.380 snap caps in a Makarov

[polymerase2]

Can I use .380 snap caps in a Makarov?

[jones0430]

I don't think that would work well.

[bunkysdad]

What do you want them for? Dry fire practice? Seems reasonable to me.

[jones0430]

I would worry about them fitting in the chamber when the slide closed, and ejecting properly.

[bunkysdad]

All of the snap caps I have seen have the dimensions of a actual round so I just assumed they would feed and eject but the only snap caps I own are the zoom caps for the 7.62x54R

[jones0430]

They are made to SAMMI specs. The .380 ACP is shorter than the 9x18 Makorov by a millimeter.

[polymerase2]

Thinking out loud: its not going to hurt anything, but I would probably be defeating the point by having the snap cap an extra mm away from the firing pin. However if the extractor is holding it close to the "bolt face" it might work? I'm planning to get some snap caps for my LCP. Changing my grip and adding a Hogue handall has made it more accurate and more comfortable to shoot. More accurate meaning a 6" group at 5 yards. The point of impact is pretty much the center of the slide, so I put some sight paint on the hammer. I finally realized just point at the neck of a silhouette and I get center of mass.
I'm starting to understand the value of dry fire drills. It creates a muscle memory which helps if there is ever a time I need it.
The LCP is a great pocket pistol for me here in a hot climate. The P64 would be a great fall/winter carry.

[Jolly Green Chopper]

Ihavve'nt tried any kind of snap caps in any of my weapons.I carry an LCP at all times as a back-up along with my regular carry Glock 27.Sometime I carry a Glock 22 which gets a little heavy with 15 40cal. cartridges.The additional weight of the cartridges changes the way a gun feels when I am practicing my dry fire techniques,especially off hand (left).So I always practices with the gun fully loaded with an empty chamber.I feel the difference between snap caps and regular loads and since muscle memory is what repetitive practice is about I have'nt used them yet.Since I carry my LCP every day and my regular semi-auto most of the time,I get regular daily handling experience.I shoot at least 50 rounds a week out of my regular carry guns and another 50 to 100 out of my Ruger 22"s.Shooting that much regular ammo. is more fun than snap caps. JGC

[Jolly Green Chopper]

Ihavve'nt tried any kind of snap caps in any of my weapons.I carry an LCP at all times as a back-up along with my regular carry Glock 27.Sometime I carry a Glock 22 which gets a little heavy with 15 40cal. cartridges.The additional weight of the cartridges changes the way a gun feels when I am practicing my dry fire techniques,especially off hand (left).So I always practices with the gun fully loaded with an empty chamber.I feel the difference between snap caps and regular loads and since muscle memory is what repetitive practice is about I have'nt used them yet.Since I carry my LCP every day and my regular semi-auto most of the time,I get regular daily handling experience.I shoot at least 50 rounds a week out of my regular carry guns and another 50 to 100 out of my Ruger 22"s.Shooting that much regular ammo. is more fun than snap caps. JGC

[dalek]

Assuming your Makarov has a 9x18 barrel, I honestly cannot answer. I do have the proper 9x18 snap caps and use them with my P64. I also think a 9x19 one would work due to things I have done that should not be mentioned.

Of course, if your Makarov has the 9x1 barrel, the answer is easy ;)

[polymerase2]

I have 3 Maks now (CZ82, A Mak, and the P64). I guess I could just buy a set, they aren't that expensive. What got me onto drill is I bought a Mossberg 500. I have been hunting for years with a SXS and then an over and under. My reflexes don't pump. I am going to have to retrain myself. Practice with snap caps is a lot better than pulling the trigger on a bird and realizing I haven't pumped the action.