General Facts
- TYPE
Pistol - ORIGIN
Czechoslovakia
- NICKNAMES
Vz. 82 (Czechoslovak service) - DESIGNED
1980 - 1981 - DESIGNER
Augustin Necas (CZ) - PRODUCTION
1982 - 1992 (CZ 82)
1980's - present (CZ 83) - PRODUCERS
Czech Republic
Czechoslovakia
- QUANTITY
Unknown - UNIT COST
$ 450 for CZ 83 in 2011 - CHARACTERISTICS
Larger magazine capacity than Makarov PM
More ergonomic than Makarov PM
Rugged and reliable
Rather heavy for a small pistol
More expensive than Makarov PM
Introduction
The CZ 82 is a compact pistol of Czechoslovak origin. It was developed in the early 1980's for the new 9x18mm Makarov round that was standardized among Warsaw Pact nations. Instead of adopting the Makarov PM Czechoslovakia decided on developing their own pistol, which is considered a better weapon overall. The CZ 83 was developed for civilian and export sales and differs only in minor details.
Design
The CZ 82 is a simple blowback double action pistol with a fixed barrel. As such it is simpler, smaller and cheaper than the CZ 75 pistol. Several design features have been inspired by the German Walther PP. Unlike the Makarov PM it features a double stack magazine, has 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.
Firepower
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.
Users
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
CZ 82: Original model with round trigger guard. Only available in 9x18mm.
CZ 83: Slightly modified CZ 82 with square trigger guard. Also available in .380 ACP and 7.65x17mm.
- Specifications:
- CZ 82
- CZ 83 (7.65mm)
- CZ 83 (.380)
Type | Pistol |
---|---|
Caliber | 9x18mm Makarov |
Magazine | 12 rounds |
Operation | Blowback, double action |
Fire selector | 0-1 |
Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
Barrel length | 96 mm |
---|---|
Rifling | 6 grooves, 250 mm right hand twist |
Muzzle velocity | 305 m/s |
Stock | - |
Length | 172 mm |
Width | 36 mm |
Height | 127 mm |
---|---|
Weight | 0.70 kg empty, 0.92 kg loaded |
Sights | Iron sights, blade front and square notch rear, 130 mm sight radius |
Remarks | - |
Type | Pistol |
---|---|
Caliber | 7.65x17mm Browing |
Magazine | 15 rounds |
Operation | Blowback, double action |
Fire selector | 0-1 |
Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
Barrel length | 96 mm |
---|---|
Rifling | 6 grooves, 250 mm right hand twist |
Muzzle velocity | 320 m/s |
Stock | - |
Length | 173 mm |
Width | 36 mm |
Height | 127 mm |
---|---|
Weight | 0.65 kg empty |
Sights | Iron sights, blade front and square notch rear, 130 mm sight radius |
Remarks | - |
Type | Pistol |
---|---|
Caliber | .380 ACP |
Magazine | 12 rounds |
Operation | Blowback, double action |
Fire selector | 0-1 |
Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
Barrel length | 96 mm |
---|---|
Rifling | 6 grooves, 250 mm right hand twist |
Muzzle velocity | 340 m/s |
Stock | - |
Length | 173 mm |
Width | 36 mm |
Height | 127 mm |
---|---|
Weight | 0.65 kg empty |
Sights | Iron sights, blade front and square notch rear, 130 mm sight radius |
Remarks | - |