*SOLD* 1954 CZ vz. 52 7.62x25 Parkerized 4.5" *CZECH MILITARY SIDEARM*Cold War Era

Bryant Ridge's Analysis:

The CZ 52 (also known as the vz. 52 in its Czechoslovak military designation) is a semi-automatic pistol designed in the early 1950s by Jan and Jaroslav Kratochvíl for the Czechoslovak military. Manufactured by Ceská Zbrojovka, around 200,000 units were produced between 1952 and 1954. The vz. 52 was intended to replace various foreign and domestic pistols in Czechoslovak military service, and it was chambered for the 7.62×25mm Tokarev cartridge, a standard Soviet round. This chambering was selected after initial designs for the pistol were created around the 9×19mm Parabellum, but political pressure led to the change in favor of the Tokarev cartridge, which was widely used by the Eastern Bloc. Despite its military origin, the CZ 52 has become a collectible firearm due to its distinctive design and historical significance, with the military models typically featuring a parkerized finish or gray oxide coating. Some units were re-blued in the 1970s, and these re-finished pistols are usually marked accordingly.

One of the most notable features of the CZ 52 is its roller-locked short recoil operation, which provides a unique locking system and a rugged, reliable performance. This system, paired with the pistol’s detachable box magazine, allowed the CZ 52 to achieve a relatively high rate of fire for its time, though the recoil from the 7.62×25mm Tokarev round can be quite sharp, exacerbated by the pistol’s high bore axis. The pistol’s ergonomic design includes a long grip, measured from front to rear, which is slim in profile and meets the hand with a low “hump” at the rear of the grip. However, the shape of the grip and the bore axis lead to increased felt recoil, making the CZ 52 a challenging firearm to handle, especially for those unaccustomed to higher-powered ammunition. While the vz. 52 was replaced by the vz. 82 in the 1980s, the CZ 52 remains a fascinating example of Cold War-era firearm design, with its unique combination of Soviet-inspired chambering and Czech ingenuity, securing its place in military and firearms history.

Specifications:

  • Manufacturer: CZ (Ceská Zbrojovka)
  • Model: vz. 52
  • Serial: FK10688
  • Date of Manufacture: 1954
  • Caliber: 7.62×25mm Tokarev
  • Finish: Parkerized
  • Barrel Length: 4 ½" 
  • Optics/Sights: Fixed Post Front with Drift Adjustable U-Notch Rear
  • Stock/Grips: Bakelite Grip Panels with Metal Retaining Band
  • Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
  • Markings: Standard

Images:

Jan 31st 2025 Bryant Ridge

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