Posted: 4/27/2014 4:39:18 AM EDT
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I just acquired an FEG APK9S in excellent condition.
It's a PPK/S clone and a commercial version of the 9mm MakarovFEG PA-63. The military PA-63 uses a PP length slide and an aluminum frame, while the commercial AP-63 is the same pistol with a black anodized frame. The AP9 is a .380 ACP pistol using a slightly different shaped aluminum frame with a straight rather than curved back strap while the AP9S has the same straight back strap frame profile with a steel frame. FEG also made an AP7S version (in 7.65 Browning/.32 ACP), as well as short PPK length slide versions of the AP & and AP9 as the APK9S and APK7S. FEG also made a commercial version of the AP9 in 9mm Makarov as the AP9M. Most listings refer to the commercial AP pistols simply as AP9 (in both .380 and 9mm Makarov) and AP7, with no regard to short or long slide,and the black anodized AP-63s are a lost always in correctly called PA-63s like their non anodized military siblings. KBI imported the APK9S as the PMK, which adds to the confusion and they also imported a short gripped PPK clone as the SMC. Tennessee Guns imported the APK9S and APK7S in .380 ACP and .32 ACP as the "APK" I've noted the Interarms imported guns have a nicer level of finish and I've noted the TGI guns lack a firing pin safety, so apparently FEG adjusted the manufacturing process to meet the desired price point. I have three FEG PP series clones - an AP9S, an APK7S and this APK9S. All three are superb shooters and will eat anything you feed them. Wood grips are hard to find for these pistols but look nicer than the black plastic target style grips they were imported with. 
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I'm happy if I can get one in minty or new in box condition for under $300 out the door and I'm still happy at $350.
They don't make pistols like this anymore in terms of fit and finish, at least for less than $600 or so. A well used FEG AP will sell for about the same as the aluminum famed PA-63s and commercial AP-63s - under $200, but if they are in sound mechanical condition they are still not a bad buy, They are reliable, have decent triggers with a short reset and are great shooters that are generally not very picky about ammo. |