The vz.82 is a compact, semi-automatic pistol made for the Czechoslovak military. The export version is called the CZ-83. “vz.” is an abbreviation for vzor, which translates to model. The vz. 82 is commonly (and erroneously) referred to as the “CZ-82″. This is incorrect as the vz.82 is a military production pistol.
Overview
Manufactured by the Czechoslovak firm of Ceska Zbrojovka a.s., the vz.82 replaced the 7.62 x 25 mmVz.52 pistol in Czechoslovak military service in 1982. It is a compact, double-action, semi-automatic pistol with a conventional blowback action. The blowback action allows the barrel to be fixed to the frame, resulting in improved accuracy over pistols without fixed barrels. The low bore axis provides for less muzzle rise and quicker follow-up shots. Interestingly, both the frame-mounted safety and magazine release are ambidextrous. This was the first service pistol to feature both of these features. The bore is also chrome plated which achieves 3 things: longer barrel life, resistance to rust from the use of corrosive ammunition, and ease of cleaning.
Commentary
Often criticized for its complexity, the vz.82 represented a unique approach to service pistols. American doctrine has focused on large, complex, and powerful weapons that were also expensive to make. These weapons were chambered in 9mm Luger and 45 ACP. European and Russian pistols were inexpensive to produce, small, and generally had single-stack low-capacity magazines. Czechoslovakia had always strived to create weapons to meet their own needs bucking trends and pressure from other nations. Their unique combination of a blowback pistol in a less-powerful caliber that was at the same time expensive to produce and had a double-stack magazine defies conventional description.
Recently added to the Curio and Relic list of the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE), the Vz.82 has become popular with US collectors.
Characteristics
* Weight (empty): 800 g (28 oz)
* Overall length: 172 mm (6.8 inches)
* Height: 127 mm (5.0 inches)
* Width: 36 mm (1.4 inches)
* Barrel length: 97 mm (3.8 inches)
Caliber
The vz.82 was made in 9x18mm only while the CZ-83 is available in a variety of finishes and three different calibers:
* .32 ACP (aka 7.65 mm Browning) – 15 round magazine capacity
* .380 ACP (aka 9 mm Browning Short) – 12 round magazine (13 rounds if 9x18mm magazine is used)
* 9 mm Makarov (aka 9x18mm) – 12 round magazine capacity and polygonal rifling
