CZ-52 Czech Military Surplus Pistol Review

[@tomaspavlik4754]

CZ-52 - my first service sidearm in Slovak Air Force - back in 1994 it was already 40 years old (manufactured in 1954) and used it untill 1999 😎

[@Gloomshadow100]

Its like a "bad guy" pistol from a 1990s James Bond movie!

[@andrewallen9993]

Cz 83 Coming up for 40 and my first and only sidearm. Looks like a pile of shit after 35 years of daily carry but still shoots perfectly. Has the worlds worst safety catch is the only drawback.

[@Gloomshadow100]

@@andrewallen9993 not the best looking grip panels either..

[@jpb1231000]

LOVE MINE!!! Mines a 53... Wish it matched #'s!!! Mine quit firing ... it only fires if you turn it upside down... Any ideas???

[@VBH8888]

@@jpb1231000 firing pin broken?

[@sturmovikcarr7289]

Back around 1990 in my late teens a good friend of mine's dad sold me one for $120 under the condition that I never tell his son that I bought it from him. He appreciated that I kept my word and about 15 years later he gave me a wooden box that was a full parts kit for the CZ-52...6 recoil springs, 4 firing pins, magazines m, etc etc.

[@timothyprice9064]

I got mine around the mid-90s, I paid $150.00, and I still think it was a good bargain. I only use it for targets.

[@johnvencill1511]

Paid 99.95 for mine . Best 100 I ever spent.

[@Gabbooldschool]

Anytime I shoot my CZ52 in an indoor range everyone pauses to find out where the noise and fireballs are coming from.

[@scottwoodill7943]

My 22 tcm does the same

[@gregoryhumphries6403]

Me too!!

[@justinpennington7682]

No they don't

[@matthewleno4027]

Yep! Just like Robocop

[@Hercules1-v9m]

When I was a kid, I remember my dad buying one from a Vietnam Vet at a gun show. My dad was asking about the caliber and the old vet told us a story about how in Vietnam, a Vietnamese Officer was shooting at him with one of these. He thought the guy had some sort of big bore handgun from the sound of the gunfire.

[@bigcconservativeguy2534]

Not to mention it would have literally slipped through any body armor he would have been wearing like it wasnt even there.

[@worldtravel101]

👍CZ-52 Let's Czech it out.

[@enligh10ed8]

Classic. From now moving forward, this is how I'm going to see it eveytime he says it. Thanks for that!

[@alexvelez3791]

Ah i see what you did

[@luisloya1120]

😅🤣😂 You're killing me.

[@foreststalkerbrothers]

I love the way you pick up on Czech made guns. Greetings from Czech Republic ! Keep up the good work man.

[@rcheek207]

he just gets them sent to him by classic

[@rcheek207]

my bad did not watch the video he says he got it on gunbroker

[@TheProAer]

I like your guns from the 🇨🇿, I own a CZ P10C. Its a great well built 9mm pistol.

[@foreststalkerbrothers]

@@TheProAer Czechs never create bad guns. We only make strong ones, well fed guns ! Thank you for your kind words !

[@kevinwilson9589]

@@foreststalkerbrothers Not only strong, but to my eyes, the classic CZ-75 and CZ-75 compact, are the best looking auto pistols ever made!

[@Leatherbark]

I've had my CZ 52 since 1996. I learned the hard way about the brittle firing pin. Dry firing it eventually broke the tip. I now use a Harrington Products unbreakable cylindrical fireing pin that does away with the firing pin block. The rebounding hammer still works. This makes the trigger pull much much better and takes away the "trigger slap" that hurts you finger when you fire a CZ-52. I also did away with the hammer dropping feature as mine would occasionally fire the weapon when using it. Harrington Products makes an unbreakable firing pin that keeps the firing pin block feature but the pull isn't as crisp. I have seen people take the original broken firing pin and mill a groove in the flat section and silver solder a universal joint bearing pin in place for a new tip. It is supposed to be a good fix. Good review

[@kylepope7850]

Harrington Products also offers a set of upgraded locking rollers. They're properly heat treated and eliminate the wear problem that could potentially damage the slide.

[@whiskeyactual.]

Awkward? I always thought the cz52 was one of the most sexy vintage/surplus pistols out there next to the Hi Power, 1911 and PPK.

[@borkwoof696]

A yeah the vintage pps

[@Patriotgal1]

If you are used to the grip angle of "Western"(NATO) pissols, East Block guns have an "awkward" grip angle. Too close to 90 degrees, unlike the M1911/Glock. The Luger was the perfect "pointer", IMHO.

