Handled my first CZ 83 and...

[Scarlett Pistol]

Jeez, that gun didn't disappoint in the "fit my hand"  category. Ironically my aunt has decided in her old age to get some pistols and her ccw for self protection and she ordered one of the new ones that just showed up online the last few weeks. I went with her to pick it up and wow! Gonna polish up the action and what not for her, but that is a sweet little gun! Can't wait to shoot it, I'm sure it won't disappoint.

And btw, after I told her about it and she went and bought it she then came here to do some more research. You all were extremely helpful and she was thrilled about her decision. So thanks for all the helpful posts!

[Towns]

Scarlett,  You're making it harder for me to resist the 83

[Scarlett Pistol]

It's getting hard for me to resist it too!  There's a cz 82 for sale locally here for $275 w 200 rnds of mac included. I'm so torn because I would rather have the 380 for ease of reloading,  but I really want an excuse to buy an 82 or 83. I'm not going to lie, it was more comfortable in hand than my steel frame compact 75,  and I love that pistol!

[MP2 Guy]

It's getting hard for me to resist it too!  There's a cz 82 for sale locally here for $275 w 200 rnds of mac included. I'm so torn because I would rather have the 380 for ease of reloading,  but I really want an excuse to buy an 82 or 83. I'm not going to lie, it was more comfortable in hand than my steel frame compact 75,  and I love that pistol!

Hmmmm...  I have a solution -- get both! Then you collect the rest of the CZ82/83 family!

[jch2]

CZ 83's are great pistols. I have a 85, and a P09 and Iove them all but the 83 is my personal favorite to shoot. I am always looking for an 82 at a good price. Good luck!

[Pynckone]

Scarlett,

I hope you jumped at that CZ-82 for $275.  If its any sort of decent condition, that is a good find with the ammo.

Hard to find them for less than $240 on any of the surplus sites.

Besides, it makes a great Christmas stocking stuffer, even if it's a few days past.....

[Scarlett Pistol]

I haven't... Since it is in 9mm makarov I wasn't going to get it. It's in decent shape. Just a few specs of finish missing. I'll call him and go check it out and see if he can be kind so I can have enough after to get a 380 barrel to change between calibers. What do you think about it?

http://utahgunexchange.com/ads/cz-m82-9x18mm/

[Pynckone]

I took a look at the posting and would say it looks in  average/average + condition, although I couldn't see the areas you mentioned.

I wouldn't be turned off by the Makarov chambering.  Decent ammo for it is about the same cost as .380 ammo.

As far as changing out the barrel, I wouldn't recommend it.  I just changed a damaged CZ-82 barrel on my pistol.  It cost me $110 from CZ and I would expect a barrel chambered for .380 would be about the same.  By time a gunsmith did the work, your cost for this gun would be over $400--too much!

I have both a CZ-82 and a CZ-83, and frankly can't tell much of a difference shooting them. 

The Makarov round is a bit more powerful than a .380, so it may seem a bit snappier but neither will be as snappy as some of the polymer .380's like a S&W Shield or Ruger toy guns.  Either CZ will be fun to train and shoot.  I have shot the Shield once; that was enough. The Ruger is way too small, and their large presence in the used gun cases leads me to believe others find them hard to shoot. Oh, and either CZ is head and shoulders more accurate due to its lower recoil than these other 2.

The 82 has polygonal rifling vs. the grooved barrel of the 83.  Some claim that is more accurate.  Again, I find little difference.

If you end up with either an 82 or 83, you will be pleased.  Good luck.  Curious what you end up with.

[Scarlett Pistol]

Thanks for all the advice Pynckone! This weekend I will get to shoot a CZ 83 and I'll go take a look at this CZ 82 for sale and see what comes of it. I'll keep everyone posted if this leads to a new CZ acquisition.

[il.bill]

It's getting hard for me to resist it too!  There's a cz 82 for sale locally here for $275 w 200 rnds of mac included. I'm so torn because I would rather have the 380 for ease of reloading,  but I really want an excuse to buy an 82 or 83. I'm not going to lie, it was more comfortable in hand than my steel frame compact 75,  and I love that pistol!

Scarlett - do not let that CZ82 get away!

9x18mm Makarov may not be easy to find at the local Walmart, but good, steel-cased 9x18mm ammo (the kind the pistol was literally designed to shoot) is still available at very good prices online https://www.classicfirearms.com/russian-9-x-18-makarov-ammunition.  With the 200 rounds of ammo factored in, that CZ82 Pistol is effectively selling for $225-$245.  That is a pretty good bargain these days.

The polygonal rifling and the frame mounted barrel together make for much better than average accuracy for a handgun that size.  You could buy it, shoot up the ammo, and very likely get your money back if and when you later choose to sell the CZ82.  I have handled several, and they were all exceptional shooters.  When I find myself feeling down and disappointed about my general handgun marksmanship, I pack up my two 'old reliables', a Smith & Wesson Model 10 in .38 special and my 9x18mm Makarov CZ82, and head to the range for some positive 'sure-fire' therapy.

[MP2 Guy]

It's getting hard for me to resist it too!  There's a cz 82 for sale locally here for $275 w 200 rnds of mac included. I'm so torn because I would rather have the 380 for ease of reloading,  but I really want an excuse to buy an 82 or 83. I'm not going to lie, it was more comfortable in hand than my steel frame compact 75,  and I love that pistol!

Unless the CZ82 in your local shop is a totally abused weapon I would jump all over it for $275. And the 200 rounds makes even a better deal.

[Scarlett Pistol]

Got to shoot a CZ 83 today in 380 auto. I definitely feel the difference in blow back recoil. But it was so quick and accurate even though it was a little snappy. I'll give that guy a call and see if he sold that 82 yet or not. Looks what's happening, another cz may end up in my collection thanks to this forum.

[MP2 Guy]

Got to shoot a CZ 83 today in 380 auto. I definitely feel the difference in blow back recoil. But it was so quick and accurate even though it was a little snappy. I'll give that guy a call and see if he sold that 82 yet or not. Looks what's happening, another cz may end up in my collection thanks to this forum.

I'm sure a few more will also join your collection.  The .380 CZ 83 do have a sharp recoil but they are fun to shoot. The .32 ACP CZ 83 has next to no recoil and are also fun to shoot. Good luck on the CZ 82!