Older CZ pistols-finally rounded out the collection.

[Pelo801]

Yesterday I started a thread about sub-sets in our collections. This pistol is why. This is a CZ38. Its a DAO 380 acp service pistol from 1939. It rounded out my collection of older CZ pistols.
From top left clockwise, theres a CZ22, CZ24, CZ27, of course the 38, and a nickel plated CZ27.

These 38s are unusual pistols. Only about 41000 made. The takedown is unusual also. The barrel is hinged at the front of the pistol. It tilts forward and the slide comes of the barrel but the barrel stays attached to the frame. They're ugly in a cool, intriguing kind of way. They're big for a 380, especially the grip. Front to back to the grip is huge. Like they were orginally going to chamber them in 7.62x25 and then changed their minds. Like I mentioned they're DAO. I've read a lot of people say the trigger is horrible and ridiculously heavy. It is heavy, but no where near what a P64 is like. Heres a link to some pretty cool history on these if youre interested

http://www.freeexistence.org/vz38.html

And of course heres some more pics

 

[CNobbe]

Very cool!

 

[Eugen]

Very nice collection. Thank you for sharing it with us.

 

[bannockburn]

Pelo801

Very nice CZ sub-set you put together there! The Model 38 is the icing on the cake!

 

[Walt Sherrill]

Your newest additions is a model I've not seen described or discussed before. Very interesting and unique!

 

[Pelo801]

So I got the chance to take the 38 to the range yesterday. It wasnt as tough to shoot as the internet has made it out to be. The grip (really long front to back), didnt make the trigger reach and squeezing leverage difficult. I could stage the DAO trigger, kinda like a DA revolver. I used some Perfecta ammo, some steel cased stuff I had, a whole bunch of reloads, and some HST 99 grainers HP's. The only problems were a few failures to feed with the reloads. These were home cast bullets with a bullet profile that lends to a shorter overall length. I think this gun would benefit from a shallower seating depth and that problem would go away. I was actually surprised the HP's fed. I know a lot of older service pistols were designed around ball ammo and only feed that reliably. It shot well enough as I really got used to that trigger. It wasn't (at least for me) soda can at 15 yds accurate. But it was bowling pin at 25 yds accurate. Go figure! Maybe I just got a couple lucky shots.
Anyways it sure was fun. I really do enjoy shooting these old guns and feeling like I'm adding to their history.

 

[RovinOn]

Very nice collection!
That CZ38 is a very interesting looking handgun.
I do have a new CZ 75 but I also have a 50 and a 70 to keep it company.

 

[gsbuickman]

Nice little collection you got going on there, I like it . A friend of mine is trying to talk me into buying his CZ-52, unfortunately the one and only choice for ammo around here for it is surplus red China ball FMJ shells for $20 a box. Needless to say I keep passing on the silly thing