[@Nattleby]

It does have awkward ergos.

[@luisloya1120]

I think its Sexy too.🥰

[@johngifford7725]

I agree. It has beautiful lines.

[@johngifford7725]

I've go a 1953 with the upgraded firing pin, rollers, and grips. It's a really smooth gun with high temp grease in the system. The surplus ammo punches holes through the plow disks at the range. Awesome gun. Thanks for another great video.

[@chubbycatfish4573]

I used to have one made in 1954. The Chinese surplus ammo I fired out of it turned it into a flamethrower.

[@CzechoslovakGunStories]

be careful not to turn it into a paper weight :) these guys are really brittle :)

[@regmason2329]

@Pte Bloggins The ammo is probably sub gun ammo and hot! I would not recommend shooting it out of your Tok'. The CZ-52 can handle sub gun ammo easily- the Tok not so much. The sub gun ammo will throw a huge fireball, regular ammo won't.

[@agentbarron3945]

all the russian milsurp ammo turns their respective guns into a flamethrower. I can not imagine being a dp28 gunner, or a guy with a ppsh, my mosin alone produces a massive fireball.

[@samsessums2730]

I got an aftermarket magazine and mine locked back reliably after that. I've shot many many guns and this has been my carry piece for 12 years. Great carry gun.

[@michaelleslie8424]

We bought a CZ 52 this month we like it a lot

[@mannys9130]

Go buy a new firing pin and new hardened rollers if you want to enjoy it for a long time. Those upgrades are worth the cost for function and safety. :)

[@wadepage7809]

I bought one of these back in 2006 with the leather holster. I found some Walnut grips for it and it was a beautiful, flat shooting pistol. Sold it in 2010 and kinda wish I hadn't.

[@wendellvirden9773]

Me to I miss it wish I hadn't sold it!!

[@andrewhaley8992]

Man, I have wanted one of these for years.

[@someasianguy3793]

Better get on GunBroker, they aren't getting any easier to find, I got mine for $280 a couple years ago...

[@GreatUnknownDingleberry]

one of my favorites. I have 2 . One in Tok and one in 9mm.

[@ratagris21]

I have the conversion barrel and switch out from Tok to 9mm.

[@burtonkephart6239]

Me too. They are phenomenal guns ! I like to shoot Mauser rounds instead of tok rounds because of easier recoil n shoots fine with Mauser 7.63 by 25 !

[@0321recon]

I bought one in 1994. Still have it. Shoots hot. Great video.

[@sugarbooger5838]

When they were imported back around 2002 or so they were $75 with holster, extra magazine, and cleaning rod.

[@Alpine_Wanderer]

The glory days!

[@2strokejunkie686]

@@Alpine_Wanderer no kidding, I still have one, along with a few SKSs when they were 'barrel" guns for 60-80$ depending on condition, Mosin were also very cheap like 50$ cheap! Damn sure the good ol days 😎

[@robinj.9329]

I like most guns from CZ. They all seem good quality and of a well thought out design.

[@throwingbeef3524]

I love mine! The ammo, no one around where I live sells it, but you can find it online easy enough. I've had mine since 2003 and i have never had any issues shooting it! The only nit -pick I have is that she is heavy and it is not very comfortable to carry inside the belt. She's fun to shoot but she lets you know every time you pull the trigger. She's a beast. It's basically like shooting a full size rifle in a handgun! I recently bought her some new walnut grips for it, their beautiful!

[@Cliff_Dixon_42]

The first time I had ever HEARD of the CZ 52 was in an old Handloader's magazine (I think that was the title of it -- or something similar), with an article on old military bottlenecked pistol cases. The article had some specific loads for the CZ 52, as it mentioned that it could handle HOTTER LOADS than the actual Tokarev pistol (like 1600+ fps, compared to 1400+)! Suffice to say, the CZ 52 has been on my radar ever since!

[@rickwalker7070]

I see Sarah Mac was taught how to grip a pistol from dad !! Girls got zero muzzle flip !! Love it !! Nice review as usual 👍

[@horseteeth6139]

And horrible trigger control

[@masterkeep]

Glad to see your family getting involved in your videos. Great review. Thanks.

[@kevins1114]

Several months ago, I picked up a CZ-52 for $25. The previous owner fired corrosive-primed ammo in it, and didn't clean it. Sewer Pipe! I bored and re-rifled the barrel, and chambered it in .38 Super. After tweaking the recoil spring and extractor, it runs perfectly. The barrel is a bit on the thin side, but it's holding up well so far.

