PM63 RAK

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	Weapon: PM63 RAK Type: Submachine Gun Country of Origin: Poland Year Adopted: 1963 Overall Length (mm): 333.0 Overall Length (in): 13.11 Weight (kg): 1.60 Weight (pounds): 3.53

The PM63 RAK is a Polish submachine gun designed in the late 1950s by Piotr Wilniewczyc. Chambered in 9x18mm Makarov, it was intended as a personal defense weapon for vehicle crews, paratroopers, and police forces. The PM63 featured a unique combination of pistol and submachine gun traits, including a telescoping bolt and an integrated forward grip for added control during automatic fire. Its small size and high rate of fire made it suitable for close-quarters combat.

Adopted by the Polish military in the early 1960s, the PM63 saw use in both military and law enforcement roles. Its compact size and ease of use were highly regarded, especially for situations where larger firearms would be cumbersome. The RAK was also exported to various nations in Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it a widely used weapon during the Cold War era.

While the PM63 RAK has since been replaced by more modern designs, it remains a notable firearm due to its innovative design and role in Polish military history. Its appearance in various conflicts and its influence on subsequent compact submachine gun designs have solidified its reputation as an important Cold War-era weapon.