CZ 52 Upgrades

[floatingblue]

Hello, all. I have a CZ 52 that I really like and I've decided to take the plunge and get it upgraded, as I can afford it. So far, I've decided I'd like to have it hard chromed or NP3'd, put on some nice wood grips, and see if I can get tritium sights installed. I'd want to get the machine marks smoothed up first or else the new finish will look awful. I've just about made up my mind to use it for my primary ccw since it's so slim and easy to conceal. The Tokarev round doesn't bother me so much if I use hollowpoints. From what I understand, it's about on par with the .357 Mag or .327 Federal as far as penetration goes, and I don't hear much discussion dealing with over-penetration of those rounds, assuming HP's are used.

Has anyone else done this with their CZ 52s and does anyone carry them concealed? I did a search and not much came up, so if I'm beating a dead horse, someone let me know. The way I see it, I'd have a sweet shooting pistol with power for just about any situation and even with the upgrades, I still won't have too much money in the gun. Also, if anyone has additional suggestions, that would be welcomed, too. I've already put in one of the firing pins from makarov.com (I should have known not to dry fire a pistol this old, lesson learned). About the only thing I don't like about this gun is the grip angle, which is too vertical. At least it doesn't point sky high like a Glock does in my hands. I wish it had the ergos of my CZ P-01, but nothing's perfect. I tried that gun, but with my lovehandles, the thicker grip sticks out too much and prints. Thanks.

James

 

[grimjaw]

Sounds like you're going to spend more money upgrading it than what it originally cost. Since I wouldn't feel safe carrying a CZ-52 with a round chambered anyway, I can only suggest that you upgrade it with this:



Seriously, though, I can only recommend things to improve its reliability and/or safety. At least one vendor, Classic Arms, used to have CZ-52s hard chromed. I think they used Tripps.

I owned a CZ-52 for a short while and I never considered for a CCW. For me, a Hi-Power or 9mm 1911 concealed just as well without the overpenetration issues. I've seen a few threads where people recommend them as vehicle guns. The idea being that if it's stolen you aren't really losing anything valuable or useful.

I'm not pooh-poohing your affection for your gun. I love my other CZs (owned two 527s, currently have a 452, and a P-01 which is my primary fall/winter CCW). But I suspect my comments will bring out the CZ-52 and "7.62 Tok is the uber-round" crowd. It warms my heart (and sometimes burns my ears) to hear them.

jm, inveterate CZ-52 hater

 

[floatingblue]

I've thought about getting a TT-33 for a while, as well. I haven't decided on the CZ 52 for concealed carry quite yet. I would loooooovvvvvve to have a BHP. I've always thought they were the perfect balance between elegance and pure practicality. The ergonomics are great. Same for the CZ 75, minus the part about the elegance. I'd just carry my P-01 if I wasn't so chubby. I love that gun. I'd like to do the mods to the 52, regardless of if I end up carrying it or not, just because it's my baby, it deserves to be pampered a little

James

 

[Dain Bramage]

I got the CZ52 firing pin upgrade from Makarov.com. It made a world of difference with trigger feel.

Unfortunately, they are going out of business, and the part may not be available anymore.

 

[telecaster1981]

I'd certainly try to make functional upgrades like replacing the firing pin before I'd hard chrome the '52. My father and I bought CZ-52s at the same time and ours have been 100% flawless in terms of reliability. Then I was shooting one that a buddy of mine owns and it shot the extractor into the back 40 (needed some loctite on the retaining pin)! I certainly won't knock anyone's choice for personal defense (hell, any machine is subject to breakage) but I'd make an effort to have a good working relationship with your CZ-52. Replace the parts that are notorious for breaking like the firing pin, use some loctite on the retaining pins and shoot the hell out of it to make sure it's reliable.

 

[telecaster1981]

By the way, is the P-01 really much chubbier than a Hi-Power??? I've got a few BHPs and they carry fine...I think I'd do some soul searching and make sure there's not a way I could conceal the P-01. Might be a better option.