[@wizardofahhhs759]

But is it accurate?

[@kevins1114]

@@wizardofahhhs759 Yes, it's amazingly accurate. That's because when I chambered it, I used a reamer made to set the head-space on the case mouth, rather than on the rim.

[@mkshffr4936]

I always thought these were very attractive looking guns even back when they were affordable.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Ballistics equivalent to a hot .327 Fed mag, and a bullet diameter nearly the same @ .307 vs. .312.

[@bnast6849]

I grew up in ex Yugoslavia and most of our dads and grandpas had a M57 on their hip, gun laws in all Yugoslavian republics(6 of them) were much more relaxed back then, anyone with clean record could get a permit and ccw was issued by default. I like 7.62x25, it's great but only for an SMG, for a self defense pistol, not so much. CZ 52 has a decocker that sometimes identifies as a trigger.

[@burtonkephart6239]

I have two of these magnificent pistols . One in 7.62 and one in 9mm . They are true workhorses and finely made guns ! I use the lighter shooting Mauser round and it just makes it a fine shooter!!

[@Mustang6971]

Is a 9x18 Makarov or the 9x19 Parabellum,I got one of of these CZ52s that’s a 7.62x25 Tokarev.

[@burtonkephart6239]

Yea one is a tokarev 7.62 x 25 and the other is 9 x 19 ( aka 9mm parabellum) not the makarov 9 x 18. I don’t think they made them in the makarov though it would be nice! I think they tested them early on in 9mm parabellm and that’s why they are in circulation ( only a few). I like to use the lighter loaded Mauser round ( 7.63 x 25mm) which is allowed and functions great in pistol and I prefer to shooting than the 9mm.

[@petemidwest1071]

It does have a slide stop. Left side of trigger...the metal strap you see...pull the slide back and push it up.

[@77Infidel]

Dang, I would have missed it. Once the slide was off I see it. It seemed odd when he said there wasn't one.

[@mannys9130]

You used to be able to buy a replacement of that part that had a shelf on it so the user could operate it just like a normal slide stop you'd find on any other pistol.

[@mythr3333]

The past few days i have been watching sootch's and other's past videos on the tokarev 7.62 x 25 calibre, the Guns, M 57, PPS 43 amd of course, this the CZ 52, and realised sootch' have done this review. But then, now this alert on of a sudden pops up, what a surprised! I am so happy for you guys being able to have previlage to enjoy your 2A rights. Able to try out so many different Guns amd ammo, where I am from, we are stuck with whatever the availablilty and the circumstance that permits us to shoot, Be strong and be of good courage, God bless America and long live the republic!. Watching you all the way from Western Australia. Also, as Military Arms Channel mentioned, I hope you can get hold of a 9mm conversion barrel.

[@greyfox37]

Thank you for this video. My folks gave me this pistol and a Portuguese M1907 for Christmas today. I had no idea Dad had it in his possession, but he passed these treasures down to me. First time in my 42 years my parents have gifted me guns. I've got a better understanding of when I take this baby to the range now

[@lanerussell7958]

There used to be an after market for firing pins and rollers--the original firing pins were made from what they called "pot steel," and the firing pin would snap off after excessive dry firing. With the new firing pin, if you use the de-cocker, the pistol will fire.

[@lisar3006]

I had one years ago it shot great I got it with about a 1000 rounds of ammo for like $250.00.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Very interesting Firearm from CZ. Thanks for showing it , Sootch00 !!!!!!!! As always long live the Republic my friend !!!!!!! Living the CZ Life !!!!!!!

[@mrfailure93]

Who ever puts the edits in at the end needs to be our next president.

[@greghardy9476]

I’ve had my CZ 52 since ‘96. Love it! Capable of some pretty amazing accuracy. My safety has a problem of engaging almost too easily.

[@1628gary]

LOVE my '52! What an iconic and unique pistol. Mine will actually lock back half the times after the last shot, so that's nice.

[@bruceblackerby3742]

Just picked one up at a gun show for $400. Cleaned up real nice. Made in 1953, reconditioned in 1981, imported sometime after that. Can definitely tell it's an Eastern Bloc gun. But even without the finer machining you see on Berettas and such, it's still pretty impressive. Takedown is a breeze. A nice, solid pistol. Had to tweak the slide stop just a bit to get it to catch.

