Suppressed Makarov I found in a Police Evidence Locker

Published on May 3, 2026
Duration: 18:10

This video details the process of installing a rare threaded barrel onto a Bulgarian Makarov pistol, transforming it into a suppressed firearm. The presenter, KLAYCO47, acquired a mint condition Makarov from a police evidence locker and collaborated with gunsmith Zach Schafer of Schafer Customs to fit a specialized threaded barrel. The guide covers the technical challenges of a fixed, press-fit barrel design and the tools required for a successful installation, highlighting the unique nature of this modification for a historically significant firearm.

Quick Summary

Installing a threaded barrel on a Makarov pistol is a complex gunsmithing task due to its fixed, press-fit, and cross-pinned barrel design. It requires full disassembly, specialized tools, and careful work, taking approximately an hour. This modification allows the pistol to effectively utilize suppressors, especially given the naturally transonic nature of the 9x18mm Makarov cartridge.

Chapters

  1. 00:56Lethal Weapons Texas Announcement
  2. 02:05Introducing the Suppressed Makarov
  3. 03:31Acquiring the Makarov from Evidence Locker
  4. 04:00The 'Tism' of Suppressing Unintended Firearms
  5. 04:41Zach Schafer and Custom Barrels
  6. 05:07Contacting Zach Schafer for a Barrel
  7. 05:38Close-up of the Makarov
  8. 07:339x18mm Makarov Ammunition and Suppression
  9. 08:19Dead Air Wolf 9SD Suppressor
  10. 08:56Shooting the Suppressed Makarov
  11. 09:51Downside: Barrel Installation Difficulty
  12. 10:15Press-Fit and Cross-Pinned Barrel Explained
  13. 10:58Barrel Installation Process and Tools
  14. 13:14Function Check After Installation
  15. 13:37Recoil and Sights of the Makarov
  16. 14:03Makarov Design Features
  17. 14:21Makarov as a Military Surplus Pistol
  18. 14:34Makarov Price and Value
  19. 15:20Makarov's Historical Context with AK-47
  20. 16:30Suppressing Combloc Guns
  21. 16:38Integrally Suppressed Makarovs
  22. 17:01Thanks to Zach Schafer and Custom Parts
  23. 17:14Final Thoughts on Suppressed Makarov

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is it to install a threaded barrel on a Makarov pistol?

Installing a threaded barrel on a Makarov is challenging because the original barrel is press-fit and cross-pinned. It requires full disassembly, specialized tools, and mechanical inclination, unlike simpler barrel swaps on other pistol models. The process can take about an hour if done carefully.

Why is the 9x18mm Makarov cartridge good for suppression?

The 9x18mm Makarov cartridge is naturally transonic, meaning it travels near the speed of sound, typically around 1,100 feet per second. This characteristic allows many loads to be subsonic or very close to it, making them inherently effective when suppressed.

Where can one find custom threaded barrels for Makarov pistols?

Custom threaded barrels for Makarov pistols are rare. Zach Schafer of Schafer Customs is known for producing these specialized parts. They were previously available but are now scarce, often requiring direct contact with custom gunsmiths or searching the secondary market.

What is the historical significance of the Makarov pistol?

The Makarov pistol was designed by Nikolai Makarov and adopted by the Soviet military around the same time as the AK-47 rifle. It served as the standard sidearm for over 50 years, accompanying the AK-47 globally and remaining in use with modern variants.

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