380 auto and the CZ-83

[Jesse Heywood]

I picked up one of the surplus CZ-83s a few weeks back. Finally got to the range today. The temperature was down about 10*, but it was still too hot to be comfortable at an indoor range with no A/C. I couldn't do my part, but was surprised with the gun. Loads had been worked up for my BDA-380, which is nowhere near the fun to shoot.

I started with 100 gr FMJ and 2.9 gr W-231. Recoil was moderate, gun cycled without missing a lick.

Next up was MBC 95 gr. LRN. 2.3 gr Bullseye, which was a mild, accurate load in the Browning. The load was too light for the CZ, about half the rounds didn't cycle. Followed by another round the BDA did well with, 2.2 gr Red Dot. I had one stovepipe in in the CZ-83. One stovepipe. And no leading.

My shaky hands made accuracy testing an issue, especially with the heat and humidity. But I did like the way the gun felt during firing. It is a fun gun to shoot.

 

[Para Cassatt]

The 380 was the first cartridge I reloaded and the date was Sept.10 2001. I was firing them in a Makarov which was a great little gun. I no longer have it unfortunately but have recently gotten a little Sig and am beginning to reload the 380 again. I'm mostly using Hornady 90 & 115 gr. bullets but also just picked up some Speer 124 gr. lead swaged bullets to try in it. The dummy round for the Speer bullets is within spec. but I haven't begun to load any. This is also the only cartridge that I have ruptured. This was way back then but I still have my notes and won't be going down that road again.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I had an 83 some years back but stupid sold it when a nice Walther s/s caught my eye. the Walther shot great but 'bit' my thumb knuckle badly I have large hands. so I sold it too no regrets there.
wish I had kept the 83. I loaded for both as I do the Mak 9mmM I have now.

 

[Walkalong]

I picked up a surplus CZ 83 in .32 ACP, and really like it. I may have to get one in .380 one of these days.

 

[noylj]

The CZ83 is very ergonomic for a reasonably small gun. Fully ambidextrous and very reliable. I haven't shot mine a lot, eyes too old for accuracy, but I think I need to get a heavier recoil spring. Using factory loads, recoil was harsher than any of my 9x19s. It was still fun to shoot, but it sure recoils for such a pipsqueak little round.

 

[Iron Sight]

Is the CZ 83 double action only?

Thanks

 

[Walkalong]

DA/SA

 

[Iron Sight]

Is it OK to load and shoot lead projectiles in a surplus CZ 83 ?

Polygonal barrel?

Thanks again.

 

[Walkalong]

I don't know. I have not tried it.

 

[Galil5.56]

AFAIK, 83 models are all conventional rifled, 82 models are 9x18 Makarov only, and as stock will come with polygonal barrels. I did see on the CZ forum of a fella who had a supposedly rare early imported 83 model in 9x18 Makarov, but don't recall the barrel type. You will see some 82's for whatever reason, have been fitted with conventional barrels after being declared surplus by an importer, seller, etc.

My CZ82 loves cast bullets, and aside from some deposits on the top of the "lands" that you have to really look for, the barrel is mirror shinny after shooting. As with any bullet, fit is a paramount, and I discovered mine does very well with the commonly available .365" sizing. FWIW, my poly barrel slugs .3637" groove diameter, .357" bore diameter, and is extremely accurate. Can hardly think of a better value in surplus handguns today.