I am contemplating a purchase of either: a Cz Model 72 in 9mm, a Cz 82 in 9mm Markarov, or a Cz Model 83 in .380 auto, which I understand is a more recent change of the Model 82. Any users of these pistols and what are the pros and cons?
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Cz pistols?
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Baggy Wrinkle
Member
Never heard of a CZ72. Do you perhaps mean the CZ75, which is an outstanding firearm which many others will corroborate? The CZ75b I bought 15 years ago is smooth, reliable, accurate, and heavy. It is a bulletproof old time all steel service pistol that you can bet your life on and will give the same service to your kids, their kids, and their kids.
When manufactured with ambidextrous thumb safeties the CZ75 is renamed CZ85. I fired 15,000 to 20,000 rounds through my CZ85 Combat in matches and practice. It's still going strong.
It's been a good gun. At the time I bought it bright polish bluing was within $10 of the price of the much more common flat black paint finish so mine is blued. The 85 Combat should have been named 85 Target or some name that implied it is for shooting modern timed matches. The upgrades are well worth the small increase in cost. The draw back is that you probably won't find one on store shelves. I had to order mine.
While you're at it, also order the Kadet .22 LR conversion. It is one of the best conversion units.
I have no experience with the smaller blow back operated CZs chambered for .380 or 9 mm Makarov. Either you want a pocket pistol or a service size pistol. Make that decision before looking at pistols in which ever size you need. Unless you have a concealed pistol license then I do not see any point in buying the smaller size.
It's been a good gun. At the time I bought it bright polish bluing was within $10 of the price of the much more common flat black paint finish so mine is blued. The 85 Combat should have been named 85 Target or some name that implied it is for shooting modern timed matches. The upgrades are well worth the small increase in cost. The draw back is that you probably won't find one on store shelves. I had to order mine.
While you're at it, also order the Kadet .22 LR conversion. It is one of the best conversion units.
I have no experience with the smaller blow back operated CZs chambered for .380 or 9 mm Makarov. Either you want a pocket pistol or a service size pistol. Make that decision before looking at pistols in which ever size you need. Unless you have a concealed pistol license then I do not see any point in buying the smaller size.
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hotshot357
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old tanker
Member
The CZ75 is as good as everyone says it is. Mine came from the Grafenwöhr Rod & Gun Club forty some years ago and has gone through a boatload of ammo since then. A very comfortable in the hand, feels a lot like a Browning Hi-Power but with an SA/DA option and an easier to use safety.
The CZ83 is on the large side for a .380 these days, but that makes it comfortable to shoot. It is reliable and accurate. The Czechs know how to build guns that work and doing just that for a long time.
The CZ83 is on the large side for a .380 these days, but that makes it comfortable to shoot. It is reliable and accurate. The Czechs know how to build guns that work and doing just that for a long time.
I had an instructor in a close combat course a couple of years ago who swore by the CZ 75. It gets glowing reviews everywhere.
You didn't say what you are planning to do with the gun but if it is not planned for concealment, the 75 being rather large for that purpose, then I'd go with the model 75.
You didn't say what you are planning to do with the gun but if it is not planned for concealment, the 75 being rather large for that purpose, then I'd go with the model 75.
I have 7 CZ's and you simply cannot go wrong with anything made by them.
The ergonomics are fantastic, doesn't matter how small or large your hands are, male or female, tall or short, skinny or generously proportioned, young or not so young, etc.
For the money they are the best bang for the dollar....with that in mind just get a CZ 75B and a CZ 82 9x18 Makarov and smile everyday at the range!!
Your shooting friends will envy you big time....
Randy
PS. EAA Witness magazines are the same and are usually about $15.00 less money.
The ergonomics are fantastic, doesn't matter how small or large your hands are, male or female, tall or short, skinny or generously proportioned, young or not so young, etc.
For the money they are the best bang for the dollar....with that in mind just get a CZ 75B and a CZ 82 9x18 Makarov and smile everyday at the range!!
Your shooting friends will envy you big time....
Randy
PS. EAA Witness magazines are the same and are usually about $15.00 less money.
27 Man
SWCA Member
I have both the CZ75B and CZ82. Both are great guns and you can’t go wrong with either. 9mm Luger Ammo is more prevalent than 9mm Mak and that could affect your decision.
OP
Thanks for the answers. I did mean Cz75. I have the opportunity to buy these pistols and didn't know which to get. I have ruled out the Markarov, only because of the availability of the ammo. Still thinking on the other two, perhaps both.
