Converting a CZ83 to 9x18 Mak

[LantanaTX]

I have a CZ83 that I want to convert to 9x18 Makarov.  The reason for this is that I recently bought a Polish P64 and want to buy just the Makarov ammo.  I have a CZ82 barrel and am looking for a gunsmith in Dallas/Fort Worth area.  Or has anyone attempted replacing a barrel themselves?

[JoePfeiffer]

Here's a thread on the process of replacing a barrel.  Without a compelling reason, I don't think I would...

http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=53366.msg331051#msg331051

[Gottmituns]

From factory, all the CZ-83 that are chambered for 9mm Mak, have a chrome lined, poligonal rifling barrel.
You are wise to standardize your calibers. 9x18 is about $14 bucks a box online. 380 is about $18

I know it's all about shot placement and luck more than anything. Even if it is a minuscule factor, but by the 9x18 having a .30mm wider bullet than the 380/9mm,  the odds increase a tad bit to ones favor in regards to shot placement.


Edited: I just found out from the post below, that CZ-USA has em' for 100 bucks.

[JoePfeiffer]

Barrels are available from cz-usa.com for $100.

sent using CPIP (see RFC 1149)

[Gottmituns]

I didn't know that. Thank you!

[LantanaTX]

Thanks for all the input.  I am convinced that the 9x18 is an improvement over .380, cost less and I like the polygonal barrel.  I already have a CZ82 slide and frame w/barrel,  so I intend to take the barrel off the 82 frame and stick in the 83. After I am done, I guess I could sell the 82 to someone that wants to build a CZ82 in .380

[Gottmituns]

Why not  leave the cz82 as-is?

[LantanaTX]

Bought the 82 as just a stripped frame and stripped slide.  I could use the 83 part to fix the 82 but my 83 is in much nicer condition.  The 82 has the black paint finish and the 83 has a nice blued finish.  The 83 also has nicer markings and a serated trigger guard.  I would rather swap the barrels and turn the remains over to someone wanting a .380 82

[Guntoter]

I have a CZ83 that I want to convert to 9x18 Makarov.  The reason for this is that I recently bought a Polish P64 and want to buy just the Makarov ammo.  I have a CZ82 barrel and am looking for a gunsmith in Dallas/Fort Worth area.  Or has anyone attempted replacing a barrel themselves?

For a gunsmith you might try Elk Castle. Haven't been there in a few years but the fellow they used to have there did some nice work on my guns. He's a big bear of a fellow, kind of reminds me of Paul Bunyan. Can't remember his name though. Good luck!
Guntoter

[SMSgt]

A stripped -82 frame and slide--there's a gun project in the making. That's how I got started with -82s.

[LantanaTX]

A stripped -82 frame and slide--there's a gun project in the making. That's how I got started with -82s.

I may do that!  I shot 200 rounds of .380 through the 83 on Sunday and it performed flawlessly.  It has a wolf recoil spring and I couldn't believe how soft it shot and very accurate.  Would it be cheaper to buy an 82 than finding all the parts?  I would need a diagram to make sure I get all the parts.  Is that available?  BTW, the P-64 arrived today and I already cleaned it, changed the main and recoil springs and added the Grips4U wood grips.  I have the same grips on my 83 and love them.

[Gottmituns]

A stripped -82 frame and slide--there's a gun project in the making. That's how I got started with -82s.

I may do that!  I shot 200 rounds of .380 through the 83 on Sunday and it performed flawlessly.  It has a wolf recoil spring and I couldn't believe how soft it shot and very accurate.  Would it be cheaper to buy an 82 than finding all the parts?  I would need a diagram to make sure I get all the parts.  Is that available?  BTW, the P-64 arrived today and I already cleaned it, changed the main and recoil springs and added the Grips4U wood grips.  I have the same grips on my 83 and love them.

Very nice!!! You cant go wrong with either gun.

[JoePfeiffer]

There is an exploded view with all the parts labeled in the instruction manual, which can be found lots of places on the 'net.

[LantanaTX]

Thanks,  The exploded diagrams are all over the net!  I would love to have two of these but the only way this makes sense after pricing out parts is to try to find a complete parts gun.  maybe something with a bad barrel. 

[Radom]

I'm not sure what a barrel press costs, or what a reputable gunsmith would charge for doing this.  When I looked into this @11 years ago, it wasn't economical, at all.

A major consideration in your situation would be the fact that the proceeds from selling that particular .380, coupled with your current parts, would likely net two nice 82/83 pistols in 9x18mm, or one @#$% of a semi-custom 83 in 9x18mm and some extra money for ammunition.   

It may or may not be cheaper to buy a "beater" CZ 82 than the parts.  According to the relevant statutes/regulations, the frame is the pistol.  There is no transfer fee on parts, and the shipping will be considerably cheaper.  The parts are out there, if you are patient. 

Looking at your CZ-83 photo, converting this particular pistol over the difference in the cost of low-end factory ammo would be a bleep shame.  There are a lot more .380 loads out there than 9x18mm loads (especially in terms of premium JHP offerings), and there are a lot more appropriate .355" jacketed component bullets available for handloading purposes.  The vast majority of .380 cases produced to date are reloadable, you can't say that about 9x18mm. 
 
Standardizing on one chambering is highly over-rated, IMHO, especially with a "mil surp" chambering.  No one is currently offering new-production pistols in 9x18mm.  9x18 ammunition may be as common as dirt today, but it won't stay that way forever.  Historically, "mil surp only" chamberings have proven to be problematic and expensive. 

I guarantee someone will now post with some sort of rebuttal on how many 9x18mm pistols have been produced.  There are a LOT of 9mm Largo pistols out there in decent condition.  Do a quick internet search on the ammunition availability today.  The Star B was the last generation's PA-63, FWIW.