CZ SP-01 "Improved manufacturing?"

[GVMan]

I found this on the CZ web site:

The CZ 75 SP-01 is the first full size handgun (4.72” bbl) from CZ to feature the improved manufacturing technology and ergonomics...

I can see the ergonomic differences with the addition of a rail and that they have changed to grip and beaver tail slightly. Are these ergonomics and improvement or should I stick with the original?

Does anyone know what the manufacturing technology improvements are? Would I notice a difference if I purchase an SP-01 with these improvements versus a CZ75 without?

Thanks

 

[1 old 0311]

The 75 is a different weapon than the SP-01. Go to CZ's web site and compare.

 

[atblis]

Yes and No

It is different, but not really.

That's mostly marketing speak. The frame is the only thing that's radically different, more so in shape rather than composition. Functionally, they are the same gun. Same trigger parts, same barrel (OD might be different), same lockup, materials are the same, same finish. Some SP01s come with real night sights, and in general 75Bs do not. Don't assume that an SP01 will have tritium sights.

The operating mechanism is exactly the same, and the parts get no special treatment as far as composition or manufacture. The SP01 is not higher quality.

The magazines are interchangeable, and the 18/19 round SP01 mags simply have a longer body that extends below the grip. No magic there.

Now, all that being said, they are different guns. The SP01 is a heavy, soft shooting piece, with a deep beavertail grip that nestles in the hand nicely. It also has ambi safety, and an extended mag and slide release.

If you want a range blasting piece that will not be concealed carry, the SP01 is hard to beat. The SP01's biggest advantage is that the mass softens recoil. It is a cool piece.

The 75B is nice in that it is still very pleasant to shoot, but is more practical for carry.

I haven't observed a difference in accuracy.

I have both, like both, and would buy both again. Again, they are different, but not really.

 

[beardownwildcat]

i may be nuts, but i had problems comfortably reaching the trigger on the cz75 in DA, which was not the case with my SP-01. BTW, i looove my SP-01, and its what i teach newbies on b/c of the acuracy and recoil.

 

[Shear_stress]

i may be nuts, but i had problems comfortably reaching the trigger on the cz75 in DA, which was not the case with my SP-01

You're not crazy. The SP-01 seems to have the same trigger as a the P-01. It is more deeply curved than that of the CZ-75.

 

[SKM&P9]

atblis, I love the looks of the SP-01, if you don't mind me asking, where did you pick yours up, and what do they go for ? Great looking gun, BTW.

 

[aubie515]

The SP-01 is one large pistol. I bought it for future competition. How can you dislike a 9mm pistol that holds 19 +1 rounds? Compared to my CZ Compact, the SP-01 is huge.

 

[atblis]

I got it

That's a pic from CZUSA's website.

I got mine from Trader Jerry's II in Salem, VA for $430 bucks. It doesn't have Tritium sights though.

 

[wooderson]

Last September, I got a SP-01 Tactical w/ night sights for ~$480 at a gun show. Probably a little high overall, but they were scarce at the time - only two dealers in the entire show and no local stores had them in stock.

 

[briang2ad]

The improvement

is in new automated manufacturing techniques - same deal as the P01. I do think the new P01s are a bit more reliable out of the box...

 

[RNB65]

improved manufacturing technology

I took that to mean that they spent a few bucks and bought a couple new CNC machines to grind the parts for the P01 and SP01. I've learned to take CZ's marketing claims with a grain of salt. I'm still waiting for proof on their claim that the CZ 75 "is used by more Governments, Militaries, Police and Security agencies than any other pistol in the world."

The SP01 is an excellent handgun. It's big, weighs a ton (two tons if you add the optional bayonet) and is a hoot to shoot at the range. My SP01 has a lousy trigger but it's by far the most accurate handgun I've ever owned.

 

[atblis]

Yeah

It very well might be true, but what does that really mean?

They could be including departments that approve it for use, but don't actually use it among other things.

 

[Pecos21]

I seem to recall that CZ 75s had issues with their slide stops. They were only rated at 1500 rounds and some users reported breaks around that mileage.

Has this problem been resolved with the P-01 and SP-01?

Thanks,

 

[atblis]

Yes an No

Yes there does appear to be a slidestop issue, but it is not something inherent in the CZ design and not common. There appear to be two different situations

A) CZ had a bad run of slide stops

B) CZ made some guns that were out of spec in someway causing them to break slide stops. These guns usually break multiple stops in short order. CZ-USA has replaced the guns under warranty in the past.

The whole 1500 rounds things bothers me. I asked CZ-USA, and I also got that response. The thing is, slide stops usually last much much longer. It appears to me that by giving that 1500 round figure, CZ-USA is simply trying to position themselves such that they have an excuse not to fix guns.

EDIT: Finally got in touch with CZ-USA. They're sending me a new spring. I suspect they're just really busy right now.

Their warranty/customer service seems to have slipped recently. Others have expressed dissatisfaction, and I personally have been having a hard time getting them to fix a trigger return spring under warranty on a gun I purchased new and registered the warranty on. I am giving them the benefit of the doubt and assuming that they are expanding and thus a bit disorganized right now. Hopefully this doesn't prove to be a trend because they have a great pistol, but word gets around quick now if your CS sucks. EAA comes to mind. Tanfoglio makes a nice pistol (usually), but EAA has done everything they possibly could to keep people from buying them.

 

[MikeRussell]

I've probably got over 3K rnds through my SP01 (and have probably dry fired it nearly twice that amount). No breakages, no reduction in accuaracy, nothing coming loose that I didn't make come apart...pretty much no weapon related issues with the pistol what-so-ever. Some changes made were lighter recoil spring, as the pistol is designed to be used with +P and NATO ammo, not a plinker...I lightened and smoothed my SA, changed out to a lighter main spring, and removed the FPB, but those were done out of want (for competition) and not out of need.

 

[atblis]

I wonder

I wonder if the gun companies read these forums (if they're smart they would). I called CZ-USA today, and they said they're putting a trigger return spring in the mail. Works for me.

 

[asknight]

MIM?

 

[HorseSoldier]

Steel.

 

[atblis]

MIM

That would be my guess. The frame is some sort of casting or molding.

The funny thing is, all these great "innovations" have really nothing to do with the actual functionality. Glock, SIG, HK, CZ, FN, really don't work any better than a HiPower. They're just much more cost effective to produce.

I am sure they all use casting, and MIM, they just don't call it that.