The Unofficial P64 Resource Forum

I got out to the gun club this afternoon to test out the P-83. It was about 40F, a little overcast and windy.



I took a few examples of my 9x18 (Makarov) guns for a comparison:



(Left to Right: Polish P-83, Polish P-64, Hungarian RK-59, CZ-82 and E. German Makarov)



Front view



I came in close (15 yards) for the head shots and further back for the torso shots (two mags each):



The P-83 15 yards:



The P-83 at 25 yards:



The gun fired and functioned flawlessly. It was much better than I had hoped or expected with relatively little noticeable recoil. The mag release on the heel of the grip was a pleasant surprise as it popped the magazines out effortlessly unlike the clumsy spring pressure release on the Polish P-64 guns making for a quick swap out between magazines.

If all the Polish P-83 are as nice as this one then I would wholeheartedly recommend these guns to everyone. In fact I have ordered another one ("one is none and two is one"). I guess I would rank these right along with the East German Makarovs for quality and function and may even give the slight edge to the P-83 for quality, function and accuracy. The only thing I may do is perhaps paint the front sight for easier and quicker target acquisition but otherwise it is a nearly perfect sidearm imo.

- Black Blade

Outstanding, thanks for the review. Looks to be about the size of the Makarov, is it noticeably lighter or on par with your mak?

stover wrote:Outstanding, thanks for the review. Looks to be about the size of the Makarov, is it noticeably lighter or on par with your mak?

Close to the same. Granted the E. German-Bulgarian Makarovs look nicer (at least to me), however, these guns just "feel right" in my hands and are a real pleasure to shoot. I'm sold and am oredering another one.

blackblade

excellent report

thanks

NORM

Blackblade,
Excellent range time! I am going to the gun show today to see if any of the dealers have a P-83 for sale. If not J & G will get my order. Thanks for sharing. You have some superb 9 X 18 pistols.
Sgt P.

Thank You for the review and range report. Very nice looking collection of 9x18s, and also some fine shooting!

Excellent!!! P-83 is on hte short list and this helps. Always wondered how it faired Vs the EG.

I liked the first one so much that I added a couple more to the collection.

Can anyone elaborate on the build quality of the P83? I have read that parts are stamped with welds. Implicit in the comments I have read elsewhere is that, while an improvement over the P64, is is of lesser quality.

I really like my P64, so it is not as if my standards are unreasonably high. I just want to make sure I buy decent quality...

I happened to be at Dans Ammo when the crate of P83's were there. For all it's worth at least for now, J&G will be the only distributor. Unless they sell bulk to dealers who would raise the price a bit for profit, your best bet, again...at least for now, would be J&G.

I note there must be at least two variations, ones with a Novak-style rear site and maybe a Polish eagle that made it into the country awhile ago, and these now that J&G have, basic military surplus without the eagle or fancy sights. I like the looks of the standard round hammer on the earlier imported ones than the boomerang style on the military surplus. But, c'est la vie!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!! Dave

Thanks for the info, guys. I was thinking about buying one, now I'll make the move for sure!

Update: Just placed my order! Can't wait to shoot my new toy!!

Are there any specs available, weight of the pistol, barrel length, number of rounds and so forth?
Inquiring minds want to know.
G.R.

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg143-e.htm

Weight unloaded: 730 g
Length: 165 mm
Barrel length: 90 mm
Capacity: 8 rounds

or for US comparison...
Weight unloaded: 25.75 oz
Length: 6.5"
Bbl length: 3.54"

Anyone measure the trigger pull with a scale yet? Also, should we create a new section for the P83?