OK CZ82 owners.....
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SleazyRider
Member
No brainer
Yes, I'd buy another in a heartbeat; in fact, I did. The CZ82 is a fabulous pistol---reliable, extremely accurate, inexpensive, and … cool looking. It's classified as a Curio and Relic as well.
Yes, I'd buy another in a heartbeat; in fact, I did. The CZ82 is a fabulous pistol---reliable, extremely accurate, inexpensive, and … cool looking. It's classified as a Curio and Relic as well.
Had one for a couple years and sold it a while back.
The pros:
Great value...one of the best in firearms period.
Modern features, DA/SA, ambi controls, decent sights, etc.
Grip felt amazing in my hand
The cons:
9x18...this was a con for me because I reload 9x19 and components are much more prevalent in 9x19.
While not uncomfortable to shoot, more recoil than expected due to blow back action.
Grips are retained with one screw so not rock solid secure on the frame.
Basically no aftermarket...grips, etc.
Looks are subjective but I think it is an ugly sucker.
I bought a near mint BHP (my first) and then after shooting it I decided I would much rather have a beater BHP than my beater CZ82. Sold it and kicked in another $200 and bought a surplus BHP that makes more sense with commonality in 9x19, reloading, etc.
Your experience may vary but that was my experience. I don't regret buying mine and owning it.
Hope that helps.
The pros:
Great value...one of the best in firearms period.
Modern features, DA/SA, ambi controls, decent sights, etc.
Grip felt amazing in my hand
The cons:
9x18...this was a con for me because I reload 9x19 and components are much more prevalent in 9x19.
While not uncomfortable to shoot, more recoil than expected due to blow back action.
Grips are retained with one screw so not rock solid secure on the frame.
Basically no aftermarket...grips, etc.
Looks are subjective but I think it is an ugly sucker.
I bought a near mint BHP (my first) and then after shooting it I decided I would much rather have a beater BHP than my beater CZ82. Sold it and kicked in another $200 and bought a surplus BHP that makes more sense with commonality in 9x19, reloading, etc.
Your experience may vary but that was my experience. I don't regret buying mine and owning it.
Hope that helps.
MikeJackmin
Member
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2005
- Messages
- 1,604
I have two, and like them very much.
It's good practice to replace the recoil spring (weak springs may increase perceived recoil) and it's a good idea to not attempt disassembly beyond regular field stripping. More than one of these guns has been returned to CZ in a bag to be put back together. Just remove the grips and hose it down with your favorite aerosol gun cleaner if you think the innards need attention.
Other than that, shoot it and enjoy it. It's a nice pistol.
It's good practice to replace the recoil spring (weak springs may increase perceived recoil) and it's a good idea to not attempt disassembly beyond regular field stripping. More than one of these guns has been returned to CZ in a bag to be put back together. Just remove the grips and hose it down with your favorite aerosol gun cleaner if you think the innards need attention.
Other than that, shoot it and enjoy it. It's a nice pistol.
il.bill
Member
I consider a surplus polygonal-rifled barrel CZ82 shooting 9x18mm Makarov ammo to be the 'best bang for the buck' out there. Surprisingly snappy recoil with the blowback design, but a very, very accurate and well made pistol.
CZ82 is a breeze to field strip and clean, but there are a lot of individual pieces in the pistol and it takes a considerable amount of patience to detail strip. The Makarov round is only slightly more potent than a .380 ACP, but it is reasonably priced ammo and readily available online, at gun shows, or in well stocked LGS.
Ambidextrous controls are a plus for left handed shooters. The only significant issues I have run into involve the magazine release mechanism, and that can be resolved with some deburring/smoothing worn components or new parts (currently they are readily available - same as the CZ83) replacement.
The CZ82 might be a little heavy and a little wide for concealed carry, but it is a great pistol, especially for the price. I own several and like them a lot. I have never sold one of mine, but I did let go of a CZ82, along with a Yugo M57 Tokarev, in a trade for a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 magnum.
CZ82 is a breeze to field strip and clean, but there are a lot of individual pieces in the pistol and it takes a considerable amount of patience to detail strip. The Makarov round is only slightly more potent than a .380 ACP, but it is reasonably priced ammo and readily available online, at gun shows, or in well stocked LGS.
Ambidextrous controls are a plus for left handed shooters. The only significant issues I have run into involve the magazine release mechanism, and that can be resolved with some deburring/smoothing worn components or new parts (currently they are readily available - same as the CZ83) replacement.
The CZ82 might be a little heavy and a little wide for concealed carry, but it is a great pistol, especially for the price. I own several and like them a lot. I have never sold one of mine, but I did let go of a CZ82, along with a Yugo M57 Tokarev, in a trade for a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 magnum.
bigfatdave
Member
Nice guns, I agree that they're about the best value out there in a utility gun.
