Looking at a CZ 83 in .380acp

[Towns]

Stopped by a local gun shop yesterday and they had a nice looking CZ 83 in .380acp.

It has a year stamp of 87.

I was impressed with the ambi slide release and safety.  Though I don't normally like ambi safeties, I found the mag release on the right side very easy to release with my right middle finger.  Does anyone else do this?

The DA and SA trigger was very nice.  And I've been shooting a 6.5 to 7# DA trigger lately. 

It was selling for under $300.  Isn't this a pretty good price?

I have a Sig P232 in .380.  I realize it's not necessarily a highly relevant round these days, but I just like the feel of the blowback 380's and I've shot the tilt barrel .380s.  Still prefer blowback.

So, someone talk me out of OR into buying this gun.

[bugboy]

Here is my attempt to talk you out of buying one:
It is only a .380 acp.
Extra mags can be expensive and hard to find.
It is not much smaller than a P-01.


That being said, I bought one from CDISales for $179.00 + shipping. The plan was to do a home refinish job (KG Gun Kote) and resell for a profit.  I cleaned it up and took it out and shot it some and decided to keep it. It is the most natural pointing pistol I have ever handled.

[LantanaTX]

I have a 2002 83 and love it.  I have found it is very easy to use the right side mag release as well.  I just bought another 83 from CDI Sales but am using it as a parts gun to build an 82 from a frame and slide I have. 

[Towns]

Thanks guys.

[jch2]

I bought a 83 new two years ago and it is my favorite gun to shoot. It is very accurate and fits me well. I do carry it from time to time but I would like to keep it looking new. I love blow back pistols as a rule.

[Terminatorret]

It's bigger and heavier than a Keltec, LCP, PPK/s, but it carries more rounds, eats ANYTHING, is remarkably accurate, and WILL LAST FOREVER (at least in our grand kids lifetime).
If you can conceal it, carry it.
.380 (FMJ) is all it takes.
Nice SIG.
Eric knows what he's talking about: http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/98508-380-load-calling-erich.html
...and http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4067577
I don't need big calibers.
ACE : reliability
KING: accuracy
QUEEN: penetration
I paid $300 for a CZ83 3 years in Texas ago and am not disappointed.
I don't carry my PPK/s anymore. In the summer, I wear a DB380 on the ankle. As temperatures drop, and I wear more, it's a CZ83...then the PPK/s or DB380 as a BUG.
I'm not scared.

[Birds Away]

I have an 82 and will be getting an 83 hopefully sometime this year.  For my money the extra capacity on such a solid, reliable platform is a winning combination.  The caliber might not be ideal in every application but it will serve, with the right social ammunition, in a pinch.  As I type this my 82 sits in the desk drawer in the unlikely event that someone should decide to enter without an invitation.  I have one in the bathroom vanity and others around the house.  For that purpose, these are perfect.  Also very good as a vehicle gun.  I think, dollar for dollar, these are must have backup guns.

[Towns]

Thanks Terminatorret,

Those links were interesting reads.  I may go buy some more FMJ for my Sig and shoot the HP for practice .  Seriously.

[Towns]

Thanks Birds Away,

I hadn't thought about their use as "staged guns" or vehicle guns.  That's a good idea.  Very easy to stow away someplace. 

[EDinNC]

My 82 is always close by at home. I've been thinking real seriously about getting a P64 from Classic as a carry, and to keep with the same round. My other consideration for a carry is Ruger LCP 380 or a Kel Tec P3AT. They are tiny and as it gets pretty hot here you can carry one of them in your pocket. But then again, I may just carry the 82. I'd hate to waste the nice holster Chief Jason made for me

[LantanaTX]

My 82 is always close by at home. I've been thinking real seriously about getting a P64 from Classic as a carry, and to keep with the same round. My other consideration for a carry is Ruger LCP 380 or a Kel Tec P3AT. They are tiny and as it gets pretty hot here you can carry one of them in your pocket. But then again, I may just carry the 82. I'd hate to waste the nice holster Chief Jason made for me

I recently bought a P64 from classic and love it!  Very well built with that cool PPK look.  It fits in the front pocket of my summer shorts. 

[EDinNC]

I've read that the P64 DA trigger is very tough and that the springs need to be changed.

[Birds Away]

Funny, I have decided to sell my P64.  It's okay for what it is but I like the higher capacity of the 82/83.

[Hurryin Hoosier]

You need both, Chief!   

[TF135Sierra2Xray]

Call me crazy, but I'm not sold on them (82/83).  I handled an all stainless 83 when I bought my used P-01 and was very unimpressed.  It was as heavy if not heavier than the P-01 and nearly as big.  That and my cheap butt doesn't see the need to expand into a smaller more expensive cartridge.  I'd rather all my handguns share a cartridge and as many share mags as possible.

Then again I am about to pick up my third CZ (a PCR) in two weeks and my fourth in less than as many months.  So perhaps I'm not as cheap as I think.