I notice you're asking about a "FEG PA-63" serial number lookup. This is a Hungarian semi-automatic pistol (often chambered in 9x18mm Makarov), frequently imported into the U.S. during the 1990s–2000s.
Here’s a direct report on what you can and cannot do with a PA-63 serial number lookup:
1. Approximate production year (not guaranteed)
83xxxx = 1983), but this is inconsistent across different import batches.2. Import markings
3. Manual lookup method
While doing your lookup, you might notice your slide says AP 63 instead of PA 63. This doesn't change the date significantly, but it does change the classification.
Functionally, they are the same gun, but the AP marking usually suggests a later production era intended for the Western commercial market.
If you are Googling "FEG PA-63 serial number lookup" hoping for a website where you type in the digits and get a full report, you will be disappointed.
There is no public, centralized database for FEG serial numbers.
During the Cold War, Hungarian manufacturing records (FEG stands for Fémáru Fegyver- és Gépgyár, or Metalware Firearms and Machine Factory) were not digitized for public consumption. When these pistols were imported into the US—primarily by companies like Century Arms International (CAI)—the importers were focused on sales, not historical archiving.
However, all is not lost. You can still narrow down the age and origin of your pistol.
If you’ve recently picked up a Hungarian FEG PA-63, or you’re trying to verify the history of one passed down through the family, you’re likely staring at the slide trying to decipher its story.
The PA-63 is a staple of the Cold War era—reliable, distinct, and historically significant. But unlike modern American firearms, tracking down the exact manufacturing date and shipping history of a Communist-bloc pistol can be tricky.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to perform an FEG PA-63 serial number lookup, what the markings actually mean, and why you might hit a dead end (and what to do about it).
Provide a clear photo of the frame/slide markings and the serial number text (or type the exact serial and any other stamps shown). I will:
(Note: I won’t access or post any law-enforcement databases; for theft or legal status checks, contact local authorities.)
Identifying the manufacture date of a is best done by checking the acceptance marks
on the frame rather than a universal serial number database. While serial numbers typically follow a two-letter and four-number format (e.g.,
), they are not always chronologically consistent across all production runs. Key Identifiers for Your FEG PA-63
To determine the age and history of your pistol, look for these specific markings on the left side of the frame , usually between the trigger and the grip: Acceptance Marks: Look for a small Hungarian crest followed by a two-digit date
. This represents the year the pistol was accepted into service. You may see dates as early as feg pa 63 serial number lookup
, which often indicate older FEG models (like the Model 48) that were rebuilt into the PA-63 configuration. Inspection Marks: Circled 'M': A standard military inspection stamp. Heart-shaped 'I': Another common Hungarian inspection mark. Serial Number Placement: Serial numbers are typically found on the frame and often
on the slide. Commercial or export models might have different prefix styles compared to military-issued ones. JustAnswer Production History and Variants
The PA-63 was the official sidearm of the Hungarian Army from 1963 to 1996 Early Models: Featured a bright-finish Titanium-Aluminum alloy frame and grips without a thumbrest. Later Models: Transitioned to a blued frame Export/Commercial Variants: These often appeared in instead of the standard military 9x18mm Makarov . Many were imported to the US by Century Arms between 1995 and 2000. JustAnswer Safety and Maintenance Tips
If you are looking up a serial number for a recent purchase, keep these operating tips in mind: Caliber Verification:
Ensure you are using the correct ammunition; military PA-63s use 9x18mm Makarov , which is NOT interchangeable with 9mm Luger (9x19). Spring Upgrades:
Many owners replace the original heavy military springs with Wolff Gunsprings to improve the double-action trigger pull. C&R Eligibility: Pistols with acceptance dates over 50 years old may qualify for Curio & Relic (C&R) status in the United States. Internet Archive found on your serial number?
