Rebarreling a CZ82 for .380?

essohbe · August 19, 2012, 12:36 PM

If I understand it correctly, the only difference between a CZ82 and a CZ83 is that one is chambered for Makarov round and the other .380....

So, if I decided I wanted to shoot 9x17/.380 instead of 9x18 Mak in my CZ82, could I just get a CZ83 barrel and replace the CZ82 one?

noelf2 · August 20, 2012, 08:05 AM

You could, but I wouldn't. If you did (did I already mention that I wouldn't?), you might have to get a weaker recoil spring (or modify the existing one to be a little weaker) if you have some FTEs or FTFs. Also, because these are blowback guns the barrels are fixed. You'd have to have a smith push out the old barrel and press in the new one. This mod would also disqualify the gun as a C&R. Something wrong with the 9x18 barrel?

Doyle · August 20, 2012, 09:24 AM

I agree - why would you want to? 9x18 is more powerful than .380. Ammo costs less (though usually has to be ordered over the internet). Plus, you would need to restamp the slide lest a subsequent owner not know you have changed the barrel.

Cheapshooter · August 20, 2012, 09:58 AM

Quote:

So, if I decided I wanted to shoot 9x17/.380 instead of 9x18 Mak in my CZ82, could I just get a CZ83 barrel and replace the CZ82 one?

The bigger question is why? 9X18 ammo for range practice is cheaper than 380ACP. There are two excellent SD rounds available From Hornady in 9MM Makarov with similar ballistics to the 380ACP. Modifying the gun to essentially an equal round would remove it's C&R status, and would be a useless expense.

amd6547 · August 20, 2012, 10:41 AM

I doubt you could do the swap for less than just buying a 380 CZ83:
http://www.allans-armory.com/aaresult.php?PageId=50

tobnpr · August 20, 2012, 04:42 PM

Thought about doing the same thing.
Numrich used to have CZ-83 barrels, I believe they're an easy swap but can't find them.

Yes, the Mak has more power, but the local indoor range does not allow bi-metal bullets... which is the "cheaper stuff"... I have to buy the $15/box S&B when I want to shoot indoors.

I did just get a set of dies...so I'll probably start reloading for it.

RJay · August 20, 2012, 10:32 PM

If you can find the barrel all it requires is a change of barrels, every thing else will function just fine. You don't need to change recoil springs. There is only about a hundred FPS difference and the .380 will operate perfectly. I have a couple of 9X18's that I've changed barrels on, why?, just because I could and a better selection of ammo. Plus I reload for .380 and didn't want to buy yet another set of dies.

It would be cheaper and easier to just buy a CZ 83, but hey, the busy work keeps me out of the bars.

essohbe · August 21, 2012, 07:59 PM

Thanks for the replies.

Yea, .380 is everywhere and I can only find 9x18 at gunshows and then it's not all the time either. When it is they want $12 for a box of brown bear

I can't order online because I don't want to pay shipping and work around not having a credit card anyways.

I got lucky ONE time and found Hornady 9x18 for like $5 for 50, the guy didn't even know what it was.

jsmaye · August 22, 2012, 08:16 AM

I can find 9x18 in Academy, Gander Mountain, and the local bi-monthly gun show, and I'm in the tiny burgh of Amarillo, Texas. I'm surprised it's that hard to find for some of you.

noelf2 · August 23, 2012, 11:35 AM

It's not hard to find locally for most and usually cheaper than .380. But you can't get it at WalMart!

August 19, 2012, 12:36 PM	#1
essohbe Junior member Join Date: March 22, 2009 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 817	Rebarreling a CZ82 for .380? If I understand it correctly, the only difference between a CZ82 and a CZ83 is that one is chambered for Makarov round and the other .380.... So, if I decided I wanted to shoot 9x17/.380 instead of 9x18 Mak in my CZ82, could I just get a CZ83 barrel and replace the CZ82 one?

August 20, 2012, 08:05 AM	#2
noelf2 Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: Stuart, VA Posts: 2,473	You could, but I wouldn't. If you did (did I already mention that I wouldn't?), you might have to get a weaker recoil spring (or modify the existing one to be a little weaker) if you have some FTEs or FTFs. Also, because these are blowback guns the barrels are fixed. You'd have to have a smith push out the old barrel and press in the new one. This mod would also disqualify the gun as a C&R. Something wrong with the 9x18 barrel? __________________ Liberty and freedom often offends those who understand neither.

August 20, 2012, 10:41 AM	#5
amd6547 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Posts: 2,313	I doubt you could do the swap for less than just buying a 380 CZ83: http://www.allans-armory.com/aaresult.php?PageId=50 __________________ The past is gone...the future may never happen. Be Here Now.

August 20, 2012, 10:32 PM	#7
RJay Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,936	If you can find the barrel all it requires is a change of barrels, every thing else will function just fine. You don't need to change recoil springs. There is only about a hundred FPS difference and the .380 will operate perfectly. I have a couple of 9X18's that I've changed barrels on, why?, just because I could and a better selection of ammo. Plus I reload for .380 and didn't want to buy yet another set of dies. It would be cheaper and easier to just buy a CZ 83, but hey, the busy work keeps me out of the bars. __________________ Ron James Last edited by RJay; August 21, 2012 at 06:20 PM.

August 22, 2012, 08:16 AM	#9
jsmaye Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2008 Location: Amarillo, Tx Posts: 616	I can find 9x18 in Academy, Gander Mountain, and the local bi-monthly gun show, and I'm in the tiny burgh of Amarillo, Texas. I'm surprised it's that hard to find for some of you. __________________ No matter how big and tough you are, when a two-year-old hands you a toy phone you'll answer it.

August 20, 2012, 09:24 AM	#3
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	I agree - why would you want to? 9x18 is more powerful than .380. Ammo costs less (though usually has to be ordered over the internet). Plus, you would need to restamp the slide lest a subsequent owner not know you have changed the barrel.

August 20, 2012, 04:42 PM	#6
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 4,556	Thought about doing the same thing. Numrich used to have CZ-83 barrels, I believe they're an easy swap but can't find them. Yes, the Mak has more power, but the local indoor range does not allow bi-metal bullets... which is the "cheaper stuff"... I have to buy the $15/box S&B when I want to shoot indoors. I did just get a set of dies...so I'll probably start reloading for it.

August 21, 2012, 07:59 PM	#8
essohbe Junior member Join Date: March 22, 2009 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 817	Thanks for the replies. Yea, .380 is everywhere and I can only find 9x18 at gunshows and then it's not all the time either. When it is they want $12 for a box of brown bear I can't order online because I don't want to pay shipping and work around not having a credit card anyways. I got lucky ONE time and found Hornady 9x18 for like $5 for 50, the guy didn't even know what it was.

August 23, 2012, 11:35 AM	#10
noelf2 Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: Stuart, VA Posts: 2,473	It's not hard to find locally for most and usually cheaper than .380. But you can't get it at WalMart! __________________ Liberty and freedom often offends those who understand neither.