P-64 pistol

P64 pistol, right side.

P64 pistol, left side.

P64 pistol, field stripped.

Characteristics

Type: Double Action
Calibers: 9x18 Makarov
Weight unloaded: 635 g
Length: 155 mm
Barrel length: 85 mm
Capacity: 6 rounds

The P-64 pistol (official designation 9 mm pistolet wz. 1964) has been developed in Poland during late 1950s and early 1960s, as a compact and lightweight replacement for Tokarev TT pistols, manufactured in Poland under soviet license. Following the Soviet road, Poland replaced the powerful 7.62x25mm ammunition with less powerful, but still effective 9x18 Makarov ammunition. P-64 has been used by both Polish military and police, and still could be found in holsters of some Polish police officers. In military service it has been superceded in mid-1980s by the P-83 pistol. The P-64 was small and light enough for a pocket or a concealed carry sidearm, but it has too small magazine, and too heavy trigger pull to be considered as a valuable service pistol. The severe felt recoil also did not helped to establish popularity for this gun.

P-64 is a blowback operated, semi-automatic weapon, made almost entirely of steel. P-64 is hammer fired, with double-action trigger and decocking safety, mounted at the left side of the slide. Safety features also include loaded chamber indicator in the form of a small pin, which protrudes from the back of the slide, above the hammer, when chamber is loaded with cartridge. Trigger guard is a separate unit, which is hinged to the frame and served as a disassembly lever when pulled down. Single stack magazine contains only 6 rounds, and magazine release catch is located at the bottom of the grip.