Hello,
Short time lurker, first time poster. I have a Cobray Mac-11/9mm and hope to get some help. Here she is:
It is a 1987 model, serial number under 6,500, bought slightly used (I was told under 200 rounds) at a gun show in 1990 for $300 as you see it in the picture. It came with 200 rounds and a brass catcher that I took out for photographing. I was 24 at the time and thought I'd just bought the coolest thing I could have ever legally purchased. I immediately took it out and put about another 100 rounds through it. I wiped it down (not good enough apparently- slight film of rust on the mag well), cleaned the barrel, and put it away for the next 18 years. During that time it was dry fired maybe 20 times and handled as many. I recently joined a gun club and decided to take it to the range for something different to shoot. I've had it out a couple of times and have put probably another 200 rounds through it.
The research I've done seems to indicate that people either love these things or absolutely hate them. Most fans of this type or style of weapon have a different brand or caliber preference. I do know that every time I've had it at the range it has drawn a crowd, usually AR and AK guys wanting to check out something different. I'm fond of it because it is the first gun I ever bought. OK, enough history. Some questions:
- the flash suppressor, when put on hand tight, starts to wriggle loose after I've put 4 or 5 rounds through it. Is this normal, and if so, it there a fix for it? I've thought about carefully trying a lock washer, but it seems too simple a fix to actually work and work well. I've ordered a forward hand grip for it from Cobray that is supposed to be held in place by the flash suppressor, but I have my doubts that it will work until I figure a way to keep the suppressor in place.
- It there any realistic way to make some sort of a sight adjustment to it? I know there is practically nothing to work with, so has anyone come up with an alternative? Will I need to mount some sort of rail system and a laser sight? I'm not looking for AR accuracy, just want to get it closer to true if I can.
- What is the difference between 'open bolt' and 'closed bolt' versions of this pistol? I've gathered that mine is a closed bolt (I'll admit I don't know how to tell the difference) based upon its date of manufacture.
- Is there a treatment I can buy and apply to the film of rust on the handle that will take it off, or am I wasting my time because the gun will eventually need to be blasted and refinished?
- Anything I should look out for with this pistol- problems, serious concerns, etc?
I don't mind spending some money on this pistol, mainly due to sentimental reasons. I know there are better guns out there, but I want to make this Mac-11 the best I can and just have some fun with it. Sorry for the long post. You guys have a great site here. I really look forward to any advice/answers/recommendations you have. Thanks for your time.
BigsWick