[@mrhamburger6936]

I remember when these pistols first came into the United States they were fairly cheap and there was plenty spare parts kits now the parts are very hard to find and their expensive the pistols run in the price range of 325 to 400 in my area I did see one that was a nine-millimeter that was$450 you can get 9 mm conversion barrels but they are almost impossible to find

[@doublel7337]

I bought 2 when they first started selling them. I ordered a 9mm barrel which at that time one could buy a standard length, threaded or ported barrel. I never had any problems with mine with either caliber. I know a person could also buy new rollers at the time as well.

[@netpackrat]

I have one of the 9mm barrels for mine and it doesn't feed worth a crap. The pistol is designed for the longer overall length of 7.62x25 and it chokes on 9mm.

[@curtk8130]

I just got one for $85. A friend of mine just wanted some ammo so I traded him 200 9mm for the cz52. I didn’t like it because of finding ammo for it.

[@ااااااااااااااا-غ4ج]

​عندنا في سوريا يوجد له ذخيره تصنيع محلي ​وانا عندي مثل هذا المسدس وكنت اعاني من شح في ذخيرته لكن هذه السنه بدأو السوريين يصنعون له ذخيره ممتازه ومجربه وانا أحد المجربين@@curtk8130

[@ROBK636]

These are a fun pistol. The sound it has gets looks at the range. Louder than a 45acp. Grabbed a unissued one in 2012 for around $250

[@kipperwhite2976]

Awesome Gun had one as GI long ago left it & my Aussie Bowie w/my Replacement ! Good Memory TY

[@GumboGalahad]

I had one of these about 20 years ago. Paid about $125-$150 for it if I remember correctly. Came with a leather holster, two mags and a cleaning rod. Fun to shoot but mine wasn't very accurate and ammo was scarce, expensive and corrosive. I looked at it as more of a novelty than anything I would trust my life on. Traded it in toward a CZ-75 which was a major upgrade. Don't miss it at all.

[@brianhoxworth3881]

Just about the same experience I had. Paid $158, put it on layaway at a local store. Man, I was happy when I finally paid it off. Then took it to the range and hated it. The best I could do was 5-8in groups at 25yrds .Snappy as hell, and the ammo was corrosive. Not to mention the take down was a pain in the ass, was lucky to get it back together. Traded the sucker off as soon as I could.

[@VMEMotor5]

Back in the 90's I had a co worker who carried a Glock 23 on his hip, but also kept a CZ52 in his center console. Neat gun to shoot.

[@kevinwilson9589]

Mine discharged when using the "decocker". NEVER trust the "decocker"!

[@agentbarron3945]

tbh ive always been scared of every decocker. ive always just carefully let the hammer down and never on a live round. Ive always struggled ccwing with a round in the chamber for that reason

[@mrchiefbs]

The makarov doesn't have this problem due to its blocking mechanism.

[@Logovanni]

The CZ-52 decocker relies on the firing pin block that sits above the firing pin. Normally it is pushed down into a square cutout in the top of the firing pin. When you press the decocker it just releases the hammer to hit the blocked firing pin. Over time those parts can wear out. Also there is a very popular modification to CZ-52s to replace the stock brittle firing pin with a much tougher one but doing this modification eliminates the firing pin block, negating the ability of the decocker to be used. If you’re buying a used gun always ask the previous owner about any modifications.

[@kevinwilson9589]

@@Logovanni I haven't fired my 52 in years. It would cost me almost as much to upgrade as I paid for it. I found this sort of thing out the hard way shooting my Astra 400. I broke either the firing pin or ejector, I don't remember which, but it was hard to find the part and cost over half what I paid for the pistol. These are fun to collect, but for a fun relic to shoot, I usually choose my Tokarev or Makarov.

[@chrisblake1918]

I have had one of these for quite a while, thinking it was about 8 years ago. Took it to the range and was extremely impressed. To the point where I had a custom IWB holster made for it, undercut the trigger guard, ordered some faux ivory custom grips (because why not), got the updated machined firing pin from a company that is now closed unfortunately, and had some Novak style sights installed. This stupid thing shoots!

[@tablerockkid8237]

These old warhorses are a handful for sure. Fun to shoot.

[@AkeLovesGAMES]

Bet it looks great! Would you happen to have any photos of it online?

[@chrisblake1918]

@@AkeLovesGAMES Not that I can think of.

[@yadabotbingo]

The slide often will have dimple markings denoting rating of accuracy of the test firing, 1-4. 1 dimple being the most accurate. You're welcome.

