WTK: Were Frames/Receivers Ever Cast?

[Hoover 1]

New board member, but long time (very long time) shooter.

Recently shot a well used CZ82 and really like the weapon.

Looking to pick up a used recent commercial production CZ83 and had a few questions for the board experts.

Were the receiver / frame on the CZ83 always forged / milled or did the more recent one have cast receivers / frames?
Other than the normal things that I should be looking for on a used pistol, anything specific that I should look for on a CZ 82/83?

Thanks,

Hoover

[il.bill]

I cannot answer on the frames, but the only particular issue I have run across in these reliable and accurate semi-automatics is worn components in the ambidextrous magazine catch causing the release to not work well from one side or the other, and that is not really a difficult fix if needed.

Otherwise, it is hard to go wrong with a CZ82/83 pistol.  The only question I can think of is:  "Do you want one in .380 ACP or in 9x18mm Makarov?".  If you find one at a reasonable price, I doubt that you will be disappointed.

I am still looking for one of the few firearms on my active 'Wish List' - an affordable CZ83 chambered in .32 ACP.

[LantanaTX]

I have both and had them down to bare frames and did not notice any difference at all on the frames.  All the parts interchange.  The only major differences are the caliber and 82's tend to have a black paint like coating that is usually shows some chips by now, I little more punch with the 9x18 and the polygonal barrel.  83's have regular rifling, blued finish, and the later ones have the squared off trigger guard.  Both of mine had the safety working smoother from one side of the other, but this is a pretty easy fix which I have done.