Info--- Makarov vs FEG PA63
- Thread starter MDB
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1911A1 fan
New member
I have the MAK and just love the little commie. Hell of a good little gun, but for for the price you could buy both and sell the one you don't like.
Have handled a coupla PA-63's. The alloy frame makes them lighter than the Makarov. That could be good for carry, bad for recoil. Have not shot one, though.
FEG's generally have a good reputation for reliability. Do a search and you should get lots of threads where they are mentioned. Makarov's reputation for reliability is stellar.
FEG's generally have a good reputation for reliability. Do a search and you should get lots of threads where they are mentioned. Makarov's reputation for reliability is stellar.
Hand_Rifle_Guy
New member
I have one of each. The east german Mak is a bit bigger and heavier, and mine has a really nice trigger, both da and sa. It is built like a tank, and has been completely reliable through hundreds of rounds, and shows no wear whatever.
The PA-63 is a skosh longer in the nose, lighter because of the alloy frame, and flatter than the Mak. It has a fairly stiff da pull, but the sa pull is comparable to the Mak, which is pretty nice, although I can't check the actual weight. The grip doesn't fit as well as the Mak, and the curved backstrap doesn't feel quite right to me. Recoil is snappish, more so than the Mak, probably because of the weight. Mine is blue, but they also come as a two-tone, and generally run for $20-$30 less than a Mak. It's well made, although the machine work on the frame is a bit rougher than the Mak. The slide displays comparable quality. It also has digested hundreds of rounds with no problems or malfunctions, and shows no ill efects.
Both have the same takedown system, i.e. pull the trigger guard down, pull the slide back, up, and off, just like the Walther PP series.
I can't really say which I prefer. I bought the Mak because I was very impressed with the quality for the price. East german Makarovs are some of the best built examples of the breed, and generally cost a bit more than others. (Bulgarian, Russian) I bought the PA-63 as a poor man's Walther PP, and because the wholesale price was under $100, which made for a take-home price of under $150 here in the PRK.
The Makarov is better built (at least cosmetically) and a nicer shooter (trigger, grip, recoil). The PA-63 is cheaper, and IMO looks neater (the James Bond factor). Concealability as well as accuracy are interchangable, near as I can tell. Long term carry probably favors the PA-63, but only because it's lighter, and that's really of no consequense when actually comparing the weights. They're both sufficiently light.
I wish the PA-63 had a straight backstrap. FEG also makes the SMC .380 (it comes in 9 x 18 too) and another, slighly smaller gun (who's designation I can't remember) that have the straight backstrap, and a slightly different appearance, so that option realistically exists, although I don't offhand know prices.
I think PA-63's are still going for $89 blued and delicately used, $99-$109 in tutone NIB. I've read on TFL that Bulgarian Makarov's are going for as little as $109. All prices wholesale.
PA-63's are less common then Maks at dealers, I guess because Maks probably sell a little better. I would suggest handling both to see which you prefer, as to all intents and purposes they're darn near interchangable.
I hope this clarifies your question somewhat. My personal solution is to buy both, as I think everybody needs more guns.
The PA-63 is a skosh longer in the nose, lighter because of the alloy frame, and flatter than the Mak. It has a fairly stiff da pull, but the sa pull is comparable to the Mak, which is pretty nice, although I can't check the actual weight. The grip doesn't fit as well as the Mak, and the curved backstrap doesn't feel quite right to me. Recoil is snappish, more so than the Mak, probably because of the weight. Mine is blue, but they also come as a two-tone, and generally run for $20-$30 less than a Mak. It's well made, although the machine work on the frame is a bit rougher than the Mak. The slide displays comparable quality. It also has digested hundreds of rounds with no problems or malfunctions, and shows no ill efects.
Both have the same takedown system, i.e. pull the trigger guard down, pull the slide back, up, and off, just like the Walther PP series.
I can't really say which I prefer. I bought the Mak because I was very impressed with the quality for the price. East german Makarovs are some of the best built examples of the breed, and generally cost a bit more than others. (Bulgarian, Russian) I bought the PA-63 as a poor man's Walther PP, and because the wholesale price was under $100, which made for a take-home price of under $150 here in the PRK.
