YouTube personality, Graham Baates, gives us a video breakdown and review of the CZ Vz 50 from Century Arms.
U.S.A. – -(Ammoland.com)- My first firearm was a 1943 Izhevsk Mosin Nagant imported by Century Arms. I still have that old rifle and have Century Arms to blame for the affliction that now has me holding a 1962 CZ Vz 50. The TP9 series and introduction of 100% American-made AKs have grabbed Century Arms headlines lately, but they’re still dealing in the world of surplus firearms.
Why bother with a surplus firearm?
Pick a reason. They’re inexpensive, have historical value, are fun to shoot, and help you appreciate the evolution of firearm design. The Vz 50 from CZ is no exception. Lore has it that after World War II the Czech’s wanted a modern service pistol. The Vz 50 is a Blend of design cues from Walther and Makarov. Chambered in Browning’s .32 ACP (also known as 7.65 Browning), 8+1 capacity, safety and decocker, SA/DA trigger, and a loaded chamber indicator. Despite being decades old the features are actually quite modern. Some might say they rival the hot single-stacks of today.
Take a closer look at the CZ Vz 50 from Century Arms video below
Today’s trends say that .32 ACP is not sufficient for self-defense. Ballistics are not the most impressive, but I’m no volunteering to be shot with it. There are modern defensive loads for the gun. One was tested and the old CZ ran just fine it. In fact, I had zero malfunctions at all with the Vz. 50. What really impressed me was the accuracy that those tiny sights provided.
Watch the shooting impressions video below to see for yourself
Of course, as with any surplus gun prices tend to start low when first imported and then increase as popularity rises and supplies dwindle. Does anyone else remember $75 Mosin Nagants? Trying finding that today. If you’re looking to find a surplus piece for yourself take a look at Century’s Surplus Corner. I’m not advocating the purchase of surplus guns as an investment, but the evidence does support.
I found the Vz 50 to be an interesting glimpse into the past.
Today I enjoy it on the range, find it an excellent gun to learn with or for those sensitive to recoil. The sights are tiny, but as a pocket gun that doesn’t matter, on the range it really forces one to focus. Would I carry the Vz 50? No, but would I use it instead of a pointy stick? Yes. Browning developed the cartridge in 1899 for blow-back operation and it became very popular. In just the first ten years of .32 ACP Fabrique National is reported to have made more than 500,000 pistols chambered for it. Technology has changed a bit and we obviously have more powerful options today. To enjoy history today Fiocchi, PPU, Hornady, and others still load the round so ammunition is available.
Be it historical values, family history, brand fandom, or maybe just something affordable, the Century Arms Surplus Corner helps us remember and experience a bit of history. If you’re tired of the uber-tactical modern pieces, try an original. Selections on the Surplus Corner page of Century Arms rotate frequently. If you see something you like be aware that it might be the only one they have.
Try not to be disappointed if it’s there today and not tomorrow.
About Graham Baates 
“Graham Baates” is a pen name used by a 15-year active Army veteran who spent most of his time in the tactical side of the Intelligence community including tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Post-Army Graham spent some time in the 3-Gun circuit before becoming a full-time NRA Certified defensive handgun instructor and now works as an industry writer while curating a YouTube channel on the side. Visit Graham on Youtube .