Transition to commercial prefixes ( AN , BF , etc.) as military contracts slowed down.
Here’s a quick reference for tools mentioned in this guide and others you might find useful.
If you are in the market for a PA-63, whether for shooting or collecting, here are some tips based on serial numbers and markings:
…often maintain user‑submitted serial number lists. You can post your serial prefix and ask for estimated dating.
Understanding the production timeline helps narrow down possibilities. The PA-63 has a well-documented history:
Acceptance dates as early as 1947 have been observed on the PA-63's, obviously a few older guns were rebuilt into PA-63's. www.hungariae.com PA-63 Hungarian Weapons Femaru FEG Pistols
While exact factory logs are not public, collectors have narrowed down the production windows:
Many FEG PA-63s feature a two-digit date stamp on the left side of the slide, often near the factory markings.
True military and police PA-63s are chambered in . Their serial numbers follow the strict two-letter, four-digit formula (e.g., AN 1234 ). They feature a distinct two-tone finish: a lightweight, anodized aluminum-titanium alloy frame that remains bright silver, paired with a blued steel slide. 2. Commercial Exports (The AP-63 and AP-9 Variants)
To help narrow down your firearm's exact origins, let me know:
There are several resources available for performing a FEG PA 63 serial number lookup:
Look on the left side of the frame, typically above the trigger guard or near the grip panel. This is the official legal serial number of the firearm.
Have a PA-63 serial number you can’t decipher? Take clear photos of the markings (frame, slide, trigger guard) and post them to a collector forum mentioned above. The community is active and always eager to help date another Hungarian classic.
Social