So, after deciding I want to standardize my family with similar arms, expense became a major concern. I know what I want for our rifles, but these little handguns are such a deal right now. I've heard nothing but good; what's your guys'take on them?

I enjoy mine, no problems.

the 82 and the 83 are basically the same gun except one being in 9mm makarov, the other .380. Larger mag than the russian makarov holds, and they are accurate, well built little pistols. Unless you reload i probably would default to the .380, which is a little less than the 9mm mak round, but ammunition availability is better.
If you reload you can get brass, bullets etc, or make your own bullets for the makarov.
Without checking mine, I think just from memory they are around 12rounds. The czechs being czechs just built a better pistol than the russians when they were required to use the 9mm mak. And of course the russians stealing the basic design of the makarov from the germans.

The CZ82 was the military version and the CZ83 the civilian. In addtion to .380 ACP the CZ83 is available in 9mm Mak and .32 ACP.

The only drawback, if there is one, is the pistol is blowback operated - the recoil spring might be stout for some shooters.

I've had mine for six or eight years, carried and shot it a lot during that time. To my mind it is an excellent pistol. As noted, 12 rounds, accurate and has never once failed to function. Look at Buffalo Bore for a serious carry load.

they have a fixed barrel which i think adds to the accuracy.
Neither round to me is objectioable to shoot, but as with all semiauto's pulling back the slide might be hard for some people.
Had a set of grips made overseas for one of them and it is right purty.
Easy to take down, too.

The 9mm Mak ammo available over the net and fairly reasonable. I think about $11.80 delivered in "bulk".

Like any military gun it positively extracts and ejects rounds into the next zip code

Russki HP performs just like solid in water expansion tests. With rounds of this power, I think penetration of accurately delivered multiple rounds is more important than expansion for social interactions.

NOT as small and light as some of the 380s out there, but then it is 13 rounds and all steel.

Recoil spring adjustments may be warranted if you shoot reloadable ammo in the gun.

I'm with you. I actually prefer FMJs even in rounds/guns that let JHPs expand, because they feed more reliably. Personally, I train to shoot until the BG is down, anyway.

Won't be shooting/reloading in the near future. I want to, but funds are gonna be tight for quite a while in all likelihood.

Good stuff.

JOG