FEG PA-63
FEG Arms Factory · Pistol · Discontinued · 1963
Also known as: PA-63, Pisztoly 63M, 63M
Overview
The FEG PA-63 is a Hungarian blowback-operated, hammer-fired semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x18mm Makarov. Adopted in 1963 as the standard service sidearm of the Hungarian People's Army and police, it is a derivative of the Walther PP design with a lightweight aluminum-alloy frame and a steel slide. The fixed barrel doubles as the recoil-spring guide, and the double-action/single-action trigger pairs with a slide-mounted decocking safety. Manufactured by FEG in Budapest, large numbers were imported into the United States as surplus after the Cold War, where it became popular as an affordable concealed-carry pistol.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 595 g (21.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 660 g (23.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 175 mm (6.89") |
| Barrel Length | 100 mm (3.94") |
| Height | 127 mm (5.00") |
| Width | 30 mm (1.18") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 315 m/s (1033 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 303 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, 9x18mm PM
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Decocker, Manual Safety
- Features: Fixed Barrel, Exposed Hammer, Single Stack Magazine, Thumb Rest Grip, Pinky Extension Floorplate
Service history
Operators
- Hungarian People's Army · adopted 1963 · as PA-63
- Hungarian Police · adopted 1963 · as PA-63
Production
Production years: 1963-1996
Standard Hungarian military and police sidearm throughout the Cold War; widely exported as surplus to the United States after 1990.
Origin
Country of origin: Hungary
Designer: FEG
Discontinued: 1996
Notes
Essentially a Walther PP clone scaled to the Warsaw Pact 9x18mm Makarov cartridge; later commercial variants were also produced in .32 ACP and .380 ACP. Surplus examples often benefit from aftermarket recoil and hammer springs.
Background
Built around the Walther PP design that FEG had already adapted for its earlier Model 48, the PA-63 served the Hungarian People's Army for over three decades before being replaced. Its Cold War surplus made it one of the most affordable 9x18mm Makarov pistols on the American market.