Nice review, could you explain the fix for the DA trigger pull a little better? How much does it reduce the pull? I've read online that it is HORRIBLE without modification.

 

The spring is located on the back of the frame. you will see it when you take off the grips. All you have to do is push out the pin holding it in and switch out the springs. This is also how you change the mag release. Wolff has 3 different springs for cheap and here is a detailed pic link The Unofficial P-64 - Fixes

it is very easy and i believe the reason the did this originally was so that the submachine gun rounds could fire in the gun. They had a much more stout primmer.

 

Speaking of, this just showed up in my mailbox today:

I originally bought the gun when the ammo shortage was in effect. There was plenty of 9x18 mak to be found online. About three weeks ago I was rummaging through my safe and rediscovered the little p-64.

 

oh yeah. that is going to help a ton. are you going to change the recoil spring

 

Negative. For now, just the hammer spring. This isn't a range toy....so I figured that a stiffer recoil spring was kind of a moot point.

 

I've been really looking at the P64s

This thread may push me over the edge into P64 ownership. :danceban:

 

For th cost it is really worth it. we went and shot mine today and my buddy is now planning on getting one. they are addictive.

 

I've played with others' P64s on a couple of occasions and they seemed fine. They appear to be well made and a good value.

 

Got around to swapping out the hammer spring this morning. Holy Crap!!!! What a huge difference it makes. I found a good instructional vid on youtube showing how to swap out the spring if anyone is interested.

P-64 Mainspring Removal/Install - YouTube

 

Thanks for the review of the P64. I collect 9x18 handguns and own several Makarovs, P64's, and CZ82's and have been shooting these guns for many years. Here is my opinion on these handguns. The P64 is a well made all steel 9x18 handgun. Its general design is based off the Walther PP series as opposed to the Makarov. As a surplus weapon as the OP stated they are inexpensive to purchase. The DA trigger pull even with the Wolff spring "fix" is still very stout. Typically the double action trigger pull is in the range of 24-27 Lbs on the P64, but with the Wolff springs its reduced to a more tolerable 16.5, 18 or 20 lb., depending on the spring set you install. This will still be an issue for some. As a comparison the trigger pull on my PM9 is 7.5 lbs. The SA pull is very nice. The gun is heavy for its size being an all steel pistol. I personally feel the CZ82 is a far better handgun and since they are a C&R gun they can also be found for around $200-225. They also have much higher round capacity (12), better ergonomics/grip, better controls and its generally a more modern design even though both are straight blow-back operated guns. The CZ 82 also has a polygonal rifled barrel, and its a CZ which counts for a lot IMO. The CZ82 is a bit larger overall and the grip is thicker being a double stack. Being larger and with a better grip the CZ82 has less felt recoil with the 9x18 round than the P64.

 

I defiantly don't disagree with you as I am about to pick up a cz-82. I think the p-64 is a better ccw gun. I love cz-82s I will probably write up a quick review of it when i get it. Busy farting around with the Beretta 96 we picked up today

 

I certainly am not knocking the P64. Especially since you can find them for around $180 in very good condition and at this price point its a great value. But other than being slight smaller and lighter than the CZ82 why do you think the P64 is a better CCW handgun? I have carried both and the size difference really makes no difference at all with the right IWB holster. To me the double magazine capacity (12) to (6) and better trigger more than makes up for the size difference. The CZ82 is also renown for its dead nuts reliability and IMO its just a better overall shooter and gun in general. When you get yours soon you will see what I am talking about I assure you.

CZ82
Weight (28 oz)
Length (6.8 in)
Barrel length (3.8 in)
Width (1.4 in)
Height (5.0 in)

P64
Weight (22 oz)
Length (6.3 in)
Barrel length (3.3 in)
Width (1.2 in)
Height (4.6 in)

CZ82 in High Noon "Split Decision" holster

 

yeah i carry everyday in a KNJ IWB holster. it is good stuff.

 

I will zombie this thread just to show what the P-64 has become.

 

...sharp!!! what's that finish? how did the springs help you?

 

The finish is wilderness mirage tan duracoat. I am super happy with how it turned out. Springs are awesome. Helps with the recoil a ton. Also had the feed ramp polished before duracoat.

 

Can't seem to edit the OP so here is the link to the mag release.

The Unofficial P64 Resource Forum ? View topic - P-64 Extended Mag Release

 

Polish P64 accidental discharge

I know this an old post but I figured I'd put it here. I was reading in another column about a trained and proficient gun owner, while re holstering his P64 9x18, it discharged, putting a hole through his pants and striking the floor, and luckily not his wife or child that were in the house. Some or most of you might be aware of this design, some may not, but worth sharing! I'll copy and paste his explaination of what happened:

"While getting ready to go out to dinner for my birthday, I had my P64 in a kydex pocket holster. When I had the P64 in a secure positive holster, I did not use the safety latch. This is because the trigger pull is a misrable 24 pounds or so. (not exaggerating, anybody who has one can vouch for this). Being in a secure holster, this did not seem to be a problem to me. I picked up the holstered weapon and began to insert it into my right front pocket. I have done this a million times and nothing has ever gone wrong. BOOM. A round fires through my pocket, through my jeans and into my linolium floor. The JHP copper shell landed on the floor, and lead fragments went about everywhere. My wife standing by me and my baby in the other room. Absolutely scared s%itless, I carefully dripped the mag and cleared the now jammed slide. Thank the good Lord above, everybody was fine. with the exception of the spot in my floor and a few scrapes on my counter, no true damage was done (except to my ego). My leg was marked a little, but really just a small mark from the blast.

Honestly at first, I had absolutely no idea what happened. I felt like a friggin moron because I couldn't figure it out. I put the gun away cleared and went to dinner. Though I was bummed out all through the evening. I felt horrible for putting my family in danger, and I honestly did not want to be "that guy" that I worked so hard not to be all these years.

When I got home, I figured that I have to find out what caused this issue. (with a clear weapon, mind you) I reenacted the exact situation dozens and dozens of times. I checked the holster to see if something could have caught the trigger. I checked the mechanics to see if there was an issue with a stuck firing pin. Nothing. Then, it dawned on me. The hammer. Checking to see how the hammer operates, I noticed that the hammer does not have either a half cock lock, or a transfer bar. The hammer snagged when the gun was entering my pocket, was raised just enough, and fell on the firing pin. BINGO.

This still didn't make me feel any better. I should have realized that the hammer did not have this safety feature prior to carrying. All I could do was thank God that nobody was hurt, and correct myself. After learning this fact, I no longer felt comfortable carrying this weapon. I have since retired it." (End quote)

I just thought I'd share this to the people who are not aware of these older style firearms and their lack of modern safety features. I figured if it could save a life, serious injury or at the least, hurt pride, I've done a small good deed. Thank you and stay safe!

 

It can happen to anybody anytime, with any gun. Murphy's law.