The CZ 52

The CZ 52, made by Česká Zbrojovka (CZ) is a single action, short recoil, semi-automatic pistol chambered for the 7.62x25mm (Tokarev) cartridge. Used by the Czech military from 1952 until 1982, it has a very strong action which is reliable, with the exception of a rather fragile firing pin. However, this fault can be easily corrected with a replacement from Harrington Products. 

With an overall length of 8.3 inches and a weight of 33.5 ounces, the CZ 52 is a fairly large pistol. Despite a high bore axis that gives it a somewhat ungainly feel and sights that are relatively small, it is accurate and controllable. The 7.62x25mm does not generate a lot of recoil in a pistol of this size but it is loud with significant muzzle blast. While ear protection should always be utilized, it is especially important with cartridges that produce sharp reports. 

The 7.62x25mm is a high velocity, flat shooting cartridge that delivers impressive performance from a pistol. WOLF advertises muzzle velocities of 1641 FPS with an 85 gr. FMJ bullet and 1591 FPS with an 85 gr. JHP. MagSafe once loaded a 52 gr. frangible bullet for this cartridge that delivered 2120 FPS. While small and medium bore FMJ pistol bullets notoriously lack stopping power, the velocity of the 7.62x25mm allows penetration of Level IIA soft body armor and expanding bullets, such as the hollow point offered by WOLF, substantially increase its performance as a defensive cartridge.