PA-63 or FEG A-7?

[Animal Mother]

I'm planning on ordering one of these two PPK clones from SOG later today, but I'm not sure which one I'll like better. From what I understand they are essentially the same gun, but the PA-63 is chambered in 9x18 and the A-7 is chambered in .32 ACP. I'm planning on using the gun as a range toy or in a pinch, as a CCW.

I have a boatload of 9x18 ammo stockpiled, but I have no other guns in .32 ACP.

From what I understand, the PA-63 is punishing to shoot, while the A-7 is fairly pleasant. I wouldn't shoot much more than a box at a range session. But I can buy spring kits to make the PA-63 less harsh, I don't know if those springs kits will also fit the A-7.

The PA-63 is $40 more than the A-7.

What would you buy/recommend?

 

[jackstinson]

This is only my opinion: Since you are planning on this being a range gun (with CCW in only a pinch), the AP-7 is easier on your hand and there is some CCW-specific ammo out now.
I have both. Even with stock spring weights, the PA-63 isn't too bad on my hand once I got rid of the thumb rest. But it does have more recoil than the .32acp version. The AP-7 is just fun to shoot. THE PA-63 is fun also...just with a bit more recoil. Both of mine are 100% reliable.
HOWEVER.....since you already have 9x18 ammo on hand and no other .32acp pistols, it may be best for you to buy the PA-63.
Rats, I can't change my vote....buy one of each.

Jack

 

[LoneCoon]

I had a PA 63, and I gotta say I didn't like it much. It was just too light and it wasn't fun to shoot.

I assume since you've got Makarov ammo out the ying yang, that you've got at least one. If you don't, I recommend getting a Bulgarian or Polish Makarov instead of either of your choices.

 

[Animal Mother]

Thanks Jack, I appreciate your input, its good to actually talk to someone who has owned both. Are the operations of the two essentially the same? I'm thinking mostly about the terrible DA trigger pull.
--
LoneCoon, thanks, I've already got a Bulgarian Mak and CZ82, and I've been looking at the Polish Maks, but I have just got to get a PPK look-a-like. I've always admired the lines of the PPK, its very classy.

 

[JonF]

I have the PA63 and in stock configuration, the recoil did slightly sting a little for the first few shots. I would never use the word 'punishing' to describe the intensity though. I did replace the recoil spring with a 15# unit from Wolff and the recoil is dramatically tamer so much so that with it, i could shoot a couple boxes in a single session without any worries. Its a cheap and quick modification that you can get from Wolff or Midway (get the reduced hammer spring while your at it too to lighten the trigger pull).

 

[panther22]

I voted for the PA-63. Since you have the ammo anyway, I think it's a fun gun to shoot, and pretty reliable.
But, if I were you, I'd see if you can find a CZ 82. They are also 9x18, a little heavier then the PA-63, so alot nicer to shoot. It's a steel frame gun, 12rd. magazine, and CZ builds them like tanks.
Although I have to agree with Jack, buy one of each while we still can.

 

[woad_yurt]

I have a PA-63 and have replaced the hammer and recoil springs with some from Wolf. Now, it's a great shooter. I am no recoil junkie so keep that in mind when I say that the recoil from a PA-63 is totally acceptable once one puts in some decent springs. The DA trigger pull is also perfectly fine. The springs cost me about $20 delivered, btw.

If it's jacket or coat weather, I like my PA-63 enough to make it my exclusive carry gun. It's a great pistol for the price.

Regarding the money saved if you buy the .32:
A few boxes of .32 ammo will negate that right quick. Go with the PA-63. You'll be fine.

 

[Animal Mother]

Well doggone, I tried to order a PA-63 and they were out of stock, so I went with the A-7 handpick. We'll see how it turns out.

Does anyone know if the Wolff springs for the PA-63 will work in the A-7, I'd really like to lighten up the DA pull?

 

[makarovnik]

A-7.

The PA-63 is nice looking and OK to shoot if you put a new spring kit and rubber grips on it. Mine had lots of FTF's before and after I replaced the springs.

It hated truncated cone and some eastern european and russian hollow points wouldn't even fit in the mag if memory serves me correct.

I traded it for a 9mm Hi-Point and am much happier. Not as pretty but boy does it work.

 

[makarovnik]

Duplicate post, not my fault.

 

[BB1980]

Where can you find the rubber grips for the PA63? I can't seem to find them.

 

[Animal Mother]

UPDATE:

Well, After SOG screwed up my order for my AP-7 (I don't know how, they never called me to tell me why they didn't charge my card), I ordered an excellent condition PA-63 from CDNN for $139.

It arrived today, I haven't had a chance to shoot it, but the DA trigger wasn't nearly as bad as I expected (its heavy, but very doable ~10lbs). The stock grips have got to go, as I am a lefty, but I'm very pleased with the build quality and finish for the price, light and thin.

 

[BB1980]

Rubber grips? Anyone? Where to buy?

 

[JonF]

It arrived today, I haven't had a chance to shoot it, but the DA trigger wasn't nearly as bad as I expected (its heavy, but very doable ~10lbs). The stock grips have got to go, as I am a lefty, but I'm very pleased with the build quality and finish for the price, light and thin.

I guarantee its much higher than that (unless u luck out with a super slick factory trigger). I never measured it stock (didn't have a trigger gauge yet), but with the wolf reduced power hammer spring and me giving the hammer/sear a light polish, i measured the SA pull at ~7.5 lbs and the DA at ~12 lbs off the top of my head. This was measured with my newly acquired Lyman digital gauge which is definitely accurate when i compare it to known trigger weights and hanging dead weight from it as well as a benchmark. I feel that after the spring change/polishing it is drastically improved and can only imagine what the stock numbers may have been prior to that.