How to shop for a CZ 52?

[CZ-Guy]

I'm in the market for a CZ-52. I had a couple of questions regarding choosing the right one.

1. Arsenal refurbished better or worse?
2. Other than butt-ugly import mark/stamp, is one importer better or worse than another?
3. Any way to tell whether it would be a good shooter (like the mysterious 4-dot accuracy coding on some versions)?
4. What else to look for?

Thanks

[skucera]

I'm in the market for a CZ-52. I had a couple of questions regarding choosing the right one.

1. Arsenal refurbished better or worse?

The arsenal refinish just means it has a hot-dip blue finish on top of the Parkerized finish.  It gives a black look instead of the original dull gray.  Either one looks fine to me.

2. Other than butt-ugly import mark/stamp, is one importer better or worse than another?

All the pistols ran through CZ Brno before going to importers.  Some were apparently never issued, and needed no refinishing.

3. Any way to tell whether it would be a good shooter (like the mysterious 4-dot accuracy coding on some versions)?

The "four dot" thing is hogwash.  Someone speculated wildly years ago about the meaning of the dimples, but didn't have a clue.  For some reason, others passed that theory around uncritically.  There's nothing to it.

It's easier to examine it for signs that it will be a bad shooter, like worn rifling, or a damaged barrel crown, or a barrel that's been belled by an overpressure event.  Keep your eyes open if buying a used pistol.

4. What else to look for?

Look for the same thing you would look at when buying any used pistol.  Condition is important.  Look for rust pitting in the barrel.  A web search will find you "How To" articles on how to assess used pistols... great advice.

Thanks

You're welcome.  Good luck and good hunting.

Scott

[Hayfield123]

Just won a Gunbroker auction for a CZ 52.  The pics of it look good . . . hoping the interior looks as good . . . Without lots of driving, Gunbroker is pretty much my only good source of used handguns.  Sure wish we had some gun shops nearby like the ones I saw in San Antonio in August!

[sfrenchy]

Good luck with your 52. I bought mine at the local gun shop on consignment. It appears to have never been shot. It has the dull grey finish. They're out there. I love shooting it. Seems to have less felt recoil than my 9MM 75B.

[armed hiker]

Hoe to find a CZ52?

Just stop looking

I was looking at them a year ago when ammo was cheap but the guns were in the $300 range. A friend had one he kept saying he would swing by with so I could try before buying, still have not seen it. Anyway I was just cruising through Cabels one day and there was a CZ52 ....cheap!
Awwww well now I had to look at it though I had little $$ in the gun fund.

long story short I now own a CZ52 that is fun to shoot and in great condition.

Don't worry the right CZ52 will find you.

[Twmaster]

That is how I got my '52. I was not 'looking'. Then one evening one popped up on the local shooter's association for sale forum. $175. MINE!!

Mine also looks very very good with the original parkerized finish.  The bore is spotless. Like it was never shot. The previous owner said he only put 100 rounds down the pipe.

The only gripe I have is accuracy. I cannot get good groups. I think I found my problem. A .310" bore. The surplus ammo I shoot has .307" bullets!

I've got to get to the range and try some .311" pills intended for loading in .32 H&R. I've got a few loaded up. Just need to get to the range and try them.

[bozwell]

If you haven't seen it already, Czechpoint has VZ. 52's in stock that are said to be in fantastic shape.  The link is : http://www.czechpoint-usa.com/products/vz-52/

[BigK]

I looked for one for over a year before I finally got mine. Every time I'd find one in good shape for a decent price I was broke and every time I had the money for one nobody wanted to sell one.

It finally all came together and I got one in excellent shape with reloading dies, bullets, brass, an extra barrel in 9mm, the usual surplus gear, and about a 100 rounds of ammo. I was over the top happy.

[Brian Ahearn]

Black Bear arms in New Mexico has some in like new condition for $340.00 with 2 mags ,we bought 2 and were very happy with what we got. The pistols looked like they had never been shot,even the grips were in fantastic condition.

[sfrenchy]

I just ordered one of the Czechpoint 52's yesterday and got an e-mail today that it was shipped! Seems like a good company. Check out there site! Unissued 52's for $300! Even if you're not in the market, the picture they have of "new" 52's all lined up in a wooden case will give you wood...

[Twmaster]

the picture they have of "new" 52's all lined up in a wooden case will give you wood...

Or maybe pistol envy...

 

[Hayfield123]

I wish I'd known CzechPoint was selling them before I bought on Gunbroker . . . but the price was comparable (I paid $308) and here is what the FEDEX guy handed to me, yesterday.  Other than being awash in oil, it was really in great shape  - much better than I'd hoped for.  The barrel looks brand new.  It was built in 1953 and apparently factory refinished in 1997 if I am reading the various stampings correctly.  It came with the holster (dated 1967) two mags and the cleaning tool.

[Twmaster]

You did alright. That's a fine looking pistol. I wish I had a proper second mag for mine.

Here's mine:

[bozwell]

That's a fine looking gun Hayfield.

After getting a VZ24 that was NOT awash in oil/cosmoline, I have to say I've grown to love wet, cosmoline packed guns.  I'd rather clean that mess up any day over having to deal with pitting, tarnishing, etc. on an old rifle.   

[Hayfield123]

Amen to that, bozwell.  I'm not complaining and it gave me an excuse (like I needed one!)  to tear it down and look at everything.  Really unique barrel system!

Oh, yeah - for those of you that go to You Tube and watch the field strip process, please don't use your mag base as a tool - screw drivers are cheaper than having to buy a new mag if you break the plate off!  I could not believe what I saw a couple guys doing . . . maybe in an emergency in the field, but I'd never mistreat a mag like that on my cleaning table!