I have the ability to get a CZ 83 in 9X18.

I hear these are extremely rare... something like less than 20 in the country.

Is this true?

Did I find a gem?


I have had the itch for a 9X18 and I think a Mak is in my future... but what is the deal with the 9x18 CZ?


I hope someone has some obscure CZ knowledge for me

- BG

Never heard of the 83 in 9x18 for the normal calibers are 7.65x17 (.32acp) or 9x17 (.380acp).  The CZ 83 is a commerical version of the Czech service pistol in 9x18 Makarov which is known as the vz82/CZ82.  I was going to pick one up in 1990 in Germany but didn't think ATF would approve my importation lincense since they disapproved my 1939 P08 Luger and CZ52 for being war surplus.  Did buy the CZ 83 in .380 though.

CD

They aren't ultra rare.  The number of 20 is absurd.  I own one, and have seen several others for sale at gunshows, so the number is certainly higher than 20.  

The CZ-83 in 9x18 is basically a commercial version of the CZ-82.  The 82 was the standard Czech pistol from 1982 onward.  The 83 chambered in 9x18 is the same, except for the marking.  You can also find CZ-82's here in the states for a decent price, so they aren't as rare as hen's teeth either.

They are fine handguns, well built, reliable, accurate, and everything you'd expect from a CZ.  The interesting thing is the 82/83(9x18) has a barrel with polygonal rifling instead of cut rifling.  

Mine didn't like Wolf, but S&B and Hornady JHP were quite accurate.  It's been 100% reliable.  The S&B and Hornady hit in the same place, so at least I can use cheap practice ammo.  It has an Ambi safety and is SA/DA and cocked and locked capable.

They're a tad on the big side for a pocket gun, and are a bit  wider than a Makarov because it's a 12 round, staggered mag.  The 13 rd .380 mag and the 12 round 9x18 mag are the same mag.  The 9x18 is a hair wider, and it just won't fit that last 13th round.  Same mag though, so spares are easy to get.

CZ-USA may have quit brining the 9x18s into the US, or maybe CZ quit making them, but there's plenty of them here that it shouldn't be much of a price difference from one to the other caliber right now.  I'd pay a couple extra bucks for the 9x18 because I think it's neat, but it's not so rare that you should pay an arm and a leg.

You did indeed find a gem, and it's worth buying if it's a decent price/shape.  They're very nice guns.

You mean like this one?

http://www.impactguns.com/store/806703013015.html

The guys on the CZ forum organized a group buy last year.  You just have to have a big enough order and you can order and import a new one w/o any trouble.

Kent

opps, double tap

www.impactguns.com/store/806703013015.html