Okay, confession time.
I have had a difficult time finding comfortable grips for my PA-63. I have big hands. I keep threatening to make my own set of grips from some nice wood I picked up but am too busy fixing things around the house and trying to move my father's @#$%! boat off the trailer with the busted axle onto the new one.
Anyway, the last time I was at the range I was shooting the PA-63 with the new grips I got from Makarov.com, which were better thant he original but still weren't ideal. The pistol is so small that to use the 'correct' trigger finger position puts my hand in an awkward position. As a result the edge of the frame rubs the top of the highest thumb joint just above the web between thumb and trigger finger. The same problem occurs when I shot my buddy's Walther PP. No matter how I shifted I just couldn't get a solid, comfortable hold on the gun with my size hands.
I got annoyed and just stuck my finger through to the second segment and guess what! Using the incorrect middle segment of my trigger finger the gun seats comfortably in my paw, shoots like it is supposed to and is
finally comfortable.
I know folks are going to shake their heads and preach but, hey, it works. With that hold I can pull the trigger straight back towards me like I am supposed to.
I will maintain the correct position with my other pistols but may switch to the 'middle segment' position with the Hungarian for a while just to see how it goes.
The PA-63 does have a little bit more of a kick, just a tad, since it is about 70 grams lighter. With the new cheating grip it is actually more comfortable to shoot as my hold is more solid.
As for the Makarov, I've toyed with the idea of getting the solid sights for it but that sorta ruins the charm and uniqueness of having that particular pistol. Also, I know Makarov's are inexpensive, but that was my first gun and I wanted to keep that one in good shape and get another gun to use as a knockaround piece. The PA-63 fits that bill nicely. My other stuff is too big and bulky most of the time.
Probably the biggest gripe on the Hungarian is that the sights are even smaller than on the Makarov.
Regards, all
[edited 'cause I can't count]