Hungarian FEG PA63 or Mark II AP22 (poor man's PPK?)

D

DougB

New member
I'm thinking of ordering one of the Hungarian FEG pistols. I want it primarily for plinking and to carry hiking, etc. I have other handguns, so this not "needed" for any purpose - its mostly for fun, and because I've always wanted a Walther PP or PPK, but can't bring myself to shell out all the money they cost.

Anyway, due to the low price and favorable comments I've read, I was ready to order a PA-63 from one of the outfits that sells them for $100 (Very Good to Excellent condition). These are chambered for the 9x18 (Makarov) cartridge and have an aluminum alloy frame. I even convinced a couple of friends that they should get them as well.

But now I'm having second thoughts. Maybe I'd be better of with the .22 version (the FEG Mark II AP22). These cost around $20-$30 more, but are new-in-box. They may also be a little smaller (more like a PPK?) but I can't really tell from the info I have. On the other hand, they are apparently all steel, making them heavier (bad).

While the 9x18 would undoubtably be a better defensive round, the .22 would be cheaper and more enjoyable to plink with. Caliber aside, can anyone comment on how these compare in quality, size, handling, reliablility, etc? My buddies are getting tired of me stalling on this after I got them excited about ordering these (we can save a little by getting them all together). Thanks.

Doug
 
Hi, Doug B,

The choice of caliber is yours, but don't worry about giving wrong advice. I had a chance to examine closely and shoot a PA-63, and I am impressed. It is a well made gun, though it can stand some smoothing up. The parts are properly hardened, and the gun worked well with no problems in over 200 rounds. Is it a Walther? No. Was it as smooth after I got done with it? Darn near.

I think those are very good buys and FWIW I recommend them.

(One aspect of smoothing up the gun was removing the sharp grooving from the trigger. Band-aids cost money.)

Incidentally, no parts interchange with the Walthers; they are close, but not that close. Magazines do not interchange.

Jim
 
I'll second Jim that the choice of caliber is up to you. I currently own a couple of PA-63,s and think they are neat little guns. No, you can't compare a $100 gun to a $500 gun as a general rule, but mine have functioned great and are fairly accurate. One of mine seems to have quite a bit heavier hammer spring than the other for some reason, but that would be no problem to replace if I ever get around to it. Everyone's Makarov crazy, but most folks seem to overlook the PA-63, get one while the price is cheap.
 
I've got two PA63's. One is like new Hungarian military. I have shot it but not any more. I liked it so much I bought another one. This one has the FEG markings on it.It too was like new. I have put about 500 rounds through it. I have shot Chinese, S&B, Russian, CCI and Hornady. All fed 100%, even the JHP Hornady and CCI rounds. I installed a Hogue slip on grip, and it rides in a simple leather holster that accompanies me on walks in the woods. I also use it as a back up to my sidearm and rifle with 100% confidence. No it's not as cheap to shoot as a .22, but then what is besides a BB gun? Get the PA-63, it's more verstile, and it's a rugged gun. As a side note I noticed in Dessert Storm, during the land war, SF guys that had taken down and were capturing Iraqis, had what looked like PA-63's in their hands-probably captured?
 
Maybe offering a different choice doesn't help (not that that's stopped anyone on this board), but you might consider the 380 Auto version of the FEG Mark II. I have the older FEG PMK and think it is a good gun, especially after smoothing the trigger edges and a quick trigger job. The 380 ammo is easier to find than Mak stuff.

On the other hand, if you mostly be plinking, .22 is hard to beat for cost.
 
I have a PP clone chambered in .380. It was made by the Hungarian Arms Works and is marked Interarms. I believe that it is the same gun as the PA-63. I had some reservations about the alloy frame, but it has held up very well. Accuracy is great. Does anyone know where I might be able to find extra magazines? Also, the slide is hard to rack due to the stiff blowback design and may not be suitable for some people. My sister bought the gun on my advice, she had to have a semi-auto, and later learned that she couldn't pull back the slide. I traded with her, giving her a S&W model 65 357.
 
I bought a PA-63 last year for $100 and found it to be a pretty well made piece.
The double action trigger pull was a little stiff so I cut one coil out of the hammer spring, polished and lubricated the internals and it made a big difference. It was accurate and dependable.

I later looked at a new FEG .380 and found it to be not quite as good in quality(IMHO).

I think the PA-63 is definitely the best way to go. You can buy ball ammo for $5.50/box of 50 rounds and most ammunition manufacturers are making hollowpoint ammo for it now. It is one of the best values I've seen in a while.

Dave
 
I owned one of these in .380 years ago and it was a good pistol. It's accuracy was better than a Walther. The s/a was good; the d/a was terrible. How bad? I nicknamed it the 24 pounder as I am sure thats how much pressure it took to release the trigger. This pistol went to live with someone else but I would take it or one of its relatives back. I would have it dehorned, reblued, and a trigger job. At that point it is a great pistol. Regards, Richard.

[This message has been edited by Richard (edited March 17, 2000).]
 
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