The FEG PA-63 is a semi-automatic pistol manufactured by the Hungarian FEG Arms factory in 1960’s. The Fégarmy Arms Factory (FÉG) started production with clones of the Walther PP/PPK and developed model known as Model 48 in 1940’s, almost identical to the original Walther model. Ten years later, further changes and modifications of Model 48 resulted in the introduction of the new PA-63 model.
The Pa-63 is a simple blowback operated, double action pistol. It features a manual safety lever located on the left side of the slide, exposed hammer and magazine release button on the left side of the gun, above and behind the trigger.
The PA-63 soon became standardly issued sidearm, used by professionals of both Hungarian military and police. At first, the pistol was chambered for 9x18 mm Makarov. Because of the popularity and durability of this semi-automatic, FEG producer added models using .32 ACP and .380 ACP calibers.
A design of the PA-63 reflects a compromise between military and police needs. While unusual for military issue, the standard model PA-63 featured a polished aluminum frame because of the cheaper price and quicker built time. The pistol had a black slide, grips, and hammer and trigger assembly. The PA-63 was designed for mainly a concealed carry use, in the pocket or under the clothes rather than in a holster on the battlefield.
A lighter-weight construction of the PA-63 produces more noticeable recoil and increase a tendency toward the muzzle flip that can be reduced by replacing the stock recoil spring with a stronger one, available as an aftermarket product.
The PA-63 was advertised and often sold in the U.S as the „PA-63 Makarov“. This lead to a confusion of some customers and made them believe that they are buying a Makarov PM pistol, a different gun chambered for the same caliber. Makarov PM model is made of all-steel construction and contained a different lock work. Guns are different and have no parts in common.
In 1990, after the fall of communism the Hungarian, Police and Army divisions replaced the PA-63 with the Jericho 941 pistol and by domestically manufactured P9Rc model.
There was also another gun variants developed called the AP9 and SMG 380, but these were not that popular and known.
Nowadays, the Pa-63 is still in service and use by Law enforcement agencies. Due to a large number of pistols produced and their import to the west, the Pa-63s are still popular, known and affordable firearm not just in the Hungary.
