The Polish PM-63C RAK Blew Us Away!!!

Introducing the Polish PM-63C RAK

The video opens with some friendly banter about optics and distance shooting before shifting to the featured firearm: the Polish PM-63, also known as the RAK. The hosts describe it as a compact “commando handheld automatic pistol” in its original form, noting that the name RAK does not obviously translate from the English designation. They clarify that the guns on the table are semi-auto PM-63C pistols, not the original full-auto open-bolt versions. The hosts express enthusiasm that these 9x18 pistols are now available on the Classic Firearms website and highlight the unusual slide extension at the front, intended for one-handed slide manipulation against a solid surface, such as a rock or similar object.

Design, caliber, and magazines

The discussion turns to basic specifications and configuration. The PM-63C RAK is chambered in 9x18, which the hosts repeatedly emphasize when asked if it is .380. The featured package includes one 25-round magazine and one 15-round magazine, with the shorter magazine suggested as a more compact carry-style option. They joke about the idea of concealing such a pistol but keep returning to its compact size and surplus origins. The hosts also mention that shooting into puddles with the PM-63C is entertaining, using it as a lighthearted way to introduce the gun’s controllability and soft recoil before moving on to more serious accuracy testing on steel targets downrange.

Range accuracy and shooting impressions

After confirming that neither guest has fired the PM-63C yet, the hosts send them to the firing line. They start by shooting at a puddle for fun, then shift focus to a man-size steel target estimated at roughly 70–75 yards. One shooter reports hitting with every round and notes that, despite the simple notch sights, the pistol is surprisingly accurate at that distance. The others confirm that the gun feels “super soft shooting” and easy to control. They suggest that milling the top for a red dot would make it even more practical. Throughout this segment, the shooters repeatedly ring the steel target, reinforcing that the 9x18 PM-63C can deliver consistent hits at extended pistol distances while remaining comfortable to shoot.

Stock, foregrip, and handling characteristics

The hosts explain that the PM-63C retains the original pattern’s integrated stock, but it is welded in place because the firearm is sold as a pistol rather than an SBR. The vertical foregrip is pinned to function more like an angled foregrip. They describe how, on the original configuration, the stock would deploy by pinching the sides and pressing a button, allowing a shoulder piece to fold down and provide a third point of contact. They compare the concept to an Uzi, suggesting that a full-auto PM-63 with a functional stock and vertical grip would be extremely controllable and fast. Even in semi-auto, they find the current PM-63C compact, soft shooting, and easy to manage, with handling characteristics that encourage rapid, accurate fire.

Controls, safety, and semi-auto conversion

Attention shifts to the PM-63C’s controls and how the semi-auto conversion works. The pistol uses a heel-style magazine release at the rear of the magazine well. The hosts demonstrate locking the slide to the rear either with a magazine inserted or by manually retracting the slide and manipulating the safety. Engaging the safety can hold the slide back, and switching the selector to fire allows the slide to go forward, readying the pistol. They note that the safety also freezes the trigger, preventing movement when engaged. The slide’s rearward lockup position is highlighted as reminiscent of the original open-bolt design, where the full-auto PM-63 would fire from the open-bolt position. This segment emphasizes that, despite its surplus roots, the semi-auto PM-63C offers functional, intuitive controls once understood.

Trigger feel, sights, and historical appeal

One shooter comments that this is the first time firing the PM-63C and describes the trigger as very soft, with a somewhat long but smooth pull. They remind viewers that the design originated as a full-auto gun converted to semi-auto, yet reliability and trigger feel remain impressive. The sights are described as basic, with a narrow raised front sight and simple rear notch, but the pistol still delivers accurate hits at approximately 75–80 yards. The hosts repeatedly note how soft and flat the gun shoots compared to many newer pistols. They stress the historical value of the PM-63C, calling it an old-school surplus piece that is rarely seen on ranges today. The pistol is framed as both a functional shooter and a tangible link to Cold War-era small arms design.

Surplus wish list and closing thoughts

As the session winds down, the hosts reflect on Classic Firearms’ surplus roots and how guns like the PM-63C fit that heritage. They talk about the enjoyment of shooting uncommon historical firearms and speculate about other surplus models they would like to see available, such as STG44s and Tommy guns, while acknowledging legal and regulatory barriers like the NFA and the Hughes Amendment. They joke that if Han Solo were Polish, the PM-63 might be his DL-44 equivalent. The video closes with more steel hits at distance, including attempts at one-handed shooting around 100 yards, reinforcing the pistol’s controllability and the capability of the 9x18 cartridge. Viewers are encouraged to comment about the PM-63C and other surplus firearms they hope to see on the market.