Cz 52 Question

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Bjg0082

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I had a CZ 52 for a while which I sold to help finance my polish-ak build. I've regretted it somewhat ever since.

I'd like to get back into shooting one but I never did really care for the accuracy. The sights and the trigger were "military" to put it politely. My question is this: Does anyone have experience with the Harrington Products enhancements available at makarov.com?

I'd really like to buy another one but I dont want to put money into it if I can't expect a fair amount of accuracy from it.

Opinions?
 
A buddy of mine has a CZ 52. I don't recall is being particularly accurate. But I do recall saying, "Ouch!" everytime I pull the trigger. At the top of the grip where the plastic ends and the steel frame begins, that sucker just digs into the web of the hands and HURTS! It also has the worst trigger I've ever encountered on any firearm. You can feel steel rubbing on steel for miles before the sear breaks.
 
I'd like to get back into shooting one but I never did really care for the accuracy
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Once you get used to the tiny sights and icky trigger, the CZ52 is remarkably accurate. I would even wager that it is one of, if not the most accurate military pistol of the 20th century. The small sights make alignment a pain, but do aid in pinpoint accuracy. I have been able to consistently take down 6 bowling pins with one magazine at 40 yards.
 
Golly, mine is plenty accurate and I am certainly not a very good shot. If you are having accuracy problems try the Sellier and Belliot ammo from the Czech Republic. It "likes" Cz-52's.
 
Harrington Firing Pin

I bought one because of the firing pin breakage, and trigger pull. It did help the trigger pull, and hasn't broken yet.

Personally, the only reason to buy a CZ52 is because of the round. Otherwise they are utter crap. Kinda funny though. Everytime we take it out to shoot, have to dissassemble and shake out the chunks of broken metal so it will cycle. Probably shouldn't be shooting the thing. CZ52s are cheap for a reason.
 
Note that the Harrington firings improve the trigger by removing the firing pin block (or they use to). In the original desing, squeezign the trigger pushed up a little plunger - pushing up the little plunger released the firing pin so that when the hammer it it, it could go forward. The Harrington pins eliminate the plunger so the firing pin is always free to move back an forth in the channel. That made me nervous, but you can be your own judge.

Mike
 
Personally, the only reason to buy a CZ52 is because of the round. Otherwise they are utter crap. Kinda funny though. Everytime we take it out to shoot, have to dissassemble and shake out the chunks of broken metal so it will cycle. Probably shouldn't be shooting the thing. CZ52s are cheap for a reason.
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What, did you heat it in a forge and let it anneal? The CZ-52 design is hell for stout. I've pounded my 1954 model with nuclear handloads (90 gr. XTP's @ 1720 FPS) and have had zero problems. Hell, the thing has yet to even jam on me.

CZ-52's are cheap becasue they are odd-looking Eastern milsurp pistols that chamber an obscure cartridge. The only area in which they are lacking is finish. Metallurgy and construction are fine.

I call mine the crab. As in horseshoe crab; Closest semblance I could think of. For more gun-savvy folks, I describe it as a Walther PPK crossed with an HK VP70.
 
What's so stout about it

Actually probably the opposite. Brittle. Not soft.

It isn't a very good design, and it really isn't that strong.

Why do you say it is so strong?
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=22071&highlight=CZ52+failure
Metalurgy is inconsistant. While it may be fine on some CZ52s, it most certainly is not on others.

The decocker, well sometimes it does more than just decock

Firing pins. Let's just say I bought an armorer's set and then the Harrington.
 
atblis,
You seem to have gotten a "lemon". Mine have not had any issues except for one bad mag.

I think a .22 is a much better option to get back into shooting though. Cheap plentiful ammo, better trigger (usually), and better sights.
 
I like mine and it's fun to shoot. I've had no problems with the accuracy. I've bested many more expensive guns on the range with it.

I feel mine was an excellent deal for $150.
 
Thanks for the input guys! Mostly I was just looking for someone to convince me about getting back into one.

I'd heard about the saftey concern with the Harrington Product enhancement. Shouldn't be a problem as long as I dont chamber it and carry it around. Mostly it'd be a plinking/truck gun.

