CZ M82 9x18mm Makarov Compact Pistol

Manufactured by the Czechoslovak firm Česká zbrojovka the vz. 82 replaced the 7.6225mm Tokarev vz. 52 pistol in Czechoslovak military service in 1983. The choice of cartridge, the 9x18 Makarov, reflects Soviet Block influences at the time. The firearm is a compact, single/double-action, semi-automatic pistol with a conventional blowback action. This type of action allows the barrel to remain solidly fixed to the frame, resulting in improved accuracy over pistols with pivoting barrels like the U.S. M1911 series. The low bore axis of the vz. 82 provides for less muzzle rise and quicker follow-up shots.For added convenience, both the frame-mounted thumb safety and the magazine release are ambidextrous. The vz. 82 was the first service pistol to feature both these features. The bore is chrome plated, which gives it three advantages: longer barrel life, resistance to rust from the use of corrosive ammunition, and ease of cleaning.Another feature of this pistol is the use of polygonal rifling in the barrel bore. This replaces the traditional lands and grooves rifling design with a rounded, smooth polygonal pattern which has a more "hills and valleys" appearance. Production of the CZ 83 was discontinued in 2012.