Review and characteristics of the MP-371 signal pistol, its pros and cons

To create the Makarov signal pistol (MR-371), the well-known Makarov combat pistol (PM) was taken as a basis. And although the signal sample is similar to its combat counterpart down to the smallest detail, in essence it is a dummy, one might even say, a toy. Due to its design, it is not capable of firing combat charges, but only noise ones. To create a noise effect and thereby scare an attacker - this is the main purpose of this type of weapon. The fact that such a pistol is a toy is also evidenced by the fact that no special permission is required to purchase, store and carry it.

The Makarov MR pistol was created by designers of the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant. In addition to the pistol itself, ammunition for the pistol was also developed there. They are plastic or metal charges that look like cartridges, but these charges are only capable of creating a noise imitation of a shot.

Differences between the combat Makarov and MP-371

There are several such differences. Firstly, the PM MR is not similar to the Makarov in that the signal sample on the shutter does not have a special device called a “beard”. In place of this very “beard” there is a small groove, which, mainly, does not allow installing all sorts of “homemade” devices on the bolt, with the help of which it will be possible to fire combat charges from a signal pistol. In this case, you should know one important circumstance: if you try to remake the pistol bolt yourself, at your own peril and risk, this can lead to dire consequences: as a result of the shot, the bolt will be destroyed, and the shooter will be crippled.

Secondly, the signal pistol, unlike the combat Makarov, essentially has no barrel. Instead, the signal pistol has an ordinary metal tube with a longitudinal cut. In addition, such a pseudo-barrel is secured very loosely, only to give the pistol some ambience. Both of these circumstances are also aimed at preventing all sorts of “craftsmen” from converting a signal pistol into something like a combat one.

At the point where the barrel is mounted in the MP-371 pistol, there is a chrome-plated chamber on the inside. In addition, the Makarov signal gun has a special limiter that does not allow the weapon to be loaded with real cartridges.

Main differences from PM

The signal pistol, with the exception of the MP-371-03 modification, differs in appearance from the combat prototype in the absence of a special ebb under the bolt (beard). Instead, a cut is made at the factory. It is designed to loosen the bolt when trying to convert a “toy” into a trauma or combat PM. Manufacturers are counting on the fact that when using a live cartridge, the bolt will not withstand and will burst in the cut area.

Pistols also differ in barrel design. By and large, the signal pistol does not have a barrel. Instead, a metal blank is mounted in which a groove is cut with a milling cutter. This greatly complicates the remodeling procedure. The chrome-plated chamber is adapted to install a cartridge, and the powder gases are discharged out through a special hole with a diameter of 2 mm. Limiters are also provided in the clip, so it is simply impossible to load the PM starting pistol with live ammunition.

Technical data

The pistol is made of high quality weapon steel. Its technical characteristics are as follows:

• Caliber - 5.6/9 mm;
• Weight - 700 g;
• Weapon length - 162 mm;
• Weapon width - 31 mm;
• Weapon height - 127 mm;
• Pseudo-barrel length - 93.5 mm;
• Bolt frame type - movable;
• Trigger type: adjustable;
• Fire mode - semi-automatic;
• The trigger cocking is of a double action type;
• The handle is plastic;
• Magazine capacity - 8 charges;
• The cartridges are noise-type with “KV-21” or “Zhevelo-N” type capsules.

The pistol produced at the factory is equipped with a passport, as well as a certificate of conformity, which contains complete technical documentation. The pistol comes with one magazine and 8 rounds.

Self-revision

The golden hands of the masters will always find something to do. The idea of ​​the amateur masses is to obtain a weapon that is as similar to a combat pistol as possible at minimal cost. Some modifications that manufacturers have made can be improved independently. Such work is called model tuning.

When conducting such experiments, it is necessary to constantly think about the appropriateness and legality of actions. For example, external changes that make it possible to achieve maximum similarity with a Makarov pistol will not affect its technical characteristics in any way. Although it increases the likelihood that the enemy will believe in the authenticity of the barrel. Design changes that transform a signal pistol into a traumatic one can be expensive for its owner.

