Would a stiffer recoil spring help CZ-82 snappiness?
I picked up a CZ-82 recently and shot 100 rounds of Silver Bear through it. Very fun, well designed pistol, but the palm of my hand didn't like the stinging feeling from the straight blowback action. It's something I can deal with but I'd definitely prefer to mitigate it as much as possible. Would a stiffer recoil spring provide enough of a noticeable difference to make it worthwhile?
I would immediately do two things: First, replace the recoil springs with, and ONLY with a Wolff Recoil Spring, no lighter than 16 pounds, 17-18 is ideal. Will pack a little more punch, but definately not below 16. Secondly, dont shoot anymore Silver Bears. There are a lot of different reviews on their rounds, but mostly bad experiences. Granted, a lot of people will come by and say that this ammo is good, some will swear it is the devil. I had some bad luck with Monarch, but I think it is my recoil spring.
I would replace the spring immediately anyways because even if the one in it is fairly unshot, it has probably sat in a crate in that pistol for several years, compressed, collecting dust. Silver Bear is a very tough round, especially that 115 grain stuff. If you're going to choose to shoot SilverBear anyways, get an 18 pound spring, your gonna need it. Remember, the CZ82 9mm Makarov is just about the biggest caliber a fixed barrel blowback can handle, and when you start moving into another caliber sized grainage/FPS and power and all that, your taking an inch and running a mile on a very unique feature of this handgun. Besides, Academy Sports sells Monarch ammo for $9 a box :D
All the old soviet era blow back 9mm mak pistols were meant to use ammo in the 95 or so grain range. Heavier stuff will overload the stock recoil spring.
Shoot the right weight ammo and I believe you'll find the CZ82 is very comfortable to use.
Myself, I have never tried the heavier springs. But after I found this issue after getting some heavier ammo and not knowing better, I just went back to the right weight ammo. No more problem.
^^ True Story. Stick to the Russian made ammo for targets, and Cor-Bon or Hornady for carry and defense rounds.
Dont be afraid to put steel casing rounds in it, it was made for that stuff, it really was. Just look at the size of the extractor on the CZ82.
