[jeff barnes]

A properly functioning CZ82 has a rebounding hammer combined with a hammer block which only lowers when the trigger is pulled. The hammer cannot touch the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled.
Why do you suppose the Czechs designed this pistol to be a double action? Is it your belief that Czechs are some sort of super race who are the only ones capable of safely decocking this pistol? Or, maybe it is your belief that Czech ammo quality is so poor that they designed a second strike capability in this pistol, never intending the double action to be used at all. Why is there a spur on the hammer at all?
I am quite familiar with single action handguns, having used and carried the Browning HiPower for a couple decades (and having safely decocked it sans hammer blocking safety or rebounding hammer, without incident). I am very comfortable with cocked and locked carry, which is certainly an option with the CZ82. But, with the smooth double action of the CZ82, I am happy to decock it and carry it in that mode.
If you are physically or mentally incapable of safely decocking the CZ, or simply uncomfortable doing so, by all means, don't.

 

[Porter Rockwell]

It is utterly absurd to say that lowering the hammer on a chamber loaded CZ82 is "unsafe".

Sorry, I didn't mean to be offensive, but I consider the above to be a trifle overconfident and not beneficial to the inexperienced. Certainly a skilled operator can safely decock without incident, but whenever the trigger is pulled there's an increased risk of negligent discharge. The decocker on a modern pistol, such as a SIG P220 or a CZ 75 D, is provided for the very purpose of mitigating this risk.

 

[jeff barnes]

I also don't mean to be offensive...But, to encourage someone who is unable to safely decock a CZ82 to practice cocked and locked carry is also irresponsible.
Even with pistols that have decocking mechanisms, I trip the hammer with the lever, and lower the hammer with my thumb.
Decocking mechanism or not, the muzzle should always be pointed in a safe direction.
I had the advantage of a WWII veteran Father who taught me basic gun safety and how to decock the 1911 he brought home from the war.
Those who have not had that advantage should get some training.

 

[metalreptile]

Regardless of the safety features of ANY firearm, accidents happen. Lowering the hammer on a live round by pulling the trigger while riding the hammer down simply increases the chance for that accident to happen. Safety systems do not matter here. Even if you release the trigger ASAP, there is still a brief moment that your thumb could slip and the weapon could fire. For a 1911, I carry cocked & locked. That in itself has safety concerns of course. I have dropped tha hammer on live rounds to decock many times before as well. Never a problem. But I stopped doing that many years ago. I do feel it is an unsafe procedure, no matter who you are. Accidents happen, don't give them extra chances. Lastly, I know I will get reamed for saying this, but for a carry gun for defense purposes, I will carry a Glock, 1911, SIG, HK, etc......not a CZ82. Great little guns, but I consider my CZ52 and 82 to be nothing more than "fun guns". Either is of course more than adequate for self defense, I just want something a step up from a surplus CZ. Wanna carry a CZ......get a CZ75!

 

[jeff barnes]

None of my firearms are "fun" guns, even the collector items are considered as some part of my SD line-up.
The CZ82, however, is a straight self defense weapon. The fact that it is surplus really should not matter, since practically the exact same weapon is still for sale. The 9mm mak round is capable, and the CZ82 is a pistol that fits the hand well, is accurate and reliable, is a safe design, and holds 12 rounds. It is compact and makes a good CCW pistol.
Everyone can make their own choice, but I will continue to safely decock my CZ82 and carry it chamber loaded and use the DA trigger for the first shot.
My CZ82 is part of my SD rotation, which may be one of several different pistols, mostly DA, but including the Browning HiPower.

 

[toivo]

Even if you release the trigger ASAP, there is still a brief moment that your thumb could slip and the weapon could fire.

That's why you put your OTHER thumb in front of the hammer as it comes down, and don't remove it until the trigger has come forward. If the thumb lowering the hammer slips, the hammer will fall on your other thumb and the gun will not fire. That's the way I was taught to do it in the NRA handgun safety class.

There is always an element of risk in handling firearms. I believe the above procedure minimizes risk to an acceptable level, with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction of course.

 

[metalreptile]

While I totally agree that the CZ82 is a straight self defense weapon, mine will never be my primary self defense carry piece. I bought both of the CZ's as shooters of paper targets, and a bit of interesting firearms history. Excellent pistols, well made, and of course could be called on as a self defense weapon anytime. Not saying I would be "under gunned" with either. Far from it. I just prefer my Glock, SIG, HK, Colt, S&W, etc. Both of my CZ pistols required some kind of repair (springs in both) before they worked correctly. I see many problems asked about here in this forum. Of course any mechanical device can break or malfunction. Where both of my CZ's have failed me as even a "fun gun", my Glock has never hiccuped, sneezed, coughed, or burped....not even once. Same for my SIG. And most others. I will not carry a weapon for defense unless I have personally fired 4-500 rounds through it without a hitch. To each his own of course. The CZ's are great handguns, no doubt. But there are better choices for betting my life on.