P9RC
| FÉG P9RC | |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin |  Hungary |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Hungary |
| Production history | |
| Designer | József Kameniczky |
| Designed | 1980 |
| Manufacturer | FÉG |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 35oz (unloaded), 41oz (loaded) |
| Length | 8 in |
| Barrel length | 4.65 in |
| Cartridge | 9×19mm Parabellum |
| Action | Short recoil operated |
| Feed system | 14-round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | blade front, notch rear |
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.
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's roots come from FÉG's early copies of the Browning Hi-Power like the FP9, but it has a number of safety improvements. Additions included double action lock work, a drop-hammer safety, and interruption of the firing pin while the safety is engaged.