Jul 22 2006
CZ52 Pistol
I acquired my CZ52 pistol in the trade for my FrankenGarand and it currently ranks as the least favorite firearm in my little collection. This ranking is through no fault of its own. It has been relegated to this role simply because I had initially meant to trade it away in turn for a Norinco 1911, but retained it until such time as I could try it out at the range.
This has been complicated by the difficulty I’ve encountered sourcing small quantities of 7.62×25mm ammunition locally, and by the fact that even if I had found the ammunition I haven’t made it to the range in almost two months. Still, I am a gun nut and no firearm is going to pass through my hands without me trying it at least once.
The CZ52 (Ceskoslovenska Zborjovka, Model of 1952) is a roller locked, recoil operated pistol chambered in 7.62×25mm. Introduced into service with Czechoslovakian forces in 1952, the pistol has long been out of first line service and is typical sold off to civilian collectors.
Markings on mine indicate it was made in 1954, and it appears (given it’s age) to be in fantastic condition. Finish appears to be a uniform gray parkerized finished, with plastic grips.
Sadly I am not expecting to have a range report handy for some time, as I may have to order some hundreds of rounds for a pistol that just may be leaving the collection almost immediately after it’s first range trip. We’ll have to wait and see, I’ve always had a weakness for “ugly duckling” firearms, and asthetically this one certainly qualifies.
In the meantime, enjoy the gun pron.
Which Norinco 1911 Were you thinking of acquiring Mon? I’ve got one in the Commander configuration but have had Dlask Arms modify it till it’s only a Norinco by frame. New sights, hammer, beavertail etc.
“Ugly duckling?” I actually like its lines. I’d give it new handgrips, but that’s it.
Patrick: Frankly I figured I’d pick up a generic .45 Norinco 1911. I’ve already got two 9mm’s, so a different calibre appealed to me.
Of course nothing is set in stone, so we’ll wait and see what happens.
-GRIN-
Mike: Nifty little pistol. I’m conflicted here, I’d just discovered a place that does custom wood grips called Omega Custom Grips, and have to admit that the Bolivian Rosewood Grips seemed a nice classic style for the CZ52. Lots of options on the site however, some more “bling” than others.
It looks like the kind of pistol a 60’s or 70’s director would have used to as a lazer pistol in a cheap sci-fi flick. Those grips do look nice.
yes i went to the local wal-mart and found that they didn’t carry the right caliber for the cz52 i hope to get some ammo soon so i can try my new/old gun out
I’ve actually had a CZ52 for longer than I’ve had a 1911. Absolutely DO NOT trade that gun until you’ve fired it. Of course, then you’ll wind up having to come up with cash for the new gun :D. Bugger the Norinco, by the way. If you want a low-budget but still good 1911, go with a Rock Island.
I have a cz52 and without a second thought,I love it.I have ordered a set of walnut grips for it and got a small holster for a 1911 that it fits nicely.other than that,its all you’ll need with this gun.Ammo in fmj is easy to find here,although soft point is almost impossible.But the pistol shoots straighter than anything else I have shot.It has a pretty good kick,but thats to be expected from a gun that will penitrate level 2 body armor.trust me,the cz52 is a keeper.If it wasnt I would not still have mine.
also,cheaperthandirt.com has fmj rounds if thats what you want.
Peanut Oh I liked the little pistol, but it didn’t grab me. Strange isn’t it how we can develop an instant like, dislike or apathy for something.
As an aside, I can’t order from cheaperthandirt, and certainly not ammo being north of the line here.
yes,this gun did grab me.I am what you might call an amature gun trader.I get a gun and take it to the range a few times.and if it doesnt satisfy me I will trade it off for another gun and start over.I have many guns,but only two are not for sale or trade,that is my pre-64 winchester model 94,and of course the cz52.One thing Ive found,the older the gun the better its made.(thats only my opinion,however).As for ammo,Winchester, and Sellier & Bellot, both make 7.62×25. And I have found many web sites that sell it.hope that helps,and good luck.
Oh,also.you might try new grips for it.I put my new ones on and it feels 100% better in my small hands.I found mine on ebay,but Makarov sells them also.One more thing,Im sure you know not to dry fire this pistol as the fireing pin is weak and WILL break,this being the only weak point in the gun.Makarov also sells an aftermarket fireing pin that is much stronger.
sorry,one more thing I should let you know about.My local gun dealer (who really knows his stuff) told me that they are about to stop importing this gun,and soon it will become a hard to find collector piece.
Ugly duckling can become a swan. Change out handgrips with nice maple ones (Canada right?), replace firing pin with high performance one from Makarov.com (do this yourself, it is very simple procedure), replace sloppy trigger with high performance one from Makarov.com, and send out to have a larger night, or high visibility sight placed on it. The results are a very powerful, nicely performing shooter, that has recoil that is not too bad (muzzle brake will help, however, I do not find the recoil to be extreme). It is not has accurate as a Glock, however, it does group well, does not exhaust the shooter, and the ammo is reasonable. Nice home defense weapon with modifications, and respectable range swan with modifications.
I have purchased my CZ52, and finding ammo is a pain. Does anyone know where I can purchase ammo? I did find this very helpful site on how to disassemble and perform a detail strip of the gun.
http://www.lonestarfab.com/projects/thecz52/f5_cz52.htm
I bought a CZ-52 about 1 1/2 years ago. I’ve never had a problem getting the 7.62X25 ammo from local gun shops or from the local gun shows that are held about 4 times per year in my area. I think the increased popularity and availability of the gun has made S&B produce reliable 7.62X25 ammo in tons now.