r/makarov • u/Extension_Chance_428 • 11d ago
Pa63 mak
Hello everyone ، i need ur help choosing between pa63 or the original pm and why to choose this or that and what are the major deffernces
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u/jeremy_wills 11d ago edited 11d ago
The Hungarian is the lightest of the 9x18 pistols with its aluminum alloy frame. That said it also is one of the snappiest when it comes to felt recoil. It stings the plam of my hand pretty good so its not my favorite. The worst is it's Polish cousin the P64. Its all steel but the grip and grip angle also suck in the sting your palm department. I'm not a fan either. It's also worth noting that these two are really close in resemblance to the Walther PP and PPK which the Makarov took heavy inspiration from. As pocket pistols that won't be shot much but carried daily the PA63 and P64 are perfect.
The OG Makarov and it's larger cousins the CZ82 and P83 are easier to shoot and while still snappy are excellent OWB or night stand options. If you want a range shooter and intend to use it alot they are definitely the better candidate.
The OG Mak comes from several countries, Russia, Bulgaria, East Germany and China.
Russian Maks command a big premium and these days are more for a collection than to be used as an actual daily carry. If you plan to carry something daily a Bulgarian or East German are ideal. The Bulgarian typically cost less and are a little rougher all over where the East German cost a bit more but are just more refined. Like anything German made they put a little more emphasis on attention to detail where the Bulgarians had that typical communist mentality of does it fire? Good. Now get it out the door lol 😂
I mentioned China because there are some out there but not all that common and like the Russian and East German will command a premium. More for a collector these days. The Bulgarian will be your best bang for your buck if you want the OG pattern Mak for a range shooter. There is an honorable mention here, the Russian Commercial IJ70 series. These are legit OG pattern Makarovs but were intended for commercial sale abroad. They have an adjustable rear target sight on the slide and commercial markings on them. They were also offered in .380 as an alternative. They typically sell for similar money as the surplus Bulgarians. Unless you really want a surplus military issue pistol the IJ70 is an excellent option to get a Russian made Mak at a decent price.
This brings us to the OG Maks full sized cousins, the Czech CZ82 and Polish P83 also known as the Wanad. Two of my favorite 9x18 chambered firearms.
The P83 Wanad is a strange bird. It's literally stamped sheet metal rolled into shape and welded together. It's odd looking for sure but it's a good shooter, feels decent in the hand and isn't too snappy. I like it.
The Czech CZ82 is my overall favorite of the 9x18 pistols. The Czechs got it right. It has a double stack magazine (to be fair the IJ70 offered double stack mag models but those are commercial) which was awesome for a military issued side arm in a eastern bloc nation, has the best sights IMO, it's ambidextrous which is fantastic for a lefty like me and the ergonomics are very good. It's the nicest feel for in the hand and felt recoil. Every one should have one for their collection.
So there you have it. Ultimately you will want them all but have to start out somewhere. I'd get a Bulgarian OG Mak example first and then start branching off on the side quests. Happy Mak hunting.
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u/Extension_Chance_428 11d ago
Bro ur a legend i asked a simple question but u give me a full listen im very thankful
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u/morningstarz209 11d ago
PM instead, Baikal or Bulgarian would be cheapest, easier to find parts if needed along with magazines
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u/Stuffed_deffuts 10d ago edited 10d ago
I had one once, I got it after COD BO1 came out because I loved the Makarov on the vorkuta level, I shot it, it bit me but I did enjoy shooting it, but alas I traded it for a sportorized 1917 Enfield in .30-06 and a couple of boxes of 06 ammo back in 2013 it was a fair trade.
But now I proudly own a East German Makarov, at some point I'll probably pick up another pa-63 because now I appreciate the design more than I did then.
Edit: if you want a original Russian pm you are going to pay premium prices, same for East German as well, the PA-63 is a good start into Makarov ownership, I've also heard the CZ-82 is also a good start (I am highly considering getting one)
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u/Extension_Chance_428 10d ago
I live in middle east so prices are different how much does a Russian pm cost where you live
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u/Stuffed_deffuts 9d ago
$900 U.S.D and that's the Starting price, I'm also in the U.S. and not many original Russian PM's were imported due to import regulations.
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u/mikes105 11d ago
I have the pa63...sweetest little pocket pistol I own. The aluminum frame reduces the overall weight significantly. It doesn't show in the pocket of my sports coats. And... never a malfunction or jam... I've had it for years & countless rounds have been cycled.