Development of the PM63 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. PM63 development was assumed and completed by the state-operated ?ucznik Arms Factory in the city of Radom where it was produced until 1974. After close examination the PM-63 was accepted into service with the Polish Army and police in 1965 as the 9 mm pistolet maszynowy wz. 1963 (9 mm submachine gun model 1963). The pm wz.63 on the other hand is akin to a machine pistol and produced using traditional manufacturing techniques. Due to the machining operations involved the pm wz.63 was a relatively expensive piece to produce. - Model: PM63-C - Type: semi-auto sporting pistol - Weight: 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) empty / 1.9 kg (4.2 lb) loaded with 15-rd magazine / 2.52 kg (5.5 lb) with 25-rd magazine - Overall length: 333 mm (13.1 in) stock collapsed - Barrel length: 152 mm (6.0 in) - Cartridge: 9x18mm Makarov - Action: Closed bolt semi-auto - Muzzle velocity: 320 m/s (1050 ft/s) - Effective range: 75 m - Maximum range: 150 m - Feed system: 15 or 25-round box magazine - Sights: Flip rear sight 75-150 front blade