CZ-85 Slides?

[GunnySkox]

Hi, everybody.

Quick question; is it possible to mount/modify-and-mount other types of CZ slide to work with the CZ-85's frame? IE: Could one take the slide from a PCR or 75 Compact and put it on the 85 frame for the ambidextrous controls?

I'm all nuts about finding a good pistol that's got all the controls on both sides (Righty's tryin' to keep the left man down!) and [futuristically speaking] carrying the shorter barrel'd-and-slid versions would be easier than the fullsize.

~Slam_Fire
Also, before anyone says anything, I fully realize that one can use a right-handed handgun pretty easily by just doing stuff with the left index finger. That's fine and dandy, but not what I'm looking for.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

If the guns are all "B" models, the parts are essentially interchangeable. (I've done it.)

The only differences in the guns are barrel length and grip length.

Fact is, CZ made some versions of the Compact that had the shorter slide on a standard frame.

If the 85 is a "Combat," you may have a problem, as there is extra linkage in the "B" frame that activates a plunger (in the slide) to deactivate the firing pin block, and the Combat doesn't have that plunger.

(I've got a "Combat" and a "Compact", but I'm not sure if that'll be a problem or not, and I'm too lazy to go to the gun safe and check...)

The only problem is that you have to have both guns, as CZ won't sell you a complete slide assembly...

 

[GunnySkox]

What makes the "Combat" 85B any different from the regular one?

~Slam_Fire

 

[Walt Sherrill]

The 85 Combat isn't an 85B. The "Combat" doesn't have the firing pin block -- which is what the "B" indicates: firing pin BLOCK.

The Combat slide doesn't have the the "plunger" that deactivates the firing pin block, and an 85B frame has an extra mechanism in it to push the plunger upward when the trigger is pulled.

The 85 Combat is, in effect, a LATE "pre-B" slide, and uses a firing pin stop (plate) rather than a firing pin retention roll pin to keep the firing pin in place. The firing pins in the 85 Combat are a different length and use a different spring than the B models. Pre-B 85 models come with several different hammers, and the slide has to be compatible with the hammer width.

(I think the 85 Combat has the same dovetail at the rear of the slide as the "B" models, but the area behind the sight has been milled down to allow the adjustable 85 Combat sight to set lower. On the regular 85B, the raised ridge hasn't been milled away. Older pre-B 85s may, like older 75s may have a narrower dovetail; newer ones, including some of the "transitional" models, may be similar to current production guns.)

 

[Calhoun]

The 85 Combat comes with a free-fall magazine brake, and without the firing pin block. For what it's worth, the free-fall brake is easy to replicate by bending in the stock mag-brake. Or by just calling CZ-USA and getting one from them.

Have fun with those CZ's folks.

Calhoun

(Walt, you just beat me!! )

 

[drf]

I'm a lefty also and if your looking for a full ambi gun.
I think you need to look at the H&K P2000....

I have heard rumors on this board about a left handed P-01 in the future but I havent heard anything definite...

Also the mag release on the P-01 can be switched for a lefty....drf

 

[Walt Sherrill]

They introduced an 85 Compact, which is ambidextrous and, unlike the P-01, allows cocked and locked carry. Only a few have hit the US so far, but a couple of members on the CZ Forum have them.

That would be a great gun for a lefty.

 

[Calhoun]

I would love to get my hands on one of the 85 Compacts. Are they ging to bring more into the US in the future?

Calhoun

 

[Walt Sherrill]

Yes -- but it will probably be mid- to late- next year.