P-64 Makarov Backup Gun

I got my first SQUIB!

This has been my backup carry pistol for about 10 years now. It has seen a lot of use over the building of this homestead and off grid living. I have never had a malfunction until the recording of this video. But I think it’s safe to say it wasn’t the fault of the pistol. Always try to use new-in-box ammo for your carry guns. And switch the ammo out often.

In this case the ammo probably got sweaty and that affected the powder inside. A squib load is a malfunction that lodges a bullet into the barrel of a gun because the powder load failed to fully expel the round. The primer charge inside was just enough energy to get the bullet stuck. But after a little range surgery, we got the round out and got back to the demonstration.

There are a number of different Makarov type pistols that are chambered in 9mm Makarov. The P-64 is actually not a Makarov. It’s just chambered for that ammo. It also looks like a Walther PPK clone but it’s not. It holds a different patent and the safety acts as a decocker. It was completely developed in Poland by a Polish manufacturer. This pistol is marked on the slide with the year 1976.

These pistols are cheap and still plentiful. They are very reliable for the most part and fairly inexpensive if you decide to pick one up as a backup gun. This would also be a great pistol to keep in your car for emergencies. Like with any gun, practice with it so you are very familiar with how it handles. There are numerous tutorials online for how to lighten the trigger pull of this pistol. We performed that operation that drastically lessened the trigger pull and made it easier to shoot. The stock trigger pull is around 25lbs! No Kidding!

Enjoy the Video!