 

[Sans Authoritas]

You probably don't want to CC the CZ-52. The decockers have a tendency to function as a trigger as it is, and will function as a trigger if you choose the firing pin/trigger upgrade. Due to the fact that they're single action, the only "safe" way to carry would be without a round in the chamber. Which is not safe.

The 7.62x25 has a delightful roar to it. Not so delightful when you hear it emanating from your holster after you've bumped the decocker the wrong way. That's just my advice, but I'm a firm believer in Murphy's law.

-Sans Authoritas

 

[grimjaw]

telecaster1981, I have a holster that fits a Hi-Power just fine, but I couldn't squeeze my P-01 in there even if I used butter on the slide.

jm

 

[telecaster1981]

Like I said, what you carry for SD is an entirely personal decision and I too have carried a CZ-52 (in my car) but the P-01 may be much better suited to concealed carry. There are plenty of guys around THR who carry the P-01 without undue discomfort and it is an unquestionably wonderful pistol with an outstanding reputation for reliability. In my experience, the CZ-52 has been OK, but there have been lots of reports of breakages of various kinds. In my mind, the p-01 has far more advantages than disadvantages. Not trying to be negative by any means. Just hoping you're being honest with yourself!

 

[floatingblue]

Thanks for everyone's input. I've ruled out the 52 for ccw and figure I'll try to figure out a way to make my P-01 work with my love handles. I still would like ideas on cool ways to upgrade the 52 for a cool plinker or maybe backup home defense pistol.

James

 

[chris in va]

I had a CZ52. Horrible gun. You may want to check out the Tokarev if you still like the cartridge.

 

[CHAINGUNMASSACRE]

The CZ-52 is one capable weapon, the fact that it costs more to mod it than you bought it for is irrelevant. The purchase price of a CZ-52 is so much less that what a comporable weapon would cost that even by doubling the cost of your CZ-52 you are still paying less than you would for a bone stock Llama .45, and ending up with an ultra high quality piece. The Czechs built their pistols with pride, and the only reason CZ-52's aren't more popular is because they cost a quarter of what they are actually worth. If the CZ-52 had come ashore here in the USA with a $600 price taag, a lot more peple would respect them!

 

[Sans Authoritas]

If the CZ-52 had come ashore here in the USA with a $600 price taag, a lot more peple would respect them!

If a lot more people respected them, they would have come ashore here in the USA with a $600 price tag. Let's put the horse in front of the cart.

-Sans Authoritas

 

[CHAINGUNMASSACRE]

If a lot more people respected them, they would have come ashore here in the USA with a $600 price tag. Let's put the horse in front of the cart.

Not necissarily. Look at the CZ-82.....you trying to tell me that you could buy another 189 dollar gun that was even remotely comparable? No. You could not. Surplus firearms are the best thing to gun owners/shooters/collecters since sliced bread. That CZ-52 is a roller locked, well machined, powerful weapon that simply puts a lot of western stuff to shame. Cheap, too. I bought a pair of them,250 rounds of ammo, and upgraded them with good firing pins and walnut grips for less than I paid for ONE of my Beretta 92's..........

 

[Funderb]

I would feel fine with a cz52 chambered. That's right, my cz52 shoots mini cz52s that shoot mini cz52 bullets ....

but really, just put the hammer down.

and freakin' hell, chris in VA. your cz52 was bad, that must mean EVERY SINGLE ONE EVER IS BAD!!

Don't do that, man, don't be like that.


okay okay, it may not be the best for ccw, it is big, right angled, and heavy.
maybe in winter.

 

[hboy35]

I cc'ed mine

had mine cc in my truck for over a year. Love the gun, love the cartridge. Mine has been 100% reliable. Carry a Keltec 3AT on me, but the CZ52 is an excellent truck gun--for me.