My new CZ-52 is horribly inaccurate

[fatelk]

I recently bought a surplus CZ52 in 7.62x25mm, and 800 rounds of Bulgarian ammo. I have two issues, one with the ammo and one with the gun.

I thought I was OK with the ammo because from what I concluded from the internet controversy with the Bulgarian ammo was that it was one lot dated 52 that was bad or questionable. I've shot about 50 rounds so far, maybe a third or so have cracked or split on firing. Most of the splits have been minor but I've had three that split nearly the whole length of the shell. Didn't seem to cause any damage or even a malfunction, just a lot of smoke. I think I will avoid Bulgarian ammo, or did I just get a bad can?

The problem with the gun is a mystery to me and I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction. At 25 yards it shoots a dinner plate sized group, maybe a 12" spread? I have access to the gun's twin brother, pretty much identical in every way. This other gun shoots a very nice group with the same ammo, same rest, same shooter; about 3" spread or so.

I took them both apart and can't see any difference. Both barrels are perfect, crowns look great, no obvious damage or excessive wear. Two minor things I see are; 1-the main spring in the bad one is very slightly shorter and 2-there are shiny spots on the bad one that are not on the good one on the top of the frame, looks like the rollers rub on the top of the frame. Is this normal?

If it was just some minor case splits and mediocre accuracy I wouldn't be concerned as both gun and ammo are well past the half century mark, but these are pretty serious issues with both. Any input will be appreciated.

 

[cbsbyte]

Well you ruled out the obvious, so it is not the ammo, barrel or the shooter. Then it could be a worn rollers, or the trigger pull is really bad on the one gun. Personally I would change the rollers, and main spring. If that does not fix it then try a new trigger spring.

 

[ZeSpectre]

That brass splitting is worrisome. maybe the barrel is damaged or just plain shot out? Does that ammo do that in the other CZ?

Anyway I pretty much always give the same advice to anyone who has a "new" CZ-52

1) AIM Surplus Romanian ammo seems good
http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/1980_s_Brass_Case_Romanian_762x25_Surplus.html

2) Buy the Wolff 16.5 lb springs from Makarov.com
http://www.makarov.com/cart/52springs.htm

3) Buy the (far more durable) machined firing pin from Makarov.com
http://www.makarov.com/cart/52parts.htm

With your pistol I'd also consider a complete disassembly and cleaning (and maybe a polish of internal parts) to try and improve the trigger. Also closely inspect your rollers (and the places the rollers contact) for wear/damage.

 

[tinygnat219]

Zespectre has some good suggestions, but before buying all this stuff, you might want to field strip it and look for burrs and check the rollers too. Also try some modern commercial ammo. The Bulgy stuff might be horrible.

 

[vzenmn]

Try some commercial and some other type of surplus ammo. Your inaccurate CZ just might not like that particular ammo. And if that does not work try swaping barrels between the two pistols and see if the barrel is defective. And also, checked to see if the end of the barrel wiggles around in bushing area of the slide? My CZ52 has a little up and down movement and I have noticed that the groups string up and down. My Cz also has the same wear marks on the frame from the rollers. I dont know if it is normal or not but it does not seem to hurt things.

And dont strip it down if you have no patience, That side plate is a pain to get back on and can be bent real easy if forced.

 

[chris in va]

Mine shot very low. I never did get used to that.

Maybe try lubing it up again, scrubbing out the barrel very thoroughly and shoot it from a sandbag to see if that helps.

It *is* an older gun, no telling what punishment it's seen.

 

[silent one]

I would do as ZeSpecrte suggested. Change the recoil spring, and make sure the rollers are not out of round. I have five CZ-52's, and haven't had any issues with them. I use nothing but S&B new production ammo in mine. I just don't trust old surplus ammo for the CZ. It's worth the extra money that you will pay for new ammo, and I'm sure you'll notice a difference in your groups, as well as much better performance from the firearm. Also keep those rollers well lubed. "good luck"

"Semper Fi"

SILENT ONE

 

[raginrednek]

7.62

try seilor and bellot and fnm ammo. good stuff

 

[Man With A Gun]

Check Chamber And Barrel

These rounds chamber on the case rather than the shoulder or rim.

Splitting cases means the chamber is wrong. If it faults at feeding sometimes MAY be a clue.

See if you can mike the rounds and the inside of the chamber. Something is too wide here hence the split cases.

Call CZ or send it back. A new barrel will be the test and likely the cure. Good luck.

My CZ's are deadly right from the box.

 

[jon_in_wv]

I've been out to shoot mine twice. This first time I had two types of ammo. I loaded three rounds of each and fired it off a sandbag rest at 50 yards. Both types of ammo shot groups of 2.25 inch! NIIIIIICE. The second time out I fired the older ammo and I noticed a split case. I'm not shooting that stuff anymore. I think the stuff I still have is Bulgarian. I haven't had any issues with it.

 

[M2 Carbine]

My CZ52 is also inaccurate when using surplus and S&B ammo.
My reloads using Hornady .32 XTP bullets are more accurate but nothing to brag about.

Recently I bought a 9mm barrel from makarov.com. I couldn't believe the accuracy. Not only is the gun very accurate but the POA and POI is right on.

I expected to have to do some tweaking but the gun has functioned 100% after dropping in the 9mm barrel.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

My CZ52 shoots well enough that I shoot it in
the local Vintage Military matches. I have shot
S&B and military surplus ammo in it with reasonable
accuracy, 100% reliability so far.

I have no doubt that some CZ52s (all being at least
fifty years old) have problems, but not all.