The Makarov is better built (at least cosmetically) and a nicer shooter (trigger, grip, recoil). The PA-63 is cheaper, and IMO looks neater (the James Bond factor). Concealability as well as accuracy are interchangable, near as I can tell. Long term carry probably favors the PA-63, but only because it's lighter, and that's really of no consequense when actually comparing the weights. They're both sufficiently light.
I wish the PA-63 had a straight backstrap. FEG also makes the SMC .380 (it comes in 9 x 18 too) and another, slighly smaller gun (who's designation I can't remember) that have the straight backstrap, and a slightly different appearance, so that option realistically exists, although I don't offhand know prices.
I think PA-63's are still going for $89 blued and delicately used, $99-$109 in tutone NIB. I've read on TFL that Bulgarian Makarov's are going for as little as $109. All prices wholesale.
PA-63's are less common then Maks at dealers, I guess because Maks probably sell a little better. I would suggest handling both to see which you prefer, as to all intents and purposes they're darn near interchangable.
I hope this clarifies your question somewhat. My personal solution is to buy both, as I think everybody needs more guns.
Eric Larsen
New member
Hand_Rifle_Guy
Just a note
The smallest 380 FEG makes is the SMC..its the 6 + 1 shooter, the Mak is called an SMC 918 (for 9x18) I think the gun you are referring to is the PMK 380 which is the 7 + 1 shooter. It is my favorite along with the 918....It has a slightly longer grip and the extra round.
The .380 version of the pa63 is an AD9, some had the same polished frame and some are basic black. FEG also converted
a few of the PA's into AD's and have both models stamped on the slide.....wanna be really confused? Some guys dont what the h*ll there gun shoots. Thanks for a cool post
Shoot well
Just a note
The smallest 380 FEG makes is the SMC..its the 6 + 1 shooter, the Mak is called an SMC 918 (for 9x18) I think the gun you are referring to is the PMK 380 which is the 7 + 1 shooter. It is my favorite along with the 918....It has a slightly longer grip and the extra round.
The .380 version of the pa63 is an AD9, some had the same polished frame and some are basic black. FEG also converted
a few of the PA's into AD's and have both models stamped on the slide.....wanna be really confused? Some guys dont what the h*ll there gun shoots. Thanks for a cool post
Shoot well
Hand_Rifle_Guy
New member
Thanks for the refresh, Eric. I knew I had those letters wrong somewhere, but I could not remember how they went. I kept coming up with SMK, which I KNEW was wrong. And I didn't know FEG was making PA-63's in .380. Must be an American market thing. Personally, I like the 9 x 18 better anyhow.
BTW, you're most welcome!
BTW, you're most welcome!
I have a PA-63. The recoil stings like an angry hornet. Or at least, I think so, and I generally shoot .45.
Mine's not great about loading JHP but it's fine with FMJ. The hot-loaded Russian ammo packs a wallop. Anyone who says that 9mm is the smallest they'd be comfortable carrying should try some of that stuff.
Mine's not great about loading JHP but it's fine with FMJ. The hot-loaded Russian ammo packs a wallop. Anyone who says that 9mm is the smallest they'd be comfortable carrying should try some of that stuff.
Eric Larsen
New member
Shmackey
The Silver Bear JHP's are very potent...350 FPE , right up there with the 9mm luger. I want an SMC 918 to carry with Silver Bear
JHP's...great little carry. It would be a small, light and potent
gun.
Shoot well
The Silver Bear JHP's are very potent...350 FPE , right up there with the 9mm luger. I want an SMC 918 to carry with Silver Bear
JHP's...great little carry. It would be a small, light and potent
gun.
Shoot well
I have two Bulgarian Makarovs and two FEG PA-63s. I like them all. I agree with most of the comments already posted. Here's what I would add:
- Makarov holds one more round in the magazine than PA-63.
- PA-63 has VERY heavy double action trigger pull (much worse than Makarov).
- Makarov magazines are easier to find and cheaper.
- Makarov has larger, better sights.
- PA-63 has push-button magazine release (quicker and easier to use for me).
- Makarov holsters (surplus, Fobus, etc.), grips, etc. are more plentiful.
- My PA-63s don't work well with Bernaul Hollow Points, and aren't quite as reliable as my Makarovs with any ammo (but I haven't done any polishing or put much effort into cleaning and lubricating).
