Showing The CZ 83 Some Love

[Czechbikr]

I bought new grips from CZ-USA as the grips that came with it were dented with the checkering very worn on the outer panel.  Net price delivered was about 27.00...I was tempted to get the walnut version, but my half Bohemian side kicked it.  The fit was not good out of the package with the screw holes about 1/16" off to the rear of the panel on both sides.  It took some trial and error with the Dremel and the cutter head to get them to fit...could probably use a bit more tweaking as some mags are tight and won't drop, but that may be the mag release...but that's another story.   For fitting grips I figured out a method of operation besides looking at the ones that fit and the ones that don't to match them up.  I laid the one side grip on and threaded in the screw to have it sit proud of the frame and marked the parts that prevented it from seating in position.  The triangle moldings on the rear needed to be just about removed and the lip on the front needed to be relieved just a bit in from the edge.  I did this operation with a paint stick wrapped in 150 grit paper. 

https://imgur.com/a/NsGHxn3

[rdcinhou]

Nice photos!

Did you apply the white paint inside the lettering or did it come that way?

[Czechbikr]

Nice photos!

Did you apply the white paint inside the lettering or did it come that way?

Thanks!  After I touched up the bluing with cold blue I decided to enhance the roll marks.  It's actually the first time I've tried that with a firearm. 

[dtomp]

I like the way it looks, how did you do it? Did you use paint or epoxy?

[Czechbikr]

I like the way it looks, how did you do it? Did you use paint or epoxy?

I have some acrylic craft paint that I bought a long time ago and used that.  A lot of folks will use nail polish, auto touch up paint, etc.  I laid it in with a toothpick and let it set for a few minutes, then wiped over the slide to remove the paint that was outside of the engraving.  There are a lot of YouTube videos on the subject.  IIRC some people use crayon also.  I may be buffing it off as there are some faint scratch marks on the smooth side of the slide.  If I get energetic I'll work that with 800 grit or better wet sanding and finish with a polishing compound...followed with another application of the cold bluing.

[dtomp]

I have a 4" wide, very fine grit scotch brite wheel on my buffer that leaves a mirror finish. It'll take out most scratches and leave a beautiful finish. If possible you should give that a try. They make them smaller to fit a regular grinder. I never thought I'd use mine much, but I find myself going over to it about every time I'm in the shop. Well not a regular shop, I mean my garage. Good luck I might try the color when I decide how I'm going to refinish mine. I have 2, one I want to chrome and I think the other hot blue. If I ever get around to them, I'll post some pics. Thanks for the info. I really like the way yours looked.