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European Pistol Advice Please

cbxjeff
Dad always told me that you get what you pay for. Looking through SN there are a bunch of imported pistols for $150. and less that I know nothing about. Are any of surprising quality?

Thanks,

cbxjeff<P>It's too late for me, save yourself. <br>
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    It would help immeasurably, if you gave us name/names and descriptions of the specific pistols your interested in?

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  • jonk
    You get what you pay for is generally a good adage... but not in this case. Most surplus european ex military/police pistols are fabulous values. Anything made by CZ, esp the CZ 50, 52, 70, and 75 are more than worth the money. The Makarov line and FEG PA 63, while perhaps not the most ergonomic, are good performers as well. Also Tokarev, anything made by Walther (more pricey), etc. are all great guns.

    "...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf
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  • cbxjeff
    Thanks for the reply guys. Maybe I didn't phrase my question like I should have. There have been at least a half dozen brands advertised each month for the last year or so. Yes, I see CZ, Makarov, and Tokarev anong them. I just don't want to pick an european Raven!

    Again, thanks for the help.

    cbxjeff<P>It's too late for me, save yourself. <br>
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  • p3skyking
    Odd as it may be, the GCA of '68 did stop a lot, if not all Eurojunk from coming to America.

    You will see no zinc (potmetal) in anything imported now. Most of the ex-military weapons give as good a service as any commercial weapon. The Makarov's are an especially reliable weapon.
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  • rufe-snow
    quote:Originally posted by cbxjeff
    Thanks for the reply guys. Maybe I didn't phrase my question like I should have. There have been at least a half dozen brands advertised each month for the last year or so. Yes, I see CZ, Makarov, and Tokarev anong them. I just don't want to pick an european Raven!

    Again, thanks for the help.

    cbxjeff<P>It's too late for me, save yourself. <br>



    My own personal experience has been with the following "Military Issue" pistols, ( not commercial versions brought in after GCA 68 ).

    1), Czech VZ 52, didn't work, broken firing pin, had it welded up and got rid of it.

    2), Various Russian & Chinese Tokarev's, Worked OK, severe muzzle blast and poor accuracy with the East Bloc ammo.

    3), Various East Bloc Makarov's, Worked OK, Well made very sturdy pistol. To big and heavy considering the cartridge it's chambered for.

    If you could get hold of any of the "Original Military" Makarov's or Tokarev's for less then $150 jump on it. I wouldn't buy any of the post 68 commerical versions unless I could test fire them, to assure reliability.

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  • MIKE WISKEY
    recent experience; bulgarian marakov (aim 149.95 w/4 mags, orig. grip) like new shoots well. cz52, 89.95 (w/ 2 mags) missing rear sight, after replacement shoots well, 1895 nagant 80.00, well made no ammo (shoots .32 s&w, but not well)
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  • bigtire
    quote:Originally posted by rufe-snow
    [
    1), Czech VZ 52, didn't work, broken firing pin, had it welded up and got rid of it.

    CZ 52 firing pins do not hold up to dry firing. They are great pistols as long as you don't dry fire them without a snap cap. They can also be easily converted to 9mm with just a barrel change.

    MOLON LABE!
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