CZ-83

V

Voltaire

New member
I haven't seen much written about this pistol. Does anyone have first-hand experience? I hear only good things about CZs, and the 83's size makes it quite appealing to me.

I'm looking for a compact, reliable, and somewhat economical autoloader. The obvious contenders seem to be the CZ-83 and the Makarov. Because the CZ costs twice as much, I'm sure any dealer would recommend it over the Makarov. What do you guys think?

A related question: I have read that the 83 in .32 and .380 ACP has a traditionally rifled barrel, while in 9x18 the barrel has polygonal rifling. I understand the physical difference between traditional and polygonal rifling, but what is the ballistic difference? Thanks!

Voltaire
 
Voltaire, I had the chance to fondle a CZ 83, in .380, about a year ago. The used asking price was about $280, if I remember correctly. This paricular CZ 83 was in good shape and was typical fine CZ quality. From the one owner I had contact with the CZ 83 is the "Cadillac of 9x18s". I put the CZ 83 on my list in the "Next 5 Purchases" thread. In the difference between polygonal and traditional rifling, I have read that the polygonal barrel will give a slightly better performance but should not have lead fired through it while some have reported they have not experienced any problems firing lead through their Glocks.
 
CZ makes fine firearms. I'm looking at getting one of their model 452 .22 rifles. The CZ-83 is a very well made blowback operated pistol. Functionally any of the Makarovs will be just as reliable, but maybe not as nicely finished. I have been very happy with my Russian Mak. Not a single failure of any kind. The E. German Maks are also nice if you can find one. If your budget allows it go for the CZ! If you are cash poor and want a reliable gun get a Makarov. Or better yet get both. In factory loaded rounds the .380 and the 9x18 are nearly identical. The 9x18 has the potential to be loaded hotter and the Maks will take it. Some of the military ammo you find is hotter, but the American Eagle brand ammo (one of the only domestic 9x18 brands) is about the same as .380. Hornady makes JHP for the 9x18 too. If I were buying a CZ-83 I would seriously consider the .380 unless you also happen to reload.
 
Having owned 3 CZ 452 rifles, 2 .22 LR + 1 .22mag, I am more than please with their quality, performance. At 50 yards, with right ammo, they shoot less than quarter size groups in a calm day. I have never owned a CZ pistol. Some review in the past regarded the CZ 83 as on of the top choices for 380 ACP. I played with one at a local store; it is a well made, nice looking
gun in MHO. I am not into 380 but believe that the 83 is a good choice.
 
The CZ-83 (380) is on my "WANTED" list because of it's slim design, reasonable caliber and capacity, and the loaction of the safety.

I don't like it when the safety is on the slide... I like it on the frame just like the CZ-83. It's a classy looking gun. A couple of days ago, I posted some questions about it on: http://www.guns.com (my favorite place)

If you get one, please let me know how you like it.

Thanx,
Ben

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AOL IM: BenK911
ICQ # 53788523
"Gun Control Is Being Able To Hit Your Target"
 
I had one of these in the past. Mine was chambered for the .380 ACP.

It was very accurate and reliable, not to mention ruggedly built. It can be carried cocked & locked if desired as it as a frame-mounted safety.

However, its finish was not superb (not bad, just not superb). Also, the gun is quite big for a .380 ACP-chambered gun. It is almost as big as a Glock 19. The reason is that it was originally designed to hold 13+1 (in .380 ACP; 15+1 in .32 ACP), but now comes with a plugged 10+1 magazine (I could only load 9 at the most with a great deal of effort).

It is considered by Gene Gangarossa to be the best compact .380 ACP-chambered gun (followed by the Beretta).

Skorzeny

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For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence. Sun Tzu
 
The cz-83 is the most reliable handgun I see on the range. Put a mag in pull the trigger it goes bang if you are looking for a carry gun you cant do much better.I would go with the 380 though because of ammo and component availability
 
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