• The first element that you can work with yourself is the pistol grip. It is made of ordinary plastic. The combat pistol uses a bakelite pad. The cover is secured with a screw, which will also have to be borrowed from its combat “brother”.
• The muzzle cut of the barrel is also subject to alteration. The imitation is given by the end of the tube, painted red. Some hobbyists erase the paint with acetone so that the cut trunk takes on a more “severe” appearance. The final touch is installing the bushing into the barrel. Its length should not be more than one and a half centimeters.

Advantages and disadvantages

One of the undoubted advantages of the Makarov-MR signal pistol is that it is very simple: in case of problems, spare parts for it are very easy to find. However, with proper care, the pistol, as practice shows, rarely fails. The weapon is light and compact, so it can be carried under clothing, in a pocket or in a holster without difficulty or inconvenience.

As for the shortcomings, there are few of them. In particular, the bolt frame of the weapon may have some play. Another drawback is that after firing the pistol, the mechanics may jam. This happens due to the fact that carbon deposits can accumulate in the barrel of the weapon. However, this shortcoming can be easily eliminated; you just need to clean the weapon in time.

Advantages and disadvantages

The Makarov MP-371 pistol is invariably in demand, as it has many advantages as a defensive weapon. Its disadvantages are insignificant; they can be easily prevented if you use the weapon correctly and carefully.

Users note that with proper care, the MP-371 lasts a long time and requires almost no repairs. Due to its compactness, the weapon can be carried not only in a holster, but also hidden in a pocket, under clothing. Although in a holster, the signal model, which looks like a real Makarov pistol, looks even more impressive.

Despite its menacing appearance, the MP-371 is completely safe; the defender will never become an accidental criminal. This is a purely psychological weapon, the purpose of which is to scare away the criminal, cause his confusion so that the potential victim can escape.

The Makarov MP-371 pistol costs about 9,000 rubles. This is a small amount for a defensive model considering the quality of this weapon.

Source

How to shoot a pistol

Let us remind you that the pistol’s fire mode is semi-automatic. At the same time, the MP-371’s automation is significantly different from the automatics of the combat Makarov.

A noise pistol can only be fired by self-cocking. After the shot is fired, the hammer must be cocked again, and the used blank charge is removed from the chamber using the bolt. Only after the hammer is cocked and the used charge is ejected, a new charge is automatically sent from the magazine to the chamber.

Just like the combat PM, the Makarov MP-371 has a bolt movement when firing. In addition, noise charges ignite during a shot. Thanks to these two conditions, from the outside one might think that the shooting is not from a signal Makarov, but from a combat one.

Principle of operation

Being a semi-automatic model, the MP-371 has nothing in common with the combat Makarov in terms of mechanics.

The signal pistol is fired by self-cocking. When the weapon fires, the shooter must pull the trigger again. The used cartridge is removed from the chamber through the bolt. The next noise cartridge in the magazine automatically enters the chamber after pressing the trigger and removing the spent cartridge.

During the firing process, the MP-371's bolt moves. In this way, a signal pistol is similar to a combat pistol. And the similarity with the Makarov combat model enhances the ignition of signal cartridges as they fly out of the barrel tube.

Pistol tuning

If desired, the signal pistol can be made even more similar to a combat pistol. In particular, you can remove the plastic handle and replace it with a handle from a combat PM or from an IZH-79.

You can also give the false gun barrel the appearance of a real gun barrel. Since the cut of the barrel of the signal pistol is painted with red paint, you can wipe off this paint, after which the entire pistol will be transformed. Or, if you wish, you can replace the pseudo-barrel with a real barrel from the PM or IZH-79.

To sum it up...

The Makarov MP signal pistol is a fairly effective weapon for self-defense due to its appearance, as well as the fact that a powerful noise effect is created when fired. These circumstances can have the desired effect on the attacker.

In addition, since the signal sample is similar in almost every way to a real PM, then, thus, having a signal sample, it is possible to study the combat “Makarov”.

Manufacturer

The Makarov signal pistol, designated MP-371, was developed on the basis of the legendary PM combat pistol. Despite the external similarities, the MP-371 is an ordinary dummy, in which the muzzle is made similar by inserting a simulator sleeve, and the handle is borrowed from the original. We must pay tribute, the copy turned out perfect.

The model has been produced since 2010 at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant. Many details are exactly the same as the combat PM. The pistols are even disassembled in the same way. But the very purpose of the dummy already speaks of a fundamental difference.

