Battle of the walther un-clones

mept

New member
Anydebate between the CZ 70, Romanian m74/m75/Carpati, PA-63, Feg APK. Preferably comparisons in the .380 or 9x18 caliber. Any clones i'm missing? Include Maks if you have to, but I would be interested in any debate between the less common variants.
 
The Romanians are nicely designed to protect the web of your hand. (That slide sits up HIGH!) Don't really have any comment beyond that.
 
KBI also imports the FEG SMC-380 (also available in Mak caliber as the SMC-918). I own one and it's very accurate and dependable (since I polished the he| | out of the feed ramp). I shoot better with it than with either of my Colt Gov. .380's.

6+1. Very tight fit and excellent finish. Comes with a thumbrest grip to satisfy import size requirements. KBI will send you the flat grips, which make the pistol more concealable and shootable with the left hand. About the same size as a PPK, aluminum frame with black coating and a matching blued slide. Described and pictured at
http://makarov.com/others/

Cost me $179 + tax and transfer fees at a gun show, with 2 mags.

Just saw a CZ-83 .380 in a gun shop. Really beautiful, but much more expensive than the FEG SMC-380.
 
From www.makarov.com/others:

"There are quite a few pistols other than the true Makarov that are chambered for the 9x18 Makarov cartridge. This, of course,is a natural by-product of the popularity of the Makarov pistol. It has, after all, been the standard sidearm of the East Bloc forces since shortly after World War II.

The Hungarian firearms manufacturer FEG has been quite prolific with pistols chambered in 9x18M. These include the SMC-918 (also available in .380 ACP as the SMC-380), the PA-63 (yes kids, this is not a true Makarov, and no you can't use Makarov magazines, grips, barrels, etc. ... sorry!), and several others."

S_smc918.jpg




[This message has been edited by Ledbetter (edited June 07, 2000).]
 
I also have an SMC 380 and am quite happy with it. I ordered the flat grips almost immediately after purchase, other than that I haven't done anything to it. Its 100% reliable with hardball and I carry it as a "coop dee grassy" pistol when deer hunting.

These aren't as wel finished as a real Walther but I suspect they are more reliable than that high priced gun.



------------------
Keith
The Bears and Bear Maulings Page: members.xoom.com/keithrogan
 
I bought a Hungarian FEG PA-63 a few months ago. It uses the 9x18 cartridge (9mm Makarov). It is reliable and decently made. I bought it from a private individual for $120 in like-new condition with 4 magazines. I'm very happy with it. The double action trigger is very heavy. The decocker/safety is very stiff (I rarely use it). But the pistol seems pretty well finished and works fine. I'm now considering getting one of the FEG .22s to go with it.

Regarding the cartridge, I think the 9x18 may be slightly preferable to the .380. It its a little more powerful, cheap practice ammo is available (about 11 cents a round), and good hollow points are available if you want them.

Doug

[This message has been edited by DougB (edited June 09, 2000).]
 
Back
Top