Which .380? Cheetah or CZ?

[The_Shootist]

Yeah, I know about Bersa's .380 and all the praise its getting. However, I'm getting a bonus next month so price (surprisingly) isn't an issue for this purchase

So I'm looking to add a .380 to my collection - and yes, I will want to carry it periodically. I figure if I can depend on my P-32, then I won't be going much in harms way with carrying a .380 now and again.

Right now I figure the Cheetah has the edge as I own the Cheetah 87 (ie the .22 version) and REALLY like it alot. I shoot it well, its thin and compact. I guess it helps that its nice looking (that is kinda in the eye of the beholder as I'm a guy that figures my Glock 19 isn't too ugly).

The CZ .380 is intriguing but with its all steel frame makes it almost 10 oz heavier. But I have heard good things about their other pistols so I would figure it to be reliable and accurate.

Any ideas?

 

[Majic]

I just got one of the older CZ-83s (with the rounded triger guard) and my son took it out today. He was nothing but grins when he got home and have declared it as his now. It is a sweet little pistol that's easy to shoot.

 

[Zeke Menuar]

I just got a CZ-83 with the round triggerguard. Very accurate, 13+1 capacity. The recoil is neglible. Best trigger I have ever encountered in a DA pistol. SA is even better. Fit and finish is first rate. The hi-cap mags make it much easier to deal with the extra weight.
This gun made me forget all about getting a Bersa.

ZM

 

[Craig M. Arnold]

CZ 83 (380) vs Cheetah

I have never owned or shot a Cheetah, so I can not comment on it. I have had a CZ 83 in 380. It was the finest 380 pistol that I have ever had. Trigger was excellent. Extremely accurate and reliable. You can't go wrong with the CZ.

 

[wally]

I've a CZ 83 and a Beretta 86 (the one with the popup barrel) I think the CZ is a better gun for the money, but my wife can't rack the slide. The popup barrel on the Beretta solves the problem.

Both are accurate and easy to shoot. No problems with cheap Wolf ammo which is great because the CZ really throws the brass -- 10+ feet straight out to the side. The Beretta tosses them 4-5 feet a foot or two back.

If I could only keep one it'd be the CZ as the Beretta's grip is rather thick for a single stack gun (other "Cheetah" models are double stack) and it has a magazine safety which I hate, but the popup barrel makes the Beretta 86 a keeper for my wife -- had a real hard time paying $450 for *any* .380 but it filled a need.

--wally.

 

[Pilot]

Both are excellent guns, but if weight is an issue, get the Cheetah. I like the single stack verion for its weight and slimness. (And I'm a HUGE CZ fan and have several examples of these fine weapons)

 

[wingman]

Want an accurate, tough, last forever 380, Makarov., Russian commerical high
capacity 10-12 rounds. $200.

 

[MikeJ]

I'm a big fan of the Cheetah but have to admit that I haven't shot the .380 CZ. I've always thought that the Cheetah is one of the very best .380's out there and looks great too. I also highly recommend the Sig 230/232 .380. I find it to be a much easier gun to conceal than the Cheetah due to its slimmer profile and smoother lines.

 

[sgtb]

CZ-83. You will not be dissapointed.

 

[wally]

IMHO problem with .380 Mak and SIG 230/232 is they are DA/SA. Lots of people (myself included) hate the long Double Action pull on the first shot and transition to Single Action for the remainder.

My first choice is cocked and locked SA like the Cheetah and CZ83. These are also DA so you can do DA/SA carry if you like, but they lack a hammer drop -- lots of people (not me) are uncomfortable lowering the hammer on a loaded chamber (the Beretta 86 tip up barrel solves the problem).

--wally.

 

[PCRCCW]

Id take the CZ in a heartbeat................

Shoot well.