[liikeaboss]

Thinking of picking up a CZ75 or 85. Let's hear it! Pictures, stories, testimonials. I want it all! Show me what you got THR!

[BCRider]

My first handgun was a CZ SP-01 Shadow. I got it because I knew I wanted to move into IPSC competitions. At this point I've got roughly 10000 rounds through it over two years and it's still shooting like it was new. I like the mass since up here carrying isn't an option so the added mass is only a good thing instead of a blend of good and bad.

Recently I started casting around for a second 9mm for some variety and a lighter gun to use in some local IDPA matches. I help out part time at the local Rent-A-Gun range so having access to a lot of different pistols is not a problem. But nothing really grabbed me except for the STI Trojan and Ranger II in 9mm. Then I ran across an older pre"B" model 75 at a gun swap for a price that I could not pass up. The 75 had some light wear on the finish consistent with a well loved and considerate but well used history. Being able to use the magazines I already had for my Shadow was just too good a point as well. So now I have TWO CZ's and smile a lot. Obviously the guns both handle and point the same and the difference in front weight is only noticable when switching quickly back and forth.

What else can we say? They shoot really well and darn near to match target type accuracy. There's lots of support for both basic servicing and parts availability as well as a good selection of customizing parts. The triggers are tunable to any level of performance you want and they just feel right in a lot of peoples' hands.

The two I have are will not be traded away or sold off until I'm just too far along to enjoy owning and shooting guns any longer.

Here's a couple of pictures of my new "old" 75 with the pancake holster and magazine pouches I made for it. The holster was my first time ever serious leather working project.

Edit, I just noticed that the holster still didn't have the belt slots cut into it yet. It's since been finished and I've worn it around the house with the pistol to "break it in" for shaping. After a lot of other real life workings I'm finally going to get to shoot this combo at the local club's IDPA night this coming week.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/BCRider/Gun%20pictures/IMG_1475-1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/BCRider/Gun%20pictures/IMG_1476.jpg

[liikeaboss]

Absolutely beautiful!!! Good insight as well. Thanks for the post!

[armoredman]

I have/had several CZ pistols, all great shooters, (not counting the CZ100...we won't go there...), no jamming but with my first reloads, good solid sidearms. I have never had an actual CZ75, fired a few, and loved them, but always ended up getting the compact models, P01, PCR, P07, etc.
Go for it!

[glassman]

I've had my compact for five years and like it a lot. Feels great in my hand, reliable as it can be, accurate if I do my part and easily maintained. I'd buy another one for sure. I also got the Kadet conversion in .22lr which has helped me with my marksmanship when shooting in 9mm.

[Guns and more]

Let's hear it!
There's not much to tell. I pull the trigger, it goes bang.
Actually, I have two. A CZ 75 SP-01, and a Rami. Those Czechs know something about machining. Neither has ever had a hiccup, even right out of the box. The slide serrations on the SP-01 are perfect, they grab your hand. It's not a carry gun since it's big and heavy. I think the Rami is too thick for carry, but lots of people do.
For the money, they can't be beat.

[liikeaboss]

I wasn't aware of the kadet conversion either!!! I'm sold. Come monday someone's putting a down payment on this badboy! I went to oogle it again today and they gave me the "You again?" look. I'm sure now it just feels right!

[Sam1911]

The new "Omega" trigger system available in some 75Bs gives you a special "even worse" trigger pull with the exclusive "non-fixability package." LOL!

I'd stick to a standard 75B over the Omega version. The Omegas do come with an upswept beavertail and they are the least expensive 75B with that feature, but the trigger system is completely different from the primary 75B trigger and, as yet, no one offers any fixes to it's inherent awfulness.

[armoredman]

Sam, I have an Omega in my P07, don't think it's any worse or better. OTOH, I carried an Astra A-80 with it's loooong trigger pull and didn't think twice, might mean I like bad triggers, don't know, but don't think so...

[liikeaboss]

hrmmm ... trigger on the Omega felt okay to me ... should I avoid it?!

[The Lone Haranguer]

Writeup of my Compact D PCR (Nov. 2007) (http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=318878) :) I also had a .22 rifle (452 "Training Rifle") that would shoot the whisker off a gnat.

I like the full size model as well (with thinner grips), but would rather have a decocking version (suffix BD). I suspect its weight would wear on me if I were to carry it concealed all day, unlike the light alloy framed PCR.

[ChefKristian]

I have the CZ75 P-07 and the Omega trigger is pretty good in my opinion. Never had I had a problem with th 500 rounds I have put so far. I even used it for my CHL class a couple of weeks ago and it performed REALLY well. I am going to be carrying this gun when the plastic gets here and I completely trust it.

