AP30N
03-05-2016, 09:03 AM
This is not really a cast boolit thing but I guess members here are more likely to appreciate my twisted logic, so I would share it here.
I compete in a discipline called WA1500, which is best described as civilian PPC match. The rules related to the equipment are not very restrictive but here are a few main points
-At least 9mm (well rules says .35)
-At least 3lbs trigger
-Only 6 rounds loaded in the mag
-No optics, no compensator
-No power factor (boolits must exit the back board to score)
The longest distance is 50m so can be done with very light loads, as a matter of fact, many revolvers run at a power factor of around 60.
I am current running my STI target master with a 6 lbs spring, 15lbs main spring and slide lightening cut, even then I could only get it down to a power factor no less than 90. This got me thinking, why not a 380? I can name a few reason for this:
1) smaller case = better consistence with reduced powder charge
2) 380ACP pistols easily cycle loads that are below 80 PF
3) 380ACP works on Blow Back design, no unlocking, fixed barrel = better accuracy
Now the problem is, no one makes a full size 380, the closest thing is the Stechkin in 9x18, but really, has anyone seen one, let alone own one, in legal semi auto only version. So I toyed with the idea of a over size pocket pistol. Something in line of Beretta 87 and PPK sport, but in 380.
CZ85 would have been my choice but I couldn't find one locally (restrictive law regarding smaller pistols), but I did find a Makarov in 380, with a tube welded onto the barrel to make it legally long enough for sport. Paid $400 for it to test the idea. I managed to get the trigger down to 3lbs and modified it to shoot SA only by grinding off the DA notch in the hammer and drill and tapped the trigger for a short reset trigger (and to keep enough spring tension on the disconnector, or the decocker will trip and the hammer so hard that everything is out of aliment. Also installed a weaver base in front of the trigger guard for some additional weight to hang onto. This worked pretty well so I decided to get the pistol done up.
It wasn't until a year later I found a smith who would listen and agree to work on this silly project, things went from just longer barrel with a weight to the what is listed below in the 6 months that followed
-5in barrel with 1:14 twist, ramp cut to feed SWC
-Barrel weight and a weaver under lug
-Oh wait how about a longer barrel weight for longer sight radius?
-Might as well make one with compensator and scope rail for fun
-Sights? lets make a sight rib!
-Magazine pad? nah it will interfere with the heel type mag release, oh wait FAB in Israel just came up with a Makarov with a thrum operated lever that activates the mag catch
-And while I waited, I made up a straight trigger and did a slight mod to the Houge power speed holster to fit
long story short, 6 months (and 100 emails later) I got my pistol back yesterday. :razz:
Here is the long sight rib and the comp
162758
162753
The mostly finished product
162756162757
162759162760
The pistol with alloy mag pad and in houge holster ready for action!
162761
162754
I am still not familiar with the 3lb but spongy trigger and the grips so I was wobbling whilst test firing from the barricade (had no access to a rest today), 10 ring group in ISSF rapid fire target from 25 meters, 1.8gr trial boss and 105swc. Surely I can put everything in the X ring when I get used to it.
162762
162752
25 meter off hand wasn't too bad neither, the recoil was very manageable
162763
162755
The groups were shot with the shorted barrel weights, which is as long as the muzzle. The longer barrel weight was not as accurate. The hole ID was over 10mm so I am sure the boolits weren't touching the walls, must be the gas by passing the boolit, making the accuracy poor. I guess I will just keep for longer weight for the MK project (Makarov with 6 in barrel)
Looks like it is alive! ITS ALIVE! Now I just need to get the thing blued. Time to learn to shoot it better (and start another project)
I compete in a discipline called WA1500, which is best described as civilian PPC match. The rules related to the equipment are not very restrictive but here are a few main points
-At least 9mm (well rules says .35)
-At least 3lbs trigger
-Only 6 rounds loaded in the mag
-No optics, no compensator
-No power factor (boolits must exit the back board to score)
The longest distance is 50m so can be done with very light loads, as a matter of fact, many revolvers run at a power factor of around 60.
I am current running my STI target master with a 6 lbs spring, 15lbs main spring and slide lightening cut, even then I could only get it down to a power factor no less than 90. This got me thinking, why not a 380? I can name a few reason for this:
1) smaller case = better consistence with reduced powder charge
2) 380ACP pistols easily cycle loads that are below 80 PF
3) 380ACP works on Blow Back design, no unlocking, fixed barrel = better accuracy
Now the problem is, no one makes a full size 380, the closest thing is the Stechkin in 9x18, but really, has anyone seen one, let alone own one, in legal semi auto only version. So I toyed with the idea of a over size pocket pistol. Something in line of Beretta 87 and PPK sport, but in 380.
CZ85 would have been my choice but I couldn't find one locally (restrictive law regarding smaller pistols), but I did find a Makarov in 380, with a tube welded onto the barrel to make it legally long enough for sport. Paid $400 for it to test the idea. I managed to get the trigger down to 3lbs and modified it to shoot SA only by grinding off the DA notch in the hammer and drill and tapped the trigger for a short reset trigger (and to keep enough spring tension on the disconnector, or the decocker will trip and the hammer so hard that everything is out of aliment. Also installed a weaver base in front of the trigger guard for some additional weight to hang onto. This worked pretty well so I decided to get the pistol done up.
It wasn't until a year later I found a smith who would listen and agree to work on this silly project, things went from just longer barrel with a weight to the what is listed below in the 6 months that followed
-5in barrel with 1:14 twist, ramp cut to feed SWC
-Barrel weight and a weaver under lug
-Oh wait how about a longer barrel weight for longer sight radius?
-Might as well make one with compensator and scope rail for fun
-Sights? lets make a sight rib!
-Magazine pad? nah it will interfere with the heel type mag release, oh wait FAB in Israel just came up with a Makarov with a thrum operated lever that activates the mag catch
-And while I waited, I made up a straight trigger and did a slight mod to the Houge power speed holster to fit
long story short, 6 months (and 100 emails later) I got my pistol back yesterday. :razz:
Here is the long sight rib and the comp
162758
162753
The mostly finished product
162756162757
162759162760
The pistol with alloy mag pad and in houge holster ready for action!
162761
162754
I am still not familiar with the 3lb but spongy trigger and the grips so I was wobbling whilst test firing from the barricade (had no access to a rest today), 10 ring group in ISSF rapid fire target from 25 meters, 1.8gr trial boss and 105swc. Surely I can put everything in the X ring when I get used to it.
162762
162752
25 meter off hand wasn't too bad neither, the recoil was very manageable
162763
162755
The groups were shot with the shorted barrel weights, which is as long as the muzzle. The longer barrel weight was not as accurate. The hole ID was over 10mm so I am sure the boolits weren't touching the walls, must be the gas by passing the boolit, making the accuracy poor. I guess I will just keep for longer weight for the MK project (Makarov with 6 in barrel)
Looks like it is alive! ITS ALIVE! Now I just need to get the thing blued. Time to learn to shoot it better (and start another project)