CZ75b and CZ-82 comparison

[Malice]

I'm having an issue!

I am a realitively new CZ-75 owner. I have not decided yet, but I may not be able to carry this gun at all, even though I love shooting it. I feel like the size, weight, and length are prohibitive.

The weight isnt such a big deal; its a negative, but it doesnt break the deal. The problem is the overall size of the gun, especialy the length and width of the grip. The base of the grip alwas protrudes and makes a ridiculous little "tent" in my shirt.

I am going to experiment with a better belt and holster, but the best I am hoping for at this point is to make it a "sometimes" gun, especialy when I can justify wearing a jacket that I wont have to take off indoors.

So I am looking for more of an all the time carry gun. I know I could pocket carry a Kel-tec or a j-frame, etc, but those choices are uninspiring to me. I really like the idea, looks and especialy price of the CZ-82's everyone is selling for $200.

I am wondering though, how much smaller than the CZ75 is the CZ82, really? It appears that the grip width is the same on both guns. However, the dimension specs are hard for me to imagine in my head. Anyone who owns both these guns, what do you think? Is the CZ82 significantly smaller? And I know this is subjective and maybe impossible to answer, but do you have a feeling it is smaller enough to make a different to me?

 

[ZeSpectre]

Will post some comparison pics when I get home. The CZ-82 is quite a bit smaller than a full sized CZ-75 though the grips are equally as "fat".

It probably doesn't help right now, but here's a comparison between a Bersa Thunder 380 Concealed Carry model and a CZ-82.



I bought the CZ-82 on a lark, but decided it's just a whisker too long for the style of concealed carry I wanted to do, thus the T380CC (which is quite a bit smaller than the plain old Thunder 380 (non CC model).

EDIT: Okay someone else posted too but I'm not gonna waste the pictures if I took the time to take 'em <grin>.


I lined up the "tails" at the bottom so that the pistols are even. You can see the longer barrel of the 75.


This photo illustrates the longer grip length.


The grip thickness is nearly identical


Here you can clearly see the difference in overall length and height. (The "tails" are lined up, it's a trick of the camera lens that makes them appear to not be level with each other).

As someone else said, the CZ-82 is a "smaller" gun but it's not really a -small- gun.

 

[strat81]

The CZ-75B is a big gun. It was designed as a sidearm for uniformed police and soldiers for open-carry, not concealed. You have some options such as a CZ-75 Compact or a CZ 2075 RAMI. I came very close to getting the RAMI, it's a great little gun.

 

[armoredman]

I, being the CZ nut I am, would have to say the CZ-83 is too big for it's .380 caliber. I will say that if the really cheap price tag is what you want, and CZ reliability, the CZ-82 from CDNN in 9mm Makarovis a good deal. More oomph than a .380, but less than a 9mm. See how available good ammo is in your area.
If you can go more expensive, the CZ 2075 RAMI 9mm is quite good, and I can conceal a CZ 75 PO1/PCR/Compact, (have had all three), quite easily under a loose t-shirt, with decent leather. better catridge, better operation, and newer.
But if $200 is all you can afford, the CZ-82 is a good pistola, provided you can findgood 9mm Mak ammo for it.

 

[wrangler5]

If you consider the CZ-82 in 9mm Makarov, I would NOT worry about local availability of ammo - just assume you're going to order it online and go from there. You will have many more choices online than in any store, almost certainly at lower prices, and you may even find discounts for quantity purchases that no store is likely to match.

I now buy 9x18 ammo in 1000 round batches. The CZ-82 is pleasant enough to shoot that I can go through several hundred rounds at a range session without pain or suffering. So 1000 rounds does not last forever.

Being able to shoot a lot without discomfort means you can get good with the gun you carry. While 9x18 may not be the preferred caliber for self defense by those who can carry larger guns, I have not found a 9mm Luger gun on the scale of the CZ-82 that I can stand to shoot for more than a few dozen shots (aging hand and wrist.) As a result, I've never been very accurate with the small 9mm Luger pistols I've had or tried.

For a power comparison, the 380 has a maximum chamber pressure of 17,000 CUP, the Makarov runs 21,600 CUP and the 9mm Luger is 33,000 CUP. (All per the Accurate data sheets.)

I am MUCH more confident of quick, accurate and repeatable shot placement with my CZ (and the even thinner Makarov). As a result, I actually feel "safer" carrying one of these "lesser" caliber guns than I would with a more manly caliber that I can not shoot as well.

 

[Ed Ames]

This isn't exact....

The '82 is smaller but it isn't exactly small. It is a lot of fun to shoot and well worth the price but I'm not sure it's going to be a heck of a lot better in the concealment department.

