CZ Model 27 Pistol

by
posted on May 27, 2010
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
2010527145128-cz-model-27_fs.jpg

Please identify a pistol marked “Pistolle Modell 27 Kal. 7.65 Bohmische Waffen-fabrik A.G. in Prag”. I would like to know about its development and use, how to field strip it, and for what cartridge it is adapted.

Answer: The pistol is a CZ Model 27 cal. 7.65 mm. (.32 ACP) semi-automatic produced by Ceska Zbrojovka , A.S. (Czech Arms Co., Inc.), Prague, Czechoslovakia. German markings (Bohmische Waffenfabrik A.G. is equivalent to Czech Arms Co., Inc.) indicate manufacture when the CZ firm was under German administration shortly before and during World War II. German officers and police used this pistol extensively, and it was brought to this country in large numbers by returning soldiers.

Many Model 27 pistols are marked with a German World War II code (fnh) to denote place of manufacture. These are usually inferior in workmanship and finish to those without the code marking, but are serviceable pistols. Some speciments, produced after World War II for commercial sales, are marked “Ceska Zbrojovka-Narodni Podnik, Strakonice” (Czech Arms Co.—National Enterprise, Strakonice). Strakonice is the city where the CZ pistol plant is located. Administrative offices are in Prague. These commercial guns imported to the U.S. are also marked “Made in Czechoslovakia”. The Model 27 is a blowback-operated pistol with exposed hammer. It has a magazine safety which prevents firing with the magazine removed. The grip on the pistol is almost at a right angle with the barrel, and this is not good for natural pointing. It is a relatively simple and rugged pistol, and compares favorably with other semi-automatics in functioning reliability.

This pistol is adapted to the .32 Automatic cartridge, one of the most popular semi-automatic pocket pistol cartridges in the world and produced in many countries. In most places outside this country itis known as the 7.65 mm Browning. It was introduced about 1900 in Belgium for the early model FN Browning pistol, and made its appearance in this country in 1903 with the Colt pocket pistol.

In most countries this cartridge is considered of adequate power for personal defense. This is particularly true in Europe where it is not only the most popular pocket pistol cartridge, but is also employed in many nations by military services and police. In the U.S. it is considered of inadequate power for personal protection, and the .380 Automatic cartridge is more generally favored for semi-automatic pocket pistols.

Field disassembly of the Model 27 is as follows:

(1) Pull slide to rear until held up by magazine follower. Then depress spring-loaded pin on the right side of receiver, and slide disassembly locking piece on left side of receiver downward.
(2) Remove disassembly locking piece with attached pin from left side.
(3) While holding slide to prevent its springing forward, remove magazine and ease slide forward off receiver. Remove barrel locking piece, recoil spring, and recoil spring guide from barrel.
(4) Rotate barrel bushing until mark on it aligns with mark on slide. Remove barrel bushing from slide.
(5) Pull barrel partly forward so that its lugs align with clearance cut in slide, then rotate barrel a half-turn, and remove from slide.

Assembly is in reverse order.

The CZ Model 27 pistol in good mechanical condition and with unpitted bore is currently bringing about $30 in commercial style, with the roughly finished military models from $5 to $10 less. Parts are obtainable from Christy Gun Works, 875 57th St., Sacramento, Calif. Other possible sources are Shelley Braverman, Athens 1, N.Y., and Numrich Arms Co., West Hurly 1, N.Y.

Latest

springfield armory kuna
springfield armory kuna

Springfield Kuna: A PDW For The Masses

Small, yet fierce, the namesake of Springfield Armory’s latest large-format pistol is a revered forest dweller in the land of its Croatian manufacturing partner, HS Produkt. The new Kuna is poised to be just as welcome in America.

The Armed Citizen® June 30, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Book Review: Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers Of Elisha Collier & Artemas Wheeler

The result of a decade of research, Clockwork Basilisk is a comprehensive, two-volume history of the rare revolvers that preceded the development of the well-known Colt guns of the 1830s.

Preview: 1791 Gunleather Cobra Gun Belt 01

Employing the same rugged and rigid 0.25"-thick American steerhide as 1791 Gunleather’s original Gun Belt 01, the new Cobra Gun Belt 01 offers enhanced ease of use by taking advantage of a high-strength Cobra quick-latch/release buckle.

NRA CEO Hamlin and President Bachenberg Hold First Virtual Townhall

In the interests of transparency, NRA CEO and EVP Doug Hamlin and NRA President Bill Bachenberg held a live Townhall event, where both answered direct questions from NRA members.

Benelli Adds New 28-Gauge Models to Super Black Eagle 3 Line

Benelli initially introduced the 28-ga. chambering to its Super Black Eagle 3 line in 2022, but this year, the company added three new models tailored specifically to hunters.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.