[@glockerbob]

Where on slide?

[@carlklein9385]

Along the top of the slide near the front sight. They’re very small, you may need a glass to see them.

[@Rugerfiend]

This gun BARKS love shooting mine. Great surplus shooter. Got mine when they were cheap. Great vid.

[@2Aknight762]

I bought one of these in the early 2000s for $100 and sold it for the same amount. Regret it now.

[@afrosheenix]

Yeah these have gone up in price. They're fun and with the right ammo you get a huge fireball.

[@timothyprice9064]

I found mine at a pawn shop in the early to mid-90s, I paid $150 with 2 boxes of ammo. I have since purchased more ammo, now he has me wondering if I should put it up for sale.

[@erichodowanic4976]

I've shot over 1500 rounds through mine..not one jam and surplus ammo!! Fireballs like crazy

[@ShootAUT]

Long live the CZ republic! ✊😁 Fun fact: During trials for a new army pistol in the late 1940's/early 50's, the Czechs even considered a 1911 style pistol, chambered for 7.62 Tokarev. They even went as far as to build some prototytpes (ZKB 524, Army Museum Žižkov, Prague). That was _after_ they became a Warsaw Pact country, mind you, so a quite bold move. 😁

[@Wonky-Donkey]

CZ52. Featuring the original "Glock style" takedown tabs.

[@johndeere1951a]

Just bought my CZ52 and took it out to shoot I'm re entering the hobby after a 30 year absence. My first 9mm was a H&K VP70. Quiet and soft compared to this battle pistol. In all the reviews I've watched, no one mentions the ear damaging signature!!!! of the 7.62x25 round!!!. Awesome pistol👍 mine came with a rare, completely filled parts kit box. GunBroker👍👍. I have enough spare bits to keep it running for 100 years🤣 Love it🇨🇿. Wear good head phones for sure. ✌️🇺🇸

[@williamscott3444]

That was probably considered a very furturistic looking firearm back in 52. Sat on my hands when Czechpoint was selling these a few years back & missed out. At least I scored a VZ58. Looks like you scored a cool cold war era pistola. Thanks Sootch!

[@wvgrillbilly]

I have one of these and I love it. My dad got it for me years ago at a pawn shop. Love the video! Keep it up 👍

[@joelerk6298]

Maaakaroooov, taaaaakkaaaarooooovvvvv, oh merca🇺🇸

[@artemischurchill7057]

It does have a slide stop. Push up on the slide stop bar on the left side and lock the slide stop. Had mine out yesterday, fun gun to shoot, especially at dusk.

[@robinj.9329]

I have been told that the reason the Russians decided on such a small, light bullet launched at "High Velocity", was to penetrate the thick, winter clothing required in the vast, freezing Russian countryside!

[@alexandruborodin755]

no. l was born in ussr and l know the truth about. before the russian revolution in 1917 mr. Stalin become a member of the russian communist party, so, they needed a lot of money for the party and revolution. lenin asked him to go to caucazus TO STEAL FORCED SOME MONEY from local reach people, of course using the gun. that gun was german famous pistol MAUSER K-96 broomhandle in cal. 7.63*25 mauser, and this caliber stalin liked without limit due to its ballistic posibilites. when in russia revolution started SOMEBODY from germany payed and brought to russia a HUGE NUMBER OF PISTOLS K-96 AND AMMUNITION 7.63*25. YOU PROBABLY CAN IMAGEN THEIR IDEA- LET THE RUSSIANS KILL EACH OTHER AS MORE AS POSSIBLE. FINALY THE REVOLUTION AND THE RUSSIAN CIVILIAN WAR WAS ENDED IN 1922, and in military depots there were millions and millions of ammo 7.63*25 mauser, wich STALIN liked in his yung age. one day stalin called m.r. TOKAREV to come to kremlin, and put onto the table a cartrige 7.63*25 mauser and said-MR. TOKAREV, PEASE, TRY TO MAKE FOR OUR YUNG RED ARMY A NEW MILITARY FULL SIZE PISTOL IN THIS CALIBER, BUT NOT SO BIG LIKE MAUSER K-96. LET IT BE LIKE 1911 OR HP-35, BUT IN THIS CALIBER, BECAUSE WE HAVE MANY MILLIONS OF THESE CARTRIGES AND WE CAN NOT THROW THEM IN OCEAN, BECAUSE WE DONT HAVE SO MUCH MONEY TO DESIGN A NEW AMMO.YOU PROBABLY UNDERSTAND, THAT WHEN THE PISTOL TOKAREV WAS MADE, THEY FIRST USED IN MILITARY TRANING CENTERS ALL THE MAUSER S AMMO 7.63*25, AND STARTED TO PRODUCE SOVIET AMMO 7.62*25 TOK. THAT IS THE FULL STORRY. I hope it was interesting for you. sory for my english mestakes, because l am not an english speaker.

