CZ Model 27 Pistol

by
posted on May 27, 2010
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

Browning Xbolt Target Max Gotw 5
Browning Xbolt Target Max Gotw 5

Gun Of The Week: Browning X-Bolt Target Max

Watch American Rifleman staff on the range this week to get a close look at an improved X-Bolt rifle from Browning. The Target Max is the latest iteration of the famed X-Bolt action, and it’s designed for long-range work, thanks to its Target Max customizable stock, adjustable trigger, bull barrel and more.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 1, 2023

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

Review: Mag-Na-Port Custom Ruger Blackhawk Convertible

The author found the just-right performance and managed recoil balance he was looking for with this fully customized single-action wheel gun.

XS Sights Sponsors 6th Annual Meals On Wheels Clay Shoot

XS Sights steps up to the plate as a Presenting Sponsor of the 6th Annual Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County Clay Shoot. Money raised is already making a difference and providing a boost to those less fortunate at this critical time.

I Have This Old Gun: Remington 700 BDL

After Winchester came out with its iconic Model 70, Remington Arms had catching up to do in the sporting-rifle market. Eventually, its answer was the Model 700, a gun that became one of the most recognized bolt-action designs of all time.

New For 2024: EAA Girsan MC9 Disruptor

European American Armory's latest addition to its MC9 handgun line is aptly named, as the Disruptor is intended to provide an incredible range of features at a price point below other similar options.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.