The Pistole vz. 82 is a compact semi-automatic pistol made for the Czechoslovak military. "vz." is an abbreviation for vzor, which translates to 'model'. A civilian export version is called the CZ 83.
Overview Manufactured by the Czechoslovak firm Česká zbrojovka the vz. 82 replaced the 7.62×25mm Tokarev vz. 52 pistol in Czechoslovak military service in 1983. The choice of catridge, the 9x18 Makarov, reflects Soviet Block influences at the time.
The firearm is a compact, single/double-action, semi-automatic pistol with a conventional blowback action. This type of action allows the barrel to remain solidly fixed to the frame, resulting in improved accuracy over pistols with pivoting barrels (like the U.S. M1911 series). The low bore axis of the vz. 82 provides for less muzzle rise and quicker follow-up shots.
For added convenience, both the frame-mounted thumb safety and the magazine release are ambidextrous. The vz. 82 was the first service pistol to feature both these features. The bore is chrome plated, which gives it three advantages: longer barrel life, resistance to rust from the use of corrosive ammunition, and ease of cleaning.
Another feature of this pistol is the use of polygonal rifling in the barrel bore. This replaces the traditional lands and grooves rifling design with a rounded, smooth polygonal pattern which has a more "hills and valleys" appearance. Production of the CZ 83 was discontinued in 2012.
Caliber The Vz. 82 was made in 9×18mm only. The CZ 83 is available in a variety of finishes and chamberings and magazine capacities:Chart on page 12 of the CZ 83 manual - https://cdn.cz-usa.com/hammer/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cz83_en.pdf .32 ACP (aka 7.65mm Browning) − 15-round magazine capacity. .380 ACP (aka 9mm Browning Short) − 13-round magazine. 9mm Makarov − 12-round magazine. Produced 1999–2001. Polygonal rifling.
Curio and relic The vz. 82 was added to the US government's "Curio and Relic" list with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) in February 2007, after an individual wrote a letter to the ATF attaching a letter from a federal museum curator who stated that the vz. 82 had "museum interest" as a curio and relic.
Users
Current : Imported during the early 1990s, used by elite units of National Guard and Police. : Forest Rangers : Used by law enforcement with Israel Police : Used by law enforcement with Palestinian security forces : 20 CZ-83 pistols were bought in 1998 for Ministry of Internal AffairsПостановление Правительства Республики Казахстан № 744 от 5 августа 1998 года "О разрешении Министерству внутренних дел Республики Казахстан ввоза оружия с боеприпасами и принадлежностями из Чешской Республики"
30,150 Pistole vz. 82 were given by the Czech Republic as part of military assistance in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. : The 9×18mm Makarov model of CZ 83 was imported in the 1980s, and now still in use with People's Army of Vietnam and Vietnam People's Public Security.
Former : Gradually replaced in service by CZ 75 SP-01 Phantom since 2012 and by CZ P-10 C/F since 2020.
References
External links English translation from a Czech book about pistols Basic data on Czech army page