Your Czech Vz-82 looks like a handsome beast.  The 9.2x18mm Makarov is a very pleasant cartridge to shoot.  I've got a mint E. German Makarov clone and it's a fun piece.  The darn Russians REVERSED the operation of the safety positions (SAFE/FIRE) from every other pistol with a slide-mounted safety lever I own[Walther P-1, Beretta M92FS], or have owned, so I have to mentally shift gears when I shoot it. 

 

What is it about the Czechs and their souped-up ammo?  I had a Vz-52 in 7.62x25mm Tokarev was about 20% hotter than the issue Russian (corrosive as the devil, too).

 

The Czechs and their roller-locked breech made for an interesting design in a pistol.  The safety operation was rather odd in that it worked with the hammer cocked or down, but did not drop the hammer.  I didn't think much of the way they held the grips on the frame, though.  The grips were held on by a U-shaped piece of spring steel.  Loose it and the grips would fall off! 

 

(I donated the pistol, spare mag, holster, armorer's kit, and 100 rds. of ammo to a Friends of NRA event.  Whoever got it got a great deal.)

 

a better pic with a more appropriate background

Bob, while we are on the mak subject... have you seen the grips being done by Dennis Marshalko...oh man are they beauitful, He's pretty new on the scene.

 

Ive got a set of his zebrawood  ordered for my Cz-83, Ill post a pic when they arrive (he's in Hungary)

 

 

(this is not any kind of  vendor endorsementor product review... yada yada yada)

 

Butch

Outstanding workmanship. 

 

My memory is a little foggy on this -- did the importer have to replace the original grips to bring the E. German Makarovs into the country?  Did the E. German grips have the star like the Russian, or were they without?  My brain cells aren't responding well this morning.  LOL

 

BTW, I am getting some very nice photos of a Class III BM-59 Para and Mk IV "Nigerian" automatic rifle.  The Mk IV is for sale for $15K.  Beautiful piece.  I will put them together for an update to the BM-59 write-up. 

Bob,

 

I dont have a clue about the EG grips... but I dont think so, well at least Makarov.com had 3 in beatuiful condition w/service records listed on their website a couple weeks ago (sold now) and they never mentioned it... and IIRC yes they did have the star... but I wouldnt swear to it... probably find some good pics/info there

 

I wish i had gotten a EG before they became so valuable , ah well a day late and a dollar short

 

 

nope, two versions but no star on EG...

 

When I was still in the trade in the 1980s I sold many of these.  They are a great handling little handgun and made with CZs abilities.  I prefer something with a little more "ooompf" but you have to have something around for the women folk and girly men to shoot I suppose......*ducking*

 

I wish I could still have one here grrrrrrrrr.  The 1980s made Cz75s were very common here (when they were very UNcommon in the US) and were at the time one of my favourite handguns.  Combined the best features of the P35 with Double action (I know not exatly but the concepts).  The Browning does remain my favourite all time handgun though.

 

Andy