CZ fans, what are your thought on the CZ83

Status
Not open for further replies.
C

CarbineKid

Member
Joined
Jun 21, 2003
Messages
173
I never even thought about buying one. Especially since the gun is chambered for the .380 round. However today I read a short review of one, and it is starting to catch my intrest. I rean a quick search on this forum and a few others. However Im still alittle confused. The serach provided alot of info, with no real meat to it;) So please tell me ALL about this CZ
Thanks
 
TDA, Fixed Barrel straight blowback, czech answer to the makarov. cocked and locked option.

get a CZ-82 if you can, it's the military version that fires a special higher pressure 9mm makarov and has polygonal rifling.
 
The 83 or 82 are supposed to be "dot your eye" accurate, easy to carry and you can send a whole mess of those 95gr. bullets flying at a badguy quick....the recoil is very light and the grip is very solid.
 
They're a nice weapon , I own one chambered in 9X18 Mak . It makes a nice summer carry gun in tandem with my Bulgarian Makarov or my Taurus 85 snubbie .
 
Guys thanks for your opinions. Can anyone give me a rough idea on what the actually street price is? I found the MSRP of 420 on czusa but I know every gun is sold under the MSRP
 
I own 3 of them

Actually, I own 5 of them.

A .32 ACP, a .380 ACP, and three 9x18s. The .380 and two of the 9x18s are new in the box.

The .32 ACP is not all that potent since it's a .32 ACP, but it is probably the most potent gun there is for a .32 ACP.

I haven't actually shot my .380 yet. It's identical to the .32 in every way.

My 9x18 is really a gem. Wow. A chrome plated polygonal rifled bore. It shoots like a dream. I actually bought 3 of these. I'm shooting one. The others are investments I'll sell down the road. The 9x18s are no longer imported, nor are the .32s.

The .32 is accurate. More accurate than my Firestorm .32, but the Firestorm is pretty good too.

The 9x18 packs a fair wallop with the right ammo. Many will tell you the 9x18 is only like a .380 +P. That's true with some ammo, but stronger 9x18 is way above .380 and close to a .38 Spl with 2" barrel. For example, Silver Bear ammo from a 9x18 CZ-83 is 115 gr JHP with a muzzle velocity about 1050 fps. No .380 +P can touch that. That is at or near a .38 Spl standard pressure from a 2" barrel .38.

Note: Silver Bear is rated for 1010 from a Makarov, but CZ-83 9x18 allegedly gets 40 fps more velocity due to polygonal bore.

All calibers of CZ-83s are excellent guns and very accurate and easy shooting. They are even small enough to fit in any coat pocket of any coat I own. My coats are all XL. However, the CZ-83 is too heavy to easily carry in a coat pocket. My Firestorm and Bersas are better suited to pocket carry.

The two things I don't like about the CZ-83 are it's a bit too heavy for coat pocket carry, and it can snag on hammer or beavertail when drawing from a coat pocket or fanny pack. That snag issue can happen to any gun with an thumb grip on hammer. Many autos have a thumb grip and a beaver tail, so they can snag. The CZ-83 is typical of this. However, with a top opening fanny pack or holster, it's a fantastic gun in any caliber and a bargain price.

The accuracy of the CZ-83 has to be seen to be believed considering the small size of the gun. The 9x18s are the most accurate, but all others (.32 and .380) are very good. This is a darn nice gun for a good price. Not a pocket gun, but otherwise fantastic.

My Firestorm .32 is accurate. My Ruger SP101 .32 Mag is very accurate. My CZ-83 .32 ACP is very accurate. My CZ-83 9x18 is amazingly accurate. When I say amazingly accurate, I mean you will be awestruck even after I told you so. That applies to 9x18. Since I haven't shot the .380 yet, I can only say the .380 is reputed to be accurate.
 
Last edited:
Regarding the advice to get a CZ-82

That would be a great used gun with polygonal bore. Not sure if chrome plated bore or not.

However, I know for a fact (since I own 3) that the CZ-83 in 9x18 is also polygonal bore and is a chrome plated bore. Nice. Also, the CZ-83 in 9x18 is still available as a new gun, if you know where to look. Silver Bear 9x18 JHP is dirt cheap too. 50 rouns for $7 at my local gun store. Cheaper online.

I'd put a CZ-83 9x18 shooting Silver Bear JHP up against any .38 Spl. 2" barrel gun for stopping power (about equal per shot). For accuracy, the CZ-83 will beat any .38 Spl 2" barrel. For ammo capacity and rate of fire, the CZ-83 wins many times over.

Comparing to a 3" barrel .38 Spl, I'd say the .38 has the edge for one shot stopping power, but not by that much. The 9x18 CZ-83 would probably offer similar accuracy, but many more shots (12+1) and a more rapid rate of fire.

If you want a new CZ-83 in 9x18, I started two other threads about that earlier. Also, you can contact me if you want more info.

