New PA-63 Owner!

rgoff31 · 02-03-2003, 10:29 AM

I purchased a PA-63 imported from KBI this Weekend.
I bought it at a gunshow for $130.00
It came with two magazines and a manual in a cardboard box.

Let me just say I love this gun!

The KBI box said 9x18 but the KBI manual mentions .380
It of course is a 9mm Makarov but I thought that was odd.

I fired it this sunday and I experienced the bite everyone
talks about. I've read about the replacement springs but
I was just wondering if the bite is something your hand
gets used to. I was thinking of some kind of fingerless
shooting gloves or some kinda of padding on the frame?

NRAJOE · 02-03-2003, 10:31 AM

Nice gun for the price! Good shooting to ya! :right:

Calvin · 02-03-2003, 10:48 AM

As far as the "bite" goes, you'll have to lower your grip on it. You never really get used to the bite, just as you wouldn't get used to cutting your face every time you shaved.
Gloves will only give your hand a bigger profile and will get eaten up by the slide, too. Figure out a lower grip, and practice, practice, PRACTICE until it becomes memory reflex every time you pick it up. Otherwise, you're gonna get aggravated. JMHO
Sounds like you got a good price on it. Glad you like it, too.

NRAJOE · 02-03-2003, 10:54 AM

I always practice a low grip on semi-autos...see Cal, I could have gotten smart arse on that one too, low grip and whatnot

Calvin · 02-03-2003, 11:26 AM

Thanks, pal!!

NRAJOE · 02-03-2003, 11:58 AM

...but I do always keep a low "grip"

...sorry, my head was gonna explode...feel better now!

Calvin · 02-03-2003, 12:08 PM

Oh, man! That one begged for a reply, but I'll be civil here.

Besides, "I like to work for my jokes. This one's way too easy"...

NRAJOE · 02-03-2003, 12:09 PM

FEG · 02-03-2003, 02:30 PM

After I bought the replacement springs from makarov.com, the only ammo that gave me the "web sting" was the Wolf 109gr FMJ and the Silver Bear (which is so high in pressure that I wouldn't recommend it in the pistol anyway). The Barnaul JHPs and S&B FMJ are now very comfortable. If you shoot a large number of rounds in one session (more than a couple of boxes), I magine that these will eventually wear you out as well. It is possible that I am now gripping the pistol lower than I used to, but the replacement spring kit REALLY helped.

cartergs · 08-08-2006, 01:08 PM

NOTE!!!!
Still trying to confirm.
Heard the use of HP's in these cause.
RADICAL Slid RELESE !!!!
The lower is aircraft alloy, slide is steel.
Won't take pressures of HP'S for to long.
Don't Quote me on this.
I'm still getting info, on subject
SHOOT SAFE!!!

Teakwood · 08-14-2006, 06:33 AM

The issue with ammo and the PA63 is twofold.

1) ^The PA63 was designed for 95 gr ammo. The alloy frame on the PA63 is going to fail eventually. Using heavy weight rounds (105 gr - 120 gr) results in greater stress on the frame and leads to premature failure.

2) The issue with hollowpoints is that the PA63 was designed for FMJ. Some 9x18 hollow points have habit of jamming in a PA63.

tonygrz · 08-22-2006, 10:37 AM

Hi,

I also just got a PA-63 and was pleasantly surprised about the recoil. I had also heard about the bad recoil, even from the guy I bought it from. But when I shot it, I didn't notice any worse recoil than shooting a lightweight 9MM. Never got pinched either. I was shooting Wolf 100 gr FMJ. I really like the gun and keep it as my "truck" gun.

Tony

FutureMarine · 08-23-2006, 02:09 AM

im sure it will be just as reliable as most guns you can find. good CCW peice too!

Jay1958 · 08-23-2006, 10:43 AM

What does "fail eventually" mean in real terms? Presumably most things are going to "fail eventually", even the sun will burn out "eventually". Assuming no heavy weight or "hot" rounds are used, what is the normal service life of a PA-63? I've heard of some semi-auto pistols with 25,000 rounds thru them and still going strong... and I've heard of other handguns that have a service life of only a thousand or two thousand rounds. Obviously there are tremendous variables involved, even with the same type of gun - ammo, maintenance, etc.

Jay1958

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teakwood

The PA63 was designed for 95 gr ammo. The alloy frame on the PA63 is going to fail eventually. Using heavy weight rounds (105 gr - 120 gr) results in greater stress on the frame and leads to premature failure.

toolman · 09-20-2006, 07:33 PM

FWIW, once I get the pattern made, I'm going to work on a set of grips that will position the hand lower to help with the bite problem.

al6pndr · 03-13-2008, 04:52 PM

howdy.
new here and have a few questions.Im looking into a pa63,have a cz82.. love it! Im told that high power ammo is a big no no,so Im guessing that the "MFS" MAKAROV+P ammo shouldnt be fired thru the pa63? forgot to mention its 95gr.fmj.I also would like a pa63 for a "truck gun." have a good line on this type of ammo but dont want to ruin what seems to be a good weapon.also does anyone know a source for recoil springs for the cz82? while Im at it how about any affordable magazines also? last but not least who makes a good conceal carry holster for the pa63 if I do get one? thanks!

