Feg Pa 63 Serial: Number Lookup

While there is no simple "FEG PA-63 serial number lookup" website, the process is far from impossible. By learning to read Hungarian date codes, understanding serial prefixes, and using collector forums, you can accurately determine the age, originality, and value of your pistol.

The PA-63 is more than just an inexpensive surplus gun – it is a piece of Cold War history from the Eastern Bloc. Taking the time to decode its serial number unlocks that history, giving you a deeper connection to the firearm and its journey from a Hungarian arsenal to your hand.

Always treat your PA-63 responsibly: Verify it is unloaded before inspecting serial numbers, and consult a qualified gunsmith if you are unsure about any safety aspects related to its age.

Have a PA-63 serial number you can’t decipher? Take clear photos of the markings (frame, slide, trigger guard) and post them to a collector forum mentioned above. The community is active and always eager to help date another Hungarian classic.

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) feg pa 63 serial number lookup

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

The FEG PA-63 is a staple of the surplus world—a sleek, Hungarian-made Walther PP clone that has served military and police forces for decades. If you’ve just picked one up, your first question is likely: "When was this made?"

Unlike modern manufacturers with slick online databases, dating a PA-63 requires a bit of "forensic" investigation of its stamps and markings. Here is how to decode your FEG PA-63's history. 1. Locate the Markings

On a standard PA-63, you’ll find the serial number on the left side of the frame, typically nestled between the trigger guard and the grip panel. You may also see it stamped on the slide or even the barrel. 2. Decode the Serial Number Format

Most PA-63 serial numbers follow a specific pattern: two letters followed by four numbers (e.g., AK 1234). While there isn't a universally public year-by-year master list for every letter prefix, collectors have documented specific examples:

Prefix Examples: For instance, a serial number like L0585XX has been documented as manufactured in 1983.

Commercial vs. Military: All-black versions with thumb-rest grips are often commercial variants or later imports (like those from Century Arms between 1995–2000), whereas the classic two-tone (aluminum-titanium alloy frame and steel slide) is the iconic military/police issue. 3. Look for the "Secret" Date Code

The most reliable way to date your PA-63 isn't actually the serial number itself, but the acceptance marks. Look for a small Hungarian crest on the frame. Often, you will see a two-digit number stamped directly below or near this crest.

The Magic Number: That two-digit number is the year of acceptance (e.g., "75" means it was accepted into service in 1975).

Fun Fact: Some PA-63s have been found with dates as early as 1947, though these are typically older pistols (like the 48.M) that were rebuilt into the PA-63 configuration. 4. Inspection Stamps and Their Meanings Beyond the date, you might see other peculiar symbols:

Circled 'M': This is a common FEG internal inspection stamp, likely standing for Minőségi ellenőrzés (Quality Control).

Heart-shaped Circled 'I': This mark indicates a pre-assembly inspection of the pistol’s major components. 5. Why Date Matters: C&R Eligibility

For collectors, the "50-year rule" is vital. Pistols with acceptance dates older than 50 years qualify for Curio & Relic (C&R) FFL status, making them easier to transfer for license holders. Summary Reference Table Production Era Manufacturer Name on Slide Common Characteristics 1963–1975 Fémáru és Szerszámgépgyár NV Original military issue, two-tone finish 1975–1990 Fegyver és Gázkészülékgyár (FÉG) Continued military production & export 1990s+ FEG / Various Importers (e.g., KBI, Century) Commercial variants, often all-black frames While there is no simple "FEG PA-63 serial

If you're still stuck, the best place to share your serial prefix for community identification is the Hungariae.com PA-63 guide or the Makarov subreddit, where fellow enthusiasts track serial ranges.

What prefix does your PA-63 have, and does it have the two-tone or all-black finish? PA-63 Hungarian Weapons Femaru FEG Pistols

To perform a FEG PA 63 serial number lookup, check the left side of the pistol's frame between the trigger guard and the grip panel.

Unlike modern firearms with searchable digital registries, the Hungarian Fegyver- és Gépgyár (FEG) factory did not leave behind a unified, public serial number database. To date or identify your specific firearm, you must decode the physical stampings, letter prefixes, and proof marks stamped directly into the metal.

The FEG PA-63 served as the standard military and police sidearm for Hungary from 1963 until 1996. Because so many were imported into the commercial market, understanding these markings is the only true way to look up your handgun. 🔍 How to Find the Serial Number

The layout of a factory-original PA-63 is highly standardized:

Location: Look closely at the left side of the alloy frame. The serial number is stamped right between the trigger guard and the left plastic grip panel.

Format: A standard military or police PA-63 serial number almost always consists of two letters followed by four digits (e.g., AB1234 or L0585XX).

Matching Numbers: For maximum collector value, check the left side of the slide and the floorplate of the magazine to see if the serial numbers match the frame. 🗓️ Decoding the Manufacture Date

Since there is no online lookup tool, you must rely on visual inspection marks to date your FEG PA-63. Look around the trigger guard and frame for these specific indicators: 1. The Two-Digit Date Stamp

The most direct way to date a PA-63 is to search for the Hungarian state acceptance mark.

Look for a very small Hungarian national crest stamped on the frame.

Inside or directly adjacent to this crest, there will be a two-digit number (such as "75" or "83"). Have a PA-63 serial number you can’t decipher

This number explicitly names the year the pistol passed inspection and was accepted into service (e.g., 75 = 1975). 2. Common Inspection Marks

Near the serial number and the date crest, you will likely see two other distinct geometric stampings:

Circled "M": A standard factory inspection mark utilized by FEG.

Circled "I" (inside a heart shape): Another military/police quality control inspection stamp. 3. Font Oddities

If you are struggling to read the stamped numbers on your frame, remember that Hungarian factory stamps often used stylized number fonts. Most notably, the number "7" frequently looks like a number "1" due to a short or heavily slanted top bar. 🛠️ Identifying PA-63 Variants

A serial number lookup often reveals that what you have is not a standard military PA-63 at all, but one of FEG's many commercial or export variants. Model Variant Standard Caliber Frame Material Visual Giveaways Standard PA-63 9x18mm Makarov Titanium-Aluminum Alloy Two-tone (bright frame, dark slide) AP 7.65 / AP9 .32 ACP or .380 ACP Often imported for commercial sale FÉG PPH Made for commercial export to the US Model 48 7.65mm (.32 ACP) Full steel frame; predecessor to the PA-63

(Note: If your frame is stamped with a date as early as the late 1940s or 1950s, you likely possess an older steel-framed Model 48, or a PA-63 that was rebuilt at the factory using older surplus parts.) ⚠️ Important Import Marks

If your PA-63 was purchased in the United States, you will notice an additional block of stamped text that does not match the original FEG factory serial number font. PA-63 Hungarian Weapons Femaru FEG Pistols

“Seeking production year for FEG PA-63, serial C14XXX. Markings: ‘C14XXX’ on frame, circled ‘83’ on trigger guard. Importer: KBI, Harrisburg, PA.”

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.

Many new owners search for "FEG PA-63 serial number lookup" expecting a database similar to Carfax for cars. No such public database exists. FEG did not publish serial number logs, and importers (like KBI, Interarms, Century Arms) kept limited records.

However, you can still determine the year of manufacture and origin using two reliable methods:

Since no official database exists, use these community-driven resources:

Do not use generic "serial number lookup" websites – they are designed for modern firearms from companies like Glock or Ruger, and will not recognize FEG’s format.