The Makarov MP-654K air pistol is available in several types. The first Makarov was released in 1997. The latest versions are very different in appearance and technically from what can be found on store shelves now. Let's look at the most common versions and those that are produced exclusively and for export.
The name of the MP-654 pistol encrypts the basic information about it.
The name of the Makarov MP 654 air pistol is deciphered as follows:
- MP (Mechanical Plant) - Mechanical plant. Guns.
- “6” – denotes a weapon group, an air pistol.
- “5” – gas-cylinder weapons, i.e. it contains a gas cylinder for firing a shot.
- “4” is the serial number of the model.
- “K” – store modification. Means that weapons can be sold in hunting stores without a special license.
The serial number consists of the letter “T” and eight numbers - for example, T99345678:
- The first pair of numbers (in our example – 99) – indicates the year of manufacture of a particular instance.
- The second (we have 34) is the model and series number.
- The remaining numbers (we have 5678) are the personal serial number.
On earlier models, up to the 28th series, the month of production (from 01 to 12) was located instead of the model number. There may be an “H” at the end of the serial number. It means that the pistol was produced for export to other countries.
Types of Makarov pistol
At the moment, among all the released Makarov pneumatics, there are quite a lot of samples, each of which has its own difference.
MP-654k - first version since 1997
The first version of the pneumatic version of the world famous Makarov pistol went on sale in 1997 and was very much different in appearance and technically from what can be found on store shelves now. First of all, the stamping markings on the surface of the bolt were located differently. The main difference is the design of the valve system and the barrel nut. The valve body was rougher than modern versions, as a result of which other parts received changes.
There are still 3 versions of shutters that have received their names among the people:
- “Bearded” - the front part of the bolt is visually identical to a combat pistol.
- “Bevel” - the front part of the shutter seems to be slightly beveled, while the rear part of the shutter is also different. A similar version is currently almost impossible to find.
- "Beardless" - standard version.
MR-654k-03
The MP-654k-03 has been produced for more than 10 years and is currently the most common air pistol. The weapon has a modified handle compared to the first version. During the release process, the shutter and the simulator slot were slightly modified. The front of the bolt was either “bearded” or beveled. On sale you can find versions of the PM with or without a cutout for the extractor.
MR-654k-11
Until 2010, you could also find a version that was made with a camouflage pattern. Technically, it was virtually no different from the MP-654k-03 version. The only design change was a wider handle, on which the traditional star was missing.
MR-654k-15
Until the same 2010, one could find on sale a version of the Makarov pistol with a silencer, which included a false silencer. In fact, it did not have any useful function and consisted of a tube with two walls. The barrel of the pistol itself in the MP-654k-15 version had an internal boring with threads. Also, this version of the PM was produced with a plastic handle.
Nickel and chrome versions
The Makarov air pistol and its nickel and chrome versions are weapons that were produced in a small batch. According to the owners, their quality of metal processing and fitting of parts is higher than that of standard versions.
Two versions of nickel-plated pistols were presented - the first was entirely made of nickel, the second had all the controls and bolt made of nickel. And the frame was made of standard metal, painted black. There are rumors that their production continues to this day, but there is no exact information about this.
Gift and premium versions
With an individual order to the factory, you have the opportunity to purchase a unique model of weapon, which will be made according to an individual design. On the Internet you can find photographs of weapons with handles made of expensive wood. Often such pistols are decorated with gilding or the controls can be made of pure gold.
The surface of the bolt is often engraved with patterns, initials of the future owner, memorable words or the coat of arms of the Russian Federation.
The prices for such items are gigantic due to the premium nature and the small number of pieces produced. In addition, their build quality is head and shoulders above that of standard retail versions of pistols. Among the technical features is a smooth barrel straight from the factory, which increases the firing power of the weapon.
MR-654k-20
MP-654k-20 is an updated version of the tenth series. Produced in 2011 and early 2012. The main difference from previous versions is noticeable to the naked eye - the brown plastic handle with a star almost in the middle.
Most consumers mistakenly believe that the handle is no different from the combat version of the Makarov pistol, but this is not so - the pneumatic version does not have a swivel on the bottom left.
Technically, in the 2011 version, the valve was changed, and the barrel was bored to 8-9 millimeters to a depth of 5 to 15 mm.
MP-654k-22
Similar to the 15th model, the tenth series of pistols has a version with a false silencer included. It also consists of a metal tube and two walls. The MP-654k-22 also has threads inside the barrel.
