New owner of a P-64!!! (Pic added!!)

[audix]

Hi guys,

First time posting here.

Just just got a P-64 yesterday.
My original intention was to pick up a CZ-52, but the shop I went to had an EXCELLENT (un-issued, maybe???) condition P-64 for $199.

I knew about P-64, and knew enough to know its pros & cons.
And getting an P-64 in excellent grade seemed to be a much better option than CZ-52, which is little more available. (I knew that another shop in my area had two CZ-52s in stock).

So now, I am a new owner of a P-64!!!

It is 1969 made with a round hammer and a flat grip, and it seems to be un-issued. It came in a cardboard box from the importer/distributor (TN Gun) with two matching (electro-penciled) magazines and a trigger lock.
(I wish it came with a flap holster too... Oh well...)

Perfect blued finish, no wear-mark on feeding ramp and slide/frame contact area. The side of a transfer bar and ejector show some sign of wear (worn-out blued finish) though. But not much.

Double-action pull is heavy, of course. But the single action pull is really light.
I am thinking of getting 20 or 22 lbs recoil spring and 18 lbs hammer spring.

By the way, I do have a question.
Did P-64s go through re-arsenal process like Mosin 91/30 or M44s?
If I got an almost0new conditioned P-64, does that mean that I got an un-issued one or arsenally refinished one? ???

Thanks for reading this long post!!!

[nbender]

Hello audix,

We've seen a lot of un-issued P-64s. I don't think they are re-arsenaled, they really weren't issued. They really are like-new pistols.

They've been in storage for some time. So there is probably hardened storage grease or cosmoline imbedded in the action, and that can cause some problems. One method of insuring it gets clean is to spray a non-chlorinated brake cleaner through out the workings (remove the grips first). Then clean and lube with your preferred oil.

The spring changes work wonders and you'll learn a lot about the pistol by going through the spring changing process. Your price was right. Welcome to the forum, and let us know how it shoots.

[manicmechanic]

Welcome audix, just like nbender said above, it's time to get your hands dirty and your P64 clean. Let us know how she shoots when you make it to the range!!!

[audix]

Thank you nbender and manicmechanic!

I cleaned the pistol throughly last night.
I was actually surprised how clean it was.
Of course, there was the usual cosmoline stuff to clean off. But almost zero powder residue in action and breech face. And bore was actually free of powder and copper residue!!!

I, unfortunately, won't be able to go to a range anytime soon.
But when I do go (it'll be after Jan. 1st, I think...), I will surely post a range-report here.

Thank again, guys!!

[gotmak]

North Bender, why the "Non-Chlorinated" version of brake clean? inquiring minds want to know.

[fritzhund]

Just my two cents, but I always give my surplus guns a thorough disassembly and a good soaking in good old kerosene. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think that cosmoline is a kerosene based preservent. My guns look new when I remove them from a hours worth of soaking.

I am not a chemist, but Kerosene eats Cosmoline.

I have done this with Mosin's, SKS's, P-64's, Swiss K-31's, etc.

I always make sure to clean very well with the Kero before using Break Free, Rem Oil, and Hoppes Oil.

fritzhund

[nbender]

North Bender, why the "Non-Chlorinated" version of brake clean? inquiring minds want to know.

Only because chlorinated solvents are known carcinogens.

[audix]

I used mineral sprit to clean off the cosmoline. It seems to work well for all my mil-surps.

By the way, here's a picture of my newly acquired P-64. :-/

[normsutton]

audix
WELCOME

nice looking P-64

NORM

[nbender]

Nice looking ammo too ...

[trent]

very nice!

[redfestiva]

audix,
Looks like you got a great P-64. Very minty!

[audix]

Thanks guys!!!

I think I will order 20 lbs recoil spring and 18lbs hammer spring.
But I will test fire it first to see how it shoots with the stock springs first before actually buying the replacements.

By the way, do you think 22 lbs recoil spring is little too strong?
(I think I'll stick to mostly 95gr range ammo.)
I am concerned that too powerful spring (like 22 lbs) may apply too much force when slide is returning to battery thus may damage the frame.

Your input will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again, guys!!!

[barnett3006]

I have the 22 lbs recoil and 20 pound hammer spring in mine. I shoot allot and have had no problems and no undue wear and tear on the frame from the stiffer spring. These little guns are built like tanks and I do not believe that the 22 lbs spring is overly strong. If anything (atleast on my p64) the stiff spring prevents damage to the frame by keep the slide from bashing into the trigger guard/take down lever on full recoil.

Just a suggestion, why not order the hammer spring pack and all 3 recoil springs...that way you can try different spring combos and find what is just right for you. Also, you will have back-up replacement springs should something happen to the ones you are using (hammer springs like to fly across the room at a high velocity when you try to install them).

Nice looking pistol, you won't be disappointed with it even with the stock springs.

Marc

[donnerwetter58]

audix,
Very nice P-64.
The spring change is worthwhile. Just about any hammer spring would be an improvement. I've installed a 19 lb. hammer spring and a 20 lb. recoil spring. No malfunctions as of yet.
So, have you gone back and picked up the CZ-52 yet?
Now that you have a 9x18 pistol, check out the CZ-82. It's another quality handgun that's readily available and reasonably priced at this time.
If you hang around here much, you'll have lots of guns and no money before you know it.
Happy shooting.