I'm also sure the .380 is a good gun too. Perhaps better for me since I'm recoil sensitive and the 9x18 hurts my arthritic hands. I know many people will tell you the 9x18 is easy on recoil. My response is "easy compared to what?" It feels like a .38 Spl to me. That is medium recoil, in my opinion. Also medium power.

There are still a few people like me who've hoarded new in box CZ-83s in 9x18. There are a few sellers on GunsAmerica.com and also GunBroker.com that are selling new CZ-83s in 9x18. Also, Makarov.com is dealing in new CZ-83s in 9x18. The unique thing about Makarov.com is that they can get you a nickel or black finish. The others can only get blue finish like I have.

Thanks
 
The problem with CZ-83s in .32 and .380

is that Firestorm and Bersa accomplish similar accuracy and capacity with similar recoil in a smaller lighter gun that can be put in pocket. This makes the CZ-83 not practical in .32 or .380 since the Firestorms and Bersas are excellent and much less money than CZ-83s.

On the other hand, a CZ-83 in 9x18 can't be beat because it offers good shooting, easy 28 oz. carry with holster or fanny pack, cheap ammo, and I think decent stopping power.

Also, the CZ-83 in 9x18 fills a power level in autos between .380 and 9mm Parabellum (Luger). Only the 9x18 is in the middle. Granted it's closer to the .380 than the Luger, but it's still in the middle.

I really think the 9x18 is similar in power to a 2" barrel .38 Spl. This when using 9x18 Silver Bear 115 gr JHP.

The .380 is anemic. The 9mm Parabellum is powerful. What's in the middle? In the middle in auto is 9x18. In revolver is .38 Spl.

So the 9x18 fills an important niche as the medium power auto, in my opinion. The CZ-83 is the nicest of the 9x18s. It is also the most powerful. It's polygonal barrel gives more velocity than a Makarov when using the same ammo in both. Allegedly the CZ-83 9x18 gives 40 fps more than a Makarov 9x18.

Note: If you intend to use 115 gr Silver Bear ammo in a Makarov or CZ-83 you need to first upgrade the recoil spring to a stiffer spring. Otherwise, stick with 95, 100, and 105 grain JHP bullets with stock springs. Makarov.com offers upgrade springs for both Makarov and CZ-83 9x18.

Note: Since Makarovs are no longer imported, Makarov.com is becoming a good CZ-83 place.
 
love my CZ-83s

I have three, all in 380, but one is a gold-plated pimp special.

Only problem I've encountered relates to firing hot ammo. Previous posts talking about hot 9X18 reminded me of my experience. Myson-in-law put about 50 hot handloads though one of my pistols and called me to say the slide would hardly rack back by hand and the barrel was getting scratched. when I examined the gun, I found the slide had been battering against the barrel boss from hard recoil and peened the slide and made it curl upward slightly so it bore against the bottom of the barrel. Fortunately I was able to correct the damage, but I'd not fire hot loads in mine anymore, even if I were to put in a heavier recoil spring to minimize battering of slide against frame.

The hot loads werent' that bad, ether: 4.2 grains of Unique with an 88 grain lead bullet, which would be a moderate load in a 9X18 case. I'm guessing that a hot 9X18 load would require a heavier recoil spring to prevent the battering damage.
 
I really enjoy shooting my CZ 83. It is very accurate. I am able to shoot 2" groups at 25 yards, and feel the gun is capable of doing better. My eyes just aren't what they used to be.

Things I like;:)

Easy take down in the walther ppk style.

Accuracy is VERY good.

Comfort, grip, handle, all feel almost perfect.

Size and weight are well within carry limits.

Price is moderate.

Has one of the nicest triggers in my collection. Even DA is smooth. SA is short, sweet and crisp.


Things I don't like;:banghead:

I have FTF problems. especially on the last round.

After market stuff is hard to find, holsters, springs, mags, etc.

Does not take +P. For me that's not a problem, but some people may think it is.

--------------------------------------

I have a Bersa .380 also and there is no comparison, the CZ is a better gun in my opinion. The 83 has a better grip, higher magazine capacity, and no annoying grip screw problems. Although the Bersa has a fixed barrel also, I've never personally fired groups with the Bersa as well as I have with the 83.

The 83 is not as refined or finished as my Beretta 84, and that is reflected in the price difference. The Beretta may be the finer made gun, but I must admit I enjoy shooting the CZ more. Having said that, the fact is I will not trust my life to the CZ, nor carry it. My Beretta has never, ever failed to operate.

Isn't life good when there are so many choices?:D In my opinion the CZ 83 is a good, not great gun. If FTF problems could be solved I would carry one.
 
Last edited:
I've shot my brother's 83 a few times. It has a great trigger, ergonomic feel, nice balance, no recoil, and plenty of accuracy. He did have a FTF problem when it was new, but it turned out to be mag related and went away after CZ replaced the original mags. I like the little CZs. The fit and finish on his is very nice.
 
finally someone mentioned the triggers

In my opinion you can't talk about a cz 83 and not mention triggers. They are some of the bestest.

