CZ 82

CZ 82 9mm Makarov

The CZ 82 pistol is a standard sidearm of the Czech army since 1982. CZ 82 was manufactured from 1983 to 1992, when it was merged with similar commercial design CZ-83 (originally offered in 7.65 Browning and 9mm Browning Short). The CZ 82 was developed to replace the obsolete 7.62mm VZ 52 pistols then in service with Czechoslovak army. During the early 1980s Czechoslovak army, under pressure from USSR, replaced the older 7.62x25mm ammunition with Soviet 9x18mm Makarov ammunition, which also required a new pistol. Instead of simply taking the Soviet design (Makarov PM) along with its cartridge, Czechs developed their own pistol, which, in some respects, is superior to the “gun of the big brother” (Makarov PM). They also produced their own 9x18mm ammunition as “pistolovy naboj CZ 82”, which they claimed to be 20% more powerful than standard Soviet 9x18mm PM ammunition. The CZ 82 pistol was developed at the CZ factory in Uhersky Brod and has greater magazine capacity (12-rounds vs. 8), better fit and finish, and much better ergonomics. On the other hands, CZ 82 is more complicated and, thus, is more expensive to make. Still, it is an excellent and reliable pistol, one of the best defensive pistols on the market today. It is somewhat heavy by modern standards, but the all-steel construction makes it almost indestructible, and additional weigh helps to control pistol in rapid fire.

The CZ 82 operation is a simple blow back design and double action with a fixed barrel. This design was simpler, smaller and cheaper than the CZ 75 pistol to manufacture. Several design features have been inspired by the German Walther PP. Unlike the Makarov PM it features a double stack magazine, ambidextrous controls and plastic grip plates. The CZ 83 is very similar but has a differently shaped trigger guard and is available in three calibers. To lower production costs only the latter model was retained. The CZ 83 pistol in 9×18 Makarov would make a great Surplus Firearm addition to any collection. Whether you are a collector or just looking for something cool to take to the range the CZ 83 fits the build.

The CZ 82 is a semi-automatic weapon that is chambered for the 9x18mm Makarov round. The double stack magazine holds 12 rounds, 50% more than the Makarov PM. The CZ 83 is also available in .380 ACP and 7.65x17mm. In the latter caliber it has a magazine capacity of 15 rounds. Accuracy and reliability are reported to be good. The maximum effective range is about 25 meters.

The CZ 82 was the standard sidearm of Czechoslovakia, replacing the older Tokarev pistol. As such it is in use with the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It has been exported to several nations and is also in law enforcement use. The CZ 82 and 83 are not as common as the CZ 75 and other CZ pistols.

CZ 82
Original military service model with round trigger guard. Only available in 9x18mm Makarov with polygonal rifling. Known in Czechoslovakia as the Vz. 82.

General

Origin
Czechoslovakia
Type
Pistol
CaliberCaliber
9x18mm Makarov
Magazine
12 round detachable box
Barrel length
96 mm
Rifling
Polygonal rifling, 250 mm right hand twist
Muzzle velocity
305 m/s
OperationAction
Blowback, double action
Fire selector
0 – 1
Rate of fire
Semi-automatic
DimensionsLength
172 mm
Width
36 mm
Height
127 mm
Weight
0.70 kg empty

0.92 kg loaded
SightsType
Iron sights, blade front and square notch rear
Sight radius
130 mm