What is personal preference .32 or .380

[rpbrock]

I'm looking at purchasing a 83 for a conceal carry pistol. What are some of your thoughts about the .32 vs .380? Am I correct saying that the .380 is no longer available unless I can find a dealer that might still have one laying around. Not knowing much about either caliber, I would like some advice. Since I plan to work this pistol out at the range as much as my other CZ's, will the 83's stand up to regular range outings with proper care and cleaning?

I'm know my 75 and 85 are tanks but I don't know much about the smaller 83's.

Thanks for the advice.

[Walt-Sherrill]

It is the .32 *AND* the 9x18 (Makarov) that are no longer being imported.   The 9x18 woud be the CZ-83 of choice for me, if i were in the market.   (Recoil for that caliber in the CZ-83 is much better than in a Makarov.)

Go for the biggest caliber you can find.  

(Preferably 9x18.)  The gun handles all of these rounds with minimal perceived recoil, and the .380 and 9x18 rounds are generally less expensive.   Why not get more punch, less expensively?

(The .32 round versions are NOT likely to become collector guns, either.  They're still being made in Europe...  They're just not being imported.)

[ut83]

Out of the two .32 or .380, the .380 is a better defensive load.  For a CCW, I would recommend a .380 over the .32...no contest.  Polemis and Walt are both right about the .380 being the only standard import presently.  The .380's are getting more common..not hard to find.  Check out Gunsamerica and search for a CZ83...also, Auctionarms and Gunbroker.  You shouldnt have any trouble whatsoever.
As far as the .32 being made and available overseas...I believe the Mak version is also..they are just not importing them anymore.  The last "batch" of Maks imported for Phil wasnt made for him...just imported for him.
The durability of the 83 will NEVER be a question...the gun was designed as a Military Sidearm in the Makarov 9x18....
The .380 gun really didnt change structurally from the original...so with that in mind...shoot the H*LL out of it and enjoy ...out of all of my guns, its still one of my favs.
Shoot well

[cz40va]

Despite the fact that James Bond use his trusty PPK chambered in .32 Auto it is really a last ditch, can't find anything bigger defensive cartridge. If I had to have one it would only be in something like the Kel-Tec. Even with Silvertips it is still a rather anemic cartridge. Go with the .380 Auto as a minimumal choice.

[wolfee]

If it's for "business" you want the .380.  But, if it's just for shootin' fun, the .32 is hard to beat.  Besides, it's really cool having your gun marked "7.65mm Browning"