Cz-70

meatgrinder42 · April 18, 2012, 09:05 AM

I've been looking for another pistol to have some fun with and to carry for my CCW instead of my Gov. 1911. I ran across the CZ70 and I like the look and I've found ammo for it for a good price (I think). I just have a few questions about it.

1. Is the 7.65 also 32 auto? Or am I mistaken?
2. What's the overall verdict on these? I mean they're darn cheap in price.

Walt Sherrill · April 18, 2012, 09:59 AM

Yes. It's 32 a.c.p.

If your primary interest is a Concealed Carry Weapon, the Kel-Tec P-32 is a far better weapon (smaller, lighter, good reputation, unlike come K-T products.) It won't cost that much more -- especially if you go used.

If you have Curio & Relics FFL, the CZ-70 is C&R. They're good little guns, but a bit large and heavy for the caliber. They're almost the same gun as the CZ-50, with a few minor improvements (and, maybe, a little better steel and heat treatment.) Finding mags may be a problem, as they're generally available only used. I had a CZ-50, and it outshot my friend's Walther WWII PPKS in the same caliber.

For something just to play with, you could do worse.

NickySantoro · April 18, 2012, 10:04 AM

Your pistol will likely be stamped 7.65. It shoots .32 ACP, AKA .32 auto.
Well made guns, bad DA trigger. That can be improved significantly by cutting 3/8" off the hammer spring without compromising reliability.

meatgrinder42 · April 18, 2012, 10:09 AM

Walt- I looked up the P32 and I'm not sure I like it. I wouldn't be using it as a strict CC weapon, it would be something to shoot at the range that also fits my fiance's hand better than my 1911 which is huge for her.

carguychris · April 18, 2012, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Finding mags may be a problem, as they're generally available only used.

+1, and be aware that many of the CZ 70s currently offered by the importers come with NO mag (I kid you not!) and the availability of spares seems to be very spotty.

Quote:

If your primary interest is a Concealed Carry Weapon, the Kel-Tec P-32 is a far better weapon (smaller, lighter, good reputation, unlike [s]ome K-T products.) It won't cost that much more -- especially if you go used.

Also +1.

FWIW if you really want to go vintage, I suggest looking at the FN Browning 1910/1922 series; they're rugged, reasonably priced, AND spare mags are widely and cheaply available. The main downside is that they're single-action so you MUST use the safety.

LarryFlew · April 18, 2012, 12:17 PM

I'm a total CZ fanatic (7 at this time) and would not go for the 70 because of the mag issue and the weight. I have a KelTec P32 and like it a lot for pocket carry when I can't carry bigger concealed. I do like the CZ 83 in mak or the 82 in 380 or 32 for better feel and for range use. Better ergonomics and trigger than the 70 series IMO.

Walt Sherrill · April 18, 2012, 02:43 PM

A CZ-82 in 9x18 would be a good alternative. It's clearly a better weapon, and not a LOT bigger than the CZ-70. It'll be just a bit more to handle in terms of recoil, but not terribly so. Ammo will be cheaper and probably easier to find.

The CZ-82 (and the almost identical CZ-83) is a much better design with better features and abilities. You can find nice '82s for under $200.

You'll have a hard time finding a CZ-82 in .32, but the CZ-83 in .32 is around; CZ still makes them; it no longer exports the 9x18 version to the US, so .380 or .32 is the choice there. They're quite a it more costly than the CZ-82.

raftman · April 19, 2012, 12:13 AM

The CZ-70 is a pretty good gun, overall.

Pros:
-It's pretty accurate.
-Very durable.
-Very reliable.
-Low price.
-Much milder recoil than the .380's and 9x18's of a similar design.
-Simple/low maintenance
-Cool factor, they're unusual and interesting, not too many people have one.

Cons:
-DA trigger is very heavy (SA trigger is just ok).
-The placement of the mag release is awkward.
-Once the mag is released you have to really have to pull to get the mag out.
-The "waffle" pattern grip is strange and IMO pretty uncomfortable, the grip on its nearly identical predecessor, the CZ-50 is much more comfortable, so much so that I put the 50 grips on my 70.
-And lastly (even though I have no qualms with carrying a .32acp, in fact I carry a Kel-Tec P-32 myself), these days you can get a fair amount more firepower in a package of the size/weight of a CZ-70.