I prefer shooting the Makarov, but don't find the PA-63 uncomfortable to shoot. I would get the one that appeals to you. Or get both - you could probably work out a deal to have an FFL order both for you. Dealer cost should be about $200 for the pair.
Doug
- Makarov holds one more round in the magazine than PA-63.
- PA-63 has VERY heavy double action trigger pull (much worse than Makarov).
- Makarov magazines are easier to find and cheaper.
- Makarov has larger, better sights.
- PA-63 has push-button magazine release (quicker and easier to use for me).
- Makarov holsters (surplus, Fobus, etc.), grips, etc. are more plentiful.
- My PA-63s don't work well with Bernaul Hollow Points, and aren't quite as reliable as my Makarovs with any ammo (but I haven't done any polishing or put much effort into cleaning and lubricating).
I prefer shooting the Makarov, but don't find the PA-63 uncomfortable to shoot. I would get the one that appeals to you. Or get both - you could probably work out a deal to have an FFL order both for you. Dealer cost should be about $200 for the pair.
Doug
Eric Larsen
New member
Regarding price and availability of each...Right now you can get
a PA for well under 100$ many places. Usually 89 $ for one or 79 for 2 ea...the Maks are selling for 20 $ more from the same suppliers...Shotgun news....has many you can be teased by.
Shoot well
a PA for well under 100$ many places. Usually 89 $ for one or 79 for 2 ea...the Maks are selling for 20 $ more from the same suppliers...Shotgun news....has many you can be teased by.
Shoot well
Tom Kinnaird
Inactive
OK--so I'm a little weird
I have both the PA63 and a Bulgie Mak. Of the two (three actually--I have TWO PA63s) I prefer the PA. With Federal "Eagle" ammo it's like shooting a .22, I carry 90 grain Hy-Shok which feeds just fine. I've burned Barnaul, Wolf, Fed and S&B thru the PAs with never a glitch or bobble. To me, the PA handles more comfortably than the Mak, and I have never experienced the "pain" mentioned by a couple of respnders here--no brain, no pain? After MUCH practice they both are accurate out to 30 yards--maybe beyond, but I've not had the nerve to try---pushing my abilities to the limit at three-oh. I know that what I say about prefering the PA to a Mak brands me as an heretic, but so be it--I just plain prefer the PA. Give them both a real good try--better yet, get both. As was said, they each have their advantages, for the price you can afford both and decide which you prefer at your liesure. You won't waste your money--they are both funner-n-heck to shoot.
Y'r Ob't Sv't Tom K.
I have both the PA63 and a Bulgie Mak. Of the two (three actually--I have TWO PA63s) I prefer the PA. With Federal "Eagle" ammo it's like shooting a .22, I carry 90 grain Hy-Shok which feeds just fine. I've burned Barnaul, Wolf, Fed and S&B thru the PAs with never a glitch or bobble. To me, the PA handles more comfortably than the Mak, and I have never experienced the "pain" mentioned by a couple of respnders here--no brain, no pain? After MUCH practice they both are accurate out to 30 yards--maybe beyond, but I've not had the nerve to try---pushing my abilities to the limit at three-oh. I know that what I say about prefering the PA to a Mak brands me as an heretic, but so be it--I just plain prefer the PA. Give them both a real good try--better yet, get both. As was said, they each have their advantages, for the price you can afford both and decide which you prefer at your liesure. You won't waste your money--they are both funner-n-heck to shoot.
Y'r Ob't Sv't Tom K.
Tom,
I agree with you about the recoil. The PA-63 seems to have a reputation for being a hard kicker, but I've never noticed it being SIGNIFICANTLY more than my Makarovs. Obviously lighter weight gun + same cartridge = more recoil. But I think the weight difference is only a few ounces. I wonder how those who find the PA-63 so punishing would feel about, for example, a Keltec P11 or P40 (both much more powerful and much lighter), or a light snub nose .357, or any of the many other smaller, lighter pistols that fire more powerful cartridges than the 9mm Makarov.
I would guess (pulling number out of the air) that a PA-63 has 5-10% more felt recoil than a Makarov. I would guess that something like a Kel-tec P11 has 30% more, and a compact, light .357 has maybe 60% more. At least that's my impression. I suppose grip shape may have an impact and make the PA-63 less comfortable for some.
