What can anyone tell me about the AP-9?

Cyrano · 06-09-2008, 07:03 PM

Hi, guys. I have a chance to buy a FEG Model AP-9 in .32 ACP for about $130 with 1 mag, NRA Good condition. I've found a source for additional magazines. From what I understand, the AP-9 is the 7.65mm/.32 ACP version of the PA-63, which itself is a kissin' cousin of the Walther PP.

Is this a good price for what it is? Is the AP-9 as relaible as the PA-63 and the PP? Any advice will be appreciated.

Chas · 06-09-2008, 08:21 PM

Check out Centerfire Systems, Inc. Before you make that purchase. It may or may not be cheaper. Chas

Pope130 · 06-09-2008, 09:52 PM

My wife has an AP-7.65 (same gun, different markings). I'm quite impressed by the quality of workmanship.

Even before shooting it I ordered a set of springs from Wolf. The factory hammer spring was much to heavy, and the recoil spring was light and mushy. The Wolf springs made a world of difference. Other threads here address procedures for replacing the springs, I heartily endorse them. There are little parts inside under tension that can go flying.

It's pleasant to shoot, reliable so far, and very accurate. The grip shape is excellent!

I payed $159.00 for it, and feel I got a good deal.

Robert

Cyrano · 06-09-2008, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pope130

My wife has an AP-7.65 (same gun, different markings). Even before shooting it I ordered a set of springs from Wolf. The factory hammer spring was much to heavy, and the recoil spring was light and mushy. The Wolf springs made a world of difference. Other threads here address procedures for replacing the springs, I heartily endorse them. There are little parts inside under tension that can go flying.

Robert, how much did the springs set you back and how difficult was the replacement job? Where did you get a manual for the AP?

Pope130 · 06-10-2008, 12:52 AM

Cyrano,
I don't have a printed manual yet, still looking. Several earlier threads link to copies of the AP-380 and PA-63, which are mechanically similar.

The spring replacement procedure is very nicely shown in this link:

Changing Pa-63 Springs - Gunboard's Forums

The link was first posted by DrBoomBoom, thanx!

It was not particularly difficult, and wouldn't have taken long if I hadn't spent about half an hour crawling over the floor looking for the little spring loaded plunger that presses the firing pin down.

I got both the "Recoil Calibration Pak" and the "Hammer Spring Pak" from Wolf. The recoil pak includes an 11, 13, and a 15 pound spring (plus new firing pin springs) for $18.79, the hammer pak includes a 9, 11 and 13 pound spring for $9.00. These sets are intended for the PA-63, which fires 9x18. These are much hotter than .32's (my reloading manual shows about 125 f/p for the .32 ACP, 185 to 215 f/p for the 9x18) so require more recoil spring. The Eastern European surplus ammo often has hard primers, that need a strong hammer hit. If you don't want the three spring pack the individual recoil spring in any of the powers is available for $7.89, the hammer spring is 4.29.

When using US commercial ammo, in the AP-7.65 I found the 11 pound recoil spring and the 9 pound hammer spring work just fine. I've also used Sellier and Bellot ($5.25 for 25 rounds at the gun show) works fine. The hottest I've tried is the CorBon hollow point. No problems.

I don't consider the other springs a waste of money, as I'm planning on getting a PA-63 in 9x18, or .380 sometime anyway.

Hope this helps. Not trying to talk you into buying one, but I will say I'm happy with mine. Err, hers that is.

Robert

Cyrano · 06-10-2008, 03:45 PM

Robert, you don't need to talk me into it. I've don that myself. One of my "the one that got away" stories was a Walther PP in .32 ACP with 3 mags that showed up at the gun shop when I didn't have a spare $300 and was sold three days before I had the money in hand. This AP-9 is just as good at about 40% of the price.

Cyrano · 06-19-2008, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chas

Check out Centerfire Systems, Inc. Before you make that purchase. It may or may not be cheaper. Chas

Chas, it's a LOT cheaper there. Unfortunately, Centerfire will not sell to anyone in New York State. Not private citizens, not Class 03 C&R FFLs, not Class 01 FFLs - nobody. They simply do not want to deal with the chickenshit the Peoples Democratic Republic of New York inflicts on firearms dealers, including wholesalers that sell to retailers. Which is a shame, because Centerfire's price for a 7.65mm AP-MBP (aka the AP-9) is about $50 cheaper than anywhere else I've found.

dmb3006 · 07-22-2008, 05:29 AM

I lived in up state New York most of my life.It is a shame that so many people don't know how nice it is to be able to buy and sell guns,in other states.I know live in central Florida.Its like living in America.Lower sales tax,no state income taxes,fill out 4473 pick up your purchase 3 business days later.CWP granted if you have no crimminal back ground.No inspection stickers,or registration sticker on windshield of your car,no ugly front plate;and no snow and ice.If you do your part the Castle law lets you feel very safe at home.That means if you break in don't live there and get hurt or killed as a result,the law says you brought it on your self.Works for me.

