CZ 83 vs CZ 75 PCR

[Bushwack]

I know these are two different pistols (alloy vs steel, blow back vs barrel, 380 vs 9mm). With that said...

I was looking at purchasing a new CZ 83 (already own a PCR) and the sales rep (he was the store manager) suggested that the recoil on the 83 would have a little more bite then the PCR.  He wasn't trying to persuade me against the purchase or steer me to another pistol (although I did like the Beretta 84F a little better with the slightly smaller frame...but not at a $225 premium over the 83).  Anyway, he was stating his opinion (having shot an 83 and a P-01) as a knowledgeable firearms dealer.

I was thinking since the 83 is blow back, weighs more and is a 380, recoil would be less then a PCR.  But this guy has me scratching my head with doubt (and there isn't a range within 60 miles that has an 83 I can try).

My question to ya'll is have you shot both pistols and what is your opinion?

[Psyop96]

While shooting several .380 and even .32 blowback, fixed barrel pistols, I (or the web of my hand) have on occasion noted, "that was slightly uncomfortable". I don't think the PCR ever elicited that thought. Those pistols include the SIG 230 SL, Walther PPK, vz. 50 & 70, CZ 83 (.380/.32). Have also shot the single stack version (Beretta 85FS) of the 84F but not enough to consider it as having any more bite to it. It is also a slightly different design with a removable barrel.
So, there's something to what the store manager and others claim whether it's due to the blowback or frame design. I enjoy the heck out of the CZ 83 and don't let what I consider a minor occurrence (to me) from shooting it often.

[Pynckone]

I have a CZ 82, a CZ 83, and a CZ 75D (PCR). 

I personally find the difference in 'snappiness' negligible between these models.  There is some but there are factors mitigating the perceived snappiness.  The smaller guns have all steel frames while the 75D has an alloy frame. The steel frames tends to reduce the recoil. I find the difference similar to the difference between the CZ 75 D or P-01 and a full framed CZ 75 b or SP-01.

I believe the plastic grips on the smaller models contribute to the snappiness.  My CZ 82 grips were sprayed with truck bed liner coating and helps a lot.

There is also the benefit of a really good trigger on the 82/83. 

I love the way all my CZs feel the same in my hand.

My advise:  Hurry back and buy it before it's gone!

You won't regret it!

[tcallre]

I've always found blow-back 380's to be a bit stout in recoil. I owned a Ranger IA PPK for a while and it was stout. I've shot Beretta M84's and found them to be jumpy. The two exceptions are my German PP in 7.65 and my 380 CZ 83. The Walther's sweetness is of course due to it being chambered in 7.65. The 83 I credit to the steel frame. I also own a CZ 82 and with the slightly more powerful 9mm Mak cartridge I perceive the recoil like most blow back 380's, a tad sharp. My CZ83 is the best blow back operated 380 I've ever shot. Not sharp, very controllable and smooth. Of course felt recoil is highly subjective and several factors can come into play such as how well the pistol fits ones hands, recoil tolerance, particular load, ect. Sounds like the choice between two excellent pistols, good luck.





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[ZardozCZ]

Mine is fastest back on target for me, recoil isn't an issue so it's hard to judge. I reload and have been shooting Berrys 90gr hollow base round nose, which at 50' or less have been very accurate and consistent. I reload to about 90% of max, which is likely softer than factory.

Darn gun shoots so well it'll never be sold. Gel tests of Underwood's extreme penetrators shows it to be a very capable SD/PD firearm, and given that I can double or triple tap the best with it, it's often carried.

I'd traded my PCR for a P-01, to pair up with my P-06. For some reason I didn't shoot the PCR as well. The 83 is nearly my best scoring pistol for me. I think you should grab one while you can, PCRs will be made for some time yet.

Enjoy!

[Bushwack]

Finally...had the chance to shoot a CZ83.  Person next to me at the range just bought one and I had the chance to empty a couple mags.

I like it. Want to buy one.  One problem: The grips are too big (larger then the 1911 & Beretta 92FS I had with me).  Maybe it's the mag frame that is too big. I did an Internet search to see if there are aftermarket grips available and my short time looking has produced no results.  Anyone with an 83...is there an aftermarket vendor who makes thinner grips for the CZ 83?

[bugboy]

Finally...had the chance to shoot a CZ83.  Person next to me at the range just bought one and I had the chance to empty a couple mags.

I like it. Want to buy one.  One problem: The grips are too big (larger then the 1911 & Beretta 92FS I had with me).  Maybe it's the mag frame that is too big. I did an Internet search to see if there are aftermarket grips available and my short time looking has produced no results.  Anyone with an 83...is there an aftermarket vendor who makes thinner grips for the CZ 83?

None that I am aware of.

[Lemming]

I have a wraparound set of rubber grips that i bought in 1999. I think they may be Hogues (no finger grooves though). I'm afraid i can't remember the source



Sent by Jedi mind control

[452pcr]

I have a PCR and a Beretta 84F.  Different guns but with shooting gloves, not a whole lot of difference for me.

Barehanded,  the 84F hits a little harder, as the PCR rubber grips and lockup take some energy away.

The 84F seems more natural to aim, and you may find that is true of the 83.

Having shot my son's PM [9x18], an 83 [or an 82] would make a nice cary.

[Bushwack]

I have a PCR and a Beretta 84F.  Different guns but with shooting gloves, not a whole lot of difference for me.

Barehanded,  the 84F hits a little harder, as the PCR rubber grips and lockup take some energy away.

The 84F seems more natural to aim, and you may find that is true of the 83.

Having shot my son's PM [9x18], an 83 [or an 82] would make a nice cary.

I also have a PCR and absolutely love it.  Fits...like a glove!

Desperately would like to get a CZ83 but the frame is to big (I blame the grips).  Recently was able to handle a Beretta 85F and it felt gooood.

[tpelle]

I put a total of 133 rounds through my new CZ83 in my first range session.  If the recoil would have been uncomfortable, I think I would have noticed then.

Only thing I noticed was a little bit of sting to my trigger finger, but just enough to notice that it was there - not enough to be a problem.

Personally I always thought that the 9mm P was always a bit snappy - especially in comparison to a .45ACP.  The .45 is more of a gentle shove, but the 9mm P is sort of sharp.

You want a sharp recoil?  Try my 2-1/8" S&W J-frame Centennial with full-house .357 Magnums!  I let a cop friend (who always did a lot of shooting) try it once, and his comment was "If you don't have a flinch, this thing will give you one!".