which 9x18 pistol?

Which 9x18 pistol?

  • Polish P83

    Votes: 8 6.3%
  • Polish P64

    Votes: 10 7.9%
  • Czech CZ 82

    Votes: 98 77.8%
  • Hungarian PA 63

    Votes: 10 7.9%

  • Total voters
    126
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I should have added a 5th vote "buy em all". I will get the p64 and the cz82. Since they are cheap enough anyways. Thanks all for the replies.
 
I'm curious if Maks were a choice, how many people would've chosen one, as it seems that many consider the East German Mak to be "THE" gun to have in 9x18
 
It's a toss up between 3 of them, AFAIC.

If flaky paint, larger handle, and pricier mags aren't an issue, then the CZ-82 would probably be the easy pick.

If you don't mind spending a few minutes dehorning the thing and changing springs, the PA-63 is great for carry and for the range.

If you are willing to live with an oddball trigger and internal design, the P-64 is a great bargain. It just might have the best finish and the top accuracy of the lot. But it basically make my cut because it's so much cheaper than the others.

At their current pricing, it's hard to decide. You get what you pay for, here.

Wanad is the only one I leave out. Being priced where they currently are, I'd have to pass. I'd much rather have a CZ-82 or a PA-63 for a similar cost.
 
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Alas, it’s true the CZ-82 looks to have a disproportionately large handle. However, besides my Kahr K9, it is the only pistol I have ever handled (and own) that feels as if it was custom made specifically for my mitts. The ergonomics of this strange-looking pistol is absolutely astounding.

As for the additional option for a Makarov, though not a bad idea, I would still opt for the CZ-82 and here’s why. Between my CZ-82 and Russian IJ-70, I prefer:

• The ergonomics of the CZ-82
• The capacity of the CZ-82
• The trigger of the CZ-82 (especially in double action, though I’m sure the IJ-70 doesn’t best represent the breed)
• The sights on the CZ-82
• The location of the safety on the CZ-82
• The location and type of magazine release on the CZ-82

I concede that the aesthetics of the Makarov are superior to the CZ (subjective, of course and only IMHO) . I also suspect that, even though both pistols are phenomenally reliable, the Makarov seems to be of a simpler design and if so, perhaps more robust and easier to work on if something indeed does go wrong. However, I would much rather have a CZ-82 over a Makarov for the above reasons.
 
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I have two of each on the list and still went with the CZ. What would have been nice to know is what you plan on doing with it. The P64 is tough to beat for a ccw. Currently the FEG is a little overpriced and the P83 (to me shoots and feels a lot like a Mak).
In the long term they are all nice guns to collect and shoot.
100_3103.jpg
9x18s.jpg

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In the long term they are all nice guns to collect and shoot.

Yup. The P64 is just my first. I want a CZ for sure, and I'd pick up a PA63 if I found one or a Russian Mak. The EG Maks, anymore, tend to run a little high, but they're nice. I think the PA63 with it's duotone and lines is about the prettiest, though the CZ is NICE on the eyes, too. It's really hard to decide.

I'm glad I got the P64, rhough. It's the only one I'm likely to carry and actually USE, much, due to its size and I'm just knocked out by how accurate the little bugger is. Hell, I'd carry this thing as a hiking gun! I could take a rabbit to 25 yards with it, is that accurate, and fits in a pocket! I don't have bears and such around here and frankly, in black bear country, I don't worry about bears. I've carried a .38 before while on back packing trips and for day hiking. The P64 can't out-shoot my M10 Smith, but it's as accurate as my little snubby and it is SO small. :D It's small even compared to a J frame. Just a neat little pistol to own and very useful IMHO.
 
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It depends on what you want it for for small size the P64 is the smallest, its accurate, reliable and easy to conceal, but has a Double action trigger pull that is very heavy, single action is good. The CZ-82 is larger and has a better trigger pull, most of these have a painted on finish, if you don't care about looks they are also accurate and reliable.
 
watching with acute interest here
don't know how how much longer can watch without surfing off to Google and gunbroker

but don't quit now ! :)
(never owned a CZ, and feeling real bad about it, too)
 
Stringfellow, those grips look like they have an odd texture... Are you the guy who coated them with plasti-dip? If so, how's it holding up?
 