I also have a CZ75 clone, a 1991 .40 Cal EAA Model EA40 Carry Comp made by Tanfoglio (Pre-Witness) in Two Tone finish. The trigger on that is smooth as silk, and it being compensated makes the gun recoil like a .380... I love this gun.

[tekarra]

I have owned eight cZs and all of them have been great.

[ClemY]

I have had one for years. It is a great 9mm. I also have a Kadet .22 conversion for it. The conversion also works very well.

[dusty14u]

My CZ85 Combat is one of my favorites. Here is first range trip, 16 rounds at 15 yds.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa119/dusty14u/shooter/GEDC0021.jpg

New grips- never liked the plastic ones from the factory. Marschal Bros in Hungary made these from zebrawood.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa119/dusty14u/shooter/Grandview2010042.jpg

Comparison in size to a 5" 1911

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa119/dusty14u/shooter/GEDC0016.jpg

A great pistol that shoots as well as guns costing 2-3 more.

[liikeaboss]

Thanks All!!! Keep 'em coming!! Maybe you've customized yours as well? Throw us some pics!!

[ChefKristian]

Here is the pic of the Pre-Witness EA40 Carry Comp

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MrSgNU73WAY/TEPQ6dtr4zI/AAAAAAAAAA8/_2tOGeevO2I/s640/Gun.jpg

[BCRider]

The range I mentioned earlier has a P-07 with the Omega trigger action. It felt like pulling a shovel thru a bucket of rocks when new but it's smoothened up nicely with lots of rounds through it. When I was looking at it as an option I googled for "omega trigger mod" and got a few sites detailing how it can be smoothened and polished up. So there's SOME info about these already out there. But the overall impression was to stick to the B and just use it. Or if it was going to be a range only toy than to remove the trigger block (that's what the "b" stands for) and turn the trigger into the same setup as found in the Shadow. That's right, the Shadow is a match gun and does not come with a trigger block installed. The holes are there but not the parts.

As for the Kadet kit my own thoughts are that I want a separate gun for .22 so I can just flow from one to the other when I'm using the .22 for some anti flinch therapy. If I have to stop and swap out the top ends even if it only takes 45 seconds to a minute the flow is gone and that's what my early days of shooting depended on to get away from my initial flinch issues. And frankly I still enjoy shooting some .22 and then some 9 or .45 and then back to .22. Repeating at need or desire. The idea of swapping top ends during this dance between guns would get old for me very quickly. So I'd suggest just get a .22 that has a grip angle and feel that is somewhere close to the CZ shape and call it good. Besides, the low impact recoil from the .22 hardly preps you for shooting the same speed with the 9mm top end.

Now if you were to consider not sparing the coin and buy a full Kadet pistol along with the 75b or 85 then that would be different. Then you have separate guns and that I could feel good about.

By the way, I sweated over the 75b vs 85 situation as well. But I'm solidly right handed and even the IPSC matches when they call for "weak hand only" allow for all the prep being done right handed. So there was no advantage at all to buying the 85 over the basic 75. YMMV on this count if you are left handed or frequently shoot with someone that is left handed. But if you don't NEED the ambi controls then why pay the big bucks for them?

[ATBackPackin]

I love my SP-01. I think it's too big to carry, but with 37 rounds it makes a great bedside pistol. The trigger was a little gritty new, but I probably have over 1200 rounds through it and it really has smoothed out quite nicely. I think it is very well balanced and it comes with night sights which can be handy. The finish is excellent and I like the rubber grips, you may or may not. At first I did have some FTFeed, but that turned out to be a magazine issue which CZ took care of. Other than that it has gone boom every time I pulled the trigger. It was my first pistol and is still my favorite gun to shoot. This gun feels more comfortable and has the best natural point of aim than any gun I have ever picked up. That is the reason I bought it and I looked at a ton of guns.

If you have any questions about this pistol feel free to ask.

Shawn

[BCRider]

Those rubber grips may not look all that pimpin' but they sure do work well when your hands are sweaty from heat or adrenaline. Mine see a bit of both what with summer heat combined with the stress of the timer going off at my ear. I know it's hardly the same as the sweat that'll occur when something goes bump in the night but the point here is that the rubber rocks for wet hands compared to the plastic or wood options.

[burley]

http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt309/burley_bucket/tinaz.jpg

I like my stainless and PCR with CT laser grips the best. A Kadet will not fit an Omega without mods as far as I know. This may have changed, check it out first. i did my Omega/Kadte fitment mods myself and I like it for .22s the best.

You're lookin' at a P01, PCR and RAMI D up top and the Limited on the bottom. That's Little Sister wondering if she's going to have to run for it.:p

[liikeaboss]

You guys rock!! This is the best gun forum I've found!!

Hey Burley! Is that a Taurus there opposite the Ruger? What kind is it?

[LawofThirds]

It looks like a CZ RAMI or a CZ 40 to me.

