PA63 question

[wilit]

I've been thinking about picking up a PA63 for my GF to shoot since my 1911 is "too manly" for her. I was thinking of buying a .380 barrel for it from Sportsmans Guide, but the note at the bottom says, "requires gunsmith installation." Anyone know what exactly needs to be done? Just headspacing?

And before you purists jump all over me about just buying 9x18 ammo because it can be had cheap, yes, I know. I just like the idea of not having to plan in advance to order cases of ammo. I like being able to run down to the local gun store and know they have ammo on the shelf. Also, I know the barrel in the Sportsmans Guide is threaded. Please don't remind me. I can have it chucked in a lathe and the threads removed no problem.

[JPglee1]

I've been thinking about picking up a PA63 for my GF to shoot since my 1911 is "too manly" for her. I was thinking of buying a .380 barrel for it from Sportsmans Guide, but the note at the bottom says, "requires gunsmith installation." Anyone know what exactly needs to be done? Just headspacing?

.

You gotta press a cross-pin out of the frame, and then extract the barrel out of the barrel lug in the frame.

You need a screw-type barrel puller. You could probably rig something to work with Allthread and some nuts/washer.

There is no headspace to deal with, its straight blow black un locked breach. Install barrel and fire it.

I don't blame you for wanting to go to .380, its easier to find.

Ive been thinking of getting a Makarov to swap to .380 for the same reason.


Look at this link, its for a Makarov, but the PA63 procedure is almost (if not) identical:

http://www.makarov.com/barrlrep.html

JP

[JPglee1]

Also I would suggest getting an actual Makarov.

PAs are good guns but they "bite" when they recoil a lot more than a makarov from the aluminum frame. They have more parts in them and are much harder to get spare parts for on short notice. Makarov has 27 parts, no fancy firing pin interlocks or anything like that, just a basic shooter.

Makarov is like the com-bloc version of a Glock or something. It might as well be an anvil that shoots 9x18. I have shot and owned both PA and Mak and Mak wins hands down.


JP

[wilit]

I saw that how-to, but wasn't sure if the PA63 was the same as the MAK.

Also, what's the pricing on a MAK? I haven't really seen any for sale. I figure for spare parts for the PA63, I'd just buy two. You know, just like Harleys.

[Vepr62]

Anybody wants my Russian commercial Makarow in .380?
Vasiliy

[BigMac]

I want a MAK in .308!

Hell YEAH!

[Incitatus]

I have a PA63 for sale, Excellent+ condition, 2 mags, with Wolff recoil and trigger springs (because with the factory installed spring, the trigger pull in DA is atrocious).
I purchased the gun last year and shot it only once, about 20 rounds. PM me if you are interested.
This is the pic of the actual gun (on the right)

[JPglee1]

The only advantages a PA63 has over a makarov are the safety (works like a PPK, up for fire down for safe, stays outta yer way) and the magazine release (like a normal pistol instead of on the heel like euro pistols)


As you can see they are basically a PP clone and a little bigger than the MAK.


JP

[whatever]

I have a feeling your girl friend will hate that PA-63. She'll like how cute it looks but after she pulls the trigger all bets are off.

Every woman, petit and not-so-petit, who's shot my PA-63 and Mak have hated them. It hurt their hand from the snappy recoil and it was a chore just to get through one magazine.

However my 1911 was a different story. Each one was scared of its size and weight but after a few shots they were surprised they could handle such a big gun. yes their arms hurt after a while from holding the thing up, but they were at least not afraid to shoot it. They also looked forward to the next time they could try it out at the range. With the MAk they never wanted to touch it again.

My advise, let the girl choose her own gun. If you can let her try a Mak or PA-63 first do it. Otherwise buy her a basic Springfield 1911 or a carry model in 9mm and teach her to shoot it well.

[JPglee1]

However my 1911 was a different story. Each one was scared of its size and weight but after a few shots they were surprised they could handle such a big gun. yes their arms hurt after a while from holding the thing up, but they were at least not afraid to shoot it. They also looked forward to the next time they could try it out at the range. With the MAk they never wanted to touch it again.

Thats weird, it was 180* opposite with my wife. She doesn't like the 1911 or Glock, but she's very good with my CZ52, 1-7/8" 38 Snub and my Makarov. She REALLY likes the CZ52 but its impractical for a main "duty" pistol as it is single action and I don't want my wife dealing with a single action pistol in SHTF situation, if CZ52 was double action it would be nearly perfect!



If you do get a Makarov or a PA, upgrade the recoil spring to a 19 or 21# spring from WOLFF springs (Makarov.com has them)

Upgrading the recoil spring makes it a little harder to load the gun, but the recoil reduction is dramatic. Less muzzle flip and felt recoil for faster follow up shots and less pain/anticipation of recoil.

Also helpful is to use the PEARCE brand grip



With the grip and the spring upgrade the Mak really doesn't hurt your hand and is 100% more enjoyable to shoot.

I have over 4000rds thru my Makarov in 3yrs time. Its NEVER had a fail to fire, fail to extract or any other stoppage. No joke, never ONE TIME has it failed to work. Its the ONLY firearm I have EVER shot that has never EVER EVER failed me. I feel 100% confident with it, I would go into harms way with it in a second. The only gun I would choose over it for SHTF or any other serious use would be a Glock 19.

Maks are THAT good. Also, they aren't that anemic. CCI Blazer 9x18 aluminum "plinking" ammo actually chrono'd at 1070fps w/95gr bullets. 115gr Silver Bear clocked at 960fps.

I think you could work up a handload that would push 95grs over 1150 if you worked at it slowly. Ive shot rounds that have had the bullets pushed back over 2mm with no problems, and who knows how high the chamber pressure was at that point (don't do this, it was stupid to do and I wont do it again on purpouse)

I LOVE MY MAKAROV!!!!

[wilit]

My advise, let the girl choose her own gun. If you can let her try a Mak or PA-63 first do it. Otherwise buy her a basic Springfield 1911 or a carry model in 9mm and teach her to shoot it well.

I already have a Springfield 1911. My GF has put at least 150 rounds through it herself. She's a good shot considering how little she's practiced. It wasn't until about 3 weeks ago she came to the conclusion she doesn't like shooting it. It's too big and the recoil hurts her wrist.

I imagine a PA63, no matter how crude will have less recoil shooting a 95gr round rather than the 230gr coming out of the 1911.

She actually wants a P22. I plan on getting that next year, but in the mean time, I want something a little unique, and a little smaller for her to shoot.