PA-63 Any experience or thoughts?

[Interloper]

I just received my CDNN catalog and it has a PA-63 for $139 in very good to excellent condition (1 year warranty). I have not even considered this before, but it looks like a nice little pistol for the money.

Do any of you have experience with one? How about the size, could this be a good pocket pistol?

Thanks in advance for the input.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

They're a quite serviceable and competent pistol!

It's in .380 or 9mm Mak, I presume (depending on the market it was made for...and when). Being thus, it's a "straight blowback" design. Recoil WILL be noticeable.

For the price listed, doesn't seem like a bad deal at all!

Just be sure to figure in shipping and the possibility of a transfer fee from your FFL, too. Then ask your FFL how much it'd cost for HIM to get one for you.

They're heavy little guns, be sure you have a good pocket holster if you're going to pocket one.

Having said that, though, I've never owned one. Nor shot one. I have had a Polish P-64, though...VERY similar pistol in 9mm Mak.

-J-

 

[IndyGunworks]

was both redneckmedics and I's first carry guns.... served us well until our tastes got more expensive and the moved on to a better place... i HIGHLY suggest the wolf sping pack to tame the recoil and lighten the trigger pull... you will be glad you did.... some major polishing makes the thing run like a champ.

 

[Johnny C]

I am not sure if all the PA63s have alloy frames, but mine does and it is a lot slimmer and lighter than my PPK, plus the 9mm MAK is a stouter round than the .380, though the ammo selection is limited.

Unfortunately, the ramp is alloy (aluminum), so hollowpoints may ding it up after repeated use.

There are custom grips available, and a competant smith can add better sights in addition to the Wolfe springs and some polishing. (the factory sights suk)

For 150$ its a decent gun, I wish some smith would come up with a tuning "package" for the PA63.

FYI, you cannot shoot .380 in a 9mm MAK gun!

 

[redneckmedic]

As IGW stated it was a great virgin carry. 9x18 wasn't the easiest to find, however there was no shortage when we had them. And shot all we ever "needed" to. Slim, ergo, pocket/holster carry, plus great resale. I had to stay on top of keeping mine clean though. The aluminum (frame) and (slide) marriage liked to stick if it got gummy at all. No Biggie.

 

[snorko]

I saw those in the catalogue. I agree with most of the above. Having said that, I personally would spend the extra $20 to get the CZ-82 shown below the PA-63 on the same page.

 

[Ricnzak]

I had a PA-63. It shot great and was accurate. However I could only get Wolf 380 ammo to feed in it. EVERYTHING else would jam.

 

[redneckmedic]

I had a PA-63. It shot great and was accurate. However I could only get Wolf 380 ammo to feed in it. EVERYTHING else would jam.

Probably because the PA-63 doesn't shoot .380. Guns tend to have a FTF if you aren't using the correct bullet size and shape.



9x17 = .380
9x18 = makarov 9mm (PA-63)
9x19 = 9mm

 

[Shoots4Fun]

Not to jack the thread, but how do these compare to the Makarov's? Are they just manufactured in different countries?

Thanks...

 

[redneckmedic]

Not to jack the thread, but how do these compare to the Makarov's? Are they just manufactured in different countries?

Thanks...

The FEG PA-63 that I had was a retired Hungarian service pistol.

PA-63s sold in the United States are often advertised as "PA-63 Makarov." This can lead some consumers to believe they are purchasing a Makarov PMcaliber. The two guns share similar operating principles, but the Makarov PM is a different design featuring all-steel construction and different lockwork.

 

[Interloper]

Thanks for all the feedback. I would love to stumble on to the same deal or better at the 1500. See you guys out there later this week!

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

The Walther PP-type pistols

The Hungarian PA-63 pistol

The Polish P-64 pistol

Are all VERY very similar.

Seems that lots of folks like to copy ol' Carl Walther's designs; and I can't say that I blame them.

And yes, redneckmedic is correct, the actual Makarov pistols are different. It's the pistol that has lent it's name to the 9mm x 18mm cartridge, the 9mm Makarov.

Don't let someone sell you a Hungarian "makarov" or a Polish "makarov".

-J-