Aim Surplus P-64 Review

[Sebastian the Ibis]

I just got out to the range with the P -64 I ordered from Aim Surplus two weeks ago. It is soaking in break free right now before I clean it up and switch the springs and I thought I would write my first review.

Appearance

The bluing is beautiful. It looks like a gun that costs 3 times as much. The bore is perfect. The finish on the P64 I received was not quite as nice as the one pictured, http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1P64&groupid=3. as the one I received had some holster wear near the muzzle, but it is still very good. The red dot marking “fire/ not safe” came off as I was cleaning the cosmoline.

At the Range

This gun is accurate. At 7 yards, the groups were tight and there were no fliers once I got settled in. It took about 10 shots to completely eliminate any trace of the apx. one inch circle stickers I was shooting at. This is about half as many shots as it took me with my Glock 19 shooting bullets of the same diameter.

The recoil was modest. I think it directs the recoil backwards more than upwards. Aimed follow up shots were quick, but I could feel it in the web of my hand between my thumb and forefinger. A couple strips of grip tape on the back may be in order.

The Trigger

When firing single action, the trigger is smooth as butter. I was light sweet crisp and as I said before accurate (all the shooting I did at the range save for apx 10 rounds was SA).
However, in double action the trigger is horrible if not unusable. I am guessing that the trigger pull fluctuates from 20- 30 lbs in DA. I have to squeeze as hard as I possibly can get a shot off, it is not accurate in DA. Hence, I purchased a multipack of Wolf replacement hammer springs which I will attempt to install tonight.

Carrying

I purchased this pistol because I wanted a small pistol that would be safe for pocket carry. I was drawn to these since they have a thumb safety and because they have a heavy trigger. Both the safety and the hammer can be pretty easily and quickly manipulated in the pocket, even in the DeSantis pocket holster I picked up for it. I believe I will carry this with a round in the chamber, safety on and hammer decocked. Flipping the safety on decocks the hammer automatically on these. Then I will practice flipping the safety off and cocking the hammer with my thumb as I draw. This may change depending on how heavy the trigger feels after replacing the hammer spring.

Hopefully I can figure out how to upload pictures once I have everything put back together.

 

[amd6547]

I carry mine chamber loaded, safety off. The double action trigger and hammer block makes it safe to do so.

 

[W.E.G.]

If the DA trigger pull is 30 pounds, why use the safety at all if the hammer is carried in the down-position?

 

[outerlimit]

That's the first semi-positive review I've ever read of these guns. I handled one at a gunshop years ago when they first became available and I was not impressed at all. They are still about the same price now as they were back then. I suppose they would make a decent knock-around gun. Better than a Jennings! Too bad they're not C&R.

 

[JHK94]

I carry mine in a pocket holster all the time. The spring change made a huge difference. When I shoot it at the range, I shoot 1/3-1/2 of my shots in DA, and I get groups similar to shots in SA. I really, really like this gun, and I think it is one of the best bargains out there. I got it at a time when I wanted a small, pocketable pistol, and didn't have too much money to spend on it.

Like you said, the fit and finish are really good. In fact, I think it really spoiled me for looking at cheaper new-production guns. It has performed really reliably, and conceals incredibly well.

 

[turbocat]

this little pistol is probably one of the best kept secrets around. a $10.00,15minute spring change results in an amazing concealed carry piece.all steel,extremely reliable (at least 2500 rounds without a failure so far),very accurate,inexpensive,the snappy(sharp even) recoil is manageable with a round that is sufficient. it points very well too. i carried mine for 6 or 7 years until recently. i went to a slightly smaller pistol in 9mm. 9mm ammo is cheaper than 9x18, and a lot cheaper than .380....plus the extra power and readily available. it has always stumped me that people turn their noses up at the p-64,and then buys something needing fluff and buff........

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

I just did the spring change. It took me 15 mins. or less. I have no mechanical background and I didn't have punch but was still able to get the job done with a screw driver, nail and box cutter (to open the package the springs came in). The DA trigger seems reasonable now. I can't wait to get it to the range and give it a try. For apx. $200.00 this looks like it is going to be exactly what I wanted.

 

[panther22]

They are nice pistols. I didn't realize Aim had them in, just checked their site, and they are sold out

 

[GrandmasterB]

How big are these compared to say a Kahr PM9 or other pocket guns?

 

[Will-Seattle]

I bought a P64 a few years ago. It is a well made gun, but I don't shoot it much. I am not recoil sensitive. I don't have a problem with hot 44 mag loads, but the P64 just does not fit my hand well. I have played with different hand positions to no avail. I am good for maybe 10-15 rounds and then I need to stop, as it feels like my palm has been slapped with a ruler several times. My russion makarov with the same ammo is not a problem at all, and I can go through a couple hundred rounds without a problem.

This experience was a good lesson for me. I have taken out a few 1st timers and I always make certain that I take a few differnent types of handguns for them to try.

Will

 

[Mainsail]

I was light sweet crisp and...

I'm not touching that...

Seriously, thanks for the review! I was looking at those (and apparently waited too long...).

 

[Gelgoog]

I would take a P64 anyday over a PPK.

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

How big are these compared to say a Kahr PM9 or other pocket guns?

If my memory serves correctly it is basically the same size as a PM9 but the handle is shorter.

I would take a P64 anyday over a PPK.

The finish is nicer than the ppk's I've seen. And it doesn't shoot .380.