To find information on your FEG PA-63, look for the serial number on the left side of the frame , typically between the trigger and the grip panel. Understanding Serial Numbers & Marks
FEG PA-63 serial numbers generally follow a specific format that helps identify the pistol's background: : Most serial numbers consist of two letters followed by four numbers (e.g., BF1234 or L0585XX). Acceptance Marks : Look for a small Hungarian crest
with a 2-digit number nearby. This number represents the year the pistol was officially accepted for service (e.g., "75" for 1975). Inspection Symbols circled "M" heart-shaped circled "I" are common inspection marks found on these firearms. Model Variants
: If your pistol has an all-black frame, it is likely a commercial variant (such as the AP9 or PMK-380) or a later import, as standard military models typically feature a polished aluminum frame. Dating Your Pistol
While there is no exhaustive public master list of FEG serial ranges, you can estimate the date using these clues: Crest Date
: The 2-digit year next to the Hungarian crest is the most reliable way to date military surplus models. Production Era : General production for the PA-63 occurred between 1963 and 1990 C&R Eligibility
: Pistols with acceptance dates over 50 years old qualify as Curio & Relic (C&R) firearms in the U.S.. Safety and Identification Tips Caliber Check : The PA-63 is most commonly chambered in 9x18mm Makarov
, but export versions (often with black frames) were made in .380 ACP (9mm Short)
. Always verify the caliber stamped on the slide before firing. Import Marks : Many PA-63s in the U.S. were imported by Century Arms
between 1995 and 2000; look for their markings on the slide or frame for additional context. For a deep dive into specific Hungarian markings, the FEG PA-63 Guide at Hungariae.com
is widely considered the most authoritative resource for collectors. What are the two letters
at the beginning of your serial number? Knowing that could help narrow down its specific production batch or variant. PA-63 Hungarian Weapons Femaru FEG Pistols
FEG PA 63 Serial Number Lookup: A Comprehensive Guide
The FEG PA 63 is a semi-automatic pistol that was manufactured in Hungary during the Cold War era. It is a variant of the Soviet-designed Makarov pistol, but with some notable differences. The FEG PA 63 was exported to various countries, including the United States, and has gained a reputation among firearms enthusiasts for its reliability and affordability. I notice you're asking about a "FEG PA-63"
If you're a collector or owner of a FEG PA 63, you may be interested in learning more about your pistol's history and production details. One way to do this is by looking up the serial number, which can provide valuable information about the pistol's manufacture date, production batch, and other relevant data.
In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive guide on how to perform a FEG PA 63 serial number lookup, including the location of the serial number, decoding the serial number, and resources for verifying the information.
Location of the Serial Number
The serial number on a FEG PA 63 is typically located on the frame of the pistol, near the front of the grip. It is usually stamped or engraved and consists of a combination of letters and numbers. The serial number may also be found on other parts of the pistol, such as the slide or the barrel, but the frame is the most common location.
Decoding the Serial Number
The FEG PA 63 serial number is usually composed of two or three parts:
The prefix and suffix can provide valuable information about the pistol's production history. For example, some FEG PA 63 pistols have a prefix of "AP," which indicates that they were produced for the Hungarian military. Others may have a prefix of "PA," which indicates that they were produced for export.
The serial number itself can be used to determine the manufacture date of the pistol. FEG PA 63 pistols were produced from 1963 to 1985, and the serial numbers were assigned in a specific range during each production year.
FEG PA 63 Serial Number Range
Here is a rough estimate of the FEG PA 63 serial number range by production year:
Keep in mind that these are approximate ranges and may not be entirely accurate. Additionally, some FEG PA 63 pistols may have been produced with non-standard serial numbers or with serial numbers that were not recorded.
Resources for FEG PA 63 Serial Number Lookup
There are several resources available for performing a FEG PA 63 serial number lookup:
Verification and Authentication
When performing a FEG PA 63 serial number lookup, it's essential to verify and authenticate the information. Here are some tips:
Conclusion
Performing a FEG PA 63 serial number lookup can provide valuable information about the pistol's history and production details. By understanding the location and decoding of the serial number, and using resources such as factory records, firearms databases, and collector communities, you can verify and authenticate the information.
Whether you're a collector, owner, or enthusiast, knowing more about your FEG PA 63 pistol can enhance your appreciation and understanding of this iconic firearm.
The FEG PA-63 doesn't have a centralized, digital database for serial number lookups, so identifying its history often feels like a detective story told through stamps and prefixes. Produced by Fegyver- és Gépgyár (FEG) in Hungary, these pistols carry the legacy of the Cold War and the transition of the Hungarian military. The Code on the Frame
To understand a PA-63's "story," you have to look at the letter prefix found on the left side of the frame: PA-63 production ran from the 1960s through the 1990s
Military & Police Issues: These usually feature a two-letter prefix followed by a four-digit serial number (e.g., AP 1234, BA 5678). The most common prefixes include AP, AE, BB, and BE.
