New guy, new gun

[dak]

Hi everyone!

I'm new to this particular forum, and all of you, as well as others on various other forums, have led me to purchasing a PA-63. I got this baby landed for $147 total. Here's a link to a pic.
http://www.grafikchaos.net/pa63.htm

Just two quick questions before I take her out tomorrow and blow through a couple boxes of ammo for the first time...

1. After I broke her down, gave her a good cleaning and reassembled her, I went to chamber a round, just to get used to it and see how well she works. After drawing back the slide and letting it go with a snap, the slide seems to be all the way forward, but this is the first time I've seen this particular gun locked and loaded. I can see a small bit of brass peeking through at the bottom of the ejection port. My first thought was that this doesn't look right, but after inspecting the gun, everything seems to be fine, i.e. the slide appears to be all the way forward. Is everyone else's PA-63 like this as well?

2. The cartridges that were being loaded into the gun, after taking them out unfired, are a little bit chewed up at the bottom. Little grooves running vertically at the bottom of the case and around the rim. They don't seem very deep, and I'm assuming that they are being caused by the roughness of the feed ramp. Is this normal when you have a feed ramp that hasn't been polished slick? Also, should I be alarmed about these cartridges, or no?

Any input would be greatly appreciated, as I'm getting back into firearms after not owning one for about 10 years. BTW, I love this forum. Lots of great information, and you all seem like a good bunch of people.

[nbender]

Welcome to the forum Dak!

I don't think the brass you notice through the ejection port is a problem. And brass will naturally be a bit marked by the feed lips of the magazine. No worries.

For PA-63 info also, check out http://forums.gunboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=46

[dak]

Thanks for the welcome and the info. I'm going to rip out a box or two of ammo this evening after work, see how she does. ;D

[normsutton]

dak

what kind of ammo , don't shoot any thing above a 95 grn bullet in a PA-63

NORM

[blinddog]

+1 on that Norm!!!

[gunneyrabbit]

Dark,
Welcome aboard and congratulations on The PA-63. I've never fired a Walther PP but I find it hard to believe it is a better shooter than the PA-63, an excellent selection for personal carry, home defense and range shooting. You are going to be amazed how accurate it and fast the pistol is. Once again welcome!
G.R.

[dak]

Thanks for the comments and advice guys! I took her out Wed. night, and I'm very impressed. One of my buddies is a member of a local rifle club, and we went out to their range. I had two boxes of ammo with me. Some 95 gr. CCI Blazer, and 95 gr. Fiocchi.

First up was the Blazer. Fired 3 magazines worth. Holy crap, the recoil was killing my hand. Twice, I had issues getting the first round to chamber. I think the rough feed ramp, coupled with the aluminum casings make the pistol unhappy. So I'm done with the Blazer.

Next was the Fiocchi. Wow, what a difference! The recoil was much more gentle on my hand. First round chambered every time, smooth as silk.

This pistol is worth every single penny. I'm only 5'9, with little hands and my mom's skinny wrists, but I can control this pistol well enough to shoot 3-4 inch groups at 21 feet. Aside from the initial chambering problems, she fed every round.

I forgot to try her in DA, just to see if the rumors about how hard it is are true. But in SA, she's wonderful. The safety is a little hard to work, but with time, practice, and some gentle lovin, I think she'll be fine. Bottom line, I LOVE this pistol, and I'm happy to be back shooting!