[@kevloo6078]

@@alexandruborodin755 Thank you for that information. I find it very interesting.

[@KillerRedVine]

I just bought one at my local gun shop. Unfired with the original box, 2 mags, cleaning rod and lanyard. $400 out the door, could not argue with that.

[@mo7.7]

Wtf, you fr?😢

[@jackbernal8534]

I see the comments about people buying this for less than $200. I saw one a month ago at a gun show for $480. Man. Good old days.

[@c.antoniojohnson7114]

The CZ52 i had one, used to call it the foreign joint. 7.62x25TOK is a wonderful cartridge.

[@actinganimal885]

Whatever the factory refinished These with makes the slide serrations slick as hell. I have a 54 that was Arsenal or factory refinished and it has a pair of checkered wood grips.

[@ASPushkin51]

You forgot to mention that this 1952 design has a firing pin block. Something that Berettas got in 1980-ies.

[@meatybtz]

One of things you want to watch for is your rollers battering the frame. It happens. You will know it when you see it the chamber flexes (it's pretty thin, strong enough, but it can vary) and peens the bottom of the rollers against the frame. This is different than the rollers actuating because it will make circular indents rather than dragging. I loved mine and somewhat regret selling it. I'd actually love something modern in 762x25 as I still think it is a FANTASTIC cartridge. Honestly, it really is. You can load long 115grain varmint and shoot it out of a carbine or load even heavier and shoot subsonic. Or you can go 109grain and make it zippy. It packs plenty of energy to do the job and out of a 16" AR carbine.. it is fast enough to be a serious contender. There is a lot of potential to the cartridge with modern bullets and powders. The S&B is some of the hottest factory loads besides the dreaded "PINK" ammo. Never shoot the pink paper packaged surplus.

[@cbrucesbiz]

Your control of the recoil and front flip was impressive. I think I got the clue after watching the other shooting. Going to the range tomorrow to see how my understanding pays off. Thanks. If it goes well I will use it in July at Tactical Respons when I take the Fight.

[@glockerbob]

Very cool review friend. I thought these were cool as heck when I was a kid. Finally bought one in 1983 when I got out of the Army. It costed me $100.00 (tax included) at a Houston gun show. Have had loads of fun with it. In the early 2000 I found cases of surplus ammo 1620 rounds per case for $88.00 a case so I bought 4. Have about 800 rounds left. Been kinda holding on to the last few but now I see a lot of ammo companys selling it now. So I need to get some more. By the way I wouldnt do the field strip any more with magazines unless your in the field and dont have a screw driver or a punch. I totally destroyed the base plate on one mag and it made me sick.

[@brandenelkins2923]

They make slide stop extensions so you can use your thumb. But I like the slim characteristic as is with the cz52. I love mine and it is not refurbished. I have never had an issue. Always functions and locks back. Accuracy is not the greatest, but if you're in the market for one, get it. Thanks for this video!!

[@jbplays7302]

My father had a CZ 52 he carried for a short time, as a police officer back in the early 1970's. Unfortunately he's recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's and dementia. So, as a safety measure he gave me all of his firearms, including these two which he carried back then. This CZ, and his S&W 357 model 19, and a S&W 9mm model 59 were all still in cherry condition, clean as could be, and in their boxes. I'm going to strip and go through and lube them, and take them to the range and put a few rounds through each. Hopefully ammo for the CZ isnt TOO expensive.... The 357 has competition sights and a trigger upgrade. The CZ and his 9mm are both still in original condition. He taught my brother and me gun safety and how to shoot with these guns 40yrs ago... Time sure flies...

[@laurogarza4953]

I first handled one of these in the mid-90s when I was working as a range safety officer. They were a new import then and I thought they were cool looking...like a scaled up military version of the Walther PP. Most impressive; however, was the cartridge which had similar authority as the 357 Magnum even though this is a big handgun. I never bought one but I remained very impressed and have considered it from time to time. I'm glad you have done a quality review on it Sootch. I trust your judgement and discernment. Well done.

