The small, pocket-sized CZ 50 also known as CZ Vz.50 was developed during late 1940s. This model was assigned mainly for law enforcement professionals such as police officers, soldiers, security, etc, chambered for the marginally powerful 7.65x17 Browning ammunition. Design was evidently influenced by the Walther PP, although the CZ 50 had some differences in disassembly and safety. In the early 1970s the basic design went through minor face-lift, and the the design became a flagship for new type, known as CZ 70. Many CZ 50 pistols were refurbished to CZ 70 standard version, however with different grip panels, finish, and a slightly different safety lever. After the replacement in service of the older CZ 50 and CZ 70 by more modern CZ 82 pistol, caliber 9mm, most were sold as surplus.
CZ 50 is a compact pistol with completely steel construction, utilizing relatively weak 7.65mm ammunition. It has a fixed barrel and a simple blowback action. This model has fixed sights, double-action trigger, with an exposed hammer and a frame-mounted decocking safety lever. Magazines are single stack and the magazine release button is located on the left side of the frame, relatively high, behind the trigger. At the left side of the frame is also a lever that offers an option of manual safety. To set on safe, pull the lever down, if the hammer was cocked, it will be automatically brought down to rest. If you want to disengage safety, push the lever up, a red dot will appear on the frame.