I'll add in my praise for the CZ-75's too... I have a 75BD and a 75D Compact PCR for carry.
While great pistols, they do benefit from certain upgrades. I disliked the curved trigger shape they came with and changed them over to the CZ-85 Combat triggers, which gives more room for your finger inside the trigger guard. With the triggers I also installed the Cajun Gunworks reduced power trigger springs and floating trigger pin.
I also replaced the firing pin retaining pin with the more robust pins sold by Cajun Gunworks and CZ-Custom.
They've been reliable, and the PCR has sent my 39-2 into semi-retirement.
While great pistols, they do benefit from certain upgrades. I disliked the curved trigger shape they came with and changed them over to the CZ-85 Combat triggers, which gives more room for your finger inside the trigger guard. With the triggers I also installed the Cajun Gunworks reduced power trigger springs and floating trigger pin.
I also replaced the firing pin retaining pin with the more robust pins sold by Cajun Gunworks and CZ-Custom.
They've been reliable, and the PCR has sent my 39-2 into semi-retirement.
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Excellent firearms. If I needed a compact to carry my CZ75D Compact goes to the top of the class.
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panther
Member
If you look at the CZ 83, see if you can tell if it's a surplus police pistol or a commercial model. The surplus might have more wear and tear. They are excellent smaller pistols.
The 75 is a well established pistol used by police and military and has earned a great reputation. There's a good support network out there for parts and upgrades too.
The CZ line of pistols are a safe and reliable gun to have in any collection.
The 75 is a well established pistol used by police and military and has earned a great reputation. There's a good support network out there for parts and upgrades too.
The CZ line of pistols are a safe and reliable gun to have in any collection.
Fishinfool
Member
Most of my experience with CZ's is in rifles. High quality indeed.
Col. Jeff Cooper, a well known hater of the 9mm, grudgingly admitted if he had to carry one, it would hands down be the CZ-75.
Larry
Col. Jeff Cooper, a well known hater of the 9mm, grudgingly admitted if he had to carry one, it would hands down be the CZ-75.
Larry
Riverboys
Member
I have the 75D PCR. Love it.
What they said about the 75....it's all true. Great gun. (I had two, a transitional from 75 to 75B and one in Single Action. I wasn't shooting the SA so it got traded for something in .40 cal).
I've also got a CZ70 (32acp) and CZ83 (in 380). Both are fine examples of their caliber. My only other 380 is a Beretta 75F and it too is an outstanding gun. If you are thinking of a 380 for someone who needs an easy slide to rack, consider the EZ. If it's for anyone without that need, the CZs will be just fine. You won't be sorry.
I've also got a CZ70 (32acp) and CZ83 (in 380). Both are fine examples of their caliber. My only other 380 is a Beretta 75F and it too is an outstanding gun. If you are thinking of a 380 for someone who needs an easy slide to rack, consider the EZ. If it's for anyone without that need, the CZs will be just fine. You won't be sorry.
jmace57
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I have a CZ75, CZ85 and a CZ83 (and used to have a CZ82). THey have the best ergonomics/grip angle of any gun I own. I shoot them better than any gun I own.
I retired TODAY. And now that I can carry anything I want, I am carrying my CZ-83.
I retired TODAY. And now that I can carry anything I want, I am carrying my CZ-83.
Engine49guy
Member
I have a SS CZ 75B, a CZ75B .22lr Kadet and an older CZ 85 (Pre B)
Avoid the older (Pre B) CZ85 as it has an inherant weakness where the right side slide stop lever is a poor design and will eventually brake.
The factory knows about their design flaw but discontinued the older replacement part and charges abt $200 (plus shipping) to upgrade it to the new design .
Avoid the older (Pre B) CZ85 as it has an inherant weakness where the right side slide stop lever is a poor design and will eventually brake.
The factory knows about their design flaw but discontinued the older replacement part and charges abt $200 (plus shipping) to upgrade it to the new design .
Just gonna throw out some love for the CZ 82! Excellent little guns with a little more punch than the 380 when using Russian ammo. Unless you live in a rural area, ammo is not that hard to find, usually any gun show can turn up several boxes. And 12+1 of 9mak is a potent recipe.
I also own a CZ 82 in 9mak. Hornaday makes Critical Defense in this caliber. I have a 75 in 9mm. Both are great shooters. You won't go wrong with either or both.
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