Simple vs simpler
Hey 9.3 X 57
Thanks for the comments, I didn't intend to disparage the Makarov, which I have never handled but thousands of people think they work well and I certainly accept that.
As far a simple to manufacture, one can agree that a blowback doesn't require a locking mechanism so it must be simpler to make, but the later generation of pistols mostly simply use a ramp to force the chamber into the ejection port, most of the blowback designs just pin the barrel in place, the total number of parts is the same. As you point out, the blowback design will be more accurate if the barrel is solidly mounted, but in most designs it isn't. In any case modern machinery can make either design much more accurate than one can expect to be able to shoot a pocket size pistol, My Llama is relatively crude in internal machining, however nicely finished outside, but easily shoots 4" groups at 25 ft.
The comments about Keltec basically proves my point about reliability, the Keltecs up to the current model were blowbacks, and suffered the real problem with light pistols and blowbacks, the light slide and heavy spring mean there is very little momentum, so small differences in friction betweem the case mouth and the chamber wall make a large difference in operation, the presence or absence of some oil or wax on the case means the difference between operating or stovepiping the fired case. Slightly oiling the cases by handling them works fine at the range, but not so well on a carry pistol which is expected to work "now", whenever that is.
The reveiws on the new Keltec, indicate a very high level of reliability, which Keltec makes a point of in advertising about the locked breech action. With the locked breech and short recoil barrel, the case does not have to move in the chamber before the pressure is gone and the case mouth springback has released it, so case friction isn't a factor, and a very much lighter spring is sufficient to absorb the recoil. It seems to have taken an unnecessarily long time for Keltec to get it right, but reportedly they have.