Tell me about the CZ 50

KDS · June 27, 2012, 02:44 PM

I am thinking about picking up a CZ 50 but don't know much about them. It seems like a neat little gun I can get for pretty cheap. This would only be used for plinking and collecting. I like CZs and have a C&R. What can you tell me about this gun?

AK103K · June 27, 2012, 06:54 PM

I have one of the CZ70's. Basically the same gun, with a few minor changes.

I prefer the shape of the 50's grips, and replaced mine with a set.

The DA trigger on mine, and a couple of others Ive shot are terrible, and are easier shot using two fingers. SA is pretty good. Its one of the few guns I thumb cock.

They are well made, accurate little guns. A little heavy for their size. .32's arent the cheapest for plinking, unless you reload.

The only real problem I had with mine, was getting the mags straitened out. The mag that came with the gun, as well as some I got from Marstar that were supposed to be new, but werent, would not function with more than three rounds in them. Turns out, the srings in all of them were bad, and when replaced with some from Wolff, work fine now.

Ash · June 28, 2012, 01:15 PM

They are well-made, better made than the Makarov that came not long after. They have a great frame-mounted safety, are compact, and overall demonstrate a high standard of manufacturing. However, the geometry on the double action trigger causes it to be heavy, often very heavy. Single action tends to be pretty good, however. The 32acp loading is pretty weak, though, and it's a shame they did not develop a 9mm Mak version. When the Czechs went to 9mm Mak, they simply came up with the CZ-82.

Some folks say the CZ-50/70 are Walther copies. They are not. The only thing they have in common is blow-back operation with the recoil spring around the barrel, and double action triggers. The Walther has the safety on the slide and the take-down is completely different.

KDS · June 28, 2012, 01:35 PM

I am looking at the CZ 50s listed on Wideners website for $230. Since I have a Kel-tec P32, I have plenty of 32 ACP on hand. Thanks for the feedback. I may just pick one up.

Ron James · June 28, 2012, 02:46 PM

Reports have stated that during the CZ50s service life it had a lot of dependability problems. Soft steel on the slide and other breakage. The CZ 70 is a result or upgrade to address those those problems. If you can find one, I would go with the CZ70. My 70 has always proven dependable with never a hiccup. However with the small amount of shooting the average shooter does, the CZ50 should suffice. Both guns are almost twins with only minor outward visual changes, { grips being one } and many parts will interchange.

Ash · June 28, 2012, 03:09 PM

That was what Ian Hogg said, but it isn't true (Hogg also lambasted the Mosin Nagant for its spike bayonet, which is also a screw driver but was fine with the #4 Enfield and its spike bayonet, which was otherwise useless beyond service as a tent stake). Most CZ-70's are just refurbished CZ-50's for the commercial export market - you can tell by the serial numbers. Perhaps earliest Strakonice 50's, at most, had a problem, but all CZ-UB changed when they introduced the 70 after manufacturing the 50 (starting in 1954) was aesthetics.

OilyPablo · June 16, 2013, 08:34 AM

Old thread but worth it.

I just bought a CZ-50 from AIM for $199.

Anyone have new comment on this old gun? I downloaded the manual but other than that not a lot of info out there.

Arrived at my FFL already and I'll need to make it over there later this week so I'm searching around for information on this little gun. I own no .32ACP, but I ordered some, not sure when it will arrive.

firesky101 · June 16, 2013, 12:12 PM

Cool little guns, but mags are a real pain to find.

MikeJackmin · June 16, 2013, 12:18 PM

I have one that would fire reliably in single action, but which would fail to fire about a third of the time in double action.

Turns out the hammer comes further back in single-action than it does in double-action. Something to consider if it might be used defensively.

Other than that, it's been fine, and I regard it as a well-made, interesting, and inexpensive piece of history.

OilyPablo · June 16, 2013, 01:44 PM

Thanks. Never would I even consider a 32ACP for defensive use. Just an item of interest more than anything.

PabloJ · June 16, 2013, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OilyPablo

Thanks. Never would I even consider a 32ACP for defensive use. Just an item of interest more than anything.

Ok, it's better then a fist.....Oh boy I wish i had $200+ to throw away then maybe I would buy this gun. Pleas wait........I would rather save up and buy something like the 'Shield' or the XDs.

OilyPablo · June 16, 2013, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Ok, it's better then a fist.....Oh boy I wish i had $200+ to throw away then maybe I would buy this gun. Pleas wait........I would rather save up and buy something like the 'Shield' or the XDs.

Throw away? I wouldn't consider buying such a gun throwing money away. Does every gun have to be for self defense? I enjoy many guns for their even slightly different design.

I already have an XDs, btw.

June 27, 2012, 02:44 PM	#1
KDS Member Join Date: February 20, 2010 Location: Lithia, FL Posts: 185	Tell me about the CZ 50 I am thinking about picking up a CZ 50 but don't know much about them. It seems like a neat little gun I can get for pretty cheap. This would only be used for plinking and collecting. I like CZs and have a C&R. What can you tell me about this gun?

