CZ 83 plastic grips and grip screws.

[emilianoksa]

I don't own this gun, but I like it a lot and often rent it at the range I go to.

I like it so much I've been thinking of buying one.

The grip screws seem to loosen very quickly though, and this is putting me off.

Is this a common problem with this pistol?

If I had one, I'd probably put some locktite on the screw threads, but as far as I know, I'd have to heat it if I wanted to remove them. The fact that the grips are plastic, and a cheap, thin plastic at that, would mean this would not be practical.

Is there an alternative that you can recommend.

I know that locktite comes in different grades, but is there one that I could use.

There's an American product called Uncle Mike's Gun Tite available here, but it isn't recommended for screw threads.

 

[atblis]

Loctite

There are different types of Loctite (many in fact).

Loctite 222 aka "purple" is indicated for smaller screws that need to be removed with hand tools now and then.

IIRC, there are some lock washers that are supposed to be underneath the screws. Perhaps those are missing.

 

[usp9]

Lock washers or tiny rubber O-rings. Locktite will also do the job, but you'll be cleaning it off each time you remove the grips panels. A little daub 'll do ya.

 

[dairycreek]

I have had two CZ83 pistols like the one in the pic over the last ten years and, between them, have put several K rounds through each (that is w hen .380 ammo was more available) without ever having a screw loosten at all.

I have had guns that had screws shoot loose and, for them, used a bit of blue loctite and that worked well. In a pinch I have found that clear nail polish works well too. FWIW

 

[emilianoksa]

Thanks for your replies.

Wasn't aware of the lock washers.

It's a range gun, well used, and not particularly well taken care of in my opinion, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if the washers were missing.

Next time I go, I'll take a screwdriver and check.

And thanks for the advice about locktite.

I'll try to find out if the purple one is available here.

 

[emilianoksa]

Thanks for the picture.

Lovely pistol

A nickel plated one like that costs over $700 dollars here.

 

[dairycreek]

My pleasure.

 

[Magwa]

Emilianoksa, I heard of people using locktite as well for this problem. I have a 82 in 9mak (pratically the same gun just the service model and runs for 159-219 depending on condition) and have not expierenced this yet but read about the problem. Also Marshall grips (not exact on the spelling) makes nice custom wood grips for the 82/83.

 

[EAJ]

Wasn't aware of the lock washers.

I have two and neither came with OE lock washers. You might check your local hardware store, or as mentioned use a dab of loctite. My preference is blue.

If you're looking for aftermarket grips shop cautiously. Over the years there have been slight variations in CZ 83 design therefore there is no standardized aftermarket grip that I’m aware of which will fit ALL CZ 83 pistols. Point being, you may have to modify your new aftermarket CZ 83 grip to fit your pistol. In addition, grips for the CZ 82 will not fit the CZ 83 without modification.

Otherwise, it’s a terrific little pistol.

 

[Digitalshooter]

For those who are interested, I create custom polymer grips for the 82 and 83. You can take a look at my website designergrips.com

There have been a number of minor design changes to the grips over the years, and I've had some problem with that in my designs. But after collecting several of the styles, I think I'm getting close to figuring how to make the fit universal.

It is unfortunate that the gun is so well designed, but that the grips are the weak link in the equation, since they are so thin and made of such a brittle plastic.

 

[atblis]

I have no clue if the 82/83 comes with lock washers. I mentioned that because my bigger CZ seem to have a lock type washer.

 

[106rr]

I use small rubber washers on the grip screws.

 

[Onmilo]

Alternative.
I got mine direct from CZ-USA