[@billbush-t5x]

7.62 x25 Peppy cartridge at 1600fps. Had a pistol just like this jam from bad magazine and fail to lock subsequently firing as hammer drop safety was applied. Eye opener and always the loudest shot of the day, the unintentional one.

[@gregcampwriter]

I like your testing of the trigger weight, thereby treating this pistol in the same manner as you'd deal with a modern gun. Our word, pistol, may come from the Czech word, pis'tala, which was applied to handguns after the shepherd's pipe that they were reminded of. I do appreciate Czech guns. They have a five hundred year history making firearms, and the Czechs like to go their own way.

[@smartacus88]

I've heard tons of people say that the CZ-52's roller locking action was superior to the John Browning design used in the TT-33. I don't care what any gun snob has to say, I know for a scientific fact that the Tokarev is a superior pistol from a purely mechanical standpoint.

[@afrosheenix]

The point of the roller lock is delayed blowback. They borrowed the design from either FN or HK, can't remember which.

[@benevolenthighwayman882]

@@afrosheenix The roller locking system was borrowed from the DWM MG42.

[@metalbuggy]

I have had one for the last 20+ years I love mine! - I did swap out to a 18# recoil spring Stock otherwise

[@krampusx9784]

Just purchased my first 2 weeks ago. Did you have to replace the firing pin and rollers ?

[@metalbuggy]

@krampusx9784 I didn't.

[@richvest7212]

Oh! A 5.7 😅 Way ahead of its time

[@BlueTroll]

Found one today for $400. Now I just need bulk ammo

[@REBEL368KSW]

You made a damned fine purchase! I paid $275 for mine in 1999, and it’s been a joy to shoot ever since. These days, I see them selling for as much as $600, which is a bit high, but it’s definitely well worth the $400 you paid for yours. Good Luck, and enjoy your BADASS pistol!

[@alexis1052]

By far the sexiest surplus pistol

[@RolandLowhorn]

I always enjoy your instructions very clear understandable and very good advice

[@AviationJeremy]

Fun fact, 7.62 Tokarev is quite literally a 7.63 mauser with higher chamber pressures. 7.63x25 Mauser is safe to shoot in any 7.62 Tokarev firearm (although, the lower pressure may cause incomplete cycling of the action). However NEVER put 7.62 Tokarev into a .30 Mauser gun.

[@HawkOnHOG]

I have a CZ-52 my dad gave me when I turned 21. I have had the gun for 25 years now. It is always a fun conversation piece, and it always turns a bunch of heads at the firing range!!! LoL Definitely a fire breather. I actually have a video at dusk where there is a 3ft flame coming from it!!!🤣🤣🤣

[@davidgiles4681]

three things you must know: 1st - Firing pin is of a weak metal and do not dry fire it. It will break. Replace it with a steel pin asap. 2nd - replace the two locking rollers with steel (same metal as pin and will flatten - cause potential problems) 3rd - safety is also the decocker (had 1st hand experience that gun will discharge if safety fails to decock). Simple test - put a number two pencil (rest it on the pistol). Then decock the pistol. If launch the pencil = bad safety and potential discharge -- CZ ammo was made 25% hotter then tok ammo (can use safely tok ammon in CZ but not the reverse). Also can use PPSH41/3 ammo in pistol (as designed to handle such ammo). Other than that, it is a beautiful gun.

[@mannys9130]

My dad had one in the early 2000s when they were first imported. The trigger slap was painful. The roller delay made recoil harsh and launched brass into the next zipcode. We fired surplus ammo which was nice and hot. The gun should lock back on an empty mag. If yours does not, count your rounds to avoid dry firing when it runs empty. If you intend on keeping and enjoying the gun, I highly suggest replacing the firing pin and rollers with new upgraded ones. In my opinion, those are mandatory but the gun will still work with stock parts. Do NOT trust the decocker. Wear will eventually allow the gun to fire when decocked. Test yours thoroughly on the range before ever using it. You used to be able to get an aftermarket slide stop that had a shelf on it which allowed manual manipulation. Nice aftermarket grips are available too.

[@JMGeranimo]

These used to be cheap, a local guy is asking 450 for a nice one. Great video thanks.

