After 1968, U.S. importers were required to stamp their name and location on firearms. Common importers of the PA-63 include:
Import marks may include a two‑digit year (e.g., "88" for 1988). This is not the production date but the year of importation.
If your pistol was imported into the United States, it will have import marks (often subtle, stamped in white or laser-etched) on the frame or slide.
Common importers include:
Knowing the importer can sometimes help you determine the era in which the gun entered the US civilian market. For instance, a massive wave of PA-63s was imported by Century Arms in the early 2000s. If your gun has CAI marks, it was likely part of that surplus shipment, even if the gun was made in the 1970s.
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 want the best possible date estimate:
Would you like help interpreting markings you already see on your PA-63, or are you looking for a specific type of lookup (e.g., stolen gun check, value, production year)?
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 feg pa 63 serial number lookup
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
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
Finding the exact manufacturing date for an using a serial number is difficult because FEG did not maintain a public, comprehensive database. However, you can estimate the date and variant based on specific markings and serial number formats. Serial Number Locations and Formats
Locations: Check the left side of the frame (between the trigger and grip panel), the slide, and the magazine butt.
Standard Military Format: Typically consists of two letters followed by four numbers (e.g., L0585XX).
Variant 4 Configuration: Later models (roughly 1990–2000) may feature a one-letter, six-digit serial number. Key Markings for Dating After 1968, U
Acceptance Marks: Look for a small Hungarian crest with a two-digit number. This number indicates the year the pistol was accepted for service. For example, a crest with "86" indicates 1986.
Import Markings: Many PA-63s in the U.S. were imported by Century Arms or Interarms after 1990. The importer's stamp on the slide can help narrow down when the gun arrived in the country, though not necessarily when it was built.
C&R Status: Firearms with acceptance dates over 50 years old qualify as Curio & Relic (C&R) items. Visual Identification by Variant Likely Timeframe Bright/Polished Frame 1963–1990s Early models used a bright titanium-aluminum alloy frame. Blued Frame
Later production and commercial models often had blued alloy frames. No Thumb Rest Early Production
The original military design featured flat grip panels without a thumb rest. Left Thumb Rest Late/Imported
Most surplus models imported to the U.S. include a thumb rest on the left grip. Common Pitfalls
Mixed Parts: Because FEG sometimes rebuilt older pistols into PA-63s, you might see acceptance dates (like "47" or "59") that are older than the PA-63's actual 1963 start date.
Confusing Models: Ensure your serial lookup isn't for a similar clone; the commercial AP-63 is often in .380 ACP or .32 ACP, while the military PA-63 is typically chambered in 9x18mm Makarov.
Does your pistol have a two-tone finish or a fully blued frame? This distinction often helps separate military surplus from later commercial exports. 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.
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. Import marks may include a two‑digit year (e
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.
Another way to estimate age is by the import stamp (usually on the underside of the barrel or the frame). Major importers included:
Later imports sometimes have serial numbers beginning with "PA" followed by five digits. These are typically commercial export models, not military-issue. They lack date codes but can be traced by the import stamp year.
To determine the manufacturing date, approximate production year, or batch information for a FEG PA-63 pistol using its serial number.
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.)
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