[EAJ]

Here's a RAMI and custom shop CZ 75 SP-01 and CZ 75 Compact D PCR.

http://www.fishkind.com/collection/images/cz2075_06.jpg

http://www.fishkind.com/collection/images/cz75sp01_7.jpg

http://www.fishkind.com/collection/images/cz75_13.jpg

[Fredericianer]

You can't go wrong with a Cz! I've got an '85 and I'm very happy with it indeed.

[millertyme]

I don't have the photos of mine handy, but I'm the proud second owner of a 75B with night sights. At first I thought all the CZ talk was hype but when I handled my first one, I was sold. I absolutely love the pistol.

[Ky Larry]

Lets see. I own:

CZ PCR 9mm
CZ 75B .40S&W 2 tone
CZ 83 .380ACP 2 tone
CZ RAMI .40S&W
CZ 75BD 9mm

Every one has been reliable right out of the box except the RAMI. Polished the feed ramp and have had no more problems. The only other thing I have done to any of them is replace the grips on the -75's and PCR with Hogue molded finger groove grips and replaced the recoil springs and mag springs with Wolff springs. They didn't need changing but I do this to all my guns. I got into CZ's when they were still low priced. They sure aren't anymore. My 75 BD is the most accurate 9mm I have ever shot. Enjoy.

[Prion]

These things rival Glock for cult status on THR and I have always had an itch for one. Anyone had bad experiences or dislike them? I won't have any opportunity to shoot one before buying and would appreciate any feedback on why not to buy one. I've read plenty on why I should buy one!

I personally prefer full size metal framed guns in 9 and 45, particularly Sigs. The only polymer remaining in my stable is my USP 45. So the 75 has obvious appeal.

Tell me why not.:scrutiny:

[burley]

http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt309/burley_bucket/rami2.jpg

CZ RAMI D. Alloy frame, decocker

[armoredman]

Those grips look familiar... :)

[Roswell_Kid]

Here's my spankin' new 75 Compact. All steel, manual safety.

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/6866/cz75com.jpg

Why not a CZ like this one?

It is large and heavy for a concealed carry piece, but not excessively so. It pretty much disappears into a Columbia Sportswear cargo shorts pocket for a necessary trip to the scummier sides of downtown San Jose (ugh) or a run to the bank, but I would not want to carry it all day long. My ex-LEO brother is sending me a Comp-Tac Minotaur for it, and says that will make the CZ an all-day companion.

Also on order: Wolff hammer and extractor springs, CZ Custom competition hammer, and just about to go for a set of Hakan grips! :)

[SharpsDressedMan]

Is Hakan still around? I haven't seen much in the way of activity or an active website; I thought he might be ill or retired.

[Lvl21nerd]

My cz-75b is my second most prized possession (right behind my truck)

I will not part with it

it has had only one malfunction in roughly 1000 rounds, and that was likely due to a bad, out of spec or dud, WWB round

its is incredibly accurate, much more so than i am, and when i actually think i am beyond my limits of accuracy, the gun often surprises me

[Roswell_Kid]

Not to sidetrack the thread too much but SharpsDressed, here´s Hakan´s site:

http://www.imageseek.com/hakan/

I got an email back from him last Thursday so yup, he´s still at it.

Liikeaboss, I keep trying to think of reasons not to get a CZ but can only come up with positives. I slanted my comments toward its applicability to concealed carry (for which it is not ideal), but you did not mention that as a purpose in your original post.

So, I guess you should go ahead and get one!

:D

[liikeaboss]

Lol. Yeah I've pretty much already decided to go put the downpayment on it to put it on layaway, talked to the wife and everything's set. Cz75b Here I come!!

[armoredman]

Hakan is still around, he had some grips to give away on CZF last Christmas...will beg for some more for this year...whoops, let one cat out of the bag....

[soloban]

I've got a used CZ-75B made in the Czech Republic in 93 and imported to the US. Bought it about a month or so ago and it shoots on par with my Springfield Armory 1911A1 Loaded. I put a pair of Hogue rubber grips on it yesterday and I like the feel of those better than the stock plastic grips. In SA the CZ-75B has just a hair heavier trigger pull than the 1911. Only thing I had to do to my used CZ-75B was to pop in a new mainspring, touch up the sights with a little white enamel and replace the magazine spring. Now if I can just figure out how to make the importer stamp disappear....

[Philo_Beddoe]

I got two cz 75's, and omega and a SA, both are great.

One thing I will caution however is that they do like to run wet, so keep em lubed.

[burley]

"Those grips look familiar... "

lol, I wouldn't have that RAMI if I hadn't been a lucky winner of your wonderful give away, Armoredman. I won the grips and felt compelled to buy the gun to go with. :)

[liikeaboss]

One thing I will caution however is that they do like to run wet, so keep em lubed.

That's what she said? lol.