When the biggest complaint is a gritty (ambi!) mag catch, you're doing pretty good.
If you're willing to buy ammo online or get a local source, go for it. I bought a big batch of Silver Bear HP ammo for mine, it was cheaper than 9x19 FMJ at the time.
Expect recoil to be sort of snappy. Expect finish wear. Expect to replace the recoil spring (cheap!). Expect ammo to be sort of hard to find cheap unless you go online and order a case.
Also expect a reliable 12+1 autoloader with a VERY nice trigger and safe C&L carry OR DA/SA.
When the biggest complaint is a gritty (ambi!) mag catch, you're doing pretty good.
If you're willing to buy ammo online or get a local source, go for it. I bought a big batch of Silver Bear HP ammo for mine, it was cheaper than 9x19 FMJ at the time.
Expect recoil to be sort of snappy. Expect finish wear. Expect to replace the recoil spring (cheap!). Expect ammo to be sort of hard to find cheap unless you go online and order a case.
Also expect a reliable 12+1 autoloader with a VERY nice trigger and safe C&L carry OR DA/SA.
toivo
Member
I love mine. I have two, plus two 83s, one in .380 and one in .32 ACP. I think everything has been covered, except one thing: It's easy to lose the slide-stop spring when you're taking the pistol apart. That's one part that I don't think will interchange from the commercial 83s, but somewhere out there in cyberland there's a guy who makes and sells replacement slide-stop springs. I can't remember his name right now, but it will come to me.
chicharrones
needs more ammo
If the price is still reasonable, go for it! The CZ82 is a very nice old school steel DA/SA pistol that most makers don't seem to make any more.
My Pros:
+ Nice safety that allows cocked and locked, yet doesn't engage when carried hammer down so DA is your only safety. I think that is the best of both worlds.
+ Real easy to clean that polygonal barrel. Almost no fouling sticks to it in my experience.
+ Good ammo capacity in a double stack magazine, yet the grip is still not too fat in the hands.
+ Take down for cleaning is an obvious breeze.
+ Ambidextrous safety and mag release.
My Cons (sort of, but not really):
- Felt recoil is actually more harsh than with my similarly sized and weighted CZ75PCR in 9mm Para.
- My local indoor ranges won't let me shoot the cheap steel cased ammo, so I have to use higher priced brass 9mm Mak ammo.
- After shooting the CZ75PCR, the CZ82 is much easier to drop shots low with. It requires a bit of "retraining" to go back and forth between the two.
Hurryin' Hoosier
Member
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2012
- Messages
- 635
The Cadillac of 9X18s. No "con"s as far as I'm concerned!
MI2600
Member
I have two CZ 82s (9X18 Mak) and one CZ 83 (.380). They ruggedly built and have an ambidextrous safety.
You can make your own 9X18 Mak brass from 9X19 Luger by simply trimming it down and resizing. That makes reloading less costly because you can pick up the 9X19 by the handful at the range.
I find the 82 is more comfortable to shoot than the Russian-style true Makarovs. Their only advantage is their single stack magazines which might make them more concealable.
You can make your own 9X18 Mak brass from 9X19 Luger by simply trimming it down and resizing. That makes reloading less costly because you can pick up the 9X19 by the handful at the range.
I find the 82 is more comfortable to shoot than the Russian-style true Makarovs. Their only advantage is their single stack magazines which might make them more concealable.
Furncliff
Member
Like all the other CZ's I own I class the CZ82 as a "Best Bang for the BUck" pistol. Best trigger in it's class, accurate and mine has been 99% reliable since it came back from CZUSA... yes they work on the 82 and they are a pleasure to deal with. The surplus guns can be a little rough finish wise. Don't take it completely apart. I've been swopping grips about every year trying to find a good fit.
jonnyc
Member
My only regret is not getting a second one when they were cheap. I refuse to pay $280 now for a pistol I paid $145 for just a couple of years ago. Great utility pistols.
North Bender
Member
Yes, great utility pistol, but I dislike the fact that it's so hard to completely strip down.
CZ82
I agree that they're the best buy anywhere. I regularly carry mine IWB. Reliable and accurate. I owned 2 PA63 also in 9mmMAK, and being lighter yet, they really smack the web of your hand. Three cheers for the CZ82. BTW, CDNN in AZ. still sells them for $200 +or-.
I agree that they're the best buy anywhere. I regularly carry mine IWB. Reliable and accurate. I owned 2 PA63 also in 9mmMAK, and being lighter yet, they really smack the web of your hand. Three cheers for the CZ82. BTW, CDNN in AZ. still sells them for $200 +or-.