Keep in mind a couple of these cons can be somewhat mitigated.

meatgrinder42 · April 19, 2012, 02:42 PM

Upon looking around I've found a decently priced East German Makarov in a LGS and am strongly considering it. It's the 9x18 as one could guess. I think it's pretty light-weight for being a steel gun and I've read pretty good reviews on it. I am still thinking about buying a CZ for my fiance to put in her purse but I think myself I've going for the Makarov.

**Mike Irwin** · April 19, 2012, 03:20 PM

REALLY bad double action trigger.

As in TONS, not pounds...

Still, I like mine. It's fun.

Walt Sherrill · April 19, 2012, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meatgrinder42

Upon looking around I've found a decently priced East German Makarov in a LGS and am strongly considering it. It's the 9x18 as one could guess. I think it's pretty light-weight for being a steel gun and I've read pretty good reviews on it. I am still thinking about buying a CZ for my fiance to put in her purse but I think myself I've going for the Makarov.

If you're going the Makarov route, the East German ones are generally the best. (Some of the Bulgarian-made ones have been almost as good, if the ones I've handled are typical.) You usually have to pay a pretty big premium when buying the EG Maks. If the price is reasonable, jump on it.

The Maks aren't the most pleasant gun to shoot, but that's generally true of all of the 9x18 guns. A CZ-82 might be as good a choice, but making that claim will probably start a lengthy argument here...

Hairbag · April 19, 2012, 10:33 PM

I do not find the maks unpleasant to shoot at all. They just recoil differently because they have a fixed barrel. If the gun is in good shape and the price is right grab it. You can shoot cheap russian ammo all day long. The prices are going up and up on the EG maks. The Maks are easy to take apart parts are plentyful and cheap if need be. The sights suck but I get by with mine. A good clean EG mak will go for about $400 now.

mousemeat · April 22, 2016, 10:23 PM

I would concur..it's not a bad gun...for it's time...I've owned mine since 2002, and of course, the usual beefs about it...too heavy, stiff trigger, and hard to find, empty magazines..It does shoot fairly well...of course, there's a slew of guns within it's class out there..and far better....It's not my main gun, but I would have no problem if conditions force me to use it only...one thing I've found to be helpful, is a through cleaning and oiling, from time to time..

tallball · April 23, 2016, 02:43 AM

I have had my CZ70 for a couple of years. The trigger is kind of stiff and it doesn't fit my XL hands well. Other than that I have nothing bad to say about it. It has been completely reliable and seems like it will be very durable. If you are okay with the caliber it is a good service pistol.

jonnyc · April 23, 2016, 09:17 AM

A ghost-post, but FWIW, I don't believe the CZ70 was then, or is now, a C&R gun. The CZ50 is, but not the 70.

Walt Sherrill · April 24, 2016, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnyc

A ghost-post, but FWIW, I don't believe the CZ70 was then, or is now, a C&R gun. The CZ50 is, but not the 70.

jonnyc is right. My error, earlier, when I wrote that it was.

The CZ-50 is C&R, and while the CZ-70 is almost the same weapon, it's not C&R. (CZ did a better job with metal hardening on the CZ-70 --and there's no problem with galling on the underside of the slide which could eventually make the CZ-50 inoperable. The CZ-70 is the better way to go if you plan to shoot a lot.)

You may have to wait a few years for it to earn C&R status. (The CZ-82, which is a newer weapon, has that status, thanks to a Museum Curator request to the BATF.) For the minor difference in purchase price and availability of parts, I'd much rather have the CZ-82.

tallball · April 24, 2016, 08:04 AM

I think the CZ82 is 9mm Makarov only. If I understand correctly, the CZ83 is the commercial version. I believe that it is available in 9mm Makarov, 380, and (rarely) 32acp.

My FiL has a CZ83, and it is an excellent pistol. I like my CZ70 okay, but his CZ83 seems like a better gun.

