FEG RK-59
FEG Arms Factory · Pistol · Discontinued · 1959
Also known as: Femaru RK-59, RK-59
Overview
The FEG RK-59 is a Hungarian double-action/single-action blowback pistol chambered in 9x18mm Makarov. Scaled to the size of the Walther PPK it cloned, the RK-59 paired a lightweight aluminum-alloy frame with a blued steel slide and was developed for the AVH secret police and military officers needing a concealable sidearm after Warsaw Pact standardization on the 9x18mm cartridge. Its soft aluminum frame wore quickly under the Makarov round, leading FEG to revise the alloy in the R61 and ultimately the PA-63.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 590 g (20.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 162 mm (6.38") |
| Barrel Length | 86 mm (3.39") |
| Height | 110 mm (4.33") |
| Width | 30 mm (1.18") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 315 m/s (1033 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 302 J (223 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x18mm Makarov · primary — also known as 9mm Makarov, 9x18 PM, 9x18mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Half Cock Notch
- Features: Two Tone Finish, Fixed Sights, Exposed Hammer, Lightweight Aluminum Frame, Ppk Pattern
Production
Production years: 1959-1961
Short production run before being superseded by the improved R61.
Origin
Country of origin: Hungary
Designer: FEG Arms Factory
Discontinued: 1961
Notes
Magazines hold 6 rounds but the pistol also accepts the 7-round PA-63 magazine. Direct developmental predecessor of the FEG R61 and PA-63.
Background
Rarely seen today, the RK-59 was issued to plainclothes AVH officers, pilots and vehicle crews who needed a compact pistol in confined spaces. The aluminum frame's tendency to wear and crack under repeated 9x18mm firing made it short-lived, but it established the lightweight PPK-clone formula that the long-serving PA-63 would perfect.