CZ-52

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Image:Cz52 from en wiki.jpg The CZ-52 is a single-action, semi-automatic pistol designed by two brothers, Jan and Jaroslav Kratchovil, to serve the military forces of Czechoslovakia. More correctly called the Vz.52 ("Vzor 52" means "model of 1952"), around 200,000 of the pistols were made by Česká Zbrojovka in Strakonice from 1952 to c. 1956. It replaced the 7.65mm. Browning caliber (32 Auto) CZ-50, which had acquired a reputation for unreliability and also was underpowered for its role as a military service sidearm, and various Soviet service pistols, mainly the Tokarev, and was itself eventually replaced in service by the Soviet-designed Makarov PM.

Description

The CZ-52 is a crudely-finished pistol, quite heavy, and ungainly to hold, due mainly to its deep (front-to-back) but slim (side-to-side) grip. The barrel and slide sit rather high above the grip and this causes recoil force to be turned into upward flip of the muzzle and torque on the wrist; this does nothing to improve the comfort of the shooter or the controllability of the gun. Nevertheless, it is a reliable and remarkably powerful weapon. If not for Soviet influence, it would undoubtedly have remained longer in service; the Makarov which replaced it fires a distinctly inferior cartridge. Leaving aside questions of stopping power, the CZ-52 fires a lightweight, full metal-jacketed bullet at very high velocity, giving it unusually high penetrative power. It may be notable that Chinese police departments rely on their bullet-proof vests being able to resist the 7.62x25mm. cartridge, whereas U.S. police test their equipment with the .357 Magnum.

The pistol is a semi-automatic firearm, requiring the user to press the trigger each time a shot is fired. The short recoil operating system uses a pair of vertical rollers to initially lock the barrel and slide together. Under recoil, the rollers are cammed out of engagement with the slide, which continues rearward independently. This system is similar to that used in the MG 42 machine gun which itself hearkens back to a Polish patent of the 1930s. The system resulted in an unusually strong firearm and this allowed the Czechs to load ammunition for it to higher pressure levels (and therefore, higher velocity and power) than compatible ammunition manufactured in other Warsaw Pact countries. Warning: Ammunition in this caliber exists which was intended for use in submachine guns, only; it is not safe to use in any pistol, even the robust CZ-52.

The CZ-52 features an external hammer. As it is a single-action pistol, the hammer must be cocked before a round can be fired. The slide recocks the hammer as it (the slide) reaches the rearward limit of its travel. The recoil spring then brings the slide forward again, stripping a fresh cartridge from the magazine. The cartridge is placed in the chamber, the chamber is closed, the slide and barrel lock together again, and the gun is ready for the next shot. The firing pin is cast steel; as it is subject to breakage, dry-firing (that is, letting the hammer fall while the chamber is empty) should be avoided if possible.

CZ-52s in good condition have become available on the surplus market since the end of the Cold War and have become a popular pistol in the US. Through 2005, prices hovered around $140. With the availability of low-priced, though corrosive, surplus ammunition, it makes an economical choice. As a defensive tool, however, a CZ-52 is far from ideal. While certainly deadly, the small-caliber bullet is likely to overpenetrate and transfer only a fraction of its considerable energy to the target. This also represents a hazard to bystanders, both those beyond the intended target and on the far side of intervening walls and doors. This pistol is also well known for its very sharp report and the amount of muzzle flash it creates, both of which are qualities to be avoided in a defensive encounter which might well occur indoors and in semi-darkness. Replacement barrels are available to alter the caliber to 9 mm.; this opens up a much wider range of ammunition choices including the use of hollow-point bullets which are far superior in stopping power. Rollers for aftermarket barrels are softer and wear out quickly.

Muzzle velocities with production ammunition are in the area of 1500 feet per second (450 m/s) with a .30 caliber (7.62 mm) bullet weighing 85 grains (5.5 g); this translates to a bullet energy (at the muzzle) of about 425lb.-ft.

Specifications

• Caliber: 7.62x25mm. Tokarev / 7.63mm. Mauser
• Overall length: 8.23" / 203mm.
• Barrel length: 4.72" / 120mm.
• Barrel rifling: 4 groove, right-hand twist.
• Weight: 34.6oz. / 980gm.
• Magazine: 8 round detachable box (can be modified to accept a 9th round)

As of the late 1990's era, after the popularity of these incredibly engineered "hand carbines" had started to swell due mainly to the efforts of Com-Bloc weapon fan websites, such as Makarov.com, hollow point ammunition in 7.62 Tok became available from custom shops. The pistol proved itself capable of handling extremely hot ammo, due to the fact that it's very design is built around a faithfully re-engineered German machine gun part, and people in America knew quality when they saw it.

Mag-Safe was one of many companies offering quality custon HP ammo, as of early 2006. Google will turn up more and more examples of this ammmunition for the reader, available at common everyday gun stores, as the popularity of the CZ52 continues to grow.pl:Pistolet CZ 52