Type Semi-automatic pistol Used by Hungary Designed 1980 | Place of origin Hungary Designer József Kameniczky Manufacturer FÉG | |
The P9RC is a semi-automatic pistol designed by József Kameniczky and manufactured by the FÉGARMY Arms Factory of Hungary. It was selected as the new service pistol of the Hungarian military and police, replacing the PA-63 after the fall of the Soviet Union.
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History
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990, the Hungarian military sought to replace its FÉG PA-63 sidearms in the Soviet 9×18mm Makarov cartridge with a handgun in the more powerful 9×19mm Parabellum. Originally the Israeli Baby Eagle/Jericho 941 was used until a domestically produced weapon could be chosen. In 1996 the P9RC was selected as the new standard issue sidearm for both the Hungarian military and police forces, and saw service until 2000 when the H&K USP began replacing it. As of 2010 many P9RCs are still in service, for military and police fundings did not allow complete replacement.
Design and features
The P9RC is the slightly modified version of the P9R. There are 3 notable differences: the guide rod assembly, the bottom part of the barrel (on which the tilting barrel locking system works) and the grips. Earlier P9Rs had wooden grips, later ones came with plastics as well, while P9RCs were made with plastics only. The P9R/P9RC is basically a re-designed copy of the Smith & Wesson M59. It is simplified and has an all steel construction instead of S&W's alloy frame.