P-64 or FEG PA-63

[Battis]

There are two 9x18 handguns for sale locally, at decent prices.
Which would be a better choice - not as a carry gun, but maybe an occasional shooter?
P-64 or FEG PA-63

[36g]

IMHO the P64 fits my hand a bit better but is noted for a crappier trigger pull. The PA63 is okay but both have a pretty snappy recoil due to light frames and the Makarov cartridge. If I had to choose I'd probably go with the PA63 just because it resembles a Walther PP more. The P64 is a well machined pistol. Try them both for your preference for hand feel and sight picture and enjoy!

[lotech]

I bought a new 63 about thirty or more years ago after looking over one at a SHOT Show. Didn't keep it long; very unpleasant to shoot due to recoil. It may look like a Walther but a Walther is much more comfortable to shoot. Regardless, the 63 seemed to be a good quality pistol at a great price.

[rintinglen]

I would go with the 64 and figure on working on the trigger. But depending on how reasonable they were, I might just buy both.

[Rapidrob]

Buy the P-64, while the double action trigger pull is heavy by design*, the single action pull is nice. A steel frame is a big plus as well. They are accurate out to 50 yards.
* the pull was designed to be heavy on the double action pull to stop Police and Federal officers from acidentualy firing the pistol when arresting a perp at gun point when the adrenaline is high. I'm guessing this was a problem.

[FergusonTO35]

Do either of these guns have the backwards Makarov safety lever? If you cast and reload the 9x18 (which I imagine you do if you are here), I would go PA-63. I feed my Glock 42 Makarov level loads all day and it doesn't miss a beat, 3.2 grains Titegroup under a 100 grain plated or cast slug. I bet the PA-63 would like it too! Also, I read somewhere that Bersa Thunder .380 holsters fit the PA-63 just fine.

[Delkal]

Neither of these pistols are good for an occasional shooter unless you want to develop a flinch. They are unpleasant at best and inaccurate for anything over 15 feet. I am not recoil shy but I got rid of my FEG.

For a 9x18 go for a real Makarov which will keep shooting no matter what. Or a larger CZ82 with a 12 round magazine. This is a fun pistol

[Battis]

The Gun Gods stepped in and made the decision for me - the store sold the P64 to me on my C&R license, but they couldn't verify the date of the PA-63. It's in good shape, and came with a holster, an extra mag and a tool of some kind that I'm trying to ID. It's probably a cleaning rod (I'll get some pics).
I'd call the trigger triple action because you have to hook up a pulley to work it.
Nice gun.

"Original Military, Polish P64 Cleaning Rod, Take Down Tool"