Walt knows all of this. I am just babbling.

willr · April 24, 2016, 05:15 PM

I put one if those Hogue slip-on grips on my CZ70, That improves thr grip considerably'
willr

larryh1108 · April 24, 2016, 08:15 PM

I have and love my CZ70.
As mentioned, the DA trigger just sucks.... close to 20# I'm guessing but my SA is much better,,, maybe 8#-10#.

It is accurate but heavy for carry but as a range gun it's very nice since the weight eats up all the .32ACP recoil. It is also a cool looking gun. I bought Marschal grips for it which cost $100+ but was worth it. I have 6 mags for it but don't remember how I got that many. It came with no mags when I bought it but it was cheap.

I see it's a 4 year old thread but the 70's are a lot older than that.

April 18, 2012, 09:05 AM	#1
meatgrinder42 Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2011 Location: Good Ol' Wisconsin Posts: 327	Cz-70 I've been looking for another pistol to have some fun with and to carry for my CCW instead of my Gov. 1911. I ran across the CZ70 and I like the look and I've found ammo for it for a good price (I think). I just have a few questions about it. 1. Is the 7.65 also 32 auto? Or am I mistaken? 2. What's the overall verdict on these? I mean they're darn cheap in price.

April 18, 2012, 10:04 AM	#3
NickySantoro Junior member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Posts: 217	Your pistol will likely be stamped 7.65. It shoots .32 ACP, AKA .32 auto. Well made guns, bad DA trigger. That can be improved significantly by cutting 3/8" off the hammer spring without compromising reliability. Last edited by NickySantoro; April 18, 2012 at 08:22 PM.

April 19, 2012, 03:20 PM	#10
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,585	REALLY bad double action trigger. As in TONS, not pounds... Still, I like mine. It's fun. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

April 19, 2012, 10:33 PM	#12
Hairbag Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2010 Posts: 449	I do not find the maks unpleasant to shoot at all. They just recoil differently because they have a fixed barrel. If the gun is in good shape and the price is right grab it. You can shoot cheap russian ammo all day long. The prices are going up and up on the EG maks. The Maks are easy to take apart parts are plentyful and cheap if need be. The sights suck but I get by with mine. A good clean EG mak will go for about $400 now. Last edited by Hairbag; April 19, 2012 at 10:39 PM.

April 22, 2016, 10:23 PM	#13
mousemeat Junior Member Join Date: April 22, 2016 Posts: 1	CZ 70 I would concur..it's not a bad gun...for it's time...I've owned mine since 2002, and of course, the usual beefs about it...too heavy, stiff trigger, and hard to find, empty magazines..It does shoot fairly well...of course, there's a slew of guns within it's class out there..and far better....It's not my main gun, but I would have no problem if conditions force me to use it only...one thing I've found to be helpful, is a through cleaning and oiling, from time to time..

April 18, 2012, 09:59 AM	#2
Walt Sherrill Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 1999 Location: Winston-Salem, NC USA Posts: 6,348	Yes. It's 32 a.c.p. If your primary interest is a Concealed Carry Weapon, the Kel-Tec P-32 is a far better weapon (smaller, lighter, good reputation, unlike come K-T products.) It won't cost that much more -- especially if you go used. If you have Curio & Relics FFL, the CZ-70 is C&R. They're good little guns, but a bit large and heavy for the caliber. They're almost the same gun as the CZ-50, with a few minor improvements (and, maybe, a little better steel and heat treatment.) Finding mags may be a problem, as they're generally available only used. I had a CZ-50, and it outshot my friend's Walther WWII PPKS in the same caliber. For something just to play with, you could do worse.

April 18, 2012, 10:09 AM	#4
meatgrinder42 Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2011 Location: Good Ol' Wisconsin Posts: 327	Walt- I looked up the P32 and I'm not sure I like it. I wouldn't be using it as a strict CC weapon, it would be something to shoot at the range that also fits my fiance's hand better than my 1911 which is huge for her.

April 18, 2012, 12:17 PM	#6
LarryFlew Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2009 Location: Minnesota CZ fan Posts: 902	I'm a total CZ fanatic (7 at this time) and would not go for the 70 because of the mag issue and the weight. I have a KelTec P32 and like it a lot for pocket carry when I can't carry bigger concealed. I do like the CZ 83 in mak or the 82 in 380 or 32 for better feel and for range use. Better ergonomics and trigger than the 70 series IMO.

