What Makes Century Arms Brass Case, 9MM Makarov, 95 Grain, Full Metal Jacket, 50 Round Box AM3399 $1.11 Off Stand Out?
The Century Arms Brass Case, 9MM Makarov, 95 Grain, Full Metal Jacket, 50 Round Box AM3399 $1.11 Off offers a blend of affordability and reliability in a caliber that, while not as common as 9mm Luger, still holds a dedicated following. The Century Arms brand is known for its practical, no-frills approach, and this ammunition reflects that philosophy. Featuring a 95-grain full metal jacket bullet and a brass case, this ammo promises consistent feeding and extraction, making it a solid choice for range training and general purpose shooting with your 9MM Makarov pistol.
My search for reliable and affordable 9MM Makarov ammunition led me to this product. Finding quality ammunition for older, less common calibers can be a challenge, and I was looking for a solution that wouldn’t break the bank while still providing acceptable performance.
Upon opening the box, I was greeted by the sight of 50 gleaming brass-cased cartridges. The rounds looked clean and well-manufactured, a pleasant surprise considering the relatively low price point; there was no visible corrosion or damage. The weight felt appropriate, and the overall impression was of a product that, while not fancy, was certainly well-made for its intended purpose.
Compared to other 9MM Makarov ammunition I’ve used in the past, like the pricier offerings from Fiocchi or the steel-cased options from Wolf, this Century Arms product seemed to strike a good balance. While Fiocchi offers slightly better accuracy in my experience, it comes at a significant cost increase. The steel-cased Wolf is cheaper, but I’ve experienced more frequent malfunctions with it in some of my Makarov pistols.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The price was right, the rounds looked well-made, and the Century Arms reputation for practicality gave me hope for solid performance. I was eager to get to the range and see how it performed in my collection of Makarov pistols.
Real-World Testing: Putting Century Arms Brass Case, 9MM Makarov, 95 Grain, Full Metal Jacket, 50 Round Box AM3399 $1.11 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Century Arms Brass Case, 9MM Makarov, 95 Grain, Full Metal Jacket, 50 Round Box AM3399 $1.11 Off at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was typical for an early summer day – sunny with a slight breeze, providing excellent visibility and comfortable shooting conditions. I brought along my Bulgarian Makarov and my East German Makarov, both known for their reliability, to ensure a fair test of the ammunition.
The ammunition performed admirably in both pistols, cycling smoothly and ejecting cleanly. I experienced no failures to feed or failures to eject, a significant improvement over my experiences with some steel-cased ammunition. The recoil felt consistent and manageable, and the report was comparable to other 9MM Makarov ammunition I’ve used.
The only minor issue I encountered was slightly more noticeable muzzle flash compared to some premium brands. However, this was a purely aesthetic observation and did not affect the performance of the ammunition.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 500 rounds fired, the Century Arms ammunition continued to perform consistently well. There were no malfunctions attributed to the ammunition during this period. My confidence in its reliability grew.
I observed no significant signs of wear and tear on my pistols after firing the Century Arms ammunition. The brass cases ejected cleanly and showed no signs of overpressure. Cleaning the pistols after each range session was straightforward; the brass cases left minimal residue compared to some cheaper steel-cased alternatives.
Compared to my previous experiences with various 9MM Makarov ammunition brands, the Century Arms offering consistently outperformed steel-cased options in terms of reliability and cleanliness. While not quite as accurate as premium brands like Fiocchi, the Century Arms ammunition offered a significantly better value proposition, providing a good balance of performance and affordability.
Breaking Down the Features of Century Arms Brass Case, 9MM Makarov, 95 Grain, Full Metal Jacket, 50 Round Box AM3399 $1.11 Off
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Century Arms. They are a well-known name in the firearms industry, often focusing on importing and distributing affordable and reliable firearms and ammunition.
- Caliber: 9x18mm Makarov. This is a distinct caliber from the more common 9x19mm Luger, and it’s crucial to ensure your firearm is chambered for 9MM Makarov.
- Number of Rounds: 50. This is a standard box size for pistol ammunition, making it convenient for range trips and storage.
- Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ). FMJ bullets are ideal for range training and target practice due to their consistent feeding and penetration.
