Questions & answers

Guns Magazine, Jan, 2005

Q: Can a Cylinder on a revolver be considered a magazine? I looked the word magazine up in the dictionary and the definition is a holder in or on a gun for cartridges to be fed into the gun chamber automatically.

I instruct Arizona Fish and Game Hunter Education classes. In one of the classes we discuss handguns. I would like to give the correct information to the students. As you have expert on handgunners on staff', I hoped you would field this question and settle the controversy once and for all.

Jim Burt

Sierra Vista, Ariz.

A: Technically, a revolver's cylinder is in effect an integral magazine. However, gun handling protocols treat the "magazine" perse as a separate and removable part of the handgun's system, containing cartridges. A speedloader would be the analog to the magazine for a revolver, as most practitioners would use the term. And, if you think of the speedloader as a "rotary assault drum magazine for revolvers," it will help you to psychologically survive in the time of Diane Feinstein and Charles Shumer ...

--Mas Ayoob

Q: One of my favorite small pocket pistols has always been the Model 1934 Beretta in .380. Back in my law enforcement days, I could shoot and score as well with it as I could with my 4" barreled .38 S&W. I have shot the Walther PPK, but frankly never thought it measured up to the Beretta.

Along comes the Makarov and, since it looks about the same size as my old Beretta, I gave it a try. Boy, was I disappointed in both the gun and myself when I got home. It was of course unloaded, and I was cleaning it when I found that Mak's have this really alarming failure mode. With the hammer back, and without touching the trigger, every time you pushed the safety on the hammer would drop. This is apparently not uncommon. If the gun was loaded this would have resulted in the weapon discharging unexpectedly and I hate it when the fiery death part goes off accidentally. So, my best recommendation for anyone thinking about buying one is to check it out by engaging the safety with the hammer back.

Scott McWilliam

via e-mail

A: Fear not. The Makarov safety is designed to decock the hammer and it is much safer to use the safety to decock the pistol than manually lowering the hammer. The safety also blocks the hammer from contact with the firing pin. Prove it to yourself the next time you go to the range. Load the pistol, point it downrange and decock it. If you did not get an owner's manual, go to www.makarov.com, (304) 722-1448, and go to the "Makarov Basics Page" for a clearly written treatise on how the Mak operates. I agree with you about the M1934 Beretta, though. It is one of the most comfortable and natural pointing pistols I've ever shot.

--Jeff John

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