CZ-52

Question
QUESTION: I am thinking of buying a surplus CZ-52 in the 7.62x25.Do you have any info on the gun? Thanks in advance.

ANSWER: Keith,

If you are buying the gun simply for fun or as a collector, the gun has an interesting and colorful history.

I would not, however, trust it as a self-defense gun. The ergonomics are poor by modern standards, the cartridge is anemic, and the gun has reliability issues.

The gun is old enough that BATF considers it a Curio and Relic (along with flintlocks and other ancient designs), so if you have a C&R license you can get it through the mail.

There have been some that have been converted to 9mm that are for sale, but once this conversion is completed, it is no longer a C&R.  The 9mm is a much more effective self-defense cartridge, the conversion coming at the expense of even less reliability in that gun.

There is a lot of information on line about the gun. From a practical standpoint, I would say that if your primary purpose is to use it for fun and games, great.  If you primary purpose is a self-defense arm, you should look elsewhere.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your info.I have an XD-45 for defense.I just wanted to get the CZ for plinking.Do you think $159.00 is a fair price?There are 3 to choose from and all seem to be in good shape.Thanks,Keith

Answer
Keith,

My apologies, but as my bio says, I don't know much about old guns. If it were a regular work day today, I would check with an associate who is a C&R dealer.  Why don't you check online to see what they are going for elsewhere?

Your XD45 is an excellent choice, a great value-for-money. They work extremely well and are inexpensive compared to other guns of similar design or reliability. I'm afraid I'd be able to tell you much more about your XD than about the CZ.

Good luck.