You can get 9x18 if you want but .380 is fine for a pistol of this type and size. A couple extra foot pounds here or there ain't gonna make that much difference except to the paper tigers.

I doubt anybody you shoot will say "damn sakes alive I sure wish he woulda shot me with a .380 instead of those elephant gun 9x18's".

I have a bersa 380 and it is just fine for what it is. The only gun I think would better it in its class is the cz83. For all PRACTICAL purposes they are equal. They both beat just having a knife on you but within a few feet my cold steel tanto will do more damage in one second than a whole pocket full 9x18 or .380s. So let's try to keep things in perspective here.

I say buy one, or buy a bersa you won't regret either.

-bevr
 
I just got back from the range with my cz 83. I put 150 rounds of santa barbara 380 through it without a single problem. It is very accurate and quick to come back on target after each shot. Its easy doing double taps with this gun.
I bought mine barely used for $325 with two mags. A lot of people have had problems with the mags not feeding right on the last rounds. One of my mags worked fine and the other would fail to feed on the last rounds. I ground a little off the mag tube where the bullet passes over and it has been reliable ever since with different brands of ammo and hundreds of rounds. I wish wolf would make extra power mag springs but they list nothing for the cz 83. I read that makarov recoil springs will work in the cz 83 but I havn't tried it. Mags can also be hard to find but right now can be found on line at cdnn for $20.
I really like the cz 83 and don't regret buying it at all. Unlike some other guns I bought that are praised on the forums and turn out to be turds. This one is a keeper and has proven reliable enough after the mag fix that I would use it for self defense.
 
I shot the CZ83 we had at the rental range years ago - very accurate, lots of fun, dead reliable. As much as I am a CZophile, I wouldn't really go out and get one, as it is too large for CCW compared to many other 380s. If you were legally restricted to under 9mm, like in some countries, then I would go for it in a heartbeat.
The CZ83 is in the same class as the Browning BDA, niche guns, lots of fun to shoot.
 
Stiffer recoil springs available from Makarov.com soon

Makarov.com is having stiffer springs made and will soon be available. In the meanwhile, stick to standard loads. i.e. - 90 to 95 grain bullet and 1060 fps or less. I'd avoid 115 gr bullets or anything heavier than 95 gr until you get a stiffer spring.

Velocity warning: 9x18 loads stated velocity is based on a Makarov test gun in all cases I ever heard of. A CZ-83 is reputed to give 40 fps more velocity from the same ammo than a Makarov would (due to polygonal barrel). So when I said to stick to 1060 fps or less, I really meant don't use ammo rated faster than 1020 fps on the box. I use the Federal Eagle stuff which is 95 gr FMJ rated at 1030 from a Makarov. So it should be doing about 1070 fps from my CZ-83, which might be a bit much. The recoil is stiff.

I also own a box of 115 grain Silver Bear JHP that I'm afraid to shoot in my CZ-83 until after I get a stiffer spring. Even then, my hand might not appreciate the Silver Bear. It's probably best to stick to 95 gr bullets AND get a stiffer spring. It's a good gun, but a wimpy spring. I'm sure that any 90 gr bullet is fine with the stock spring.

There is an abundance of NIB 9x18 CZ-83s available in 3 finishes:

Blue Gloss
Matte Black (aka Black Polycoat)
Nickel

The .380s are available in Glossy Blue and Nickel

The 9x18s used to have chrome plated polygonal bores, which are very nice. However, Makarov.com told me the new ones have stainless steel polygonal bores, which is even nicer.

Does anyone know if there are any other brands-models of guns that have stainless steel polygonal bores?
 
Reliability

I've never had a single reliability problem with my CZ-83s in any caliber and my Firestorm is also great. Both have been 100% reliable.

However, the Firestorm is easier to carry and snags less on the draw. The CZ-83 is more accurate.

Two of my CZ-83 are older models. One is newer. My next will be the type with stainless barrel.

They started out good, but with a few lemons out there. However, CZ is good about taking care of any lemons.

The quality keeps getting better as CZ itself becomes better. They were good for an excommy company. They're getting better and more modern as they become comfortable as part of the free world economy. The manufacturing quality reflects this in that not only are the new models of CZ better than the old, the the old models are better made than before. They were good before. Now they're becoming great.

I can see the improvement in my CZ-83s. The newer the manufacture date, the better the quality and even features (even on same model of gun).
 
To heck with pics.

I've got limited time to post here. There are pics of CZ-83s all over the web. I've got to get back to work now. My break is over. Literally.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

nwilliams
  • Locked
CZ83 your thoughts....
Replies
13
Views
2K
gazpacho
G
A
  • Locked
Thoughts on Surplus CZ 83 ?
2
Replies
32
Views
2K
Shadow 7D
S
B
  • Locked
I think I am a CZ wannabe--info please.
Replies
9
Views
951
CZF
CZF
G
  • Locked
CZ-52 Pistol
Replies
22
Views
3K
barnbwt
barnbwt
R
  • Locked
CZ vs. AREX
2
Replies
29
Views
8K
jjones45
jjones45
Back
Top