P64 vs M206

Other than a recoil spring you can't do much better than a P64. They have small capacity mags but when it comes to build quality and basic utility nothing made from polymer can compete. Mine has a little finish wear but shoots like a dream. Ymmv

Go with the p64. Let's say they are both available for the same price of $250. Well the p64 is really a $500 gun in today's dollars. No corners were cut in its production. It is from another era in world history when labor was cheap. A lot of machining went into the p64! It's a fine firearm!

Dan

P64.
These things are a little known gem.
When many folks were rushing out to buy a .380, I couldn't believe how easy it was to find one of these.
Fits in my pocket, accurate, easy to find a holster for and Hornady is making some nice ammo for it.

I suppose you mean Armscor M206 revolver. It is revolver vs. semi-auto. You won't find any centerfire revolver cheaper than M206 but you can find several semi-auto at the same price range of P64. P64 used to be much cheaper! A little light for 9x18, would be fun if you like recoil.

I have both the P64 and the Armscor M200 (identical to the M206 but with synthetic grips and a 4" barrel).

Both are great for the money, but the Armscor M200 doesn't hold a candle to the P64 as far as fit and finish (and overall quality). That's not to say anything negative about the M200. I like mine, which has been absolutely reliable and accurate enough.
After 600 or so reloads, my M200 seems about as tight as when I purchased it. It does take issue with soft lead (most swaged) bullets though. The barrel will lead quite quickly, so my reloads are usually jacketed, plated or at the very least hard cast. The finish has proven to be adequate, but it's strange. It's almost a chocolate-tone phosphate is seems.

However, the P64 is in a different league. Besides the whole revolver/auto issue, it's just a high tier item despite the price. The finish is absolutely beautiful.
Unfortunately, I do not load for the 9x18. On the bright side, 9x18 is neither expensive or hard to find online.

If it's strictly for plinking with reloads and having fun, the M206 (or M200) is going to be very hard to beat for the price. However, if you're wanting something that oozes with quality that military surplus can sometimes get for you on the cheap, the P64 is the clear winner.

The P-64 is a splendid little gun. However, if the safety lever breaks, you will endure endless frustration trying to find a replacement.

As the second M206 voter, let me tell you why it is a better choice. .38spl is a great round, very lethal, very accurate. The Filipinos copied one of my favorite guns of all time: Colt's Detective Special. While it IS cheaper, it also is good quality. Not COLT quality, but good enough. Holsters abound for it. Ammo is easy to reload (or purchase anywhere). Get a revolver. You know you need a revolver.

Bama Drifter: If someone asked me about a gun for self defense that was simple to use with little training and would be in a common caliber then absolutely I would say go with the M206 over the P64.

But for what the original poster is looking for "something different/plink/grins" then P64 all the way!

Dan

M206. Why? Lifetime warranty, less painful to shoot, parts are available, more ammo choices.

P64 is higher quality. You may not find it pleasant to shoot, though. Be prepared to perform a springendectomy.

I cannot imagine either for EDC and they are not fun plinkers, look further as there are some great pistols available today for every conceivable need.

The M206 got my vote. 158 grain lswc are typically pretty easy on the hand. I have a P-64, and it's not as easy on the hand.

The P64 is so much sexier for a range toy and/or addition to collection.

The M206 bobbed-hammer model has more practical appeal.

If it were me, I'd go with the M206. But I've always liked snubs.

P64 would be an orphan gun with no parts/support, good luck if you break something. M206 is back by RIA/Armscor USA life time warranty. Unknown? Maybe for US buyers but Armscor is a well known gun manufacturer and carried a lot by security guards/body guards in Philippine. If you have a revolver already, really no need to add a M206, go with P64 or other semi-auto such as Bersa.

I would take used Ruger SR9c over either gun mentioned.