Pa-63

I'm not a huge fan of any blowback pistol in general, but the PA63 seems to be just as reliable/durable as any other Makarov type design. I've never heard of them having inherent problems so long as they are properly cared for and maintained. In fact the only one I've ever seen fail in my years and years in this sport/hobby has been from some improperly made handloads. Even then the pistol took it like a champ really.

I have two of them, due to an irrational love of 9mmMak. They're snappy to shoot, due to the alloy frame, and the curvature of the back of the grip is uncomfortable to me. However, the price is usually right for them, which is how I wound up with two. Double-action is quite stiff, but at least the magazine release is where I like it to be, unlike some other pistols that shoot the same cartridge. Here's one of mine:

Whoops, double post.

I like them, but the trigger pulls can be over 40lbs -no, thats not a misprint. Pulling the trigger is like picking up a five gallon bucket with your finger. SA trigger is not so bad, about 9lbs, but little creep. An aftermarket hammer spring brings that down to about 10lbs DA, 7SA... pretty decent really. They are a lot like a walther PP, but aluminum framed. Parts are nearly impossible to get, so hope it never breaks, at least last I checked. Springs are made by wolf, and easy to find. Walther parts do not interchange, but may be possible to fit them with so work. 9 makarov can be loaded from 9 para cases, and the missori cast lead bullets shoot very well. With factory ammo, its kinda snappy. I used to shoot 93gr at around 850 fps, and that was very accurate, and low recoiling. Factory ammo tends to push it to about 1000fps The slides are painted, and looks were not a priority.

Ill add, if parts were widely available, I would pay 300-400$ for one. With the light springs, they're everything a PP is. I had a very nice FEG APK that broke a part, and it took almost a year for it (extractor, extractor pawl, safety detent). FEG actually has a very good reputation, and the fact my APK broke a part at low round counts is likely due to a material defect beyond the manufacturers control. Still, these guns a very fun, and you will miss it if it breaks.

I have one in .380

Never really liked it, in fact I'm pretty sure I hate it

Uncomfortable to shoot, horrific trigger pull, recoil that seems impossible for the caliber.

I have had a PA 63 as my small carry pistol for probably 20 yrs. Mine is the one with the black anodized frame (I don't like shinny gunz!)
Yes it has a snappy recoil and Will bite you if you don't hold it right, BUT since I like the PP size pistol (used to carry a Turk Kirkale in 380) and I like the caliber, I quickly learned to hold it correctly. Maby my pistol has a lighter trigger pull, because while a bit stiff it is not at all bothersome. They do make better springs for this pistol.
Sarge

I've had one in 9mm Makarov since the mid 90's and I really like the pistol. It fits my hand well, is a bit snappy to shoot but any light weight pistol shooting even .380 level ammo will be snappy. It is a very accurate gun and in all the years and rounds fired it has never malfunctioned. The trigger pull in double action is very heavy but I replaced the springs with a kit I bought and really helped that problem. This pistol would not be my first choice for concealed carry as the safety is difficult to flip to fire and I wouldn't want carry it with safety off even with the hammer down. I definitely would not carry it cocked. It resided in the console of my car for years in it's role as a vehicle gun. Parts availability is a problem so I wouldn't buy one for a primary defensive gun but it is a fun range toy.

Kaeto said:

Wolff offers 3 hammer spring weights. 9, 11, and 13 pound. Which would you guys recommend?

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Install the 9 lb spring first and shoot it. If you get some misfires due to insufficient impact on the primer, try the 11 lb and so on until you eliminate misfires. I don't remember what weight spring I ended up with.

I have never had a PA-63, but do have a Bulgarian & Russian Makarov and a polish P-64 in 9X18mm. They are tough, dependable and virtually indestructible.

I think I went with the 13 LB. Wolf used to sell them as a set for pretty cheap. The factory spring is just excessive, so I think 11 or 13 will give you good ignition with any ammo. The 11 lb may be a problem for military ammo, though I doubt it. The cheap wolf stuff is current production, and has modern primers.

I had what I believe was the same pistol, but in 32acp. The balance was excellent and it pointed nicely. The trigger wasn't bad at all. I wish I still had it, but a relative talked me out of it.