Should You Carry a MilSurp Gun?

Published on May 31, 2018
Duration: 13:18

This review assesses the viability of military surplus (MilSurp) firearms for concealed carry and self-defense. While historically affordable and robust, older MilSurp designs often struggle with modern defensive ammunition due to feed ramp issues. Specific models like the Wanad P-83, Makarov IJ-70, TT-33, Walther P1, and M1911 are reviewed, highlighting their individual pros and cons regarding reliability, ergonomics, capacity, and compatibility with modern ammo. The conclusion is that modern production handguns are generally superior for EDC due to better reliability with current defensive loads.

Quick Summary

Older military surplus firearms often struggle with modern defensive ammunition due to feed ramp designs intended for ball rounds. This can cause malfunctions. For reliable concealed carry, modern production handguns are generally recommended over MilSurp.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: MilSurp for Carry?
  2. 01:05The Defensive Ammo Problem
  3. 01:55Wanad P-83 Review
  4. 04:33Makarov IJ-70 Review
  5. 06:20Polish TT-33 Tokarev Review
  6. 08:16Walther P1 (P38) Review
  7. 10:16M1911 (Auto-Ordnance) Review
  8. 12:49Conclusion & Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are older military surplus guns often unreliable with modern defensive ammo?

Older MilSurp firearms were designed for simple ball ammunition. Their feed ramps and chambers are often not optimized for the varied shapes and materials of modern hollow-point or flat-nose defensive rounds, leading to feeding malfunctions.

Are any MilSurp pistols suitable for concealed carry?

Generally, MilSurp pistols are not ideal for CCW due to reliability issues with modern ammo, potential size constraints, and lack of modern safety features. Modern production handguns are typically better choices for reliable self-defense.

What are the main drawbacks of the Wanad P-83 for self-defense?

The Wanad P-83 has tiny sights, a heavy double-action trigger pull, and a sharp angle under the trigger guard that can be uncomfortable. Its direct blowback design also makes it prone to issues with modern ammunition.

How does the M1911 perform with defensive ammunition in Mil-Spec versions?

Mil-Spec M1911s, especially older ones, are notorious for malfunctioning with anything other than standard 230-grain ball ammunition. They often fail to go into battery with flat-nosed or hollow-point rounds.

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