I have two of the P63's I ordered from SOG about four years ago. Everybody I let shoot them says the same thing about the sharp recoil to the web of the hand. I think its a combination of the narrow back strap and the lightweight aluminum frame that makes it kick strait back into the hand. It is more uncomfortable to shoot than my Taurus .44 magnum and that's no exaggeration. (Of course the Taurus has an 8" barrel too)

I have a Bulgarian Makarov Circle 10.

I have learned that these guns were designed to shoot 92gr. milspec ammo exclusively, especially the PA-63 FEG.

I've shot 115gr. JHP's from Brown Bear and they do kick pretty good. They also jam my gun occasionally, 92gr. ball ammo doesn't.

Try shooting the 92.gr hardball as it has been reported that FEG's have even come apart creating a safety hazzard with heavy grain ammo.

The PA-63 is a good weapon, give this a try if you haven't yet.

Take care, Wooddogg.

The ammo that we got with the gun is 93 grain hardball. It's never failed to feed, but it still kicks like no other.

I've fired 38 special +p out of a snub nose revolver and it doesn't hurt at all, but this little FEG just kills. I think it's poor design, or poor choice of materials.

The 63 is a light gun too.

The 9X18 is almost on par w/a 9mm.

You may want to go to Makarov.com and check out what they have to say about the recoil of your gun.

The 9X18 is a surprisingly stout performer being right between a .380 & 9mm.

Thankx again for the reply & good luck, Wooddogg.

I owned the .380 version years ago. My impression was it had a lot of sharp edges, magazine etc. but mine was accurate and reliable. I am sure Leroy Thompson used one for at least one overseas assignment. In truth, I prefer the Bersa Thunder 380 or makarov. Regards, Richard