Tell Me About CZ Handguns

[Walt Sherrill]

While the original CZ75 had a grip frame and trigger design that was a bit of a stretch if you had small hands/short fingers, the compact P-01 is perfectly downsized in comparison.

I'm pretty sure that you'll find that the P-01 is not downsized in ways that affect the grip size or trigger reach: slide length and grip length are the main changes, both shorter. The shortened grip still accomodates the full-size gun's mags, so grip diameter hasn't really changed.

What accounts for the difference? The trigger has a different shape (which, when first introduced in the PCR, the early CZ nuts called it the "recurved trigger"), and like the other CZ decocker models, it starts from the half-cock. Those two subtle changes account for the better trigger accessibility for those with small hands or short fingers. Those same features could be incorporated into a full-size CZ. Cajun Gun Works has a trigger kit that shortens the trigger pull even farther... The P-01 has a number of modification that make it differ from the PCR, some of which are improvements, some of which can simply be called changes. I do prefer the extended beavertail, which is found on many of the newer models (including the SA versions and the Stainless models.)

 

[Cardboard_killer]

My P-01 has been flawless. Here's an old picture; since that time, I've had the slide hard chromed.

 

[blahpony]

What holster is that?

I bought it at a show. It is a Master's Holster for a SA XD-4" model. The back of the bag has holsterama.com on it. I also bought the pistol at the show, so I was lucky enough to have a chance to test fit it before buying.

 

[viking499]

Cardboard, I would like to see a new pic with the hard chrome. Sounds interesting........

 

[TennJed]

Cardboard, I would like to see a new pic with the hard chrome. Sounds interesting........

Me too

 

[dalv]

All rightee then! Some great pics and posts - much appreciated. Sounds like I can't go wrong with any of them.

Re: Triggers - I do like to tinker a little and per the conversation on the stock triggers, are there upgrades out there if I decide to want to smooth it out? Currently, I am waiting on a Ghost trigger for the Glock 36 - stock trigger is not horrible but I read good things about doing the drop in upgrade.

While many nice pics - gotta say Cardboard the grips are awesome. Would like to know more on where you got them.

Full Disclosure: I'm sitting here Thanksgiving Day morning waiting on (2) CZ's....
1) Gunbroker shipped a 452 LH 17HMR yesterday to my LGS - 4/5 day delivery
2) Same LGS has a 12ga SxS CZ Bobwhite on layaway while he sells a .41 Derringer on consignment for me.

Some might think I'm addicted.

I really like the P01 but prefer .40 over the 9mm so I think that would be a P06 - CZ site says mag is 14 rds - nfg in NYS. Thompson mentioned 10 rds are available for 75 series - could I get the 10 rd for the P06? Or, is there a compact .40 model that has one?

Thanks again for all the suggestions - keep them coming.

Might have to dig thru the safe queens to fund the pistol!

 

[Cardboard_killer]

Here it is, a matte chrome. I actually liked the black better, but the coating got a gouge in it. In some ways the coating CZ uses is more durable than most, but it is prone to being cut open. It also cannot be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner. The chrome is much more durable and easier to clean. The aluminum lower could have been chromed (after first nickle plating it), but I didn't see the point, except to avoid a two tone finish.

 

[Cardboard_killer]

Re: Triggers - I do like to tinker a little and per the conversation on the stock triggers, are there upgrades out there if I decide to want to smooth it out?

There are videos out there. My takeaway when buying the CZ was that the decocker versions can be very difficult to work on, and the trigger on those versions can never really reach the precision of the safetied versions. I've owned a SA CZ75 and the trigger was impressive, but for a duty gun, my P01 is fine, and I prefer a no-safety gun for carrying.

I'd like to buy a stock 75 and try out working on the trigger, but only so many projects with the time I have.

Edit: the SA 75 I owned had the trigger block removed, so was unsafe to carry, but made the trigger that much better. Removing the trigger block is a service option at the CZ Custom shop, when they do a trigger job.

 

[Cardboard_killer]

Would like to know more on where you got them.

http://www.marschalgrips.com/?content=CZ-models

I contacted Marschal about some aboyna burl grips, thin. He had some scraps he was able to use; cost was crazy cheap IMO, something like $60 shipped from Europe. That was a few years ago now.

 

[Walkalong]

Re: Triggers - I do like to tinker a little and per the conversation on the stock triggers, are there upgrades out there if I decide to want to smooth it out?

I put a competition hammer in my CZ 97 and it went from nice to wow. Not for anyone without mechanical experience working with small parts and tolerances.

Cajun Gun Works has kits for CZs or can do the work for you.

 

[armoredman]

Never had to change a thing on any CZ pistol I own or have owned. I was accused of getting a trigger job on my P-01, and that came from a gunsmith. Said nope, that's just broken in.

CZ makes outstanding sidearms, ones that I depend on every day.

