CZ-83

[txgunsuscg]

Anyone have experience with the surplus CZ-83s that are hitting the market right now? I have seen them going for anything from $150 to $300. I am looking for a good .380 for easy concealed carry. The three options I considered were the 83, PPK/S, and P232, all used.

 

[Usmc-1]

I too am looking primarily 380 , but am looking at the Bersa Thunder , PPK and Kahr , I dont know much about the cz-83 , I am planning on getting the CZ-82 9x18 , thats a "bucket list" purchase ! Im seriously liking the Thunder , the feel of it (ppks are nice) the price is what sets the Bersa apart from Walther , basically a clone of it , for far cheaper price , but who knows ! Tell me about the cz-83 ,is it the same size as the 82 (besides rounds)?

 

[txgunsuscg]

From my research, the 83 is just a .380 vs. 9x18 version of the 82. They even use the same mag.

 

[larryflew]

TX is correct. The 83 comes in .380 and .32. The 83 in .380 is the same mag as the 82 in Mak. Either are likely to be heavier than your other considerations. The surplus ones seem to have more holster wear than shooting wear.

How bad can they be they are CZ after all

 

[txgunsuscg]

After doing some research, I would consider the 82 as well, because of the slightly more powerful 9mm Mak round. I suppose that opens up the Makarov (the Bulgarian imports look pretty nice). One thing I am trying to determine: do either of these guns have a decock? The Mak appears to, but is the 82 the same as the 75 series (where you either hand lower the hammer or carry cocked and locked)?

 

[Walkalong]

I just bought a CZ 83 in .32 ACP off Auction Arms Friday AM for $239 & $10 shipping. I will know pretty soon.

I picked up one of the surplus Beretta 81's in .32 ACP locally not long ago. Some wear and dings on the outside, but internally like new, including the bore. I love it. Thread here.

I hope it is the same with the CZ, carried and handled plenty, but not shot much.

 

[bigfatdave]

CZ 82/83 do NOT have a decock feature, they are set up to carry safety lever down (=off) and DA/SA operation or cocked and locked with all SA operation*. The thumb safety lever is easily operated up or down, but it only goes up (="safe") if the hammer is cocked.
* (barring dud rounds)

Personally, I'd go with the C&L route if you're used to a frame-mounted, down-for-fire, thumb-operated lever, like I am. If your training and muscle memory are set up for DA/SA, then go that way and remember to take all needed precautions lowering the hammer on a live round, which is fairly easy with the hammer design on my 82, even if it isn't a practice I engage in without a safe backstop.

The CZ82 is probably the best deal in surplus handguns right now, I'd pick one up along with a case of ammo** and some spare magazines.

** (hell, if I had it to do over again, I'd have just bought all Silver Bear, the JHP is cheap enough to plink with)

 

[Walkalong]

CZ 82/83 do NOT have a decock feature, they are set up to carry safety lever down (=off) and DA/SA operation or cocked and locked with all SA operation*

A big plus in my book.

 

[toivo]

From my research, the 83 is just a .380 vs. 9x18 version of the 82.

Almost. The surplus 83 has a matte blue finish instead of the painted finish of the 82, and it has conventional rifling instead of the 82's polygonal. Other than that and the chambering, they are the same.

EDIT TO ADD: I agree with bigfatdave that the 82 is the best deal because you can get cheap ammo online: Silver Bear all the way, although your fingers will get dirty loading your magazines. (What's up with that?) On the other hand, if you run out of 9x18, you won't find it in Wal-Mart or Dick's Sports.

 

[EAJ]

I have one in satin nickel and one in glossy blue. It's a fine pistol, with 12-round mag, however given its size and weight, I would look at a comparable 9mm, many of which exist, for CCW.

 

[Furncliff]

I bought a CZ 82 off GB last year that had a Duracoat paint job on it. The coating is holding up well. I had to send the gun back to CZ for some work. It runs like a watch now and the women in my family like it a lot. If I carried, this would be my choice, even though I regularly shoot a few 9's and a 1911. The ergonomics are excellent the gun is reliable and I like the weight and size. Mine has a VERY good trigger. It's a very nice package, CZ makes good stuff.

 

[PRM]

I bought a surplus CZ83 from Cole Distributing, Scottsville, Ky a few years back off the internet. They hand picked my gun. Even sent pics for my approval before I sent payment. My gun was sold as a police trade-in. When it came it was a strong 99% and has been one of the best gun buys I have made. It has been flawless with every type of HP/FMJ I have shot through it. Very accurate and I agree with other post that its ergonomics is off the scale. Excellent choice for CC.

