My C&R P-64 sucks so bad....

[CaseHardened]

I bought this "Poor Man's Walther PPK" about 10 years ago, for $250 (give or take).

It was Hand-Picked, and very clean - appearred to be used very little.

I took it to the Range, put a Mag thru it - all was fine. Took it home; cleaned and lubed.

The next year, after very few rounds (from the same lot of cartridges) it jammed - bad. FTF. I couldn't clear it, so called the onsite Gunsmith. He had to bring it out back, but did clear it - with the help of a vise and a hammer. Miraculously, it was not marred or scratched.

Soon afterwards I began begging local Gunsmiths to repair it - all were far too busy. So I dis-assemble it, and discovered LINK #16 had snapped. Bought a replacement on eBay for about $10. Took out my Machinist Vise, clamped it down, wore GOGGLES (critical), and replaced the link.

I then checked all functions, and it seemed fine.

Fast Forward to December 2020, and some Rotator Cuff Surgery. My right hand lost most of its grip, and is very slowly recovering.

Anyhow, my daily CC, a Seecamp, became far too difficult to rack. So I figured my P-64 would be better. IT IS NOT.

Using 9x18 A-Zoom Snap Caps, when I pull the Slide back, release, FTF. The cartridge hangs up between the Magazine and the Chamber. At this point I have to carefully pry the Magazine out from below.

So now I'm at an impasse. If I could even find a Gunsmith, it's not worth throwing much money at such an inexpensive handgun.

On the other hand, at least I have ammo for it.

I'm thinking of bringing it somewhere to consign, for sale, while disclosing the issue. Maybe they would then be motivated to identify the FTF, so as to sell it and profit.

 

[tony]

So does the cartridge look too high for chamber, too low? What is the cartridge hanging on? How do the mag lips look?

 

[CaseHardened]

So does the cartridge look too high for chamber, too low? What is the cartridge hanging on? How do the mag lips look?

The Cartridge hangs up below the Chamber, above the Magazine. Sort of jammed between them.

I've tried three different Mags - I will look at them again in a few minutes.

I'll take a better look at the Chamber as well. Perhaps the Gunsmith introduced a burr removing the round ?

 

[tony]

Not knowing what the magazine looks like, could it be that the cartridge is being held in the magazine too long? Maybe in very small amounts "adjust" the lips on the mag so that the cartridge rises more or sooner.

 

[Robin]

I think the pzoktroi has too much dvoskitl, file it down a bit.
Robnyevinez

 

[dsdmmat]

Could be a weak recoil spring. Or it could be the round is hanging up on the extractor. Wouldn’t know unless I had it in my hand.
Take the slide and barrel off and see if you can slide a round up the breechface without too much resistance.

 

[stokes]

I think the pzoktroi has too much dvoskitl, file it down a bit.
Robnyevinez

Damn, I was just gonna say that

 

[Jsmegs77]

I’ve got a PPK-like myself. A Bernardelli Model 60 in .32 ACP. Slick little shooter, but quite sensitive to limp wristing. I would think perhaps if you’re having trouble racking the slide on a Seecamp (one of my grail guns btw), that perhaps your shooting grip is also affected?

Besides, at your price point, I would try to tune it up a little myself. Crocus cloth on feed ramp, deburr sharp edges, and similar. Also as @dsdmmat mentioned, the recoil spring may be in need of replacement. Worth a shot if you can find one.

 

[stokes]

I vote limp wrist too.You're a pirate,pirates are light in the loafers so limp wristed seems about right.

 

[CaseHardened]

I’ve got a PPK-like myself. A Bernardelli Model 60 in .32 ACP. Slick little shooter, but quite sensitive to limp wristing. I would think perhaps if you’re having trouble racking the slide on a Seecamp (one of my grail guns btw), that perhaps your shooting grip is also affected?

Besides, at your price point, I would try to tune it up a little myself. Crocus cloth on feed ramp, deburr sharp edges, and similar. Also as @dsdmmat mentioned, the recoil spring may be in need of replacement. Worth a shot if you can find one.

Been out all day with the family. Nice, sunny (although crisp) day. I will grab the pistol and check it out soon. Mebe some pics tomorrow.

The Recoil Spring sure is not weak, however. If anything, it's too strong.

 

[CaseHardened]

Ok, after reading everyone's posts, most pointed me to the Magazines.

So I thought, ok. I have one Original, Serialized Magazine, and two Aftermarket ones.

I tried the Serialized Magazine, and it works perfectly. As one Aftermarket Magazine does.

But the second Aftermarket Magazine jams every time.

The only difference I can possibly ascertain is the second Aftermarket Magazine may be a 1/2mm longer: thus the jam.

 

[Robin]

If you can't fix it, destroy it. Not the kind of thing you want to pick up by accident when you need it most.
Robin

 

[CaseHardened]

If you can't fix it, destroy it. Not the kind of thing you want to pick up by accident when you need it most.
Robin

They manufactured P-64's for many years.

Is it possible my errant Mag is actually perfect for another ?

I will likely sell it, basically, for parts.

The Spring, Base Plate, Follower, are all just fine. Just the steel shell is bad (for me).