CZ83, Makarov, or PA-63

G

gwalchmai

New member
Which should I get and what are your feelings regarding caliber in these - 9x17 or 9x18?

Thank you all, oh wise TFL pistoleros... :)
 
Given a choice, I'd pick the CZ in 9x18. CZ is a better pistol than the other two, IMO and the 9x18 better than 380. Again, just my opinion. I do own a PA-63 and I like it, but I'd trade it for a CZ83 without hesitation, based on my experience with my CZ75 B and what I've picked up from other CZ owners.
Of course, if you're looking for one gun for self-defense, I'd move up to the 9mm at a minimum.
 
I know nothing about CZs but I do know the Makarov is a great gun and many others share that opinion. I have a 9x18 EG Makarov and have a Bulgarian on the way right now. Bulgarian's are in somewhat short supply right now but according to a source on the makarov forum, a major importer is about to release 10,000 unissued Bulgarians to their distributors in a week or so. There should be some good deals on them soon.
 
Iwould go with the Makarov. I have a Russian double stack and it is very reliable with all types of ammo :D . Plus for the $$$ you cant find a better more reliable pistol. :cool:
 
If you need to hide it....

then my vote goes to the Mak. Shooting my CZ next to my friends Mak, it is a much nicer to shoot. I mean the ergo's of the grip, recoil, sights, capacity (13 rounders are $25), trigger. The downside of the CZ is it's size. More potent, smaller packages exist.

I've only put reloads and LVE through mine to date, but it has yet to hicup, I hear the same about the mak.

Sorry, no experience with the PA-63

As to caliber I'd say
Self defense 9x19. If you are stuck with these two calibers I'd take 10 rnds (or 13) of the marginally inferior .380 over the 8 rnds of 9x18.
380's more available compared to 9x18

Plinking .380 might be easier to get if you are not on the net. Good deals are to be had for both the 9x17 and 9x18 on the net.
 
I have fondled them all, and shot the Mak.

If the pistol will be used for CCW, I might recommend the PA-63 just because it is the lightest. Its alloy. Its also the smallest. Almost PPK sized. I own a "cousin" of the PA-63, the FEG APK. It is a very nice pistol.

However, neither is a whole lot bigger or heavier.

If I were choozing among the 3, I would get the CZ-83. It feels great; it points great; its got higher magazine capacity.
 
I have shot all of them and would vote the CZ 83 in Mak. The Makarov gun is very dependable and priced right. The PA 63 I shot wasnt a really good gun (being nice) and I like FEG's.
For a tight budget ...go with the Makarov. For the best gun...CZ 83 in Mak. The .380 is no slouch for the "pocket pistol" calibers...right behind the Mak..but I like the Mak better.
Shoot well
 
Do yourself a favor and get the Makarov it's a military pistol, there's an abundance of inexpensive magazines around for them. The 9x18 chambering is a littler more powerful than the .380 and ammo is cheap and readily available for them. I love my East German Maks, and IMHO they're the best self defense handgun on the market, for the money these days.

7th
 
CZ's rule!

I have a CZ 83 in .380.
I am very happy with it. Extremely accurate, easy to breakdown for cleaning, and reliable!!!

The only downside is the plastic pistol grip "fogs" up when I use the product "gun scrubber", so I bought the walnut grips for it. Not only does it look nicer, it doesn't "fog" up with any of the cleaning chems. that I use.

Enjoy,

Espis:eek:
 
I don't like the trigger pull on the PA-63. It's pretty severe. I like my Mak, but I haven't fired the CZ. Good luck and shoot straight.
 
"gun srubber" eats plastic. When using it..just take your grips off.
Be careful not to use it on a "poly coated" gun...it will eat your finish. Shoot well
 
Espis, you said:

"...so I bought the walnut grips for it. Not only does it look nicer..."

Where did you buy the walnut grips for your CZ83; and did they fit well, or did they need adjustment? What was the surface; or were they unfinished?

--Spiros
 
Walnut grips

Yasu,
Tecanus (sp)
I got my walnut grips from the CZ people.
They have a web site.
The grips fit nicely. They come un finished, but good enough to use as is.

:)
espi
 
Absolutely the CZ, if the few extra dollars don't bother you (it's definitely worth it).

As for caliber, I'd go with makarov (9x18) because you can find it VERY cheap and also fairly hot. .380 is weaker and more expensive.
 
The wood grips are available from CZUSA for $50.00+ .........
U can get a Mak CZ83 thru CZ Connection right now!
They are the rarest of the rare....when it comes to CZ's.
They imported one last run of them just for this order and it
may be the last chance to get one.......

Shoot well
 
Everyone here knows or should know what my feelings with regard to the Makarov are!!! :) Heck, I own 7 of them. The Makarov is my backup pistol. Has been for a long time!!! I consider the Makarov to be the Glock of the Eastern Bloc. In short, buy the Makarov!!! :D

I have handled the PA-63. The trigger is nowhere as good as the Mak. Stiff and unresponsive. :eek:

The 9x18 Makarov cartridge will get the job done. The Makarov is an extremely accurate weapon, even with the stock sights. The gun and cartridge were designed to be used together and domestic ammo makers are starting to manufacture modern hollowpoints that will feed reliably in it.

Now go and do the right thing and buy that Makarov!!! :cool:
 
Mak all the way. CZ-83's are nice. Mak's are a better bargain. I carry mine daily off duty with Barnaul HPs.
 
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