Rebarreling a CZ82 for .380?

E

essohbe

Moderator
If I understand it correctly, the only difference between a CZ82 and a CZ83 is that one is chambered for Makarov round and the other .380....

So, if I decided I wanted to shoot 9x17/.380 instead of 9x18 Mak in my CZ82, could I just get a CZ83 barrel and replace the CZ82 one?
 
You could, but I wouldn't. If you did (did I already mention that I wouldn't?), you might have to get a weaker recoil spring (or modify the existing one to be a little weaker) if you have some FTEs or FTFs. Also, because these are blowback guns the barrels are fixed. You'd have to have a smith push out the old barrel and press in the new one. This mod would also disqualify the gun as a C&R. Something wrong with the 9x18 barrel?
 
I agree - why would you want to? 9x18 is more powerful than .380. Ammo costs less (though usually has to be ordered over the internet). Plus, you would need to restamp the slide lest a subsequent owner not know you have changed the barrel.
 
So, if I decided I wanted to shoot 9x17/.380 instead of 9x18 Mak in my CZ82, could I just get a CZ83 barrel and replace the CZ82 one?
Click to expand...

The bigger question is why? 9X18 ammo for range practice is cheaper than 380ACP. There are two excellent SD rounds available From Hornady in 9MM Makarov with similar ballistics to the 380ACP. Modifying the gun to essentially an equal round would remove it's C&R status, and would be a useless expense.
 
Thought about doing the same thing.
Numrich used to have CZ-83 barrels, I believe they're an easy swap but can't find them.

Yes, the Mak has more power, but the local indoor range does not allow bi-metal bullets... which is the "cheaper stuff"... I have to buy the $15/box S&B when I want to shoot indoors.

I did just get a set of dies...so I'll probably start reloading for it.
 
If you can find the barrel all it requires is a change of barrels, every thing else will function just fine. You don't need to change recoil springs. There is only about a hundred FPS difference and the .380 will operate perfectly. I have a couple of 9X18's that I've changed barrels on, why?, just because I could and a better selection of ammo. Plus I reload for .380 and didn't want to buy yet another set of dies.:D It would be cheaper and easier to just buy a CZ 83, but hey, the busy work keeps me out of the bars.:D
 
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Thanks for the replies.

Yea, .380 is everywhere and I can only find 9x18 at gunshows and then it's not all the time either. When it is they want $12 for a box of brown bear :mad:
I can't order online because I don't want to pay shipping and work around not having a credit card anyways.

I got lucky ONE time and found Hornady 9x18 for like $5 for 50, the guy didn't even know what it was. :cool:
 
I can find 9x18 in Academy, Gander Mountain, and the local bi-monthly gun show, and I'm in the tiny burgh of Amarillo, Texas. I'm surprised it's that hard to find for some of you.
 
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