feg hungery pa-63 a good gun?

About the olny thing good I can say about them is that they are cheap. A good friend of mine has one, and it kicks the crap out of the web of your hand. The sights are next to non existant and the trigger is gritty. For just slightly more you can get a Makarov.


Gunner45

I agree. Look for Pistolet Makarova!!! You'll be better off!!

I have two PA-63s as well as a couple of Makarovs. I prefer shooting the Makarovs (a little larger sights, better double-action trigger, heavier pistol, etc.). BUT, I also like the PA-63s. I really don't understand the often-repeated complaint about the recoil - it may be a little more than a Makarov, but they both shoot the same cartridge, and it's just slightly more powerful than a .380 (makes the regular 9mm look like a magnum in comparison). Any semi-compact .357 or larger, or light 9mm or larger (Kel-Tec, etc.) will have much more recoil.

The PA-63s are nice looking and lighter and thinner than Makarovs. Their biggest drawback is that the double-action trigger pull is VERY heavy. For plinking (which is primarily what I do with them) I just thumb cock for the first shot. I wouldn't argue with the recommendation to get a Makarov (I'd rather have one), but if you like the PA-63, I don't think it would be a mistake. For us Californian's, most Makarovs are no longer available (but PA-63s are still approved).

Doug

I agree, Doug. I have both a PA-63 and a Bulgarian Mak. The PA's recoil may be a bit higher but that's mainly because it's a good bit lighter. To me it also seems a bit more elegant than the Mak.

Makarov.com has a replacement spring kit for the PA-63 that helps with both the recoil and the DA trigger pull. Also, for both pistols, about 1000 snapcap DA dry fires makes the trigger much easier and smoother.

Resp.
g

Ive shot both..the examples of which were both surplus.
The PA was looser than the Mak which for some reason used to be how they were..for the most part. Lately Ive seen LNIB PA's circulating at the shops. Anyway.......
The PA is a reliable gun..most run along like a PM does. FEG makes a smaller version called an SMC918..its the smallest 9x18 gun made I know of and the one I used to shoot actually did hurt my hand.
For the same money, IMO, youll like the Mak better. Its got about a zillion times the aftermarket support and has sites like Makarov.com. Shoot well

I have both a PA_63 and a Bulgarian Makarov.

My PA-63 will chamber only L.V.E. brand ammo, it seems. The Barnual I usually use in my Mak gets physically stuck in the chamber of the PA-63.

Also, my PA-63 drops the magazines when firing. I have to hook my pinky underneath to hold the mag in. Not sure what's going on here. I'd like to take the magazine release out to have a look at it, but I can't figure out how.

The double-action trigger pull as received was abysmal, probably in excess of 30 pounds. I replaced the spring with a Wolf spring from Makarov.com, its much better.

On the good side, I have absolutely no trouble with felt recoil. The gun fits my hand well, points naturally, and is quite comfortable to shoot. I have pretty small hands, so perhaps that explains it.

If I could only get that magazine dropping problem fixed...

If Barnaul is getting stuck in the chamber....Its lacquer buildup...
It gets hot and comes off of the cases...it used to give me fits :banghead:
Get NASTY gun/bore cleaner and it will get lacquer out...only shoot a little at a time and when you shoot alot and your gun gets "HOT"...you will get more lacquer in the chamber...mag lips etc.....just clean the snot out of it and it will work again.

Shoot well.....

I love the PA 63. I love Maks better.

The three main problems with the PA 63 are; the 52 pound DA trigger pull....easily fixed by replacing the mainspring from Makarov.com. Other problem is that the grip design, as elegant as it looks, really does hurt a lot of shooters. I'm not a wuss (really, I'm not!) but my MCP joint at my thumb still throbs after shooting several boxes through the '63. That was last summer! The last problem is the dumb thumb rest on the left grip panel....bad place for us lefties. There is a guy on the Mak boards that offer wood grips to replace the stock ones.

If someone could manufacture a recontoured grip that strightens the backstrap a bit, that would solve the problem.