BPD303 · 04-26-2008, 03:23 PM

As a full time police officer with 24 years on the job I can tell you the PA63 is a good choice for full time carry. Too big of a pistol and you will not carry it all the time. Too small and it will not get the job done.

I have carried a PA63 for the past 11 years both on duty as a back up to my Sig P220 45acp and off duty as my only weapon. In those 11 years I have only had one problem (my bad) lost the ejector while cleaning it and didn't realize it until the next time I fired it at the range. Could have been bad in combat.

As for ammunition I have fired in the neighborhood of 6-7 thousand rounds that include some very hot loads like core bond and some of my own reloads without any problems or unusual wear. I do not find the recoil to be bad until you get around 200 rounds through it in one session, then the web of your hand begins to get a little sensitive.

As for a concealed carry holster I use a Safariland inside the pants leather holster for med. autos, never had a problem with retention and it hides well.

Chesster · 04-27-2008, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPD303

As a full time police officer with 24 years on the job I can tell you the PA63 is a good choice for full time carry. Too big of a pistol and you will not carry it all the time. Too small and it will not get the job done.

I have carried a PA63 for the past 11 years both on duty as a back up to my Sig P220 45acp and off duty as my only weapon. In those 11 years I have only had one problem (my bad) lost the ejector while cleaning it and didn't realize it until the next time I fired it at the range. Could have been bad in combat.

As for ammunition I have fired in the neighborhood of 6-7 thousand rounds that include some very hot loads like core bond and some of my own reloads without any problems or unusual wear. I do not find the recoil to be bad until you get around 200 rounds through it in one session, then the web of your hand begins to get a little sensitive.

As for a concealed carry holster I use a Safariland inside the pants leather holster for med. autos, never had a problem with retention and it hides well.

Any modifications to this carry gun like springs, etc...???

Zen900 · 04-27-2008, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chesster

Any modifications to this carry gun like springs, etc...???

Anytime you buy a C&R or surplus pistol you should immediately replace the recoil spring because that spring will be at least 30 years old. This will prevent the slide from slamming into the frame at the end of the blowback movement and starting hairline fractures. The new spring will also limit how far brass is ejected and reduces felt recoil.

BPD303 · 04-27-2008, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chesster

Any modifications to this carry gun like springs, etc...???

Nope the only modification I made was to file off the thumb rest on the left grip panel so it didn't dig into my ribs.

02-03-2003, 10:29 AM	#1
rgoff31 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Maine Posts: 1 Trader Rating: (0)	New PA-63 Owner! I purchased a PA-63 imported from KBI this Weekend. I bought it at a gunshow for $130.00 It came with two magazines and a manual in a cardboard box. Let me just say I love this gun! The KBI box said 9x18 but the KBI manual mentions .380 It of course is a 9mm Makarov but I thought that was odd. I fired it this sunday and I experienced the bite everyone talks about. I've read about the replacement springs but I was just wondering if the bite is something your hand gets used to. I was thinking of some kind of fingerless shooting gloves or some kinda of padding on the frame?

02-03-2003, 10:31 AM	#2
NRAJOE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Toledo,OH Posts: 19,014 Trader Rating: (0)	Nice gun for the price! Good shooting to ya! :right: __________________ U.S. Army 1976-1979 237th Combat Engineers Heilbronn, Germany

02-03-2003, 10:48 AM	#3
Calvin Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 1,991 Trader Rating: (0)	As far as the "bite" goes, you'll have to lower your grip on it. You never really get used to the bite, just as you wouldn't get used to cutting your face every time you shaved. Gloves will only give your hand a bigger profile and will get eaten up by the slide, too. Figure out a lower grip, and practice, practice, PRACTICE until it becomes memory reflex every time you pick it up. Otherwise, you're gonna get aggravated. JMHO Sounds like you got a good price on it. Glad you like it, too. __________________ I've gone to look for myself. If I should return before I get back, please ask me to wait.

02-03-2003, 10:54 AM	#4
NRAJOE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Toledo,OH Posts: 19,014 Trader Rating: (0)	I always practice a low grip on semi-autos...see Cal, I could have gotten smart arse on that one too, low grip and whatnot __________________ U.S. Army 1976-1979 237th Combat Engineers Heilbronn, Germany

02-03-2003, 11:26 AM	#5
Calvin Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 1,991 Trader Rating: (0)	Thanks, pal!! __________________ I've gone to look for myself. If I should return before I get back, please ask me to wait.

