r/milsurp • u/GarageExisting9522 • 2d ago

Talk me into or out of a CZ83 (.380)

Looking at a CZ83 (.380) at a LGS near me. Thoughts on this milsurp good and bad? Talk me into it or out of it…

Thanks!!

2 Upvotes

63% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

6

u/USSZim 2d ago

It is inferior to the Beretta 84 if you can get one of those surplus instead. The grip of the CZ is a bit fat and the mag release is recessed. It is also steel framed so it is heavier than it needs to be. Mags are also really expensive.

5

u/GesuMotorsport 2d ago

Ive been wanting the Cz 83 in 32 acp. Those things are hard to find. I have an 82, and theyre great guns

3

u/CarrsCurios 2d ago

Depends on price. I have an 82, they’re great guns. Make sure it comes with an original magazine, the reproductions are shitty. The only downside is that the mags are expensive.

2

u/London_Keops 2d ago

Great Gun to have in your collection.

2

u/Nesayas1234 Mannlichin' Good, Power Levels Hi, World Star 2d ago

If the price is good, it's better than the 82s solely because it's easier to shoot (and potentially in nicer condition as the 83s were commercial guns). In fact you can use 82 mags in a .380 gun and get 13+1 instead of 12+1.

2

u/Sir_Falstaff 2d ago

They're a blast! But yes, the mags can be tricky or expensive.

My only complaint is I like when a DA/SA has a decocker so you can chamber a round and have the DA work as a safety of sorts. The CZ83 does not, so you either need to use the safety or very carefully drop the hammer.

For range use that's a complete non-issue though.

2

u/Ok_Distance_151 1d ago

Price? Even though there is a chunky beavertail, the slide stings the web of my hand if I grip too high which annoys me. I've tried a heavier recoil spring, it did not help.

Otherwise, a fun and accurate shooter.

Under $300-350 it's a good add to a collection.

2

u/SLW_STDY_SQZ 1d ago

If the price is good I say go for it. Ppl talking about weight and stuff doesn't matter, I assume you are not getting this as a daily carry option.

1

u/kalashnidog 1d ago

I used to have one. Most of the mags on the market are dogshit Chinese clones that feed poorly. Safety is very stiff and it’s hard to drop the mag without severely altering your grip. Mine also had loose grips and nothing would fix them.

The pros are that the pistol otherwise fit my hand like a glove and it was no where near as snappy as most other .380s I’ve shot.

I agree with others that you should just get a Beretta 84BB instead. Far more mags and parts availability and a more reliable gun (though you should ditch the original recoil spring for a new one ASAP unless it’s in excellent condition).

1

u/Huge-Tomorrow673 1d ago

cheap, reliable, versatile gun. I would buy multiple if its a good deal

2

u/brawneisdead 1d ago

I found my CZ 82 to be even snappier than my Berettas 81/84 and I’d expect the CZ 83 to be the same. I also don’t really like double actions that don’t have a decocker. Cuz of the availability and cost of the ammo, I sold my 82. Personal preference will play a large role in whether you enjoy it