The Firearm Rack, one of the online publication’s we keep an eye on, recently published an article about the CZ83: it’s called Cold War Cool. In the article, they discuss the (wait for it…) Czech-made CZ-83 pistol. We have mags for it of course). Though discontinued in 2013, the inexpensive little handgun remains a popular option for those looking for an inexpensive CCW weapon.
The CZ-83, TFR contributor Daniel R says, is “…one of the few double-stack .380 autos on the market, making for a soft shooting pistol with higher than average capacity. The surplus models combine form and function for an effective range toy or concealed carry option.”
He continues,
Despite having all original parts I have never had a malfunction using standard ball ammo. Brands include Blazer Brass, Magtech, Winchester Whitebox, Perfecta, PMC Bronze, Remington UMC, and some reloads from a local range. All projectiles were 95gr…
…The effectiveness of .380 as a defensive round is a sensitive subject, but I remain a fan. Of course, we should carry as much gun as we can, but there are some who absolutely cannot handle the recoil of the 9×19. With the right load, .380 can live up to the coveted FBI ammunition protocols. The combination of proper ammo selection and the larger capacity of the CZ-83 can be a dream come true for some shooters.
Read the remainder at:
CZ83: Cold War Cool
Want more to read? If you’re looking for more about CZ-83, check out the review on Lucky Gunner.
“For a lot of people, if the gun recoils too much or doesn’t feel right in their hands or the sights are hard to see, they’re more likely to get frustrated and give up. A 9mm Para or .38 +P would be preferable to .380 ACP or 9×18 in terms of ballistic performance, but if having fun with the .380 helps motivate somebody to get out to the range and improve their skill, then I’d much rather them own that.”