In the early 1980’s the older Czech VZ-52 and Tokarev TTC pistols were set to be replaced with a 9×18 caliber pistol. The standard Makarov in use by other communist countries was not acceptable to the Czechs, so they developed the new VZ-82 pistol, designed by Augustin Necas, for the Czechoslovakian military. (VZ is short for Vzor which means “model” or “pattern”.)
The CZ VZ-82 9×18 pistol
The new CZ 82 pistol was a fixed barrel, blow-back operated 9×18 pistol like the Makarov, except with a wider grip and a double stack 12rd magazine. With additional features like the ambi magazine release, ambi safety, and polygonal rifling, the CZ 82 was an modernization of the older Makarov, and has the feel and ergonomics of a modern pistol.
The pistol can be carried hammer down, and drawn and fired in double action, or can be carried with the hammer back and the safety on in a “cocked and locked” state ready to be drawn, the safety disengaged and then fired in single action.
Curiously, the barrel of the CZ 82 has “polygonal” rifling, meaning the shape of the bore provides the rotation to the bullet. There is no visible cut rifling and the bore appears smooth. This can result in a long barrel life, easier to clean bore, and better accuracy.
These sidearms were only finished in black using a spayed in hard polycoat finish. This finish wears and protects very well until it start to chip, then it can start to flake off in sections as seen in the images above.
The CZ 82 pistols were made from 1983 until the 1990’s. They have been imported several times over the years. Luckily for shooters and collectors in the US, the pistol was determined to be a Curio and Relic (C&R) eligible gun and can be directly purchased by those holding a C&R license from the BATF. It is prized both as a modern and reliable carry or home defense pistol, as well as a historical and collectible surplus military pistol. See how to get one for your collection HERE.
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