02-03-2003, 11:58 AM	#6
NRAJOE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Toledo,OH Posts: 19,014 Trader Rating: (0)	...but I do always keep a low "grip" ...sorry, my head was gonna explode...feel better now! __________________ U.S. Army 1976-1979 237th Combat Engineers Heilbronn, Germany

02-03-2003, 12:08 PM	#7
Calvin Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 1,991 Trader Rating: (0)	Oh, man! That one begged for a reply, but I'll be civil here. Besides, "I like to work for my jokes. This one's way too easy"... __________________ I've gone to look for myself. If I should return before I get back, please ask me to wait.

02-03-2003, 12:09 PM	#8
NRAJOE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Toledo,OH Posts: 19,014 Trader Rating: (0)	__________________ U.S. Army 1976-1979 237th Combat Engineers Heilbronn, Germany

02-03-2003, 02:30 PM	#9
FEG Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Behind the Iron Curtain Posts: 517 Trader Rating: (0)	After I bought the replacement springs from makarov.com, the only ammo that gave me the "web sting" was the Wolf 109gr FMJ and the Silver Bear (which is so high in pressure that I wouldn't recommend it in the pistol anyway). The Barnaul JHPs and S&B FMJ are now very comfortable. If you shoot a large number of rounds in one session (more than a couple of boxes), I magine that these will eventually wear you out as well. It is possible that I am now gripping the pistol lower than I used to, but the replacement spring kit REALLY helped. __________________ WARNING: CZs MAY BE HABIT-FORMING (Consult a doctor if nursing or pregnant).

08-08-2006, 01:08 PM	#10
cartergs Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: North Az. Posts: 39 Trader Rating: (0)	Pa-63 NOTE!!!! Still trying to confirm. Heard the use of HP's in these cause. RADICAL Slid RELESE !!!! The lower is aircraft alloy, slide is steel. Won't take pressures of HP'S for to long. Don't Quote me on this. I'm still getting info, on subject SHOOT SAFE!!!

08-14-2006, 06:33 AM	#11
Teakwood Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New Mexico Posts: 46 Trader Rating: (0)	The issue with ammo and the PA63 is twofold. 1) ^The PA63 was designed for 95 gr ammo. The alloy frame on the PA63 is going to fail eventually. Using heavy weight rounds (105 gr - 120 gr) results in greater stress on the frame and leads to premature failure. 2) The issue with hollowpoints is that the PA63 was designed for FMJ. Some 9x18 hollow points have habit of jamming in a PA63.

08-22-2006, 10:37 AM	#12
tonygrz Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 12 Trader Rating: (0)	Hi, I also just got a PA-63 and was pleasantly surprised about the recoil. I had also heard about the bad recoil, even from the guy I bought it from. But when I shot it, I didn't notice any worse recoil than shooting a lightweight 9MM. Never got pinched either. I was shooting Wolf 100 gr FMJ. I really like the gun and keep it as my "truck" gun. Tony

08-23-2006, 02:09 AM	#13
FutureMarine Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: PRK Posts: 1,946 Trader Rating: (0)	im sure it will be just as reliable as most guns you can find. good CCW peice too! __________________ Semper Fi

09-20-2006, 07:33 PM	#15
toolman Mr. Fixit Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: abilene,tx Posts: 5,354 Trader Rating: (0)	FWIW, once I get the pattern made, I'm going to work on a set of grips that will position the hand lower to help with the bite problem. __________________ Don't be messin' with my gun!

03-13-2008, 04:52 PM	#16
al6pndr Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3 Trader Rating: (0)	possible new pa63 owner. howdy. new here and have a few questions.Im looking into a pa63,have a cz82.. love it! Im told that high power ammo is a big no no,so Im guessing that the "MFS" MAKAROV+P ammo shouldnt be fired thru the pa63? forgot to mention its 95gr.fmj.I also would like a pa63 for a "truck gun." have a good line on this type of ammo but dont want to ruin what seems to be a good weapon.also does anyone know a source for recoil springs for the cz82? while Im at it how about any affordable magazines also? last but not least who makes a good conceal carry holster for the pa63 if I do get one? thanks!

04-26-2008, 03:23 PM	#17
BPD303 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 3 Trader Rating: (0)	PA63 pistol thoughts As a full time police officer with 24 years on the job I can tell you the PA63 is a good choice for full time carry. Too big of a pistol and you will not carry it all the time. Too small and it will not get the job done. I have carried a PA63 for the past 11 years both on duty as a back up to my Sig P220 45acp and off duty as my only weapon. In those 11 years I have only had one problem (my bad) lost the ejector while cleaning it and didn't realize it until the next time I fired it at the range. Could have been bad in combat. As for ammunition I have fired in the neighborhood of 6-7 thousand rounds that include some very hot loads like core bond and some of my own reloads without any problems or unusual wear. I do not find the recoil to be bad until you get around 200 rounds through it in one session, then the web of your hand begins to get a little sensitive. As for a concealed carry holster I use a Safariland inside the pants leather holster for med. autos, never had a problem with retention and it hides well.