 

[brutus51]

Love both of mine, 85 Combat is for target shooting PCR for SD. 100% reliable and as accurate as any 9MM I've tried. Only complaint is the trigger as it comes out of the box, been thinking about sending them off to the CZ custom shop but it kind of irritates me to invest $200 in something I think should be better from the factory.
I really have the hots for a 20 gauge Ringneck with 26" barrels and would love some feed back regarding them.

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[Walt Sherrill]

Only complaint is the trigger as it comes out of the box, been thinking about sending them off to the CZ custom shop but it kind of irritates me to invest $200 in something I think should be better from the factory.

It is irritating, particularly when you find that the Witness guns generally have much better triggers, out of the box. That said, you can sometimes do the trigger work yourself, if you're mechanically inclined -- and the CZ Forum has good how-to instructions (with photos), if you want to try it. (It's a bit harder on the decocker models...) Check the FAQ area. http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php

You can also check out the trigger kits from Cajun Gun Works, which -- when coupled with a different hammer - are pretty impressive.

My complaint isn't just paying for having to do trigger work -- which is ugly -- but also having to pay the costs of SHIPPING the gun to have the work done!!

Buying directly from the CZ Custom Shop with the work done before it's shipped to your FFL is a good alternative.

For most problems (except a crisp SA hammer drop with no camming), a LOT of dry-firing (with snap cap on the older models) will do the job.

 

[brutus51]

I concur Mr. Sherrill but I can't really complain, I knew going in that I wasn't purchasing target grade pistols and both are more than adequate for "minute of bad guy". Still since my primary shooting endeavor is target shooting I'm torn between learning to shoot them as they are or paying for the custom work. As is, they out perform any other 9 I have owned which include a Berretta and a BHP. Guess I'm just spoiled by years of shooting 1911's and old Colt, Smith & wesson revolver's. Given the difference in price, $200 bucks added to the cost of a CZ still makes it a bargain in my book.

 

[billybob44]

Beware of three CZ models.

97b converted to SAO and smithed.

75b polished stainless.

P01.

Hold and fire any of these and your wallet will get much lighter.

I KNOW you are right on #2+#3..I have both of those..Bill.

 

[viking499]

Cardboard, very nice looking setup. Like the two tone. Might keep that in mind for my PCR or P01 if it needs a little "help" someday. I also like the Marschel grips. I have a set, but have not used them in about a year or so since I put VZ's on. My wife has better control of the gun with the VZ's.

 

[celem]

If interested in the CZ75 also look at the Tanfoglio Witness line. They are well made Italian clones of the CZ75. I have one and love it.

 

[chicharrones]

Here are a few pics of my recently traded CZ 75B Compact. It was a good looking gun. I had it Cerakoted burnt bronze, hyena brown VZ Frag grips, and Meprolight night sights on it.

Very nice. I didn't know that VZ finally made the frag grips for the CZ Compacts. Dang, I might have to ditch the compact wood grips now.

 

[clance]

The top one is CZ 75 D PCR in 9mm. It has a alloy frame, steel slide and is easy to carry. The bottom one is a CZ 75 BD Police all steel in 9mm.

Just recently my son in law talk me out of the PCR, it was he that inform me of the PCR and it's meets or exceeds NATO specs. The BD I've found not that difficult to carry conceal even though I'm 5'10" and 190lbs. While not as easy to carry I have comfort in being reminded that it's always at my sided when I carry it.

The only thing that I don't like about the PCR is that it come from the factory with "rubber" grips. Only someone that hasn't carry before would but rubber grips on a conceal pistol...

 

[chicharrones]

The only thing that I don't like about the PCR is that it come from the factory with "rubber" grips. Only someone that hasn't carry before would but rubber grips on a conceal pistol...

Luckily, we can change those out.

 

[viking499]

Yes we can.....

 

[chicharrones]

Yes we can.....

. . .

 

[viking499]

Stupid ipad pics........:banghead:

 

[5-SHOTS]

If you like .45ACP the only CZ in this caliber is the 97B o 97BD with decocker.
CZ shows its best in 9mm with a bunch of different models to choose. In my family there are actually two CZ: a 75B Stainless (with the brushed finish) and a P-01. Both are excellent handguns and I can't recommend one over the other.
However, starting from scratch I'd purchase a 75BD Police 9mm with the .22L.R. Kadet kit.

If interested in the CZ75 also look at the Tanfoglio Witness line. They are well made Italian clones of the CZ75. I have one and love it.

Good suggestion. Tanfoglio makes all the models in 9mm, .40S&W, .45ACP, 10mm Auto and probably .38 Super Auto. They are hi quality pistols very popular in IDPA and IPSC competitions.

 

[larryh1108]

The PCR has some nice wood grips out there.
It's also the most accurate (in my hands) 9mm out there which includes a BHP and 9mm 1911.
Not a single complaint on this little gem.