I'm in a bit of a dilemma - I bought a SIG P6 for a carry gun, and over the past few years I've put money into it to improve it (maybe too much). The last improvement was some Meprolight night sights. When I took it to my LGS, the owner scratched the front of the slide pushing the sight on. He felt so bad about it he sent the slide out to have it polished and re-blued for free.
Which brings us to my problem - she's just too pretty to put in a holster now, so I'm looking for a new carry pistol. I read about how popular the Makarov (Bulgarian?) was at the meeting, and I had already been looking at Hungarian FEG PA-63s online. I know they're not true Makarovs; just a more unabashed Eastern Bloc knockoff of the Walther PP/PPK. I like the two-tone look and sleek (more PPK-like) lines of it compared to the Russian or German Makarovs, the Polish P-64 Radom, or Czech CZ-82 (although I'd take any of them for the right price). It also has the American-style mag release.
I haven't found many reviews as to their reliability, though. I know if I purchase one, it'll need a stronger recoil spring (19 - 21 lb?) to reduce the snappiness; and lighter (9 lb?) mainspring for the awful DA pull (No problem - went thru the same thing with the P6). Any PA-63 owners out there have any other pertinent information I need before deciding to purchase? I see them all over online for $200 - $250. Which, as an owner of three SIGs, seems quite reasonable.
Anyone feel like talking me out of it? Is this a viable carry gun, or just a fun range gun? Should I spend a few more dollars and get a steel-framed Makarov or CZ-82? I'm 90% ready to buy, but asking for advice never hurt anyone . . . .
Educate me, please.
Any PA-63 Makarov owners out there?
1If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there - George Harrison
Don't go where the road don't go - Ringo Starr
Don't go where the road don't go - Ringo Starr