- Bullet Weight: 93 grain (listed as 95 grain in the product name, but 93 grain in the specifications; this should be clarified). The bullet weight affects recoil and trajectory; 93-95 grain is a standard weight for 9MM Makarov, offering a good balance of both.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the ammunition’s performance and suitability for different applications. The Century Arms choice of a brass case and FMJ bullet indicates a focus on reliability and consistent performance, while the 9MM Makarov caliber ensures compatibility with specific firearms chambered for this round.
Performance & Functionality
The Century Arms Brass Case, 9MM Makarov, 95 Grain, Full Metal Jacket, 50 Round Box AM3399 $1.11 Off performs its job admirably as a range training and general purpose ammunition. Accuracy is acceptable for typical pistol shooting distances, and reliability is consistently high. It meets my expectations for an affordable and reliable 9MM Makarov ammunition.
The ammunition’s strengths lie in its consistent feeding, clean burning, and reasonable accuracy. The main area for improvement would be more precise quality control to ensure the advertised bullet weight matches the actual weight.
Design & Ergonomics
The ammunition itself doesn’t have a design that can be critiqued, the bullet is a typical FMJ design. The brass casing is standard in appearance. There is no learning curve associated with using this ammunition, so it is very user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Century Arms Brass Case, 9MM Makarov, 95 Grain, Full Metal Jacket, 50 Round Box AM3399 $1.11 Off is designed for single use and proper disposal after firing. Stored properly in a cool, dry place, it should maintain its integrity for many years. Cleaning your firearm after use is crucial to maintain its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no accessories or customization options directly related to the Century Arms Brass Case, 9MM Makarov, 95 Grain, Full Metal Jacket, 50 Round Box AM3399 $1.11 Off. You can customize your firearm to improve performance. For example, aftermarket grips or improved sights would improve the overall shooting experience.
Pros and Cons of Century Arms Brass Case, 9MM Makarov, 95 Grain, Full Metal Jacket, 50 Round Box AM3399 $1.11 Off
Pros
- Reliable feeding and extraction in various 9MM Makarov pistols.
- Affordable price point, making it suitable for high-volume training.
- Clean-burning brass case, minimizing residue and simplifying firearm maintenance.
- Consistent performance, ensuring predictable recoil and accuracy.
- Ideal for target practice and general purpose shooting.
Cons
- Slightly more muzzle flash compared to premium ammunition brands.
- Potential discrepancy between advertised and actual bullet weight (95 grain vs. 93 grain).
- Not match-grade accurate, limiting its suitability for competitive shooting.
Who Should Buy Century Arms Brass Case, 9MM Makarov, 95 Grain, Full Metal Jacket, 50 Round Box AM3399 $1.11 Off?
This ammunition is perfect for 9MM Makarov owners who engage in frequent range training or target practice. It is also well-suited for individuals seeking a reliable and affordable ammunition option for general-purpose shooting and self-defense training. This is a solid choice for anyone looking to stock up on 9MM Makarov ammunition without breaking the bank.
Those seeking match-grade accuracy for competitive shooting should skip this product and opt for premium ammunition offerings from brands like Fiocchi or Hornady. Also, anyone with firearms that are particularly sensitive to ammunition variations might want to test a small quantity before purchasing in bulk.
A must-have accessory for anyone using this ammunition is a reliable cleaning kit for their 9MM Makarov pistol. Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the firearm’s performance and longevity.
Conclusion on Century Arms Brass Case, 9MM Makarov, 95 Grain, Full Metal Jacket, 50 Round Box AM3399 $1.11 Off
The Century Arms Brass Case, 9MM Makarov, 95 Grain, Full Metal Jacket, 50 Round Box AM3399 $1.11 Off offers a compelling value proposition for 9MM Makarov shooters. It strikes a good balance between affordability and reliable performance, making it a practical choice for range training and general purpose shooting.
The price is certainly justified, considering the ammunition’s consistent performance and clean-burning nature. While not perfect, its drawbacks are minor and easily outweighed by its affordability and reliability.
I would personally recommend this ammunition to any 9MM Makarov owner seeking a cost-effective and reliable option for range training and general purpose shooting. It’s a solid choice that won’t disappoint. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly and reliable option for your Makarov, give the Century Arms ammo a try – you might be pleasantly surprised.