I disagree with Denfoote on one point - I wouldn't call the PA-63 a "Makarov clone." About the only thing the PA-63 has in common with the Makarov is the cartridge. I think this is a good thing - a little more power than a .380 and low-cost ammo. Other than that, the PA-63 is much more similar in design to a Walther PP (though not really a clone/copy of it either). I have two PA-63s and two Bulgarian Makarovs. I do prefer the Makarovs - they seem a little more solid and well-made, but I also like the PA-63s and they work okay. They are a little lighter and thinner than the Makarovs. They do have a push button magazine release. They hold one round less in the magazine than the Makarovs. The Makarov has somewhat larger, easier-to-see sights.
Some friends and I ordered a number of PA-63s from either J&G Sales or Aim Surplus (or maybe both). They all showed some wear on the blued slides. Most looked fine for used guns. One had a lot of machine marks under the the blueing on the slide (not very well finished). I believe they all work okay with FMJ ammo (at least a couple of them don't seem to feed the Russian hollow-points very well). I think these were military or police surplus. I also have a commercial PA-63 I bought from a private party. It was in practically new condition, and has a nice, shiny blued slide. But, it's decocker/safety lever doesn't work properly - something catches, making it almost impossible to use the lever to decock the pistol. I don't worry about it (just use my thumb and a little extra care). None of the surplus pistols have had this or any other mechanical problem that I've heard about.
Doug
