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FEG · 03-19-2003, 10:42 PM

9x18 = 9mm Makarov, for blowback semi-autos.
9x19 = 9mm Parabellum (aka 9mm Luger). This is the "normal" 9mm cartridge for semi-autos. (A few companies have offered revolvers in this cartridge.)
.38 Special = A revolver cartridge. Cartridges of US origin are expressed in calibers (hundredths of an inch), rather than millimeters. Just to add to the confusion, the .38 is actually .357" in diameter.

The CZ 52 is an awesome handgun, but it fires relatively expensive ammo: 7.62x25 Tokarev. If you can't afford an expensive handgun, you sure as heck can't afford one that takes expensive ammunition. You will probably spend more than $200 a year in ammo, no matter what you shoot.

I prefer semi-autos, but the best deals around these days are classic Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolvers. Guns that originally sold for big bucks (in 1950s-1970s terms) are now selling for well under $200. .38 Special is one of the cheapest handgun cartridges. Before 9mm became so popular in the U.S., it was THE cheapest to shoot for many, many decades. In terms of performance, .38 Special is roughly comparable to 9mm Parabellum.

03-19-2003, 10:42 PM	#9
FEG Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Behind the Iron Curtain Posts: 517	9x18 = 9mm Makarov, for blowback semi-autos. 9x19 = 9mm Parabellum (aka 9mm Luger). This is the "normal" 9mm cartridge for semi-autos. (A few companies have offered revolvers in this cartridge.) .38 Special = A revolver cartridge. Cartridges of US origin are expressed in calibers (hundredths of an inch), rather than millimeters. Just to add to the confusion, the .38 is actually .357" in diameter. The CZ 52 is an awesome handgun, but it fires relatively expensive ammo: 7.62x25 Tokarev. If you can't afford an expensive handgun, you sure as heck can't afford one that takes expensive ammunition. You will probably spend more than $200 a year in ammo, no matter what you shoot. I prefer semi-autos, but the best deals around these days are classic Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolvers. Guns that originally sold for big bucks (in 1950s-1970s terms) are now selling for well under $200. .38 Special is one of the cheapest handgun cartridges. Before 9mm became so popular in the U.S., it was THE cheapest to shoot for many, many decades. In terms of performance, .38 Special is roughly comparable to 9mm Parabellum. __________________ WARNING: CZs MAY BE HABIT-FORMING (Consult a doctor if nursing or pregnant).