The manufacturer took care of the ammunition. The same plant produces special plastic capsules that look like real cartridges. These capsules, depending on the marking, may also be made of steel. All parts of the MP-371 signal pistol are made of real weapon steel. Theoretically, a pistol can be converted into a military weapon, but you should think a thousand times about the safety and legality of such an upgrade.

MP 371: do you need a permit for a flash-noise weapon, can you carry it with you?

Initially, the signal pistol was intended for sports competitions. But recently, due to the worsening crime situation in the country, more and more people are using this type of civilian weapon for self-defense. To purchase, you do not need to obtain a special permit, which greatly increases demand for it. As a result, manufacturers began to produce newer models and modernize existing models to suit the specifics of the scarecrow pistol.

Makarov MP-371 sonic scarecrow gun

The history of the Makarov pistol, popular in the Soviet Union, began immediately after the war in 1947, when Nikolai Fedorovich Makarov took part in a competition to develop a promising compact weapon chambered for a 9 mm cartridge.

After four years of painstaking calculations, research and testing, the PM was officially put into service in 1951.

With its simplicity and reliability, it has earned unprecedented popularity. It was this model that became the prototype for the production of a whole line of signal pistols, one of which is the MP-371.

To shoot from it, Zhevelo hunting capsules are used, which act as cartridge simulators. See also the material about the modernized Makarov pistol.

The appearance repeats its prototype down to the smallest detail: it is made of the same weapons-grade steel and is produced at the same Izhevsk Baikal Mechanical Plant. See photo:

MP-371 (Makarova)

The range additionally includes the MP-371 + automatic modification, which differs from the original in that after each shot it is ready for the next without reloading.

Read about the Makarov air pistol here.

Operational and technical characteristics:

See also the material about how to shoot a Makarov pistol correctly.

Watch the video:

The principles of operation of this signal pistol are identical to the smallest details to the principles of its combat counterpart. It was this feature that made it possible to talk about its high reliability.

1. The cartridges used are plastic or brass simulators that contain Zhevelo-N igniters designed for hunting.
2. In turn, simulators made of steel are suitable for reusable use. A characteristic feature of the MP-371 is the need to reload after each shot fired.
3. Unlike the standard barrel of its combat prototype, the Makarov starter pistol has a special rod with a longitudinal slot, on top of which is a metal cylinder. It is through it that powder gases are released when fired.

If you are in doubt about the choice, read the article about which Makarov air pistol is better to choose.

The principle and procedure for disassembling weapons

The principle and procedure for disassembling the MP-371 is similar to the Makarov pneumatic gun. The first step is to remove the magazine. Then, having previously pressed the trigger guard down, you need to pull the bolt frame in the rear direction and lift its back part up. Thus, the bolt and frame of the pistol are separated. Watch the video:

A special feature of this type of trigger is the need to manually cock the bolt after each shot. Moving in the opposite direction, he fires the next cartridge into the barrel.

After all ammunition has been used up, the bolt carrier of the pistol is locked.

It is also worth reading the review of the Makarov air pistol.

Advantages and disadvantages: no need to obtain a carry permit

1. One of the advantages of the pistol is its complete safety and non-traumatic nature.
2. It does not fall within the 6mm limit, so no special permits or documents are needed to use it. Although, given the technical features and capabilities of the model, this is more of a psychological weapon, since it is not capable of causing injury.
3. The Makarov scare pistol, the price of which makes it very affordable, will allow even a beginner to develop the most basic skills in using weapons.

Assembly and disassembly

The disassembly algorithm for the MP-371 is the same as for the Makarov air pistol:

Remove the magazine. Press the trigger guard until it moves down. Pull the bolt frame back. Then lift it up at the back.

Assembly of MP-371 is similar in reverse order.

Zoraki LOM-S

Video review of the signal revolver

Watch the video:

Specifications

First, a few words about the main characteristics of the revolver:

A characteristic feature of LOM-S is the use of cartridges that are used in a mounting gun. That is why the sound when fired is much louder than that of other models, for shooting from which hunting capsules are used.

It can be said that the sound effect when firing from the LOM-S is almost no different from the sound of a standard combat pistol.

Zoraki LOM-S

The drum tilts to the left and makes it possible to quickly reload, as well as extract spent cartridges.