"Ask the Rabbi" by R. Mermelstein
QUESTION: Dear Rabbi
Mermelstein:
I am a family man and therefore on a restricted budget. I strongly
believe in the principles of the 2nd Amendment, but find myself on the
fringes of firearm ownership simply because the price of quality
firearms is out of reach (I will not buy a Lorcin, Jennings, Phoenix,
etc). I was recently offered a CZ-52 for $130. However, it is a small
caliber gun (7.62X25) and has the feel of a Walther P-38 (which I don't
care for). The owner claims this round will penetrate soft body armor.
Are criminals becoming so sophisticated that they're wearing kevlar
vests or are the police becoming so abusive that I need to put a bullet
through a badge? The price is right but ... Why should I buy this
weapon or want this caliber?
Thanks for a great website and the sage advice,
Bob Coughlin
27 Oct 1999
ANSWER: Dear Mr. Coughlin,
I am unaware of which rounds will
penetrate body armor, as body armor is available in different grades.
For a person on a budget, figure how much is the most you can spend on
a firearm and then add 20%. With proper care, it will outlast its
owner.
The cartridge you mention has a muzzle velocity of 1390 fps, and muzzle
energy of 365 foot-pounds. This places it on par with the 9mm
Parabellum. It's perfectly adequate for self defense. The CZ-52 is well
known for its reliability.
Sincerely,
R. Mermelstein
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