 

[txgunsuscg]

Got a lot of advocates for the 82 on here. I do love CZs. I have one of the Pre-Bs and an 85. Since they are going for about the same price right now, would you go Mak or 82?

 

[Furncliff]

I had the opportunity to buy a Russian Makarov and I was sorely tempted, it was thinner and felt great in my hand. But as it turned out in the end the 82 I bought has a better trigger, that means a lot to me.

 

[CZguy]

I shoot the CZ 82 accurately. Both of mine have a very nice trigger, and that coupled with their superior ergonomics makes for a pleasant shooting pistol.

However, if it was going to be used as a carry gun, I would find a set of those ultra thin wood grips, as the standard plastic grips are kinda wide for concealed carry.

 

[labhound]

I have a CZ 83. Excellent gun, great ergonomics, very reliable, very accurate and a great trigger. The safety is very easy to flick off and on, so much so that I'd be leery to carry it cocked and locked, considering what an easy trigger pull it has. When I carry it with a round chambered, I do so with the gun decocked, first shot being DA.

 

[bigfatdave]

The safety is very easy to flick off and on, so much so that I'd be leery to carry it cocked and locked

You could always get a holster that maintains the safety lever in the desired position

 

[armarsh]

I like my CZ82's. 7 yards non supported. 95 grain Berry's PLRN and 3.8 grains of Green dot. 12 shots.

Go ahead and get an 82 or 83. You will not be disappointed.

 

[Stringfellow]

The '82 is a very versatile pistol. Excellent trigger, built like a tank, very accurate, comfortable to shoot, very thin (.82 at the slide, about 1.05 at the grip), fires relatively cheap ammo. But it is heavy by modern standards ~28 oz .

Pretty easy to refinish, and there are some good deals on grips for it.

I am still waiting on truly thin grips though...

Absolutely can't go wrong for the price.

 

[CharlesT]

I LOVE my CZ-82 it is very fun to shoot. .22 caliber recoil for my hands. FAST single action for follow up shots. CCW material through and through

Best part?

Throw some C7-75 sights on there. (They fit)

Wait, I forgot. Best part?

Hornandy makes some HUGE hollow points that feed beautifully through it.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Yeah, I'd go for the 82 right now, inexpensive ammo, inexpensive gun, LOTS of parts,
Best of all, easy and ACCURATE shooter.

 

[agtman]

Ditto Stringfellow's comments on the CZ 82 in 9mm Mak ...

Mine.


Mak ammo is relatively cheap and, for me, the little 9x18 has become one of those odd ball cartridges I enjoy reloading for, though I couldn't tell you why. In a short time I was able to dail-in a very accurate range load using Berry's 95gn RN bullet and Bullseye. Happy times.

On mine we got rid of the cracking Commie paint and refinished it using KG GunKote (in "MultiCam" - OD Green & FDE). We also re-did the sights with contrasting colors: front rectangle in red; rear two-dot sight in white. Now you have sights you can see and pick up quickly when firing fast. I'd thought about aftermarket grips, but instead stuck with cleaning up and refinishing the factory grips in black.



Now, in addition to being a very accurate little shooter, the looks of this Multi-Cam-ed 82 are sufficiently distinctive to ensure attention at the range.

 

[harmon rabb]

screw the 83, just get an 82. same gun, a bit more power, cheaper ammo. reliable, accurate, easily concealable, great trigger... what more do you want? by far, the highest quality and most advanced gun for the price.

a cz82 is barely more than a hi point these days... and thats like comparing a classic porsche to a pinto with a glass pack.

 

[CZguy]

a cz82 is barely more than a hi point these days... and thats like comparing a classic porsche to a pinto with a glass pack.

I just about choked on ice water over the pinto line. Good analogy.

I have two CZ-82s in use as car guns.......but some of these refinishing jobs have got me thinking.

 

[harmon rabb]

I just about choked on ice water over the pinto line. Good analogy.

it's so true. it will be a sad, sad day when all this comm bloc surplus dries up.

I have two CZ-82s in use as car guns.......but some of these refinishing jobs have got me thinking

I'm going to go ahead and say it -- I don't think the cz-82 is a very good looking gun. Great little pistol, but she's definitely not the prettiest girl at the dance. So, refinishing jobs that try to make them pretty seem a little wasted to me. Practical refinishing jobs on them are appealing, though, as is swapping on some nicer sights.