OK, on to my lame comparison shots. The lower pistol is NOT a CZ-75 (I don't own one) but it is dimensionally only slightly smaller (a tenth shorter, same length, same width) than the '75. It's hard to see how the two really scale next to each other but maybe it'll help. These two pics were taken without moving the pistols so if it looks like the grips aren't lined up it's a trick of the angle.

The second pic makes the '82 look a lot shorter than it really is. Just walking around the two I'd say the first pic hides the height difference and the second pic exaggerates the length difference.



As you can see, the grip frame on the '82 is basically full size. That's why the gun has such nice ergonomics but also why it's not very concealment friendly compared to a modern CCW gun.

 

[GaryArkansas]

I carry a 75B every now and then. Yeah, its heavy. I've had my best luck using a high rise pancake with a forward cant. It brings the butt up next to the ribs, where loose shirt fabric conceals it nicely.

 

[pinetree64]

My carry guns are a Kimber Compact, a Taurus M85UL snubby and a Keltec P32. The P32 gets the most "on body" time. I bought a CZ-82 last week and took it to the range. I was very impressed! I am going to get an IWB holster for it and add it to my rotation. While some might say it is over sized, I find it just right for a fun gun that will also work for personal defense and concealed carry. It is very shoot-able. I ordered 4 boxes of ammo from AIM, Silver Bear HP. I went through 100rds with no problems and will order a case this week.

Yes, you can buy a truely dedicated CCW weapon in a more potent round in a smaller package but it won't be as fun to shoot and from the first trigger pull I was running the plate rack. I can't say that for my snubby. I can't do it with my Keltec (too weak). My snubby and Keltec are not fun to shoot.
tjg

 

[boogalou]

My first carry gun was a CZ83 but after I acquired a PCR I decided to sell the 83. The PCR was just as light with more powerful ammo. I also on occasion carry a CZ40B or CZ75B and my back complains after all day carry with the CZ75B.

 

[phoglund]

I have both although my CZ-75 is a "Pre-B" model I think dimensionally they are the same. I think the CZ-82 @ $200 is about the best deal in a Surplus semi-auto handgun on the market today. Particularly if you have a C&R license. I bought one before they went C&R and a second after they obtained that status. Nice guns at a great price. The CZ-82 is a far more concealable handgun than the CZ-75. I think there will be a time when folks will be saying, "I can't believe I didn't buy a CZ-82 when you could get them for only $200!!" A new production gun of the same type in a lessor caliber goes for around double that. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Oppy]

My thoughts on my new CZ82

I can provide no comparative data on the CZs in question but would like to provide input on the CZ82. I ordered mine from AIM and received it this weekend. I opted for handpick for an extra $10, bringing the price to $219. It arrive looking like a brand new gun. Very close inspections revealed no scratches or wear marks - really. I am very pleased. I took it to the range and found it to be a very good shooter. It feels very nice in my hand and the kick is very mild. I had 1 jam in each of the first two clips and none after. I am told I should have probably oiled her up before shooting for the first time. My bad.

PS Anyone know where can I find a manual detailing field strip/cleaning? It can't be as tough as my old Ruger Mark II but I'd like to read before I do...

 

[pinetree64]

The 82 and 83 are the same gun. The pdf for the 83 is available at CZ-USA. I didn't pay for hand picked, and one grip has a some good scratches but overall these are a fantastic deal.


www.cz-usa.com/data/downloads/support_manuals/CZ_83.pdf

 

[Ricebrnr]

Well without knowing your dimensions....it's difficult to know what to say. I'm 5'10, and approx 200 lbs with a 38" waist. I carry my full size Cz75b in a Comp tac CTAC IWB at about 3-4 o'clock. It prints less with the steel based mags than with the plastic based mag.

I have a decent belt also and no one knows if I'm carrying tucked or not. You also didn't mention what your carry rig is so....just about anyone will tell you a decent carry rig and belt will make mos all of the difference.

 

[stevemis]

Since you already own and like the 75B, perhaps it's worth a little more effort to investigate your carry options. I regularly conceal carry a 75B, SP01 and P01. Every body type is different, so there is no "one size fits all" for concealment.

I've found the "belly band" to be a very effective method. It looks like a big ace bandage with pockets sewn in and it goes around your waist (not your belly!). It attaches with velcro. Another advantage of the belly band is the weight of your pistol goes pretty much unnoticed, because it's not pulling your pants off or making them droop on one side. I often forget I'm carrying the SP01, which is pretty hefty with 20 rounds of 9mm.

Good luck,

Steve