Polish P64 or Czech CZ83: Which is the better deal?

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Snowdog

Snowdog

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I want a 9x18 to finish off the ammunition I still have purchased for my IJ-70 Russian commercial Makarov that was stolen a year ago.
Looking at what's available, I was originally trying to decide between a Hungarian PA-64 (alloy frame) and the "Polish Pounder" P64 (steel frame).
I decided upon the slightly smaller P64 due to the steel frame, like-new conditions and neat loaded-chamber indicator.

While pricing around, I came across the CZ-83 chambered for the 9x18 that's now C&R eligible. Well heck, this handgun seems to have a significant edge on the P64; it has a polygonal rifled barrel, traditional manual safety that's said to be able to be carried "cocked and locked", appears to have a manual slide release and holds twice as many rounds (12-round magazines compared to the P64's 6 round mag). I also understand it's a bit larger in size, perhaps lending to a slightly more pleasant perceived recoil which might be especially appreciated with the hundreds of 120gr and 115gr Silverbear JHPs I still have on hand.

SOG, among others such as AIM and the like, are selling these C&R CZ83s in very-good condition for $199 plus $14 shipping. I've had good luck with my previous SOG C&R purchases so far as the "very-good" 1895 Nagant revolver and CZ-52 were received in what could better be described as excellent to like-new condition.

Here's my question:

Which would represent the better value?

A) "Very Good" condition CZ-83 for $213 shipped straight to my door ($199 + $14 shipping)

B) "Excellent" condition P64 for $165 shipped to my FFL dealer ($140 + $14 shipping + $10 FFL flat fee)

I'm leaning towards the CZ-83 primarily for the convenience of C&R use, but I thought I'd confer with those knowledgeable here first (btw, a search of our database for both didn't really answer this question).

Thanks in advance!
 
I know they (AIM) sells a CZ 83 in .380 caliber. Do you mean the CZ 82 that is chambered in 9x18 makarov?? A little confusing thats all....:confused:
 
Having handled both, but shot neither, the CZ readily showed itself to be better made, and a nicer gun. I'd go with the CZ, particularly for such a negligable price difference.
 
Price wise those are both good deals
If push comes to shove go CZ...better gun...better company...high capacity
 
The DA trigger on the P64 is beyond terrible. The CZ82 (9x18) or CZ83 (9x17, aka .380ACP) is a much better gun.

P64 is really only of interest to collectors seeing as Polish arms are quite uncommon in the US.

--wally.
 
I've got three P-64's and a CZ83 (9x18).

Get the CZ83 (82).

The CZ is a well made, accurate, comfortable shooter.

The P-64 is fairly well made and accurate but a uncomfortable shooter.
 
Personally, I would probably have gone with the Hungarian FEG PA-63, aluminum frame or not...

Many of the ones that I've seen were/are in new condition...

Forrest
 
Personally, I'd go with the CZ. They're still being manufactured, so parts and accessories like magazines are plentiful and easy to find. They're not 'pocket pistols' but one shouldn't be much harder to conceal than the little Polish or Hungarian pistols.

While the only examples of the CZ-83 that I've personally examined have been commercial models, they struck me as being several cuts above the P64s and PA64 surplus pistols I've handled in terms of the quality of workmanship. They displayed smoother mechanical operation in all areas and much better levels of fit and finish.

'Value' is entirely subjective, but personally I'd pay the extra to get the features on the Czech pistol, like the ambidextrous controls and added cartridge capacity. The facts that you can get it directly and that factory parts and service are readily available right here in the USA are just gravy.

Out of curiosity, why just the very heavy bullets in your 9x18 ammo? FWIW, you might want to get an extra power recoil spring for whichever pistol you decide to get.
 
The CZ-83 is the better gun, in my opinion. I have one and I've shot both the CZ-83 and the aluminium PA-63.

The PA-63 would be better if the DA trigger wasn't so awful. As it is, it pretty much makes the gun unusable.
 
Go with the P-64

Much better gun IMHO:D ...all steel, tackdriving accurate, relatively inexpensive. The trigger.....which every one complains about...ad Nauseum:barf: ....is easily fixed, for a few bucks (wolf makes springs for em....http://www.gunsprings.com/1ndex.html.) You can get great grips for em......http://dnmars.43i.net/ )

If you really want some expert opinion about them (rather than just taking the advice of people having passing experience with them:rolleyes: ).....that a look at what these guys have to say about them........http://p64.proboards67.com/
 
Bought the CZ-82 (that's what SOG is calling it, though I could have sworn I've seen the 9x18 called the CZ83 as well). Still $199 at SOG and they'll accept your C&R... I'm glad I renewed since I was a considering letting it expire.

New toy on the way, whoo hoo!

Thanks for the info. I'll post pictures when it comes in.
 
Out of curiosity, why just the very heavy bullets in your 9x18 ammo?
Click to expand...

I bought these back when I still had my Russian Makarov that had a 19 pound Wolff recoil spring.
Once I run through the existing stock on hand, I'll probably stick with 95gr S&B FMJs since they seems most accurate out of my Makarov (unless I find my CZ-82 doesn't like them for some reason).

Since this will be more of a plinker than for defense, so I don't need the extra recoil.
 
Trebor said:
The CZ-83 is the better gun, in my opinion. I have one and I've shot both the CZ-83 and the aluminium PA-63.

The PA-63 would be better if the DA trigger wasn't so awful. As it is, it pretty much makes the gun unusable.
Click to expand...

While I agree that the CZ is a superior weapon, the trigger on the PA-63 can be vastly improved by dropping in a replacement spring. I added a <$10 spring set, and mine is suddenly enjoyable to shoot without sacrificing any reliability.

I'm convinced that the PA-63 is an excellent CCW for those on strict budgets.
 
The CZ for a range gun, fun, accurate, easy to shoot well. The triggers on my CZ 82 and 83 are pretty good.
The P64 only if you plan to carry.
 
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