Commercial Exports: If your serial number starts with a single letter (like 'R' or 'M') or has no prefix at all, it was likely produced for the commercial market rather than state service.
The "AP" Misconception: Many people see "AP 9mm" stamped on the slide and think it’s part of the serial. Actually, "AP" stands for Attila Pisztoly, the internal FEG designation for the model. Dating the Pistol
While exact factory logs are not public, collectors have narrowed down the production windows:
1963 – 1965: Early production models often have a high-polish blue finish on the slide and a silver, duraluminum frame.
1970s – 1980s: This was the peak of military production. You’ll often see the Hungarian Crest (a shield with a star or a hammer and wheat, depending on the year) stamped on the frame.
1990s: Post-Cold War models were often imported to the U.S. by companies like Interarms or Century Arms (CAI). You will see their import marks stamped on the slide or frame, which adds a chapter to the gun's journey across the Atlantic. Reading the Proof Marks
If you look closely near the trigger guard, you might find a small stamp with a two-digit number (e.g., 74). This is often the year the pistol passed its final proofing inspection, giving you the most accurate "birth date" for that specific firearm.
The FEG PA-63 is a staple of the surplus world—a sleek, Hungarian-made Walther PP clone that has served military and police forces for decades. If you’ve just picked one up, your first question is likely: "When was this made?"
Unlike modern manufacturers with slick online databases, dating a PA-63 requires a bit of "forensic" investigation of its stamps and markings. Here is how to decode your FEG PA-63's history. 1. Locate the Markings
On a standard PA-63, you’ll find the serial number on the left side of the frame, typically nestled between the trigger guard and the grip panel. You may also see it stamped on the slide or even the barrel. 2. Decode the Serial Number Format
Most PA-63 serial numbers follow a specific pattern: two letters followed by four numbers (e.g., AK 1234). While there isn't a universally public year-by-year master list for every letter prefix, collectors have documented specific examples:
Prefix Examples: For instance, a serial number like L0585XX has been documented as manufactured in 1983.
Commercial vs. Military: All-black versions with thumb-rest grips are often commercial variants or later imports (like those from Century Arms between 1995–2000), whereas the classic two-tone (aluminum-titanium alloy frame and steel slide) is the iconic military/police issue. 3. Look for the "Secret" Date Code
The most reliable way to date your PA-63 isn't actually the serial number itself, but the acceptance marks. Look for a small Hungarian crest on the frame. Often, you will see a two-digit number stamped directly below or near this crest.
The Magic Number: That two-digit number is the year of acceptance (e.g., "75" means it was accepted into service in 1975).
Fun Fact: Some PA-63s have been found with dates as early as 1947, though these are typically older pistols (like the 48.M) that were rebuilt into the PA-63 configuration. 4. Inspection Stamps and Their Meanings Beyond the date, you might see other peculiar symbols:
Circled 'M': This is a common FEG internal inspection stamp, likely standing for Minőségi ellenőrzés (Quality Control).
Heart-shaped Circled 'I': This mark indicates a pre-assembly inspection of the pistol’s major components. 5. Why Date Matters: C&R Eligibility
For collectors, the "50-year rule" is vital. Pistols with acceptance dates older than 50 years qualify for Curio & Relic (C&R) FFL status, making them easier to transfer for license holders. Summary Reference Table Production Era Manufacturer Name on Slide Common Characteristics 1963–1975 Fémáru és Szerszámgépgyár NV Original military issue, two-tone finish 1975–1990 Fegyver és Gázkészülékgyár (FÉG) Continued military production & export 1990s+ FEG / Various Importers (e.g., KBI, Century) Commercial variants, often all-black frames
If you're still stuck, the best place to share your serial prefix for community identification is the Hungariae.com PA-63 guide or the Makarov subreddit, where fellow enthusiasts track serial ranges.
What prefix does your PA-63 have, and does it have the two-tone or all-black finish? PA-63 Hungarian Weapons Femaru FEG Pistols