I picked up a PA-63 at a gunshow for $80.00. Put the spings and Pachmeyer grips on it,and it's my new carry gun. I've already put over 500rds through it, without a single glitch. I use the Braunel 95g bullet,and through my unscientific expansion tests I've gotten approx .60-.63 expansion on the load. It is the most accurate gun of that size that I've ever fired, and with the new spring, the double trigger is less than most revolvers, and the single action breaks around 4lbs. I've put my time in with the gun-and I feel very comfortable out to 25yds with this little gem, plus I think the two tone looks better than a Mak.

I have both a Mak and a PA-63.

I love the little PA-63, especially the kick. The weapon is extremely accurate and, for the price, you can't beat em.

I'm going to buy another one of these days.

The PA-63 is every bit as good a gun as a Makarov,and better for carrying due to its alloy frame.Slip on one of those baby rubber grips if your'e a cry-baby!

I like my PA-63, it's reliable and pretty darn accurate for it's size, but it does kick a bit. I'd love to have a Makarov too, but they've dropped off the Calif. approved list.
&*%#@$$ list!

I'am having trouble finding the rubber grips for the Hungarian PA-63, help me. What is the part number on Makarov.com to help with the trigger pull? I want to get one. I just got one from Centerfiresystems.com for $99.99, @$118 with shipping. Going to carry it but the plastic grips have to go.

I haven't heard of the rubber grips, but I'm sure interested. I wonder if a Hogue grip could be cut to size.

Personally, I have no problem with the stock grips on my now TWO PA-63s, the Twins!

I have a PA-63 and for giggles and grins I converted it to .380. One word of caution, when you remove the grips be very careful, unlike a Walther PP or PPK the cocking lever/piece pins are not staked in and will fall out. If you lose one or both Numrich has replacements listed under Kassner PMK (same gun). I don't think I've ever seen rubber grips for a PA-63 but the Handall Junior works very well.

I shot dad's today and it's not that bad. Since I won't have mine till Wednesday or Thursday. We alwas shot pistols at about 30yrds though.

Easilly the biggest POS I have ever owned...

Wow, I take it you've never fired a S&W 645...

Anyhow, I think its a decent pistol, but agree completely with Gunner's first response. I'd only change makarov to CZ-82.

I've heard the alloy frame can be damaged over time unless the mainspring is replace.

I think they're decent, especially if you factor in the price (the $99 from centerfire can't be beat...heck, that's not a lot more than a raven!)

Dad-Gammit, what springs did you change on your PA-63? I want to do the same to mine. Where did you get them and what was the part number? Any information would be great.

I've got both the SMC918 and the PA63. The smaller SMC is nicer to shoot due to its heavier all steel frame. Both are absolutely reliable with Cor Bon and make very nice pocket pistols. KBI used to sell grips without the "thumb rest" for just a few bucks. They were the original grips but the thumb rest grips were installed on all US imports to meet factoring laws to get them into the country.

I too have been considering getting this gun, it's got an incredible price ($120 from J&DSales or SOG). However, since I don't have anything in 9x18 I'd also have to buy new ammo...always a consideration. The downsides I've heard on this model is that it's very easy to slice your hand pretty badly with the slide (due to the grip posture I'm guessing?) and that it kicks pretty heavy because the gun is lightweight. The kick doesn't scare me that much. the only reason I haven't ordered one yet is because they're not C&R, my local shops charge me an outrageous fee of $50 per firearm to transfer. Other than that, it would seem these guns are pretty accurate, reliable and very slick looking (as opposed to say a CZ52 which is around the same price right now).

Striker, Centerfire Systems has them for $99.99 plus shipping. Mine was $117.34 with shipping. Had no trouble with the slide catching my hand though? Maybe someone is holding it wrong. I would try one, why not for $120. Also I got 500 rds of Silver Bear for $87 with shipping off Gunbroker.

That's a pretty good deal. What kind of condition was yours? I think I will still get one but not for a little bit as I just wound up spending the money I was thinking about using for the PA63 on a Stoeger .22 Luger. Ah, the things I could buy if I had money...

I had one once.....

Didn't like the bite, personally I don't find it fun to shoot guns that cause your hand to ache, but some people get off on that kinda thing I guess. It shot ok most of the time, but I had a number of ftf and fte's with various types of ammo. I paid $89 for mine back a few years ago and I'm glad I didn't pay any more, one of those guns I'll never buy another of.

I would certainly never say that a PA-63 is as good as a Makarov, give me a break