Doug
I agree with you about the recoil. The PA-63 seems to have a reputation for being a hard kicker, but I've never noticed it being SIGNIFICANTLY more than my Makarovs. Obviously lighter weight gun + same cartridge = more recoil. But I think the weight difference is only a few ounces. I wonder how those who find the PA-63 so punishing would feel about, for example, a Keltec P11 or P40 (both much more powerful and much lighter), or a light snub nose .357, or any of the many other smaller, lighter pistols that fire more powerful cartridges than the 9mm Makarov.
I would guess (pulling number out of the air) that a PA-63 has 5-10% more felt recoil than a Makarov. I would guess that something like a Kel-tec P11 has 30% more, and a compact, light .357 has maybe 60% more. At least that's my impression. I suppose grip shape may have an impact and make the PA-63 less comfortable for some.
Doug
I've owned and shot both extensively. It's not a matter of preference, but feasibility. The Makarov is a useable pistol, the FEG PA-63 is not.
I tried to clean up the PA-63 trigger pull, got rid of the gruesome thumb rest grips, but couldn't make it into an acceptable self-defense pistol. the PA-63 double action is unuseable, even with a light spring, and it is downright painful to shoot unless the first round stuns all the nerves in your hand. And I hunt with a 44 Mag revolver!
The Makarov grip eliminates, for me, any recoil problems, it is much better made, especially the East German ones, and a real pleasure to shoot.
I tried to clean up the PA-63 trigger pull, got rid of the gruesome thumb rest grips, but couldn't make it into an acceptable self-defense pistol. the PA-63 double action is unuseable, even with a light spring, and it is downright painful to shoot unless the first round stuns all the nerves in your hand. And I hunt with a 44 Mag revolver!
The Makarov grip eliminates, for me, any recoil problems, it is much better made, especially the East German ones, and a real pleasure to shoot.
Terminalvelocity
Inactive
Makarov
Get a Makarov you cant go wrong with this shooter. I carry mine alot it is reliable and acccurate .I even reload for it smallest caliber I do reload for.Got a good deal on some brass and bullets at a surplus store one day couldnt pass it up.It is easy to break down and clean.Hope this helps in your decision.
Get a Makarov you cant go wrong with this shooter. I carry mine alot it is reliable and acccurate .I even reload for it smallest caliber I do reload for.Got a good deal on some brass and bullets at a surplus store one day couldnt pass it up.It is easy to break down and clean.Hope this helps in your decision.
I'll never forget it...went to the range [TWRA at Rifle Range Road in Knoxville] with a friend who shoots competition hanguns [won't mention the organization]. His jaw went slack when he saw me hitting the same small steel target at 20 yds. with my Mak that he was bragging on hitting with his $1,500 tuned 1911 Govt. model!!
Turns out one of the range masters there uses a Makarov for his personal defense gun.
I know, I know....the round is on the low end of the power factor range and the mag is hard to change during combat but gee...can you tell me about a handgun that performs anything like it for less than say, $300? Do your homework, cruise the other gunboards and you will find people who have put their
Sigs and Glocks in the safe when they tried a Makarov.
Oh yeah and one other thing, I have shot at least 600 rounds thru my Bulgarian without one single FTF, FTE or any other glitch. Pretty impressive.
Get a Mak and don't look back.
Turns out one of the range masters there uses a Makarov for his personal defense gun.
I know, I know....the round is on the low end of the power factor range and the mag is hard to change during combat but gee...can you tell me about a handgun that performs anything like it for less than say, $300? Do your homework, cruise the other gunboards and you will find people who have put their
Sigs and Glocks in the safe when they tried a Makarov.
Oh yeah and one other thing, I have shot at least 600 rounds thru my Bulgarian without one single FTF, FTE or any other glitch. Pretty impressive.
Get a Mak and don't look back.
Yea here's another vote for the Makarov, it's a rugged durable military pistol that will give you a lifetime of service. I own two East German and one Russian and mine get used and carried a lot. One heck of a good gun for very little money. Go for it and get one before they're all gone or they cut off the importation of them.
7th
7th