PM-63 RAK
Łucznik Arms Factory (Fabryka Broni Łucznik) · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1965
Also known as: RAK, wz. 63, PM 63, Pistolet Maszynowy wz. 1963, Ręczny Automat Komandosów
Overview
The PM-63 RAK is a Polish select-fire blowback machine pistol chambered in 9×18mm Makarov, designed by Piotr Wilniewczyc and produced by Łucznik Arms Factory in Radom from 1964 to 1977. Conceived as a personal defense weapon for tank crews, vehicle drivers, ATGM operators, and rear-echelon troops, it bridges the gap between sidearm and submachine gun. Its open-bolt operation via a pistol-style reciprocating slide, integral spoon compensator, folding wire stock, folding foregrip, and uniquely progressive (selectorless) trigger make it one of the most distinctive small arms of the Cold War. Approximately 80,000 were produced, serving the Polish People's Army, Polish police, and various Warsaw Pact and Soviet-aligned states including East Germany, North Vietnam, Cuba, and others.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1600 g (56.4 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 2000 g (70.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 583 mm (22.95") |
| Folded Length | 333 mm (13.11") |
| Barrel Length | 152 mm (5.98") |
| Height | 145 mm (5.71") |
| Sight Radius | 153 mm (6.02") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Progressive Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 25 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 320 m/s (1050 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 320 J (236 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 75 m (82 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x18mm Makarov · primary — also known as 9x18 PM
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: 15 Round Detachable Box, 25 Round Detachable Box
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Progressive Trigger
- Features: Folding Wire Shoulder Stock, Folding Vertical Foregrip, Oversized Reciprocating Slide, Progressive Trigger No Selector, Spoon Shaped Muzzle Compensator, One Handed Cocking Via Slide, Inertia Rate Reducer
Variants
- PM-63 (base) — Production 9x18
- PM-63C — Post Cold War Semi Auto
- PM-70 — 9x19 Prototype
- PM-73 — 380 Acp Prototype
- Type 82 (Chinese) — Norinco Unlicensed Copy
Service history
Operators
- Polish People's Army (LWP) · adopted 1965 · as PM-63
- Polish Police (Milicja Obywatelska) · as PM-63
- East German NVA / Volkspolizei · as PM-63
- Vietnam People's Army · as PM-63
- Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces · as PM-63
- Bulgarian People's Army · as PM-63
- Iraqi Army · as PM-63
Conflicts
- Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia (1968)
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
- Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)
- Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)
- Sri Lankan Civil War (1983-2009)
- Syrian Civil War (2011-present)
Production
Estimated total produced: 80,000 · Production years: 1964-1977
Polish production. Excludes Chinese Type 82 unlicensed copies.
Origin
Country of origin: Poland
Designer: Piotr Wilniewczyc
Discontinued: 1977
Notes
Wilniewczyc died in 1960; design completed by Tadeusz Bednarski, Grzegorz Czubak, and Marian Wakalski. The full RAK acronym ('Ręczny Automat Komandosów') translates as 'Hand-held Commando Automatic'. Native cyclic rate ~840 rpm reduced to ~650 rpm via inertia buffer/slide-mass rate reducer.
Background
The PM-63 has no selector switch - a partial trigger pull discharges a single shot (semi-auto), pulling fully through engages full-auto. The oversized reciprocating slide acts as the bolt and gives the weapon the unmistakable silhouette of a comically large pistol. The slide's forward extension is a spoon-shaped muzzle compensator that can be pressed against a wall, boot heel, or vehicle to cock the weapon one-handed - a deliberate feature for vehicle crews with one hand occupied driving.