The video focuses on surplus Czech pistols commonly referred to as the CZ-50 and CZ-70, though the correct designation is VZ50 and VZ70, with “VZ” meaning “model.” Both pistols are chambered in .32 ACP, also known as 7.65 Browning. They were manufactured by CZ in the Czech Republic and share a similar overall profile to the Walther PPK. The hosts present them as surplus law enforcement sidearms now entering the civilian market. They note that these compact pistols can appeal to shooters who are recoil averse, have smaller hands, or need a handgun that is easier to conceal than larger, more modern service pistols.
The VZ50 and VZ70 use a direct blowback system in .32 ACP, a cartridge developed by John Moses Browning and historically popular for civilian self-defense and law enforcement from the early 1900s through the 1970s. Each pistol feeds from an eight-round single-stack magazine with a small magazine release. The direct blowback design means there is no mechanical locking system; the slide’s mass and recoil spring tension keep the action closed until the bullet exits the barrel and chamber pressure drops to safe levels. This simplicity reduces the number of internal parts, making the pistols straightforward to disassemble, clean, and maintain. The hosts emphasize that while .32 ACP is not currently a fashionable defensive caliber, it remains soft-shooting, predictable, and enjoyable at the range.
The video highlights how the VZ50 and VZ70 are essentially the same pistol with incremental updates. Because of their parts compatibility, some surplus VZ50s appear with later VZ70 components, such as grips and hammers, used to complete missing or damaged parts. The VZ70 introduces revised slide serrations, a different grip texture, a larger hammer for easier manipulation, and added texturing on the takedown button. The back of the VZ70 grip includes a cutout that allows a more secure and comfortable hold compared to earlier grips. Despite these cosmetic and ergonomic changes, the internal design, .32 ACP chambering, single-stack magazine, and direct blowback operation remain effectively identical between the two models.
The hosts describe both pistols as double/single-action, thin, and compact, with ergonomics reminiscent of a Walther PPK. The single-stack magazines contribute to a slim profile that can help reduce printing when carried concealed. They discuss how these pistols might serve as concealed carry options for shooters sensitive to recoil, those with smaller hands, or those who must conceal a handgun in environments where larger pistols are impractical. At the same time, they acknowledge that modern concealed carry pistols often surpass the VZ50 and VZ70 in capacity and terminal performance. The .32 ACP chambering is portrayed as very soft and predictable, making these pistols suitable for teaching fundamentals, practicing with iron sights, and enjoying relaxed range sessions rather than serving as primary defensive tools for most users.
The pistols feature simple iron sights, with the rear sight dovetailed into the slide and adjustable laterally by drifting, while the front sight is integral to the slide. The top of the slide has textured treatment to cut down on glare, which helps keep the low-profile sights usable in bright conditions on a blued finish. A manual safety is mounted for right-handed use, positioned so the thumb can easily engage it, with up for fire and down for safe. The safety retracts or blocks the firing pin, allowing the hammer to move without striking it when engaged. This design provides an added layer of drop safety while maintaining straightforward operation. The hosts note that the controls feel natural in the hand and that overall ergonomics are comfortable for a compact surplus pistol.
The VZ50 and VZ70 served as law enforcement sidearms for roughly four decades, giving them historical appeal as foreign service pistols now available to collectors and shooters. The hosts mention that .32 ACP, while no longer a mainstream duty caliber, remains available and is still associated with classic “spy gun” imagery. They reference other notable .32 ACP firearms, including the VZ61 Scorpion, a compact select-fire design also known as the Skorpion or “Klob,” and the Beretta Cheetah series in .32 ACP. These comparisons place the VZ50 and VZ70 within a broader family of small, soft-shooting .32 ACP platforms that emphasize controllability and compactness over raw power. The discussion underscores the appeal of these pistols to enthusiasts interested in Cold War-era and European police firearms.
Toward the end, the hosts talk about organizing a surplus pistol shoot-off featuring various classic handguns. They suggest including Makarovs, Chinese surplus pistols favored by one of their colleagues, and potentially a SIG P210, though one host jokingly calls that choice “cheating.” Other possibilities mentioned include a Luger, an FN 1903, and the Star Model 30M. They invite viewers to recommend additional surplus pistols, such as Hungarian FEG designs or South African variants, and to share family or heritage-related firearms they would like to see covered. The segment closes by emphasizing the wide global variety of surplus handguns and encouraging audience input on which models should appear in future surplus-focused content.
Loading...