[Win3030]

Any perspective on using a CZ-52 as a CCW? It seems to be a bit larger and heavier than the more modern semi-autos popular for CCW, but the single-stack mag makes it slim enough. Also, the 7.62x25 round is higher velocity than the 9mm. Given that, I would worry about it being not as effective on a bad guy due to pass-through, etc. especially with the fmj bullet since most self-defense scenarios are relatively close-range. I have not seen 7.62x25 in hollow-points and would worry about feeding problems in the CZ-52 with hollow-points. Any thoughts?

[phoenix79]

There are hollowpoints available, hornaday makes them if you load and Wolf sells some as well. The problem is, unless the bad guy's wearing body armor, the bullet will probably go through him, leaving a large hole in his back, and into whoever is behind him. If it's all you've got then by all means carry it, the gun you are carrying is better than the one you are not. But, it's probably not the best carry weapon out there.

Check this out:
7.62x25mm

[Jimbo Indy]

I've seen reports that show the Wolf and Hornady XTP hollow points really do expand but the penetration is still very deep, something like 18" in ballistic gel. Would probably still go through the BG.

Be carefull when shooting the 7.62 X 25. We recently did some informal tests at a range with an old, discarded Level 2 vest taped around a barrel. Using off the shelf S&B FMJ ammo, the CZ52 went thorugh the vest and the barrel like it wasn't there. We tried a 357 Sig as a control. The vest stopped that as it did 45 ACP. We then folded the vest in half to get 2 thicknesses. Same result, the 7.62 X 25 sailed right through.

Check out a website calld Box O Truth. They tried the same idea with a Kevlar NATO helmet. Again, lots of handguns failed, the CZ52 punched right through.

ALWAYS BE SURE OF YOU BACKSTOP.

To stop a 7.62 X 25 with body armor, you need to go to level 3 which gets into hardened or ceramic plates and is designed for protection from rifle rounds.

The CZ52 is only good for a carry gun if you have nothing else or if you regularly need to shoot through body armor or car doors, house walls, etc. If you do carry it, and I do too at times due to it's size, always use hollow points.

[Big Dog]

I carry my CZ-52 when camping in the woods. With the threat of big critters - I WANT deep penetration!

[riverrat]

I love my CZ52 and it is the gun I carry when me and my buddies hunt hogs with dogs.