question about cz52 barrel

Ok, so my job will be taking me to New Orleans very soon, and as my CZ 52 can't seem to hit the broad side of a barn from the inside, I decided to purchase an aftermarket barrel for it. The manufacturing quality appears to be ok, but the outside of the barrel has ridges, which makes it more difficult to rack the slide, not to mention making my pistol sound like a zipper! I don't think it's enough to upset the action, but I'd rather not take the chance if I can help it. What should I do to remedy this situation?

And yes, I know that a CZ52 is not the ideal pistol for defensive purposes, but it's what I have right now, as I'm not sure the P85 my father is sending me will make it in time. It's sure better than my Supermatic!!

Also, what is the preferred style of carry for this pistol. Cocked and locked, or hammer down/safety on? I have verified that the decocker is in working order. Thanks!

Go here, ask these people: http://makarov.com/cz52/

DO NOT TRUST the decocker.

I carry mine cocked and locked.

I wouldn't be too quick to judge the CZ52 as not a good self defense weapon, I think its a better choice than a lot of more expensive guns out there. I've had one for many years and its gone bang every time. Considering I paid just over $100 for it I have certainly gotten my money's worth. The 7.62x25 is a very hard hitting round, a lot of people don't realize just how powerful it is. You can give me a 7.62x25 over 9mm for a defense load any day!

Personally if I alll had for carry was a cz52 I wouldn't feel too uncomfortable, it beats a Hi-Point:D

Personally I wouldn't have jumped to the conclussion that it was the barrel at fault here. The cz52 doesn't have the worlds best trigger and can hamper its accuracy unless you practice a lot and overcome that downside. Also the sights have a reputation of being not so good on a lot of these guns. I shoot only S&B non-corrosive ammo through mine and I find it to be pretty accurate. Also the gun is not ergonomically the greatest design and can be pretty hard to shoot for that reason alone. I find that I have to alter the way I shoot it dramatically from how I shoot all my other handguns. Its a different animal and just takes practice.

To answer your other question, I've never carried it as a defense weapon, but I would feel pretty comfortable carrying it cocked and locked. I've heard stories about the decocker but I had mine looked at by a very experienced gunsmith and was given the ok on it, however I still lower the hammer by hand, just as a precaution.

Definitely hit Makarov.com. They are very into the CZ52. Incidentally, there are links there to a variety of self-defense ammo for the CZ52.

Your barrel shouldn't be that inaccurate... maybe the front or rear sight is out of alignment?
The 7.62 Tok round is nothing to sneeze at - I call it the 8mm Magnum. Loud, nice muzzle flash, pretty good power coming out the muzzle.