Who knows though, I think all the neat accessory stuff would make the purchase worth while, A ported barrel with a slide hold open... maybe even a 9mm barrel for it. Anyway thanks again fellas!
 
Tokerov

I hope I spelled it right. Find a Tokorev T 33 in 7.62x25. Fits the hand better, better sights and less parts?
Friend had one and we used to shoot it A bunch.
The CZ52 is like a Broomhandle Mauser, neat bit of enginering, but unhandy.
 
I am not advocating

not buying them. Perhaps just a dose of reality. If you want one, I'd buy it now because the prices are only going to go up. Yes, they will someday be collectible. You'll always be able to get a 22 lr at a decent price.

I just find it amusing that people assume they are so strong, and state that, with no reason/proof.

I am not saying don't buy them. For a little over $120 bucks, I can't think of a more amusing gun for the money.

Stock up on firing pins. If you buy them in bulk, they aren't so expensive, or get the Harrington firing pin. It does help with the trigger pull

The magazines have issues too. Buy many magazines while you can. I haven't tried the aftermarket mags yet.

Do have the 9mm barrel (Federal ordinance?). It works.

If I've insulted your favorite firearm, then I am sorry. The CZ52 just isn't what some people make it out to be.
 
I just find it amusing that people assume they are so strong, and state that, with no reason/proof.
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Getting numbers that match the ballistics of an average .357 magnum load without malfunctions or damage qualify, me thinks.

That, and much of the loading data available states that the heavier loads are only suitable for the VZ-52 or SMG's, not the Russian or Chinese TT-33's.
 
I have a CZ52 and love it. Aftermarket parts are available from makarov.com. They have replacement firing pin set ups that remarkably improve the trigger. You can also replace the grips with wood ones. I have also seen CZ52s with larger modern sights installed. I painted my front sight and it made a big difference.

IMPORTANT NOTE. Most aftermarket firing pins make the decocker unsafe. On mine about 50% of the time the decokcer will fire the gun.

The round is very accurate. I have seen reloading data for some very fast rounds. Also since the bore is .308, you can use lightweight .308 rifle bullets. For even more speed you can reload and use sabots. :evil: You can use lightweight .223 rounds in a sabot then. I have heard of people making loads that beat 2000fps, but haven't had that kind of success yet.
 
The guns in general are quite accurate. It's the poor sights and horrid trigger that make them hard to shoot well with. They benefit from a trigger job. Mine turned out to be a sweet shooter after trigger work, although I'm still using the factory sights.
 
In my (limited) experience, the accuracy of the CZ52 seems to depend on the individual pistol. The first handgun I purchased was a CZ52, and its accuracy was abysmal. At 15 yards, I was doing well to keep the shots on the paper. That was true whether I shot freehand or from a supported rest.

I had even slicked up the trigger and lightened the firing pin safety spring, so the trigger wasn't as bad as you'd expect. That didn't matter, though. I simply couldn't hit anything with this gun.

I did have the chance to try out another person's CZ52 while at the range. Although he had just purchased it (so it had the expected gritty trigger), I was able to put the entire magazine into about 2" at 15 yards freehand.

Although my sample size of two pistols is hardly statistically significant, I would believe that if you get a good one you'll be blown away by the value you received for your $150.00. If you get a P.O.S., no amount of trigger work or fancy add-ons will turn it into a match pistol.

JMO,

PG
 
I love my CZ52s

I bought one probably 10 years ago when they first became commonly available. I have shot it extensively and never had any problems. Very accurate.

Last year I bought 2 more to keep in my cars. If they get stolen, which is an issue where I work, I am not out a lot of money.

All 3 of mine shoot well, no jamming, no metal shards to empty out of the actions. Never have had a broken firing pin (I don't dry fire them). I guess I am just lucky to get 3 that are not defective.
 
The CZ52 is my favorite autoloader. I can hit just about anything I aim at with it. It has never jammed. I love the 7.62 x 25 round. I hate the way Glocks fit my hand, the CZ52 fits perfect. It is a little heavy. :p
 
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