I just landed into my possession two CZ 52 pistols. They aren't mine, and the guy that is letting me check them out just has no idea anything about guns and wanted me to check them out. I didn't know what they were, but the import mark clarified that, and after reading some info here on the forum, I am thinking I may want to purchase one of these.
I have read about the firing pin, and before I do make any purchases, wanted to locate a firing pin for purchase, as well as a source of ammo. So if anyone has any info on the gun itself, pros, cons etc...and ammo availability, please share it with me in hopes of a new acquisition. I posted in the Mosin sub forum that a guy backed out on a 91/30 sale for $125, so I can use that money for the CZ 52. Any info is appreciated. Thanks!
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Mosin Nagant evangelist on a mission to convert YOU!
I bought 2 replacement firing pins that are supposed to be machined steel from J&G sales for about $10. ea. for my vz52 s. even when you know not to dry fire it, some times it happens. I shoot them a lot and never had any problems. I pretty much only shoot my reloads in them any more, easier to clean and more power with jhp bullets. I bought mine when they were $89 for good condition. the supplies at the major distributors are drying up, the last ones I saw advertised in shot gun news were for $120 for good condition. I just looked and couldn't find any ads with them in. I'd make an offer of $100 ea. and get them both, they are powerful, reliable and fun pistols.
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peace through superior firepower
I'm hoping to grab a CZ-52 before they disappear. My buddy picked one up for $100 and it already had the Harrington firing pin and hd recoil spring in it. The trigger pull is a bit much, almost 7 lbs in his gun, but this thing sure shoots. He's running 1600+ fps with 90gr Hornady handloads.
The CZ52 is a great gun to shoot. The ammo is available easily and fairly cheap. The rumors about the Bulgarian being hotter are fake, but check all Bulgarian especially for cracked necks, they are notorious for it. The CZ52 is NOT well suited for ccw, the round is high velocity and small diameter meaning it would probably go through a bad guy and exit with enough energy to continue to do damage.
I have a CZ52 and like it a lot...I had the sights replaced with Novaks.
I used it as my training weapon when I went through Defensive Handgun training; lots of looks from the other students at the range. Thinking of selling it or trade for a CZ82.
No - this was done a few years ago professionally by thesightman in Renton,WA Angie Butrick- The Sightman
If you need me to, I can contact him and ask.
I love mine. Got two of them. One, I had makarov.com install the Novak low profile sights. The other looks the same except it has stock sights. Both have the firing pin upgrade and extended ported 9mm barrels. I have altered the extractors so both feed the 9mm's without a hitch.
Click on the picture and it will come up bigger.
All 3 yrs in original gray...
All 3 yrs in rearsenaled black..
And 1 xtra black I was always gonna send off for customizing...
Got laid off 4 1/2 yrs ago and sold all but the xtra black one until I got another job.
Fun to shoot and powerful...
The last time I was at an indoor range a guy was shooting a .45 XD next to me.
After he was done shooting he waited out in the store to find out what I was shooting...he said the noise and concussion was something else!
I showed him my CZ52 and he said he'd never saw or heard of one, but was definately going to find one.
If he had asked on the range I would of let him shoot mine (he tryed to buy it but I said "Sorry, my last one")
__________________ U.S. Army
1976-1979
237th Combat Engineers
Heilbronn, Germany
I have 2 and have really enjoyed them. I replaced the firing pin in one after reading all the stuff. However I have never had a pin break nor have the two smithies I usually go to who work alot on them. Ammo has never been a problem and I fire everything I can get my hands on. I shoot well over a hundred rounds a week from them. Do clean them after each session. Feeding problems are usually from weak mag springs. They are the best buy on the market along with the TT-33 and Cz-82.
I love my '52. Mine is a 1952 production with markings indicating it was issued. Original gray. Didn't have any problems but installed the hardened firing pin, heaviest possible recoil spring and Makarov.com trigger upgrade kit. What a difference. The trigger is now lighter and really crisp. As good or better than my son's SA 1911.
I shoot S&B commercial ammo to collect the brass to reload. Hand loads are Hornaday XTP over a bunch of H-110. Pistol is very accurate and the fireball is a hoot, especially with the reloads. I would carry it more except that it will go though almost anything. We shoot at a range shared with local law enforcement. Found a discarded Level 2 vest in the trash. With surplus ball ammo, the '52 went through it and the barrel we duct-taped it to. Doubled the vest over for 2 thicknesses. Still went flying through like nothing was there. Hopefully, the hollowpoint XTP's will expand and lessen the penetration to reasonable levels. Check out "Box of Truth" . They tried several pistols on a NATO regulation helmet. The 7.62 X 25 penetrated while 45 ACP, 357, 40 S&W and others would not.
Does anyone know where I can buy a 9mm barrel for my CZ52? I can buy 9mm much cheaper than the 7.62. Plus, the 7.62 is not very good for concealed carry, because of the high velocity and small bullet. The larger 9mm bullet will not generally go through the target and cause collateral damage.
I have looked all over for one, but the supply seems to have dried up. Jim Haynes, jhaynes1@flash.net
IC, I have two CZ52's and love them. One is in my car, and one by the bed. First the the offer for $125 for the Moisin was fair. They are about gone. Go to classicarms.us if you still want one. they are good people and will ship to an FFL dealer. tHEY ARE ABOUT GONE, SO GET YOUR AMMO TOO!
Now the CZ52's , I'd replace the old firing pins and rollers due to age and metal fatigue. Go to makarov.com to get information on the Harrington custom firing pins and rollers. Also e-gunparts.com also has new parts. Buy as many spare mags from e-gunparts.com due to the market on CZ52 mags are sparse. I'd also recommend getting a heavier recoil spring to help the gun to last longer. Unfortunately Wolf Ammo had 7.62x25 JHP's, but I can't find any more. Most ammo now is surplus hardball or modern hardball ammo that is getting pricey. Right now, if you are going to get this pistol, invest in ammo and mags.
These guns, even with their legendary bullets and power are easier to shot than 9mm. I had my gun smith originally duracoated two pistols, one of which I sold which now I regret doing. Both were customized with newer parts. All I can say is if you still can find one, buy it. It is easy to fieldstrip once you know how, and it is a steel workhorse. Also look for ping marks on the top of the pistol that indicates accuracy testing at the arsenal. One ping for excellent, up to four pings for fair accuracy for the gun. If it was over that, the guns were destroyed.
CZ52's are ugly guns, but once you have shot them, they are addictive. Also spend the bucks to modernize the pistol( even get a new sear). Please e-mail me for anyother informaition. When I did gun shows, dealers told me how good they are, and about the penatraition abilities. I love my Glock21, and my other guns, but my CZ is the bomb. Just replace the old parts makes common sense. Sorry for the long verbage here, but I am trying to give the real truth on a pistol that most crooks would feel is to ugly to steal.
On the Russian rifles, they are about gone. better buy them now. Again I have bought from classicarms.us which is just outside of Charlotte. Good people, trustworthy, and they have nice goods. just get a butt pad. Four million Russians shot a boat load of germans with them, so they are shootable. Also get a special weaver base made so that you can easily mount a scope on it without gunsmithing. You can find that at CDNN.com.
myth on the firing pin unless you are a dry fire freak.myth on the accuracy markings. non myths dont trust the docker .buy some extra rollers.its a pocket rifle one of my best c and r acquisitions. get a orig parker one
Have 2 Cz-52's in each caliber. A little big for CCW but have the firing pins both are great to shoot and are very reliable. any info on magazines and after market sights/
