PM-63 RAK
Fabryka Broni Lucznik-Radom · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1965
Also known as: RAK, wz. 63, PM wz. 1963, Reczny Automat Komandosow
Overview
The PM-63 RAK (Pistolet Maszynowy wz. 1963) is a Polish select-fire submachine gun chambered in 9x18mm Makarov. Designed by Piotr Wilniewczyc and developed by a team at the Fabryka Broni in Radom, it fires from an open bolt on a straight blowback action and bridges the gap between a machine pistol and a conventional submachine gun. It features a slide-mounted muzzle compensator to control rise, a folding wire shoulder stock, and a folding foregrip, allowing one-handed pistol-style use or shouldered automatic fire. A progressive trigger gives semi-automatic fire on a partial press and full-automatic fire on a full press. RAK stands for Reczny Automat Komandosow (handheld automatic for commandos).
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") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Progressive |
| Magazine Capacity | 25 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 320 m/s (1050 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 312 J (230 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x18mm Makarov · primary — also known as 9mm Makarov, 9x18 PM, 9x18mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Grip Safety
- Features: Open Bolt, Folding Stock, Folding Foregrip, Muzzle Compensator, Rate Reducer, Single Hand Operation, Select Fire Via Trigger
Service history
Operators
- Polish Armed Forces · adopted 1965 · as PM-63
- Polish Special Forces · adopted 1965 · as RAK
- East German Police (Volkspolizei)
Conflicts
- Cold War (1965-1991)
Production
Production years: 1965-1977
Produced at the Fabryka Broni in Radom for the Polish military, police, and various Warsaw Pact and allied users.
Origin
Country of origin: Poland
Designer: Piotr Wilniewczyc
Discontinued: 1977
Notes
The unusual slide-on-top layout reciprocates like a pistol; pressing the muzzle compensator against a hard surface can also cock the weapon one-handed. An inertia rate reducer keeps the cyclic rate manageable. Magazines were available in 15- and 25-round capacities.
Background
Designed primarily for tank crews, vehicle operators, and special forces who needed a compact automatic weapon, the RAK could be fired single-handed like a heavy pistol, its top-mounted slide and spoon-shaped compensator taming muzzle climb in bursts.