CZ-52 locking surface ware

[Matt85]

I recently acquired a 1953 dated CZ-52 that had a very nice looking exterior but a badly rusted barrel and a broken firing pin. I've cleaned up the barrel to find it badly pitted but possibly still serviceable and I've ordered a new firing pin. However while looking over the disassembled pistol I noticed their is some back and forth play between the barrel and the slide when the rollers are locked out. upon closer inspection it would seem the inlets in the slide that the rollers extend into is worn to the point where there is room for movement. The rollers don't appear to be in bad condition and there is no other obvious signs of wear in the locking mechanism. I'm assuming this means the slide is on its way out and will need to be replaced.

What are your thoughts on the matter? Will a new slide be a drop in affair or a major PITA?

I took a picture but have no idea how to upload it here.

-matt

[Matt85]

here is a picture:

[Duke Nukem]

It's hard to see down in there- the lighting's a little contrasty and the arrows are close to being in the way. 
 Here's another CZ-52 for reference:

[Matt85]

here is a better picture:

[Matt85]

any one know where I can find a new slide? I found one on gunbroker but upon further inspection of pictures sent by the seller I found while its locking surfaces are better then mine but still not great.

-matt

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

Just have to keep searching till one turns up. Did you try Numrich Gun Parts? This is going to be a crap shoot since everything out there is probably going to be used.

[Matt85]

The parts kit on Gunbroker ending up getting too expensive. 

-matt

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

Yes those parts kits can go for big $$$. After I sold my 52's several years ago I listed my parts kit on ebay and it went for $550.

[Matt85]

Ive given up on restoring the gun to a useable condition, it was free from a friend and I cant imagine spending 300+ dollars to get a gun that is inferior to my TT-33 into working condition. I love my TT-33 and thought this would be a neat gun in the same cartridge but this simply isn't worth the money.

-matt

[skucera]

Matt, that tiny amount of play in the roller pockets in your photos should not result in functional problems when shooting.  The rollers should remain well engaged with the slide until the barrel recoils back enough to open up the cam voids in the middle for the rollers to slide into, freeing the barrel from the recoiling slide.  The important tolerance is the tightness of the barrel hood to the slide's breach face, which looks pretty good in your photos.

Matt, if you don't want your gun I'll take it.  I think my son would like one of his own, and they're not the most common thing to find in gun stores anymore.  Besides, I don't think he wants to wait another 30-40 years to inherit mine.

Scott