MR-654k-23
The MP-654k-23 has been produced since 2011 and is a camouflage version of the MP-654k-20 pistol. In fact, it has no differences from the MP-654k-11 version except for a wider, updated handle with a star printed on it.
MP-654k-24
It has also been produced since 2011 and is no different from the previous version, except that it has a new handle.
MRMR-654k-28
In the period from the autumn of 2012 to the end of the summer of 2013, the manufacturer of these pistols, the Izhevsk plant, reduced the production of Makarov air pistols several times.
Due to this, the quality of the produced copies has generally increased. New technical features also appeared, such as blown bolt stops, which added to the similarity of this version with early combat versions of the PM. Pistols began to be sold with hidden clamping screws, the ball feeder spring was updated and became more rigid.
MRMR-654k-32 (Export version)
The export version is a pistol with a bakelite handle, a curly brace and better finishing quality. But a significant disadvantage is the absence of a frame clamping plate at the bottom, which is why the force of squeezing and holding the handle affects the removal of the magazine.
MRMR-654k-32 (Option for the domestic market)
There is no letter “N” in the marking, so we can conclude that this is a pistol for the Russian domestic market. The main difference from export weapons is the sandblasting of the upper part of the bolt. Batches since 2013 have been produced with handles with poor finishing quality, which is likely due to the factory's desire to reduce costs and make production easier.
MP311 series
According to rumors, the Izh plant used PMM bolts for the production of the 300 series, which could not be installed on combat versions. To produce such pistols, the frame from the 32 series is taken as a basis, and a bolt from the PMM is installed on top. The marking is applied on both sides, on one side the number, and on the other MP-654K cal 4.5 mm. The pistol is quite exclusive, so it is sold at a high price.
MRMR-654k-38
In the fall of 2013, version 38 appeared on the airgun market. In previous models, the processing of bakelite handles became much worse, but now they have been completely abandoned and replaced with plastic ones from the traumatic version. One of the advantages is that there is a swivel, which is not present in the 22nd and 28th versions.
MR-654km
In 2012 in Moscow at the arms exhibition Arms&Hunting Exclusive Baikal presented a new model. First of all, according to Baikal’s description, the air pistol was sharpened for airsoft caliber - 6 mm. Also, company representatives assured that there will be a version for the usual 4.5 millimeters. There was information that the new version will receive a blowback system.
Real samples turned out to be worse than exhibition ones, based on reviews from owners. There cannot be a blowback system in the pistol because the ball is sent into the barrel, the stick magazine is made of plastic, and the quality of the milling of the bolt leaves much to be desired.
Modifications
Air pistol MP 654K 28
This pneumatic PM is today one of the latest models in the entire line, almost completely repeating the original. In new models, the trigger is slightly heavy, but over time it develops, coming to normal values. Other PM air pistols of the Baikal series differ from this model in many ways - the presence of a “beard”, different materials for the cheeks of the handle, the presence of a swivel on the handle for a belt. MP-654K-28, also known as Makarov pneumatic, deservedly takes the place of the “golden mean” among the entire line.
Air pistol MP 654k 32
This pistol is a complete copy of the PM and IZH pistols. The frame of the weapon, like that of its combat counterpart, is made by milling weapon steel. It is distinguished by handle cheeks made of bakelite, an authentic barrel delay lever is used (unfortunately, only a lever is available), and a hidden cylinder pressure screw is installed. Unfortunately, this model is no longer produced.
Prices
Makarov air pistols have a wide range of prices. The cheapest options in the store can be purchased for 6-7 thousand rubles. On the secondary market they will cost only 4-5 thousand.
Mid-budget MP 654k options like nickel-plated versions cost about 10-15 thousand rubles. The only problem is that they are very difficult to find for sale even on the secondary market.
Premium and custom-made weapons can cost incredible amounts of money, up to several hundred thousand rubles, depending on the complexity of the order, as well as the cost of the material used.
No gun permit required
The Weapons Law restricts the use of pistols and rifles whose muzzle energy exceeds 7.5 Joules. Weapons with a caliber exceeding 4.5 mm are also prohibited. All pistols on the world market that use a compressed gas cylinder have a muzzle energy of about 2 Joules. Accordingly, such weapons are not covered by the law, including any gas-cylinder Makarov. The pistol, a pneumatic analogue of a military weapon, judging by the factory characteristics, has a muzzle energy in the range of 1.5-2 Joules. Buyers should not forget about restrictions regarding the age of the buyer. A person who has reached the age of eighteen has the right to purchase authorized pneumatics.
