FEG PA-63
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| FÉG PA-63 | |
|---|---|
 FÉG PA-63 |
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| Type | pistol |
| Place of origin |  Hungary |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Hungary |
| Production history | |
| Designer | FÉG |
| Designed | Late 1950s |
| Manufacturer | FÉG |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 21oz (unloaded), 26oz (loaded) |
| Length | 6.9 in |
| Barrel length | 3.9 in |
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| Cartridge | 9x18mm Makarov |
| Action | blowback |
| Muzzle velocity | 315 m/s |
| Effective range | 50 m (54.7 yd) |
| Feed system | 7-round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | blade front, notch rear |
The FÉG PA-63 is a semi-automatic pistol designed and manufactured by the FÉGARMY Arms Factory of Hungary.
Contents |
[edit] History
FÉGARMY 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 (FÉG 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 FÉG R-61 Police Pistol. The addition of .1% titanium to the aluminium alloy solved premature alloy frame wear problems inherent in the earlier FÉG aluminium framed pistols. This development was then applied to all aluminium framed FÉG guns including the PA-63.
[edit] 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.
[edit] Problems with the PA-63
The PA-63 design reflects a compromise between police and military needs.
The safety/decocking lever, located on the rear of the slide, must be pushed forward to disengage the safety. Aficionados of the John Browning-designed Model 1911 may find this design unfamiliar, although those with experience using more modern designs such as the Makarov PM or Beretta M9 pistols will find the safety/decocking lever to be located in a similar position.
The 7-round magazine capacity is much lower than many newer service pistol designs. Also a factor is the relatively low stopping power of full metal jacketed (FMJ) 9x18mm Makarov ammunition when compared to the .45 ACP or 9x19mm Parabellum rounds. The 9x18mm standard loading has muzzle energy slightly higher than .380 ACP cartridge, that is to say, significantly less than than the 9x19mm cartridge. Modern 9x18mm cartridges using jacketed hollow point bullets, however, have improved the terminal ballistic performance of this cartridge over the original solid bullet service cartridge.
Due to its lighter-weight alloy construction, the PA-63 handgun produces more noticeable recoil than the similarly sized, all steel Makarov PM, and some shooters may note an increased tendency toward muzzle flip with each shot. This tendency can be reduced by replacing the stock recoil spring with a stronger one, readily available as an aftermarket item.
Many of the objections raised to the PA-63 have to do with its perception as a military service pistol in the tradition of the American M1911A1, the Russian Tokarev, the German Walther P-38 and P-08 Luger, or the Browning High-Power. As its design can be traced back to a German pocket pistol intended for concealed carry in a pocket or under a coat rather than in a holster on the battlefield, these objections are perhaps understandable. After the fall of communism in 1990, the Hungarian army and police units initiated a program to replace the PA-63 with pistols using the NATO standard 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, first the imported Jericho Model 941, followed by the domestically produced P9RC.
[edit] References
Ian V. Hogg and, John Walter (2004). Pistols of the World, 4th Ed.. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87349-460-1.
Hartink, A.E. (2003). The Complete Encyclopedia of Pistols and Revolvers. Edison, New Jersey: Chartwell. ISBN 0-7858-1871-5.
