Hungarian PA-63 Pistol

The FEG PA-63 is a semi-automatic pistol designed and manufactured by the FEG Arms Factory of Hungary.

History

FEG Arms Factory of Hungary started producing Walther PP/PPK clones in the late 1940s starting with their Model 48 which differed from the Walther PP only in minor details. By the late 1950s FÉG began making broader changes resulting in the PA-63, which uses a 9x18mm Makarov round. It quickly became standard issue to both Hungarian military and police forces. Due to its popularity and relative durability FÉG later issued models using .32ACP and .380 ACP caliber rounds (FEG AP9 and PMK-380 respectively).

The Military standard PA-63 version sports a two-tone polished aluminium frame with black slide, grips, trigger and hammer assembly. While unusual for military issue in that a reflective polish was used, it was chosen due to its relative cheapness as well as quicker build time. Problems related to the durability of the aluminium frame were resolved prior to the development of the PA-63 in 1961 with the production of the FEG R-61 Police Pistol. The addition of .1% titanium to the aluminium alloy solved premature alloy frame wear problems inherent in the earlier FEG aluminium framed pistols. This development was then applied to all aluminium framed FEG guns including the PA-63.

The Makarov Label

PA-63s sold in the United States are often advertised as "PA-63 Makarov." This can lead some consumers to believe they are purchasing a Makarov PM pistol instead of a pistol which is only chambered for the 9 x 18 mm Makarov caliber. The two guns share similar operating principles, but the Makarov PM is a different design featuring all-steel construction and different lockwork.