I have a chance to pick one up at a reasonable price and was wanting opinions on this gun. How does it compare to the Bersa .380? Can it be carried cocked and locked? Just looking for feedback on this firearm because I am torn between it and a .38 snub for pocket carry.
CZ 83...Opinions?
- Thread starter M&PVolk
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Quoheleth
Member
See:
http://www.mouseguns.com/CompactCompare.pdf
CZ83 and Bersa models are on p. 2
Excellent graphic that shows size comparisons both by numbers and with a virtual handgrip.
From what it shows, I would be hard pressed to carry the CZ in the pocket of most of my pants. I know some swear that they can carry a field howitzer without printing, I have a hard time keeping $.57 change from showing.
Q
http://www.mouseguns.com/CompactCompare.pdf
CZ83 and Bersa models are on p. 2
Excellent graphic that shows size comparisons both by numbers and with a virtual handgrip.
From what it shows, I would be hard pressed to carry the CZ in the pocket of most of my pants. I know some swear that they can carry a field howitzer without printing, I have a hard time keeping $.57 change from showing.
Q
I have one. It's a great shooting gun. It's not terribly difficult to to carry as the gun is fairly round and doesn't stick in you gut as does a Glock 26. I've shot about 500 rounds through mine and it's only had one mishap(stovepile which cleared instantly when i racked the slide).
it's a super nice pistol and you'll probably be very happy you got it. I believe it's a 13 or 14 capacity model and you have lots of ammo at your disposal.
it's a super nice pistol and you'll probably be very happy you got it. I believe it's a 13 or 14 capacity model and you have lots of ammo at your disposal.
benderx4
Member
Great little gun but not really a POCKET gun. Super for IWB though.
Snowdog
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If I'm not mistaken, the CZ-83 is mechanically identical to the CZ-82 though in a different chambering (chambered in 9x18 rather than .380 acp).
If this is correct, the CZ-83 is going to be a rather well designed and well made pistol.
Just a thought though... you can still get a CZ-82 for as little as $159 from CDNN, or a excellent-like new specimen for $189, again from CDNN (and they're C&R eligible from most outlets).
The 9x18 is about in the same boat as the .380acp ballistically, perhaps slightly more powerful. However, unlike the .380acp, there is no apparent shortage on 9x18 fodder; it seems to be available and in-stock at just about every online vendor. Corbon loads the Powerball in this caliber, IIRC. Hornady and perhaps others load JHPs suitable for defense.
If this is correct, the CZ-83 is going to be a rather well designed and well made pistol.
Just a thought though... you can still get a CZ-82 for as little as $159 from CDNN, or a excellent-like new specimen for $189, again from CDNN (and they're C&R eligible from most outlets).
The 9x18 is about in the same boat as the .380acp ballistically, perhaps slightly more powerful. However, unlike the .380acp, there is no apparent shortage on 9x18 fodder; it seems to be available and in-stock at just about every online vendor. Corbon loads the Powerball in this caliber, IIRC. Hornady and perhaps others load JHPs suitable for defense.
MADDOG
Member
Great gun. I have had one for years. Buy it.
usp9
Member
The CZ83 can be found in three different calibers, .32acp, .380acp and 9mm Makarov. They can be poly coated, blued or nickled. The price will vary depending on caliber, finish and condition. A blued .380 will typically sell around $400.
It isn't really a pocket gun due to the weight, many sharp edges to catch and overall bulk. It is pretty robust and reliable pistol, but meant more for holster carry.
The CZ83 compares to the Bersa Thunder Plus and Beretta 83. Of the three the Beretta is the highest quality, but still, none are great choices for pocket duty. The revolver would hide a bit better than one of these pistols.
It isn't really a pocket gun due to the weight, many sharp edges to catch and overall bulk. It is pretty robust and reliable pistol, but meant more for holster carry.
The CZ83 compares to the Bersa Thunder Plus and Beretta 83. Of the three the Beretta is the highest quality, but still, none are great choices for pocket duty. The revolver would hide a bit better than one of these pistols.
Brass Coyote
Member
Picked up a CZ-82 from J & G Sales in 9 x 18mm. Good shooter, night sights, mag release near trigger guard. Mags are scarce though.
MADDOG
Member
I think the CZ 83 compares to the Makarov. I have several of them also. The Makarov has less parts than the 83 but they are both great guns.
dairycreek
Member
This is a pic of my CZ83 in a FIST #1 holster. I have had two of these guns. The first went to my daughter who thought it was "cute" and so what's a father to do?
Between the two pistols I have put several hundred rounds through them of varied brands, weights, configurations, and loads. I have never, ever had a problem with the gun in any way - 100% reliable.
It can be carried "cocked and locked" but, since it is a DA/SA my personal choice is to carry with the hammer down.
It is IMHO just too large for an effective, comfortable pocket carry pistol. But, as a CCW it just can't be beat and it is a strong, strong pistol. Based on my personal experience I can recommend the CZ83 without reservation.
Marlin 45 carbine
Member
I had one of those, good pistols, double stack mags and not handy to conceal lightly dressed but a good shooter. reliable.
Shadow 7D
Member
I finally got to shoot my Vz. 82, WoW, got a new favorite pistol (sorry XD) Great trigger, natural pointer and very accurate.
Shadow 7D
Member
What impressed me was when I dumped a mag kinda aiming for the center and I managed to put 12 rounds inside the 6 ring of a 100m rimfire target, wasn't me, so must be the gun
TripleL
Member
The CZ 83 is a quality gun. The only problem is finding ammo for it. And, even if you can find .380, it is very expensive. On the other hand, 9x18 ammo (for the CZ 82) is way cheaper and readily available online.
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