This venerable firearm is right out of the pages of a John LeClare novel. It’s a Cold War treasure by way of the Czech Republic. The Vz. 70 or CZ 70 is a double-action, semi-automatic blowback operated pistol. It was an upgrade of the earlier CZ 50 that was designed for Czechoslovakia’s police force by Ceská zbrojovka Uherský Brod (known more commonly as CZ).
The CZ 70 has a decocker mounted to the frame rather than the slide.
History
The Kratochvíl Brothers (Jaroslav and Jan) designed the original pistol and chambered it in .32 ACP. Looks and operation closely mirror the Walther PPK. Like the PPK, the fixed sights are small. Like most other COMBLOC guns of this era, the grips are made of Bakelite. It was first made in 1950 (hence the name) and the CZ 70 debuted in 1970.
Some folks compare it to the CZ 52 in looks. That pistol came out a few years later and was designed by the same brothers but is a completely different firearm. The CZ 70 is a simple blowback design, whereas the CZ 52 is roller-locked and chambered for the more powerful 7.62 Tokarev round.
By the time 1970 rolled around, the old CZ 50 police guns were showing some wear and tear. Rather than adopt a whole new pistol, CZ made some improvements to the CZ 50 and released the new model as the CZ 70. The majority of parts are interchangeable, and both pistols use the same magazines. The base plate of the CZ 70 was given a pinky extension, for Czechs with bigger dick skinners.
The design changes or upgrades include the following:
- A larger recess for the web between thumb and finger on the frame.
- Checkering on the trigger guard was reduced and merged with the frame
- Top of the slide was stippled to reduce the potential for glare.
- Better grip texturing
- Addition of more slide serrations, widening these serrations
- Stamping the serial number directly under the ejection port.
Utility
From a collector’s standpoint, both the CZ 50 and CZ 70 are classified as Curios & Relics and listed as such by the ATF.
As a backup piece, you can do a lot worse. The .32 ACP caliber is often looked down upon as a pipsqueak when compared to 9mm, .38 Special, and .45 ACP, but do not underestimate the power of this round. Again, we’re looking at the sidearm of a Communist police force more concerned with wounding someone escaping a “worker’s paradise”, not designed for taking out a perp on PCP with a chainsaw in his hands.
You probably will not win a target shooting competition with one of these pistols. The trigger is heavy, the caliber is marginal, and the ergonomics leave a bit to be desired. Likewise, their all-steel frame does not make the CZ 70 ideal for modern concealed carry.
The CZ 70 locks open on the last round. There is no slide release but the slide will come home by pulling the slide rearward and letting go on a loaded magazine.
But the CZ 70 and CZ 50 do represent a snapshot in time and a reminder of the Cold War. None of the CZ 50s and very few of the CZ 70s were sold on the commercial or foreign market while they were produced. Thankfully one of our former employers, Century International Arms, bought up the lion’s share of these little pistols and imported them into the US a while back.
This is basically a gun for guys who like guns (or the CZ breed) or Eurotrash handgun collector who needs one of everything.
As a collectible or occasional shooter, you cannot go wrong with one of these CZs.
Where to Find Your CZ 70 Pistol For Sale
Check out our reviews on other Cold War classics:
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