06-09-2008, 07:03 PM	#1
Cyrano Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New York Posts: 2,860	What can anyone tell me about the AP-9? Hi, guys. I have a chance to buy a FEG Model AP-9 in .32 ACP for about $130 with 1 mag, NRA Good condition. I've found a source for additional magazines. From what I understand, the AP-9 is the 7.65mm/.32 ACP version of the PA-63, which itself is a kissin' cousin of the Walther PP. Is this a good price for what it is? Is the AP-9 as relaible as the PA-63 and the PP? Any advice will be appreciated.

07-22-2008, 05:29 AM	#8
dmb3006 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 11	I don't miss NEW YORK STATE laws I lived in up state New York most of my life.It is a shame that so many people don't know how nice it is to be able to buy and sell guns,in other states.I know live in central Florida.Its like living in America.Lower sales tax,no state income taxes,fill out 4473 pick up your purchase 3 business days later.CWP granted if you have no crimminal back ground.No inspection stickers,or registration sticker on windshield of your car,no ugly front plate;and no snow and ice.If you do your part the Castle law lets you feel very safe at home.That means if you break in don't live there and get hurt or killed as a result,the law says you brought it on your self.Works for me.

06-09-2008, 08:21 PM	#2
Chas Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lexington,Kentucky Posts: 32	Check out Centerfire Systems, Inc. Before you make that purchase. It may or may not be cheaper. Chas

06-09-2008, 09:52 PM	#3
Pope130 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 145	My wife has an AP-7.65 (same gun, different markings). I'm quite impressed by the quality of workmanship. Even before shooting it I ordered a set of springs from Wolf. The factory hammer spring was much to heavy, and the recoil spring was light and mushy. The Wolf springs made a world of difference. Other threads here address procedures for replacing the springs, I heartily endorse them. There are little parts inside under tension that can go flying. It's pleasant to shoot, reliable so far, and very accurate. The grip shape is excellent! I payed $159.00 for it, and feel I got a good deal. Robert

06-10-2008, 12:52 AM	#5
Pope130 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 145	Cyrano, I don't have a printed manual yet, still looking. Several earlier threads link to copies of the AP-380 and PA-63, which are mechanically similar. The spring replacement procedure is very nicely shown in this link: Changing Pa-63 Springs - Gunboard's Forums The link was first posted by DrBoomBoom, thanx! It was not particularly difficult, and wouldn't have taken long if I hadn't spent about half an hour crawling over the floor looking for the little spring loaded plunger that presses the firing pin down. I got both the "Recoil Calibration Pak" and the "Hammer Spring Pak" from Wolf. The recoil pak includes an 11, 13, and a 15 pound spring (plus new firing pin springs) for $18.79, the hammer pak includes a 9, 11 and 13 pound spring for $9.00. These sets are intended for the PA-63, which fires 9x18. These are much hotter than .32's (my reloading manual shows about 125 f/p for the .32 ACP, 185 to 215 f/p for the 9x18) so require more recoil spring. The Eastern European surplus ammo often has hard primers, that need a strong hammer hit. If you don't want the three spring pack the individual recoil spring in any of the powers is available for $7.89, the hammer spring is 4.29. When using US commercial ammo, in the AP-7.65 I found the 11 pound recoil spring and the 9 pound hammer spring work just fine. I've also used Sellier and Bellot ($5.25 for 25 rounds at the gun show) works fine. The hottest I've tried is the CorBon hollow point. No problems. I don't consider the other springs a waste of money, as I'm planning on getting a PA-63 in 9x18, or .380 sometime anyway. Hope this helps. Not trying to talk you into buying one, but I will say I'm happy with mine. Err, hers that is. Robert

06-10-2008, 03:45 PM	#6
Cyrano Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New York Posts: 2,860	Robert, you don't need to talk me into it. I've don that myself. One of my "the one that got away" stories was a Walther PP in .32 ACP with 3 mags that showed up at the gun shop when I didn't have a spare $300 and was sold three days before I had the money in hand. This AP-9 is just as good at about 40% of the price.