Yes, CZ82s often come with a beat up poly finish, but they are very easy to refinish--even for an amateur like me. ***

Yep, that can be a lot of fun to do too.

Just don't go nutz with the paint. :eek:

MultiCam CZ 82 M&P ...
CZ2.jpg

Now with contrasting sights you can see ...
CZ3.jpg

Sweet shooter too ...
CZ6.jpg

:cool:
 
Yes--I sprayed them with PlastiDip. It was easy, they look good, and feel great. But I don't have high hopes for durability. 1) Don't get oil on them--it softens the PlastiDip rubber; and 2) they are starting to peel around the "high-traffic" edges. I haven't shot the pistol with the grip treatment yet, but will report back on how it holds up for an extended range session.

In its defense, you need to rough-up the grips before applying the PlastiDip. I only gave them the lightest of light roughing up, in case I didn't like the PlastiDip. If the stuff peels any more, I will either have to commit and sand them some more, or try something else. (may try to sand them flat--you can take off almost a 1/4" of plastic, and make them a lot more concealable).
 
Yes--I sprayed them with PlastiDip. It was easy, they look good, and feel great. But I don't have high hopes for durability. If the stuff peels any more, I will either have to commit and sand them some more, or try something else. (may try to sand them flat--you can take off almost a 1/4" of plastic, and make them a lot more concealable).

Try lightly bead blasting them. The grips in my picture are bead blasted. It's really a nice look! Looks factory, won't wear or flake off and gets rid of the cheesy high gloss shine. They now have a nice satin look and are still just as durable as before because no color has been added on top, you've just knocked the shine off in an even manner. Something that can't really be done very easily by hand sanding.

Fastcast, is that your carry setup? If so how do you like carrying the cz?

That's is everything that was included with the purchase of the CZ-82 from SOG. You get 2 mags, holster, mag holster and cleaning rod (not pictured) for $225....That's the price my FFL dealer charged me after shipping and transfer fee.

I have several different carry pieces but I have been carring the 82 quite a bit since purchasing it. I do use the mag holster but not the regular holster although very nice, it is useless for CC. It would be great for open carry though.

The CZ is very easy for me to conceal and I have absolute confidence in it. It's extremely quick shooting with amazing accuracy with double & triple taps! I'm 6'-2" - 185lb and can easily hide the 82 under as little as a Polo shirt this time of year.

If you decide to get one, you won't regret it! ;)
 
I think if you are looking for a range gun get the CZ. I would like to get one eventually.

The only one I have on the list is the P64. I got it because it was cheap and could fill a functional role for me...pocket gun. A bit heavy for it's size but that's what you get for a sturdy, pretty, all steel gun.

One thing that needs to be clarified on the P64. Yes, the double action pull is rediculously stiff. The single action pull however is awesome. Super light and crisp. I changed out the hammer/main spring to an 18lb I believe and it took a little edge off the double action pull...nothing spectacular but the single action is really nice.

Another downside is the smallish sights but I think when you get down to the nitty gritty of using this gun for defense, it's more of a point and shoot rather than aim and shoot.

Overall it's a great gun at a real bargin.

Mine:
123739888.XSD0QT3D.DSC04789800.jpg
 
How about a vote for not getting one.

I too was considering a Makarov type pistol, but the ammo is just WAY TOO expensive.

You have to ask yourself, what does the 9x18 ammo give me that 9x17 or 9x19 does not. There are literally a plethora of .380 and 9mm pistols out there to suit your needs.

With .380ACP making a comeback and 9mm being under $10 (Walmart by me has Federal 9mm for $9.47 a box of 50) a box I don't see any compelling reason for a Makarov.

If you "just want" one that is a valid enough reason. If that is the case the CZ-82 is a pretty nice pistol.
 
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i can buy silver bear hp's 2 box's for $25. that is about as cheep as it gets for hp. if you buy in bulk online its even cheeper.
 
I too was considering a Makarov type pistol, but the ammo is just WAY TOO expensive.

umm... what? you can order 9x18 for under $9 a box from aimsurplus or any number of other online retailers. it's cheaper than 9mm.
 
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