammo.
On the other hand, I have a CZ-82 and it is just the opposite of the MAKAROV pistols. It is easy to shoot, reliable, accurate, has a 12 round magazine and a good trigger. Exactly what I have come to expect from CZ. The negative is that it is heavy and bulky, as large as my BERETTA 84 pistol, so pocket carry is out. The only real down side on the CZ-82, is the lack of a hammer dropping safety, which I want on a pistol. I know some adore the CZ line for cocked and locked safety, but I am not a fan of it.

Jim

Seems like the other 9x18, in the PP Super has just what you want. DA/SA with decocker, similar in size to the CZ82. Factory ammo, though, is limited to truncated cone. Upside... surprisingly good SA trigger.

 

[JDR]

anybody else prefer 9x18 over .380?

That huge line forms behind me!

 

[golden]

Schlegel,

Actually, the 9x18 ULTRA/POLICE would solve some of the MAKAROV issues, but the ammo selection is even worse. I do not know of any 9m.m. ULTRA/POLICE hollow point load.

Also the gun selection is a bit small. I have a SIG 230 in 9x18 POLICE and it has the SIG decocker, so it is hands down my choice for a 9x18.
The WALTHER PP Super was just as bulky as the PP and heavier. Also, it lacked the SIG decocker and trigger, which I thought was smoother. I handled one, but passed on it. Magazines, if it could not use regular PP .380 magazines would have been a bear. The SIG 230 and 232 are interchangeable for 9x17 and 9x18.
The only other 9x18 ULTRA/POLICE pistol that I know of was an Italian made clone of the MAUSER HSc with a double collum magazine, 13 or 15 rounds if I remember right.

I think the micro 9x19's have killed off the 9x18 ULTRA/POLICE, which is too bad. It was a nice round, that never found a market. I thought the SIG 232 alloy framed model would have been a great choice for this caliber, especially with a FEDERAL HST, HORNADY Critical Defense or SPEER Gold Dot hollow point bullet, say 100 grains at 1100 fps.

Jim

 

[Schlegel]

Schlegel,

Actually, the 9x18 ULTRA/POLICE would solve some of the MAKAROV issues, but the ammo selection is even worse. I do not know of any 9m.m. ULTRA/POLICE hollow point load.

Also the gun selection is a bit small. I have a SIG 230 in 9x18 POLICE and it has the SIG decocker, so it is hands down my choice for a 9x18.
The WALTHER PP Super was just as bulky as the PP and heavier. Also, it lacked the SIG decocker and trigger, which I thought was smoother. I handled one, but passed on it. Magazines, if it could not use regular PP .380 magazines would have been a bear. The SIG 230 and 232 are interchangeable for 9x17 and 9x18.
The only other 9x18 ULTRA/POLICE pistol that I know of was an Italian made clone of the MAUSER HSc with a double collum magazine, 13 or 15 rounds if I remember right.

I think the micro 9x19's have killed off the 9x18 ULTRA/POLICE, which is too bad. It was a nice round, that never found a market. I thought the SIG 232 alloy framed model would have been a great choice for this caliber, especially with a FEDERAL HST, HORNADY Critical Defense or SPEER Gold Dot hollow point bullet, say 100 grains at 1100 fps.

Jim

Yes, hollowpoints are roll your own only for 9mm police. I have found Hornady XTP work fine and you can go a fair bit faster than in a 380. One thing about the PP Super, The grip is very P38ish and comfortable even well over 380 power levels.

A tiny number were made in 380.... the price premium is $$$.

 

[Coyote3855]

Don't necessarily "love" the 9x18. At last count, I own six handguns in that caliber though, three are Makarovs.

 

[golden]

Schlegel,

One of the reasons that I like the "base" alloy frame SIG 232, is that it DOES NOT HAVE the finger-grip stocks. I find the base model grip to be very ergonomic for my hand and very comfortable. It is my favorite of the SIG 230/232 series.

Jim

 

[BearBrimstone]

I like the round or more specifically enjoy the PM. I actually just bought my second one yesterday. It was a double stack Russian model. I got a good deal on it because it’s missing the safety and safety detent.

 

[Schlegel]

Schlegel,

One of the reasons that I like the "base" alloy frame SIG 232, is that it DOES NOT HAVE the finger-grip stocks. I find the base model grip to be very ergonomic for my hand and very comfortable. It is my favorite of the SIG 230/232 series.

Jim

FYI Marschal makes wood grips for the Super without the little rest...
I have never seen one of the Sigs in person. I like their later work... I would get one if I saw it at a decent price. I enjoy oddball guns and obscure calibers. 348 Winchester anybody?

 

[golden]

Schlegel,

Thanks for the grip info.

I am not surprised you have not run across a SIG 230 in 9x18mm ULTRA. I bought mine from a company that specialized in military and police import trade ins. I bought my SIG P6 from them along with one of the first BERETTA 92S models that I had seen (this was over 10 years ago). Sadly, they are no longer in business.

Jim

 

[Edcnh]

I have a CZ 82 which is accurate and fun to shoot. 12 round magazines but heavy for a carry gun when you can get a 9 mm with less weight and a more powerful round. I also have P 64 chambered in 9 x 18 but as with the CZ 82 I only use it as a range toy.

 

[lsudave]

I like the rd fine, and the guns as well. I have a CZ 82, EG Makarov, and a P64, as well as a commercial Baikal doublestack in 9x18. Had a PA 63 but sold it to a friend, and kept the .32 acp FEG to keep the design.

Lots to like about them... I like that they were designed from the ground up intending to chew up steel cases, so no panic over buying cheap ammo. I find they're generally accurate for what they are, and the CZ in particular is a nice gun.
Bonus points- as someone mentioned, the ammo doesn't tend to escalate in price. I very recently bought a case of Tula to add to the stash, at normal ($200) price. Been tough to find 9x19 at that price, and good luck ever finding 380, 32 or 45 at that.

I just think it's good to have several calibers at hand, in the event you can't come by some. And not a bad idea to have one sorta obscure, to keep it more likely to find.

 

[Strainer]

Had a 9x18 Makarov for awhile. Good simple, blowback pistol; easy to detail strip, reliable. The Russian military thought the round adequate. Finally decided the ammunition was too non standard for me to want to deal with, but I thought it fine for what it was. Only shot ball ammo through it, not sure that HP would be effective given the velocity of the cartridge. An ok option if you can get a cheap surplus pistol you don't plan to shoot much, imo.

 

[swoter]

Just a heads up, AIM Surplus has some CZ 82s in stock now.

 

[Eugen]

"Any love for the 9×18?" No, not in the least. But, thanks for asking.

 

[richkratz]

Yeah..I know! Lol! Love this lil pistol. Accuracy was acceptable for its size at SD distances(7 yards and under). Plus, it's ammo is available right now vs luger

 

[JJFitch]

DITTO: Post 43! "Any love for the 9×18?" No, not in the least. But, thanks for asking.

I've had exactly two stoppages shooting my 9mm, PCC both were 9X18 cases!

The extractor won't hold the case and then no "BANG"!

My Kimber 9mm shoots them just fine!

Up until a few years ago I'd never seen a "9x18", they're almost impossible to recognize just by looking now I have to check every head stamp.

I know people just love them but please pick up your brass!

Thank you,

 

[Wishoot]

Absolutely love my CZ82. Ridiculously accurate and fun to shoot.

I need to start reloading for it though.