[@notnownotever1659]

I still have one I bought about 2007. I learned as a kid to never dry fire any gun, and generaly stick to that rule. I managed to send the firing pin tip down range by breaking that rule,and I thought to myself HOW DUMB COULD I BE??. I basically like the gun except for one thing, mine seems to be a monster to work the slide, or maybe I'm just not that strong. I have lately been thinking to sell it but after seeing this video I'll have to reconsider. Mine has the #1 on the slide and is the most accurate handgun I've ever fired. Enjoyed the video..

[@chemicalspore]

I had one of these, the hammer mechanism was messing up so I traded it at agun show for 10-22 ruger with a walnut stock and scope lol.

[@HypocriticYT]

In Canada we get surplus 7.62x25 having a bullet with a steel jacket and core. I took one apart and I melted out about one drop of lead surrounding the steel core that then fell out of the jacket. I believe these are less accurate with this style bullet. They are also steel cased but cheap ammo to shoot.

[@markbrown7449]

Traded a ruger 30 blackhawk revolver for my cz52. Ammo is a little tough to come by, so I don't shoot as often as I like. I changed out the firing pin with a steel hardened pin with a spring and I get harder hits on the primer. I don't care for the surplus ammo too much, so I stick with Winchester. Along with my pistol, I got a really nice holster with and extra mag. I also bought new grips. All - All, I got a sweet deal !

[@luisloya1120]

Sootch. Your video are the Best. Thank you!

[@someasianguy3793]

Harrington Products still makes forged parts for these I think, I replaced my rollers, firing pin and extractor with their hardened tool steel kits Wolff Springs makes recoil springs -- unless you like feeling the full slav power slap your trigger finger and have brass fly 30yds somewhere to the right, I suggest you get it. Custom wood grips on eBay, and an extra barrel, The baddest Czech jackhammer you've never heard of right here.

[@stevelewis1721]

Hey sootch00. Thanks for teaching me I don't want one even though I am a CZ fan.

[@nicholasnapier2684]

Every amount of ammo I've ever bought 7.62 x.25 I've never had a misfire I found them the kind that comes from Poland is really good no matter how old that was I found old ammo from the 1950s 60s and man that stuff just runs I find the cartridge very reliable and the pistols that ran them very reliable I recommend anyone to get these if you can find them.... but I also say that because I'm a huge fan to 762 by 25.....

[@tonypolito8930]

Well done Sir. Enjoyed your delivery.

[@mohammedcohen]

...friend of mine at Sikorsky traded me a Miytutoyo dial caliper from a 9mm conversion barrel, but had so much trouble with that barrel he sold me both the pistol and the barrel...the problem with the conversion is not the barrel itself but the shorter length of the 9mm (9x19) cartridge feeding from a magazine designed for a longer cartridge (7.62x25)...the 9 has a difficult time covering that distance without failing to feed...

[@netpackrat]

I have a 9mm barrel for my 52 and I experienced the same problem.

[@mohammedcohen]

@@netpackrat hopefully this helped...if so. happy to have been of service...

[@netpackrat]

@@mohammedcohen There's not really any helping it. I have heard of people either reaming the barrel out to accept 9mm Largo or loading special longer OAL 9x19 ammo using bore-riding projectiles with a driving band at the base, but both of those defeat the purpose of the barrel, which is to be able to use generic 9mm ammunition. If you are going to that amount of effort it's easier to just reload 7.62x25.

[@mohammedcohen]

@@netpackrat ...I agree - about 12 years ago I bought a supply on 7.62x25 brass - I still have it...along with the Lee dies. Still have 5 boxes of old Norinco 7.62x25 ammo - bought around the same time also..

[@alejandrovarrica2900]

Awesome Channel!! Awesome work!! Thanks a Lot!!!

[@luisloya1120]

I really love your CZ 82 video.

[@MrFlyme123]

As always, an informative video. Thanks!

[@RayMainBagpiper]

BTW the CZ is also fun to shoot out to 200 yards on steel targets. Some of the rounds are so hot, there's not much drop.

[@Alpine_Wanderer]

Man I've been after one of these guns for sometime now! Great video

[@khamzatchimaev1009]

Love my P07

[@GentlemansWatches]

Firearms from Czechoslovakia are proven to be the next level in the world and have never had a single complaint or drawback.

[@devonboyd533]

A beautiful representation right there Thanks sootch your the king and I’ve been waiting on this sense the cz50

[@garywheble4534]

I have always wondered if CZ would make a CZ75 PO1 in a 7.62x25 double stack that would be a gun to have with the 75 reliability all metal would handle that round very well

[@TheProAer]

Really Cool Rare Classic, I never knew the history of CZ. Thanks for the video.