P-64

[k98k792]

Took the little P-64 out to the range.I had bought a couple of new mags to try out. I know it is a service weapon,but I can't think of it as anything other then a pocket pistol.
However it shoots better then any other pistol of it's size that I have ever shot. I am not a great pistol shot but I felt I did well enough that I could defend myself with it. I need to take it along to the range more often.
Target is at 25 yrds, standing.

[XO3319]

I like how both the little P64 and the Makarov shoot

Best little automatics out there and they feel right in the your hand

[Woodman in MO]

Is this a Polish pistol? Looks neat. I wonder how many Makarov rounds are made each year...

[Simon]

Did you know that the Wolff springs are ready for P64s? I'm going to order one later. I need it as my P64's recoil is real bad. As in if I'm not wearing gloves I can only shoot 6 rounds bad.

[k98k792]

XO, 1+ to that!

Woodman, yep it is.
Don't know,but as the former Warsaw pack countries discard their 9X18s, I am sure it is much less every year.

Simon, I got those grips from a guy,on the p64 forum, who's son makes them. It makes a tremendous difference in the felt recoil.
I have a 16lb wolff ppk hammer spring in it,to reduce the trigger pull.
I did not know about the recoil spring though.Thanks for the info.

[okie shooter]

Just how much smaller is that vs a mak or p63, I understand that they are a little tougher to hold on to than either of the others.

[k98k792]

Okie,it is smaller then the others you named.
Holds six rnds instead of eight.
Grip is shorter,my pinky finger hangs over. The custom grip makes a very big difference holding on to it.
Recoil is SHARP!
Here it is next to a Bulgy MAK for size comparison.It's smaller, thinner then the MAK
Like most Polish weapons,workmanship is very good.

[nevada]

My .380 PA63 has more felt recoil than my 9 x 18 Makarov. I think the MAK is by far the better of two, but I like them both. I put a lighter weight hammer spring on the PA63 to make the DA trigger pull easier, and a Wolff recoil spring in the MAK just because. Most of my older pistols have Wolff recoil springs with the originals stored away. There is about a 1/2" difference between the two. Don't know about the P64.

[k98k792]

Nevada the PA63 has a alloy frame doen't it?
The ones I have shot seemed lighter then the MAKs.
I had a ladyfriend buy one in 9x18 to keep in her purse,she was a nurse that worked in some bad neighborhoods. Hers had some trouble feeding Russian hollowpoints.U.S. stuff worked great!
I always thought those 63s were the sharpest looking of the lot,with the two toned effect.

[amd65]

I am a big fan of the P64. Mine stays locked in the glove compartment, so it is handy if I feel the need to CCW at work. Mine has worked 100% with everything I have shot, to include any FMJ, Hornady JHP and Silver Bear 115gn JHP. I generally carry Fiocchi FMJ, though. I prefer the penetration of the FMJ in this caliber.
Yes, the recoil is sharp, but I only notice it after about 50 rounds. The pinky extension on the mag slaps my finger, and that gets painful.
I don't believe in swapping springs to get a lighter trigger pull. I found that the trigger bar presses against the inside of the slide, so I polished it there with the dremmel, and always keep that area lubed with some teflon grease.
That and use have made it quite usable.
The P64 carries concealed like a dream--it just disappears under a t-shirt, and is light. This has to be one of the best surplus buys of the last few years. I think I paid $139 for mine. At the last gun show, they were $150 and up. When they dry up, look for them to go up much more.

[nevada]

Yes, the PA63 ia alloy framed. I got a set of grips from Mak.com that don't have the thumb shelf on the left grip. I was attracted to them the first time I saw one at agun show. But the seller was evasive about the caliber: 9x18. There was very little around yet so I didn't buy one until I came upon the .380. It feeds all HPs I've tried so far. Very accurate,too.

I have had no problems with the lighter hammer spring and it makes a huge difference in the DA trigger pull. Also sold at makarov.com.

[omerta123]

thats a neat little pistol, what do those things set you back?

[k98k792]

http://www.jgsales.com/index.php/c/handguns/cPath/16
109$ for the PA63 in 9x18

http://www.southernohiogun.com/hand.htm
I think the P-64s are under 150$

[amd65]

My problem with changing the hammer spring, is that it is part of the recoil mass of this blowback operated pistol. If you were to compensate with a heavier recoil spring to offset it, then fine.
As it is, I have kept the original spring, and lowered the trigger pull. Besides, I like the idea that I, aware of the trigger pull, am prepared for it and can use it with no problem. Someone else might not be....

[nevada]

I understand what you are saying. The standard hammer spring gives minute of barn with a DA first shot, same as the CZ70 I have. We don't want the frame slamming back too fast or too hard. The Wolff recoil spring is new and heavier so it should offset the lighter hammer spring. That DA pull will never be S&W smooooth, but it does allow better trigger control. I don't like throwing first shots away. I had the trigger pull lightened on my COP - it's only 25lbs now.

[okie shooter]

Boy, this is giving me temptation to look for one of these at the big show in Tulsa at the end of the month, and another case of ammo for my p-63 and mak.

[Simon]

Simon, I got those grips from a guy,on the p64 forum, who's son makes them. It makes a tremendous difference in the felt recoil.
I have a 16lb wolff ppk hammer spring in it,to reduce the trigger pull.
I did not know about the recoil spring though.Thanks for the info.
Yep, they're finally out. I just ordered a mainspring pack and one of each of the recoil springs. The factory weights are 18 for the recoil spring and I think 24 for the mainspring (Wolff mainsprings start at 20). The recoil springs are offered in 18, 20, and 22 lbs; the mainsprings are I think 17-20. Total cost for one of each is about $40 with shipping.

I'm going to experiment a bit and tuck away the factory weight for a rainy day.

And I'll check out the replacement grips ASAP. Thanks for the heads up on that. If I can get the recoil on mine to something reasonable I can use it for CCW when the CZ82 or Sig are too fat.

[pidaster]

I love my P-64. It's on my hip right now.

[nevada]

So...... it's a hip-p gun. Peace man.

[pidaster]

So...... it's a hip-p gun. Peace man.
Ha ha. At least it's not ty dyed.

[Simon]

My springs got in today. I installed the 18 pound recoil spring for now. I'll experiment as I get a chance.
It feels a little bit better, so I think I was right about my original recoil spring being worn out.

I can't remember if the original springs had this, but the replacement springs do have one end that is slightly smaller. Remember that this end goes on the back, or you'll have a bit of a time getting the slide reinstalled like I did. :1087:

By the way, my CZ82 works well. Snappy, but not bad. Hopefully new grips and these new springs will help my P64 be about the same.