Onward Allusion
Member
Had one but sold it. Good solid gun. Snappy recoil if you don't swap out to a stronger recoil spring. Decent capacity for the size. Accurate and reliable.
When they were under $200 they were a bargain. These days, they hover around $300. For that, I'd spend another $25 and get a used 3rd Gen Smith or a new SD.
Unfortunately, 9x18 just didn't have a place in my collection. Same goes for .380. I prefer 9x19 and above or .32ACP in a mouse gun.
When they were under $200 they were a bargain. These days, they hover around $300. For that, I'd spend another $25 and get a used 3rd Gen Smith or a new SD.
Unfortunately, 9x18 just didn't have a place in my collection. Same goes for .380. I prefer 9x19 and above or .32ACP in a mouse gun.
lowercase
Member
CZ82s are one of the best deals going.
True ambidextrous controls, chrome-lined polygonal barrel, awesome DA trigger, good (12+1) capacity.
Once the supply of these guns dries up, there are gonna be a lot of people kicking themselves for not buying at least one.
True ambidextrous controls, chrome-lined polygonal barrel, awesome DA trigger, good (12+1) capacity.
Once the supply of these guns dries up, there are gonna be a lot of people kicking themselves for not buying at least one.
I have a CZ83 in .32 acp and consider it the pinnacle of .32 gun design.
The caliber of the CZ82 makes the pistol just a tad better and I would like to add one to my own collection but the danged things are snapped up as soon as they hit dealer shelves around here,,,
The caliber of the CZ82 makes the pistol just a tad better and I would like to add one to my own collection but the danged things are snapped up as soon as they hit dealer shelves around here,,,
TParrish
Member
I am very, very, extremely happy with my CZ-82. Grips are, in fact, available for it.
http://shop.cz-usa.com/P-19103/Grips-Cz-83-Plastic.aspx
as well as hand made grips by Marschal and Grips4U. CZ-83 parts fit it.
Sights are adjusted by putting in either a higher or a lower rear sight, using the CZ-75/85 sights at cz-usa.com (Mine shot low, so I installed a #5 and it solved the issue)
http://shop.cz-usa.com/C-142/COMPACT.aspx
The pistol is 100% reliable, in my experience.
http://shop.cz-usa.com/P-19103/Grips-Cz-83-Plastic.aspx
as well as hand made grips by Marschal and Grips4U. CZ-83 parts fit it.
Sights are adjusted by putting in either a higher or a lower rear sight, using the CZ-75/85 sights at cz-usa.com (Mine shot low, so I installed a #5 and it solved the issue)
http://shop.cz-usa.com/C-142/COMPACT.aspx
The pistol is 100% reliable, in my experience.
OilyPablo
Member
I love mine. When the ammo goes on sale I buy deep.
Mine is just reliable, nice in between size and hoot to shoot.
Mine is just reliable, nice in between size and hoot to shoot.
SleazyRider
Member
Thanks for the down-low on the sights, TParrish---I had no idea. I've looked into the Marschal grips before, but I found the ordering process a bit vague and never got around to buying (two) pair. Maybe it's time to revisit the idea. The stock plastic grips may not be attractive, but they fill my hand better than any pistol I've ever had the pleasure of shooting. What a fabulous pistol!
If .380 ammo were more available I wouldn't hesitate to get a CZ83.
If .380 ammo were more available I wouldn't hesitate to get a CZ83.
TParrish
Member
The feel of the grips was one of the primary reasons I purchased the pistol. I spent a portion of an afternoon with a Walther PPK a while back, and decided I like the form factor, but the grips on it hit my hand in just the wrong place, over an over, and beat the heck out it. So I looked for a similar pistol with a more comfortable grip. The CZ82 was the answer.
As for the sights, I used one of these to drift the old one out and the new one in:
http://www.amazon.com/Sight-Master-Pusher-Tool/dp/B00BD65Y4C
but bench vise with soft jaws, a small hammer, and some good drift punches would do fine.
TParrish
Member
I read at the original CZ Forum, and the word there is that one should not allow just any gunsmith to disassemble the CZ82, either. Make sure that anyone who intends to, say, refinish one has actually successfully reassembled this kind of pistol before allowing them to disassemble yours.
stonecutter2
Member
Love my CZ82.
Trigger is so smooth, I like the 9mm Makarov round, price is so worth it even with an increase lately.
Make sure you keep the grip screw tightened though, they sometimes work loose.
Trigger is so smooth, I like the 9mm Makarov round, price is so worth it even with an increase lately.
Make sure you keep the grip screw tightened though, they sometimes work loose.
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