Everyday Carry
By Robb Manning
CZ Vz.82: Inexpensive Concealed Carry Option
Timing does not always work out to our benefit. As I write this, more and more Wisconsinites are rushing out to purchase concealed carry guns. The rush is in part due to it still being a relatively new “right” that we have (or more accurately, the state of WIsconsin has stopped infringing upon our right to protect ourselves), and in part because more citizens realize that in an ever changing world, we must take more responsibility in protecting ourselves. It’s bad timing for most, though, since across the nation millions of people are without jobs and income. Then double down on the bad timing with the most recent gun/ammo scare which has left most shelves nearly bare. The result is that a lot of people are settling for carry handguns that are cheaply made.
Don’t get me wrong, there are some inexpensive firearms being made today that are dependable and well built. But there are some that are second rate. There are other options, though, and when all else fails, turn to the greatest source of reliable, dependable firearms: the military surplus market. Being military surplus, you’re not going to find light-weight, ultra-small, polymer pistols. But, what you will find is dependable, reliable pistols that will get the job done -- and at a reasonable price. I have often said, if you’re looking for a rifle, the best bargain on the mil-surp market is the Russian Mosin-Nagant. Where else can you get a tough-as-nails rifle for $100-150? The absolute best handgun value on the mil-surp market is the Czech-built Česká Zbrojovka (CZ) Vz. 82. You can generally find them for $199-250, which puts it at the same price point as only the cheapest new pistols.
Modeled after the Walther PPK, the Vz. 82 (Vz. is the Czech abbreviation for vizor, or model) is chambered in 9x18 Makarov, and has many features that upgrade the PPK and other similar pistols. First a little background. The Vz. 82 replaced the Vz. 52 as the Czechoslovakian army’s sidearm in 1983. It’s popularity led to the release of the CZ 83 into the civilian market. The CZ 83 is chambered in 9x18 Mak or in .380 ACP, and has an MSRP of $499. The Vz. 82 is a compact, SA/DA, semi-auto with a blowback action, just like the PPK and Soviet IJ-70 Makarov before it (do not confuse the Vz. 82 with the IJ-70 Makarov. The IJ-70 and the 9x18 Mak were both named after the same person, and even though the Vz. 82 is chambered in the 9x18 Makarov caliber and looks similar, it is not a Makarov. I’ve even seen stores mis-label the Vz. 82 on shelves. It is 6.8 inches long, 5 inches heigh, 1.4 inches wide, with a 3.8 inch barrel and it weighs 28 oz (32 oz loaded). The Vz. 82 is a gun that anyone will like, but it’s going to find special favor with old-school shooters who favor all-metal handguns.
There are several benefits to the Vz. 82 over the PPK, and even over other compact handguns -- including some polymer ones. First it uses a double-stacked magazine, so it holds 12 rounds. Second, you can carry it cocked and locked like a 1911, there’s no decocker. Third, it has repeat strike capabilities. If it doesn’t go boom the first time you pull the trigger, you can pull the trigger again. Fourth, it was the first service pistol to have ambidextrous controls. Also, it’s more shootable than similarly sized handguns. I think this is in part due to the wider grip necessary for the double-stacked magazine -- it fills your hand, giving you better control. Mine also has a far better trigger than similar models, which is light, crisp and with a short reset (being mil-surp, this can vary from gun to gun). Other great features include: large trigger guard designed for use with gloves (great for Wisconsinites), frame safety, polygonal rifling (more longevity), and a chrome plated bore. Additionally, I found it to be very accurate. In fact, it outshot the Russian Makarov and the Walther PPK, which is 2-3 times the price.
Why the 9x18 Mak? I think there are a lot of benefits the the 9x18 Mak. First and most importantly, it is more powerful than the .380 ACP. It’s between the .380 and the 9x19 NATO (9mm Luger) in power1 with a slightly larger diameter bullet (.365 vs the .355 of the 9x19 and .380.) Second, is cost and availability of ammunition. Traditionally, 9x18 Mak is more difficult to find than .380, but when you do find it it is much cheaper. Though if you looked online, it was readily available, and even with shipping costs and fees, was still cheaper than .380 ammo. But now, with companies like Hornady putting out self defense ammo in 9x18, it has become far easier to find. However, with the surge in .380 sales the last few years, and the recent ammo shortages, 9x18 Mak is now easier to find in stores than .380.
You can often find Vz. 82s at jgsales.com or aimsurplus.com from $199 to $240, depending on accessories. They will often include 2 mags, a cleaning rod and holster (the type of holster issued by eastern bloc militaries, which are very large and reminiscent of a pouch worn on a tool belt.) If you order online, it will cost around $50-75 to have it transferred in to a local FFL holder. Another option is to apply for a Type 03 FFL (collector of curio & relics), which costs $65, and you can have the Vz. 82 shipped directly to your house. It takes about 2-3 months to receive your Type 03 FFL.
There are tons of concealed carry options on the market, and most of them are pretty good to excellent. The CZ Vz. 82 is still an excellent choice in the modern day and age -- far better than most of the comparably priced handguns, and I think it’s even preferable to many handguns priced over $500 -- such as the PPK. I have several CCW handguns that are new, high-speed, engineering feats of wonder, but I still carry my Vz. 82 on occasion. It’s a reliable, accurate handgun that’s a modern classic. Next time you’re on the market for a great, solid CCW handgun which happens to be at a great price; keep the mil-surp market in mind, and check out the CZ Vz. 82.
1Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading, 7th Edition