April 18, 2012, 02:43 PM	#7
Walt Sherrill Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 1999 Location: Winston-Salem, NC USA Posts: 6,348	A CZ-82 in 9x18 would be a good alternative. It's clearly a better weapon, and not a LOT bigger than the CZ-70. It'll be just a bit more to handle in terms of recoil, but not terribly so. Ammo will be cheaper and probably easier to find. The CZ-82 (and the almost identical CZ-83) is a much better design with better features and abilities. You can find nice '82s for under $200. You'll have a hard time finding a CZ-82 in .32, but the CZ-83 in .32 is around; CZ still makes them; it no longer exports the 9x18 version to the US, so .380 or .32 is the choice there. They're quite a it more costly than the CZ-82.

April 19, 2012, 12:13 AM	#8
raftman Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,890	The CZ-70 is a pretty good gun, overall. Pros: -It's pretty accurate. -Very durable. -Very reliable. -Low price. -Much milder recoil than the .380's and 9x18's of a similar design. -Simple/low maintenance -Cool factor, they're unusual and interesting, not too many people have one. Cons: -DA trigger is very heavy (SA trigger is just ok). -The placement of the mag release is awkward. -Once the mag is released you have to really have to pull to get the mag out. -The "waffle" pattern grip is strange and IMO pretty uncomfortable, the grip on its nearly identical predecessor, the CZ-50 is much more comfortable, so much so that I put the 50 grips on my 70. -And lastly (even though I have no qualms with carrying a .32acp, in fact I carry a Kel-Tec P-32 myself), these days you can get a fair amount more firepower in a package of the size/weight of a CZ-70. Keep in mind a couple of these cons can be somewhat mitigated.

April 19, 2012, 02:42 PM	#9
meatgrinder42 Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2011 Location: Good Ol' Wisconsin Posts: 327	Upon looking around I've found a decently priced East German Makarov in a LGS and am strongly considering it. It's the 9x18 as one could guess. I think it's pretty light-weight for being a steel gun and I've read pretty good reviews on it. I am still thinking about buying a CZ for my fiance to put in her purse but I think myself I've going for the Makarov.

April 23, 2016, 02:43 AM	#14
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	I have had my CZ70 for a couple of years. The trigger is kind of stiff and it doesn't fit my XL hands well. Other than that I have nothing bad to say about it. It has been completely reliable and seems like it will be very durable. If you are okay with the caliber it is a good service pistol. Last edited by tallball; April 23, 2016 at 08:20 AM.

April 23, 2016, 09:17 AM	#15
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,744	A ghost-post, but FWIW, I don't believe the CZ70 was then, or is now, a C&R gun. The CZ50 is, but not the 70. __________________ 2024 PA Cartridge Collector Show; Aug. 16-17, 2024!!! Buy...Sell...Trade All Types of Ammunition & Ordnance PM or email me for 2024 show details.

April 24, 2016, 08:04 AM	#17
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	I think the CZ82 is 9mm Makarov only. If I understand correctly, the CZ83 is the commercial version. I believe that it is available in 9mm Makarov, 380, and (rarely) 32acp. My FiL has a CZ83, and it is an excellent pistol. I like my CZ70 okay, but his CZ83 seems like a better gun. Walt knows all of this. I am just babbling.

April 24, 2016, 05:15 PM	#18
willr Senior Member Join Date: July 23, 2006 Posts: 356	I put one if those Hogue slip-on grips on my CZ70, That improves thr grip considerably' willr

April 24, 2016, 08:15 PM	#19
larryh1108 Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2008 Location: NC Posts: 813	I have and love my CZ70. As mentioned, the DA trigger just sucks.... close to 20# I'm guessing but my SA is much better,,, maybe 8#-10#. It is accurate but heavy for carry but as a range gun it's very nice since the weight eats up all the .32ACP recoil. It is also a cool looking gun. I bought Marschal grips for it which cost $100+ but was worth it. I have 6 mags for it but don't remember how I got that many. It came with no mags when I bought it but it was cheap. I see it's a 4 year old thread but the 70's are a lot older than that. __________________ Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

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