June 27, 2012, 06:54 PM	#2
AK103K Member Join Date: December 27, 2002 Location: PA -- In the shadow of the Shade Posts: 4,707	I have one of the CZ70's. Basically the same gun, with a few minor changes. I prefer the shape of the 50's grips, and replaced mine with a set. The DA trigger on mine, and a couple of others Ive shot are terrible, and are easier shot using two fingers. SA is pretty good. Its one of the few guns I thumb cock. They are well made, accurate little guns. A little heavy for their size. .32's arent the cheapest for plinking, unless you reload. The only real problem I had with mine, was getting the mags straitened out. The mag that came with the gun, as well as some I got from Marstar that were supposed to be new, but werent, would not function with more than three rounds in them. Turns out, the srings in all of them were bad, and when replaced with some from Wolff, work fine now. __________________ “The enemy is anybody who's going to get you killed, no matter which side he is on.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22 Zeitgeist -- The Movie.

June 28, 2012, 01:15 PM	#3
Ash Member Join Date: May 10, 2004 Location: Mississippi Posts: 4,442	They are well-made, better made than the Makarov that came not long after. They have a great frame-mounted safety, are compact, and overall demonstrate a high standard of manufacturing. However, the geometry on the double action trigger causes it to be heavy, often very heavy. Single action tends to be pretty good, however. The 32acp loading is pretty weak, though, and it's a shame they did not develop a 9mm Mak version. When the Czechs went to 9mm Mak, they simply came up with the CZ-82. Some folks say the CZ-50/70 are Walther copies. They are not. The only thing they have in common is blow-back operation with the recoil spring around the barrel, and double action triggers. The Walther has the safety on the slide and the take-down is completely different. __________________ Read Rise of the Dark Son!!http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Dark-Son-...4488373&sr=8-2 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rise...dle/1104139515

June 28, 2012, 03:09 PM	#6
Ash Member Join Date: May 10, 2004 Location: Mississippi Posts: 4,442	That was what Ian Hogg said, but it isn't true (Hogg also lambasted the Mosin Nagant for its spike bayonet, which is also a screw driver but was fine with the #4 Enfield and its spike bayonet, which was otherwise useless beyond service as a tent stake). Most CZ-70's are just refurbished CZ-50's for the commercial export market - you can tell by the serial numbers. Perhaps earliest Strakonice 50's, at most, had a problem, but all CZ-UB changed when they introduced the 70 after manufacturing the 50 (starting in 1954) was aesthetics. __________________ Read Rise of the Dark Son!!http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Dark-Son-...4488373&sr=8-2 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rise...dle/1104139515 Last edited by Ash; June 28, 2012 at 07:03 PM.

June 16, 2013, 08:34 AM	#7
OilyPablo Member Join Date: September 2, 2012 Location: WA State (NOT in Seattle) Posts: 1,122	CZ-50 from AIM for $199 Old thread but worth it. I just bought a CZ-50 from AIM for $199. Anyone have new comment on this old gun? I downloaded the manual but other than that not a lot of info out there. Arrived at my FFL already and I'll need to make it over there later this week so I'm searching around for information on this little gun. I own no .32ACP, but I ordered some, not sure when it will arrive. __________________ It's simple: If you don't like guns, don't own one.

June 28, 2012, 01:35 PM	#4
KDS Member Join Date: February 20, 2010 Location: Lithia, FL Posts: 185	I am looking at the CZ 50s listed on Wideners website for $230. Since I have a Kel-tec P32, I have plenty of 32 ACP on hand. Thanks for the feedback. I may just pick one up.

June 28, 2012, 02:46 PM	#5
Ron James Member Join Date: April 22, 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,856	Reports have stated that during the CZ50s service life it had a lot of dependability problems. Soft steel on the slide and other breakage. The CZ 70 is a result or upgrade to address those those problems. If you can find one, I would go with the CZ70. My 70 has always proven dependable with never a hiccup. However with the small amount of shooting the average shooter does, the CZ50 should suffice. Both guns are almost twins with only minor outward visual changes, { grips being one } and many parts will interchange.

June 16, 2013, 12:12 PM	#8
firesky101 Member Join Date: November 21, 2011 Location: California Posts: 1,378	Cool little guns, but mags are a real pain to find. __________________ Yes, it's the apocalypse alright. I always thought I'd have a hand in it.

June 16, 2013, 12:18 PM	#9
MikeJackmin Member Join Date: February 24, 2005 Posts: 811	I have one that would fire reliably in single action, but which would fail to fire about a third of the time in double action. Turns out the hammer comes further back in single-action than it does in double-action. Something to consider if it might be used defensively. Other than that, it's been fine, and I regard it as a well-made, interesting, and inexpensive piece of history. __________________ I ain't givin' to any charity that calls it a "tragedy". I'm only givin' to charities that call it an "attack".

June 16, 2013, 01:44 PM	#10
OilyPablo Member Join Date: September 2, 2012 Location: WA State (NOT in Seattle) Posts: 1,122	Thanks. Never would I even consider a 32ACP for defensive use. Just an item of interest more than anything. __________________ It's simple: If you don't like guns, don't own one.