FB PM-63

Development of the RAK dates back to the late 1950s when the concept was first proposed at the Warsaw University of Technology in response to a requirement for a light hand-held defensive weapon for rear-echelon soldiers such as gun crews and vehicle drivers. After the death of the chief designer Piotr Wilniewczyc in 1960, the submachine gun’s development was eventually resumed and completed by the state-operated Łucznik Arms Factory in the city of Radom, where it was produced until 1977. After close examination, the PM-63 was accepted into service with the People's Army of Poland and police in 1965 as the 9 mm pistolet maszynowy wz. 1963 ("9 mm submachine gun model 1963"). Small numbers of the weapon were exported to several Arab countries, Vietnam and the former East Germany. A slightly modified, unlicensed version of the PM-63 was produced by the People’s Republic of China as the Type 82, who sold the weapon to politically allied nations in Asia. This model was based on PM-63s that were captured from Vietnamese soldiers. ==Design details==

Operating mechanism The RAK is a selective-fire straight blowback–operated machine pistol, fired from the open bolt position. Feeding The firearm feeds from two types of double-column box magazines: a short 15-round and long, 25-round magazine (the magazines are seated inside the hollow pistol grip). The magazine catch/release is at the heel of the pistol grip. After the last cartridge has been fired from the magazine, the slide is locked open on the slide catch. The pistol grip covers and folding vertical forward grip are made from a synthetic plastic material. Accessories The weapon can be deployed like a regular pistol, one-handed. Additional equipment supplied with the submachine gun includes three spare long magazines and one short magazine, a holster, sling, magazine pouch and a cleaning rod and lubricant bottle. An all-metal suppressor, design by Marian Gryszkiewic, can be used with the PM-63. ==Variants==

• PM-70: A version of the PM-63 was developed in Radom for the 9×19mm Parabellum round in 1970. Never produced due to lack of demand. • PM-73: A variant adapted for the .380 ACP (9×17mm/9mm Short) cartridge. • Silenced version also made, but failed to gain orders. • Type 82: Chinese clone based on captured PM-63s. These have sling ring mounts on the front and rear side unlike the PM-63, which has a ring mount on the rear. ==Users==

Current • Known to be used by Public Security Police after the People's Armed Police did not consider using the Type 82. • • : Unknown amount donated by Poland and used in 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. One captured by Russian forces. • • ==See also==