Cold War Shootout: S&W Model 12-3 .38 Spl Vs CZ-52 7.62x25mm Tok

[Devonai]

Today I took to the range for the first time my S&W Model 12-3 .38 Special and my CZ-52 7.62x25mm Tokarev.

The Smith had a decent double-action trigger; the light weight didn't seem to slow me down after 50 rounds of 130 gr FMJ.  The single-action mode actually befuddled me, however, as I couldn't seem to figure out the point of aim/point of impact with it.  Oddly, DA mode had me printing just fine in the 8-ring and better.

The comblock pistol was a much better day out, the 85 gr FMJ was a joy to shoot and the weapon ran like a Singer.  Not a bad find for $300 in like-new condition, though it only came with one mag and finding others may prove to be difficult.  9-ring and better was the average for today.

The coins are a Czech 50-crown piece and a 1976 Kennedy half-dollar.

[HeroHog]

Love the 7.62x25 round! Great fireball! Was at an indoor range with my convertible Tok shooting next to a cop. I swapped over from 9mm to 7.62x25 and his head appearead around the partition and he yells over the din, "WTH is that?" LOL!

[Devonai]

The RSO asked me about the CZ. :D

[HeroHog]

I lusted after the .38 Super kit for it but never found one and wound up selling it. I wish I could have kept it but when yer broke and hungry...

Not mine but mine was this exact same make/model/style and came with the 9mm barrel/mag and 7.62x25 setup and there was a .38 Super set available as well but they were hard to find. As an FFL at the time, I paid $99 BRAND NEW from the importer for it!

[Devonai]

I imagine we both have a long list of "I never shoulda sold it" guns. The CZ-52 was one, but it only cost me $300 to fix my mistake.

Upon further research I have a 1954 military issue specimen with all matching numbers. Somebody kept this one in good shape for 61 years. I'm wary of the firing pin issue so I'm probably going to order a Harrison replacement soon.

[K Frame]

I've got a Model 12, and I love it.

I considered buying a CZ 52 because they look so cool and they have a unique operating system.

Then I fired one. No thanks. Maybe one of these days I'll finally pick up a Tokarev to feed my 7.62 monkey.