Inherited a 1937 CZ 24 ~ I think

[bds_237]

Hello all. I am a handgun newbie and I recently inherited a CZ pistol and would like some help properly identifying it.

From what I can find on the internet, it appears to be a model 24 or 27, similar to what you find on this site.

It has a J*37 stamped on one side and a serial number of 188***. All serial numbers on the slide, frame, and barrel match.

It has been in storage for almost 20 years so I cleaned and lubed it up and it appears to function great. I am interested in purchasing ammo and shooting it at the range, however, I do not know what caliber it is. And to be honest, when it comes to ammo size, I have no idea. Like I said, I am new.

Also, I'd like to find replacement screws for it, as the ones on it are a little chewed up. Gunpartscorp.com sells them, but is out of stock on many of them. Any ideas on where to find them? Thanks.

-Sean.

[skucera]

I'm sorry for your loss, the one that lead to this inheritance.  On the other hand, I can't wait to see your pictures. 

Scott

[Rowe-75]

Sorry to hear of your loss too.

But yes, pictures please? If it doesn't say what kind of ammo the pistol takes somewhere on the slide or barrel, I would take it to a gunsmith and have them do a casting of the chamber that we you know for a fact that you are putting the right ammo in it. Shouldn't cost too much.

-Jeremy

[bds_237]

Thanks for the condolences. The gun's I inherited were my father's. He passed away 17 years ago and they've been in storage in my uncle's basement in a gun safe for at least that long. My family heritage, at least on my father's side, is Czech so I am really interested in keeping this gun.

Here are the pictures you asked for. 



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So tell me what you think. I appreciate all of your input and advice.

-Sean.

[Rowe-75]

Definitely a nice pistol that you should hang onto!

I wouldn't feel comfortable telling you what round it fires since I know little about the .380 ACP and .32 ACP cartridge's. The .32 and the .380 have different dimensions so you might be able to see which it is by inserting a round into the chamber to see if it fits snug... but if it were my pistol and had little knowledge of it I would have a gunsmith cast the chamber to find out which round, and also have them look it over to see if it should be fired.

Let us know what you come up with

-Jeremy

[bds_237]

Thanks. I had it checked out by two gun shops today and determined it was a .380. I then took it to the range and shot about 25 rounds of cheap american eagle range ammo through it. It worked flawlessly. I was thoroughly impressed with its stability, recoil, and accuracy.

Then I tried shooting some home defense hollow points through it and it would not even chamber the first round. There is no chamber ramp and the flat head of the hollow points simply caught the rim of the breech and would not chamber properly. I then tried firing a different box of range ammo with a winchester logo on it and it too had trouble chambering because the head was flatter than the other rounds.

So, I figured it is a great range gun, but unable to shoot modern home defense rounds. So it may just become an heirloom that I shoot occasionally, or I may end up selling it and upgrading to something more modern. But even with its hang ups, I like having this piece of history.

At the end of the day I completely broke it down to bare frame and parts and thoroughly cleaned each part, spring, screw and lubricated each. The thing now cycles like new. This really is a fun gun.

If anyone has any thoughts on its history, manufacture, or value, please let me know. I am interested in finding out as much about it as possible.

Thanks,

-Sean.

[Rowe-75]

I'm glad you figured out which caliber your newly acquired pistol fires, that's too bad it doesn't fire modern ammo.

As far as keeping it or not, that pistol is a piece of history and I for one would hang onto it. It is a war time pistol, date of manufacture is 1937 on yours. It is also looks to be in good shape for being 73 years old.

I'm not sure why anyone would sell a nice piece WWII history just to upgrade to a more modern firearm, just save up to buy you a modern CZ P-01 or Shadow! From what I have seen in other post the price of these pistols has been increasing steadily over the past few years, Check gunbroker.com and other sites to see what they go for now. The only reason I would sell that pistol is if I was in a financial hardship and needed the money for food.

-Jeremy

[Kenneth]

It wold be a disgrace to seek that pistol. I have a V-10 ultra compact .45 that I will never sell. It was given to me by my grandfather and will be the only one I'll keep just for that reason. It's not my right to sell it.