Radom P-64

[Retired W4]

I think these little 9x18 pistols are very cool. When I get the Wolff reduced power hammer spring to correct the ATROCIOUS DA trigger I should be happier. Getting a first round DA shot on target is not easy for me. It probably won't replace my Kahr MK9 Micro stainless (with elite trigger), but it could go into rotation. Loaded with PPU JHP or Underwood Xtreme Penetrator.

 

[Breakaway500]

I have 3 of them..could not resist buying a "new" pistol for $225 that I liked...a few years ago. The heavy DA doesn't bother me..but I usually double tap as the next SA is SO light it goes off by itself. I'm use to it so no biggie.If Im firing one may as well send two down range. I've got one piece rubber grips on mine.Really handles the recoil nicely. Mines always handy in the shop..

 

[robvious]

I understand completely.. in a different kind of way.. FEG PA-63
crazy accurate

 

[Echo40]

I like the Radom P-64, its basically a Polish PPK at a fraction of the price.

The Hungarian FEG PA-63 is also very nice, I still kick myself for missing out on getting a pristine example for $150 when I had thd chance.

 

[Engine49guy]

Bought two when they were around $100 years ago, (my shooting buddy talked me out of one a year later), immediately installed Wolf springs which solved the DA trigger pull problem. These came in a white box with a brown military holster similar to the wartime PPK holsters, but with a leather lanyard held in by the cleaning rod which was stored on the holster.
The "Polish Makarov" is neither a PPK or Makarov with the exception of the utilizing the 9mm Mak cartridge but it does dissamble the same way by pulling the hinged trigger guard down and pulling the slide back and up.
Imo the Pa64 lines are not as pretty as the PPK it's fit and finish are way better than the majority of Makarovs (BTW I've never handled an East German Mak which I hear is the best version), I have owned Chinese and Russian versions which were very crude.
Iirc there was a guy that made mottled brown grip panels that mimic the WW2 PPK grips that greatly improved the Pa64's appearance.
As far as accuracy this is a small CCW pistol that I can't imagine using beyond about 20 feet , the one pro of the Pa64 over the PPK is the 9mm Mak cartridge is a bit stouter than 9mm "Kurz" aka .380 ACP.

 

[BSA1]

IMO it is a dog.

I had one that had judging from it’s well worn finish had been actually carried by a Officer. As commented the 20# d.a. and light s.a. trigger pull makes transition difficult to master. In addition to it’s very small sights and heavy weight leaves it at the bottom of the list for carry.

Oh, I almost forgot that the recoil from the dang thing just plain hurts.

So I eventually sold it.

Then I found one in much nicer condition so I brought it for my small collection of Commie firearms.

And it is still a dog. Just never said I was smart.

p.s. June, 2022 issue of Handloader magazine has a article about the 9x18 Makarov cartridge and a interesting claim about it’s performance by the writer.

 

[Engine49guy]

I forgot to mention but IIRC the early Pa64's like mine were brand new and unfired although date stamped to 1972, as the supply of unissued guns was exhausted I heard they were selling worn used examples.

On a side note I have a Radom made TT33 in 7.62x25 Tokarov, it is also a much higher fit n finish than the Russian and Chinese examples I've owned, many years ago (where I can't remember) I read a story how the Russian officers preferred the older Tokarov because when you hit a drunk or belligerent soldier or sailor in the head with the Makarov it was harder to knock them out.

 

[Retired W4]

I forgot to mention but IIRC the early Pa64's like mine were brand new and unfired although date stamped to 1972, as the supply of unissued guns was exhausted I heard they were selling worn used examples.

On a side note I have a Radom made TT33 in 7.62x25 Tokarov, it is also a much higher fit n finish than the Russian and Chinese examples I've owned, many years ago (where I can't remember) I read a story how the Russian officers preferred the older Tokarov because when you hit a drunk or belligerent soldier or sailor in the head with the Makarov it was harder to knock them out.

Back in the USSR !! And I thought discipline was tough at Ft. Polk in 1968.