I was able to fit original Bakelite grips to the T20 on test, but not with a CO2 cartridge in place. The slide is made from steel and not from the alloys used on most CO2 replica pistols. The MP-658K outwardly resembles the MP-654K non-blow-back Makarov with both having a similar matt parkerised finish to the frame and being fitted with polymer grips intended for the thin framed PM. With a 12-gramme CO2 cartridge in place and a fully loaded 18-round magazine, this increases to 690 grammes, but is still short of the 730 advertised weight. The manual claims a weight of 730 grammes, which is the same as an unloaded PM firearm and a PM frame MP-654K, but in reality the MP-658K weighs nearer to 630 grammes unloaded. Muzzle energy is just over 1 ft.lb., and the pistol may be safely used indoors if safety glasses are worn and appropriate precautions are taken to contain the shot BBs.ĭimensionally, the pistol is identical to the PM. Powered by standard 12-gramme CO2 cartridges, Baikal also claim that the 658K is intended for training and recreational shooting. Utilising the same thin frame as the service Makarov (Pistolet Makarova or PM), the Baikal website claims that the blow-back variant was created with the intention of being as authentic as possible to the combat pistol in appearance, materials, dimensions, assembly-disassembly technique and handling. Two blow-back models were on offer the MP-658K feeds on 4.5mm BB, whilst the MP-659K is a 6mm made for the airsoft market. Despite having working controls and a movable slide, the MP-654K does not have a blow-back function, and with over two decades having passed since the pistol was first introduced, many enthusiasts believed there is a place for a blow-back variant of the Baikal Makarov.Īfter extensive R&D, Baikal first offered a blow-back variant of the standard Makarov in 2016 and by 2020. I’m reluctant to say ‘replica’ because the pistol is a CO2-powered variant of the cartridge-firing Makarov, rather than a copy. The Baikal MP-654K Makarov has enjoyed an admirable reputation as a quality, well-made, rugged CO2 pistol. John Milewski explores a CO2 version of the iconic Baikal MP-658K Makarov in this review
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
December 2022
Categories |