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
, 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?
FEG PA-63 pistols, typically marked with two letters and four numbers on the left frame, rely on user-documented, non-centralized data for identification rather than an official lookup database. Age can be estimated using the Hungarian crest acceptance stamp, with many older models qualifying as Curio & Relic (C&R) firearms. For more details, visit American Rifleman PA-63 Hungarian Weapons Femaru FEG Pistols
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 feg pa 63 serial number lookup
, 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
To look up a serial number, you should check the left side of the frame between the trigger and the grip panel. While there is no centralized official digital database for these Hungarian pistols, you can identify the year of manufacture and production context through specific markings and prefixes documented by collectors and historians. Identifying Your FEG PA-63
Typical PA-63 serial numbers consist of two letters followed by four digits.
Year of Manufacture: Look for a small Hungarian national crest stamped on the frame. This crest usually contains a two-digit date (e.g., "75" for 1975) which serves as the official military acceptance mark.
Production Context: The letter prefix can often indicate the intended user or production era. For example, a serial number starting with "L" (e.g., L0585XX) has been associated with production in 1983. Military vs. Commercial: Military
: Usually features the aluminum alloy frame in a bright finish and Hungarian acceptance marks. Commercial/Export: Often branded as " PA-63 Makarov " (though they are different from the Soviet PM Makarov ) or variants like the (chambered in .380 ACP). Key Markings to Look For
Beyond the serial number, other stamps provide vital history:
Circled "M": An internal factory inspection stamp from FÉG.
Circled "I" (in a heart shape): Indicates a pre-assembly inspection of major components.
Importer Marks: If the pistol was imported to the US, you will find additional markings required by the BATF, often on the bottom of the frame or the slide, such as "Interarms" or "TGI". Expert Resources for Verification
For a more detailed analysis of specific prefixes, you can consult community-driven databases and expert reviews:
Detailed historical breakdowns of FEG models are available on Hungariae.
Production timelines and serial range discussions are frequently updated on the High Power Collectors forum.
Historical overviews of individual pieces can be found via American Rifleman. Identifying the manufacture date of a is best
General firearm identification guides are provided by organizations like A Girl and A Gun.
If your PA-63 has a date mark older than 50 years, it may qualify for Curio & Relic (C&R) status under US federal law. PA-63 Hungarian Weapons Femaru FEG Pistols
FEG PA-63 Serial Number Lookup: The Complete Guide The FEG PA-63 is a Hungarian military and police surplus pistol. It is highly prized by collectors for its Walther PP/PPK-inspired design and chambering in 9x18mm Makarov. However, finding manufacturing data for the FEG PA-63 can be challenging. Fegyver- és Gépgyár (FEG) did not maintain a public serialization database.
You can determine the manufacturing date, origin, and variant of your pistol by interpreting its stamps, markings, and serial number prefixes. 🔍 How to Read FEG PA-63 Serial Numbers
Most military-issued FEG PA-63 pistols feature a specific serial number format located on the left side of the frame. This is usually located between the trigger guard and the left grip panel.
The Two-Letter, Four-Digit Format: This is the most common military format (e.g., AK 1234 or AL 5678).
The One-Letter, Six-Digit Format: This format is usually seen on later commercial exports or late-production models from the 1990s (e.g., L0585XX). Identifying the Date via Acceptance Stamps
Because the serial number prefix itself does not directly spell out the year, you must check for the Hungarian military or police acceptance stamps. These are typically found right next to the serial number on the frame.
The Hungarian Crest: Look for a small, stamped national crest on the frame.
Two-Digit Date Code: Inside or immediately beside the crest, there is a two-digit number. This represents the year the pistol was proofed and accepted into service (e.g., 75 means it was manufactured and accepted in 1975). 🛠️ Interpreting FEG Factory Inspection Stamps
In addition to the serial number, the left side of the frame features distinct inspection stamps used by the factory. Stamp Icon Circled "M" Factory Quality Control (Minőségi Ellenőrzés) FEG internal manufacturing inspection mark. Circled "I" (Heart-shaped) Pre-assembly Component Inspection Confirms major parts met stress standards before assembly. Shield-N Nitro Proof Mark
Indicates the pistol passed high-pressure testing with smokeless powder. 📅 Understanding FEG PA-63 Variants
FEG produced different variations of the PA-63 between 1963 and 1990, and continued commercial runs into the late 1990s. Understanding the aesthetic and physical build of your pistol will help you narrow down its age. 1. Military Standard Variant (1963–1990) PA-63 Hungarian Weapons Femaru FEG Pistols
While there is no central "lookup" database for FEG serial numbers, you can determine your FEG PA-63's age and history by decoding the serial prefix and inspecting specific Hungarian proof marks. Decoding Serial Number Prefixes
Serial numbers on the PA-63 are typically found on the left side of the slide and frame. The letter prefix often identifies the original intended user or the production era:
Military/Police Issues: Often use a single or double-letter prefix (e.g., A, AP, BK, BF) followed by several digits.
Commercial/Export Models: Later commercial versions, like those produced in .380 ACP or .32 ACP, may have different prefixes or all-black finishes compared to the standard two-tone military version.
Specific Examples: A serial number starting with L (e.g., L0585XX) has been documented as manufactured in 1983. Identifying Dates via Proof Marks BD = 42 → 1964 (rare early model)
Since serial number records are sparse, proof marks are the most reliable way to date a Hungarian firearm.
The Shield Mark: Look for a small stamp of a shield with a stylized "circle-M" or similar Hungarian national mark.
Date Stamping: Some pistols are stamped with the last two digits of the year of manufacture (e.g., "75" for 1975) near the trigger guard or on the barrel/frame.
The "47" Stamp: A common mark found on these pistols is a Hungarian proof mark with the number 47 below it, which helps experts authenticate its origin and era. Quick Production Reference Period Significance Late 1950s Design phase; transition from the Model 48 1963–1990 Main production run of the PA-63 1963–1996 Service years in the Hungarian Army Late 1990s
Surplus imports into the U.S. began (e.g., Century Arms, KBI)
For a deeper dive into specific variants, the Hungariae.com PA-63 Guide is widely considered the authoritative resource by collectors. I Have This Old Gun: FÉG PA-63 - American Rifleman
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).
Most military-issue PA-63 pistols feature a two-letter date code stamped separately from the serial number, usually on the right side of the trigger guard or above the extractor. This is a Hungarian military cipher where letters correspond to years.
Hungarian Date Code Cipher (1960s–1980s):
| Letter | Value | Letter | Value | |--------|-------|--------|-------| | A = 1 | | F = 6 | | | B = 2 | | G = 7 | | | C = 3 | | H = 8 | | | D = 4 | | I = 9 | | | E = 5 | | K = 0 | |
Example: If you see "CA" – C=3, A=1 → 31. But since the PA-63 started production in 1963, that would be 1973? Not exactly. The code repeats every 10 years. So CA could be 1973, 1983, or 1993. Cross-reference with slide markings and import stamps to narrow it down.
Common date codes for PA-63:
Note: The cipher uses I and K for 9 and 0 – there is no J. The letter K is used for zero.
The following is a rough approximation based on community-collected data:
| Serial Prefix | Approx. Production Period | |---------------|----------------------------| | AA, AB | Late 1970s – early 1980s | | AC, AD | Mid‑1980s | | AE, AF | Late 1980s | | AG, AH, AJ | 1990s | | AK, AL | Late 1990s – early 2000s |
⚠️ These are not official dates. FEG often used non‑sequential or overlapping serial ranges for commercial and military export models.