Design of the PM pneumatic pistol
The internal structure of the pneumatic version of the most popular Russian pistol is not much different from the combat version. The trigger mechanism remained virtually unchanged, with the exception of the firing pin. The magazine, which was redesigned to fire metal balls and place a gas cylinder inside, underwent significant modifications.
The principle of firing a pistol is as follows:
- A gas cylinder with carbon dioxide pumped inside is placed in the pistol magazine. It must be screwed all the way until it is pierced with a needle.
- The carbon dioxide inside the cylinder changes from a liquefied state to a compressed state and at this moment is located in a completely sealed chamber.
- Metal bullets or balls are placed in a magazine that contains a spring-loaded feeder.
- When the trigger is pulled, the trigger hits the valve, which releases a small amount of compressed carbon dioxide from the sealed chamber.
- The carbon dioxide released from the chamber has significant pressure, which pushes the ball and causes it to fly out of the barrel of the air gun at high speed.
Is it possible to increase the power?
The MP-654 pistol has ways to significantly modify and increase power. The main factory problem with pneumatics is poor fit of parts of new weapons. Another feature that worsens the technical characteristics of the weapon is the rifled barrel. It helps when shooting bullets, but affects the speed of metal balls.
By purchasing a tuning kit for the MP-654 pistol, you can achieve an increase in projectile flight speed up to 180 m/s. First of all, when shooting balls from a weapon, you need to replace the factory rifled barrel with a new smooth one. This will reduce gas losses and, accordingly, pressure during firing.
An additional modification for the barrel is the purchase of an additional elongated smooth barrel. It is designed in the form of a muffler, which can be screwed on or removed using a thread. A long, smooth barrel allows the projectile to fly faster due to less gas loss.
The new modified extended firing pin will allow the valve to remain open longer, resulting in more gas being exposed to the bullet. This will increase flight speed and power by 8-12%, according to the manufacturer of the modified parts. The new striker is 25 mm long, so it can only be used in conjunction with an updated trigger, which should contain a “cut”.
The updated valve body with screw and bore will allow the bullet to fit perfectly into the center of the barrel without colliding with an obstacle. In standard weapons, a similar problem occurs when, when fired, the ball rests against the edge of the hole, as a result of which accuracy, flight speed and penetrating power are reduced.
The factory gasket can be replaced with a fluoroplastic one, which seals the weapon better, preventing the gas from escaping, and the entire released volume will affect the bullet.
Shooting from MP 654k
Now let's move on to the good stuff: despite all the flaws in the design, it shoots very well.
As already mentioned, there are no problems with puncture or gas bypass, the valve provides a ball ejection speed of 110-130 m/s, which is about 20% higher than that of similar competitor models! Moreover, with the help of various tunings, it is quite possible to increase this figure to 170-190 m/s; detailed guides for such procedures are available on the Internet.
Do not leave the cylinder in the magazine after shooting, this will damage the gaskets!
Accuracy can also be corrected by replacing the rifled barrel with a smooth one. So, with the help of tuning, you can bring the characteristics to those of the rifle, especially at short distances.
User manual
- An air pistol can be dangerous to surrounding people if safety precautions are violated;
- When aiming, it is important to remember that the shot can cause damage at a distance of up to 100 meters;
- A loaded weapon must be aimed only at the target;
- It is prohibited to point weapons towards people;
- Store and transport in assembled or charged condition;
- After completing the shooting, it is necessary to remove the remaining shells from the weapon;
- Even with a short pause when firing shots, you must always keep the weapon on;
- Compliance with operating rules and proper maintenance of weapons will permanently increase their service life and safety for the owner;
- For shooting, it is allowed to use only those bullets that are suitable for the weapon according to their documentation;
- You should not completely disassemble the weapon unless absolutely necessary;
- Every one and a half to two thousand shots it is necessary to lubricate the trigger mechanism of the weapon.
The Makarov air pistol is an excellent model that should be in the collection of any gun lover. Knowing the features of various options allows you to be better savvy when choosing and purchasing.
Contrary to modern ballistics
And even though among its competitors the Makarov MR pneumatic pistol is as close as possible to a real military weapon, all owners are worried about just one question. Why did the manufacturer install a rifled barrel in the pistol? It’s not for nothing that hunting rifles that shoot pellet shot are smooth-bore. A ball that does not have a ballistic surface is difficult to deliver exactly to the target, and even more so if it is twisted in a spiral.
Only lovers of modernized weapons can rub their hands. By changing the ammunition feed mechanism, converting an automatic pistol to a semi-automatic one, you can use lead bullets for 4.5 mm rifles. A rifled barrel for rifle bullets means increased speed and increased sighting range of the weapon.
