All befuddled over CCW (CZ97)

Status
Not open for further replies.
W

WheelMan

Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2002
Messages
390
Location
Now proud to say the Mighty MO!
Well I've been trying to figure out what to do for a CCW here in MO.

While I'm 95% sure I'm going to get a CZ PCR I have a few other ideas I'd like to run past everybody, namely:

the PC 97B, anybody conceal one of these? Unfortunately, there's not one to handle around here, but I REALLY like the idea. :) My understanding is that they're larger than a 1911. What with the weather cooling off, I could see maybe justifying getting one now as a "winter" piece and something smaller when the weather warms up next year.

Obviously I could get away with a belt holster or shoulder rig and a coat, but I'd like to at least be able to go IWB untucked shirt, is this possible with this big gun? Smartycarry maybe?

See the thing is if it weren't an issue of concealablability I'd have a CZ97B over any other CZ in a heartbeat, so if I could arrange an acceptable carry solution for it I would probably be happier overall.

-Edited subject to reflect content of post :)
 
The CZ 97 is BIG.
And on the heavy side- 2 and 1/2 lbs.
That's slightly more than a fullsize 1911, plus the CZ97 is a fatty double stack.

That's not to say that you can't carry it. Given a proper holster and belt it wouldn't be impossible. Just don't be surprised if you find that it gets kind of uncomfortable after a few hours.

While the CZ97 is a really nice pistol (I've drooled over them a time or two myself) I don't think that it would make for a very ideal carry gun.

But the thing about concealed carry is experimentation. You have to find what is most comfortable for you.
 
If you do get it for CCW, let us know. The CZ97B is almost too big to get a decent grip on it, for me that is. Nice though. Mike
 
Well now....:rolleyes: as a CZ holster maker...Ill share my .02 $ with you all.

The PCR IMO is one of the best carries of all time....for me. Its small, accurate and dependable. It has all kinds of "tactical" or carry friendly features. It still remains my primary carry...Its on my hip as I type this.

The 97B is another great CCW. All of the past accounts of a good holster/belt combo are the key to this being a good carry.

Ive carried a 97B and IMO, it carries as well as the STI Trojan that was (sniff!) my other primary carry.

Given you had good equipment, holster/belt/cover garment for both.
Id say it comes down to which ever one you shoot the best.

It really is that simple. Hope this helps............

Shoot well
 
PCRCCW,

Could you recommend a good holster/belt for the 97 and what sort of concealment worked for you?

You've been a big help to me before on this issue and I continue to appreciate it.
 
Wheelman,
Well thanks for the good words. As a holster maker...Im prone to say
"WELL MINE OF COURSE!"...but Im also realistic. Choosing the right holster is at times, a very long and frustrating process. I make my products from personal taste, experience and customer feedback.

And I will say...I have very very specific customer needs....alot of my customers are long time CCWs or LEO's who know what they want and simply cant find it. I also have alot of begginners who need help in finding the "best holster for their specific situation".........either way...its all good.

go to my site www.hbeleatherworks.com and go to Custom"

This was made to help people get a grip on what specific features do in regards to holsters. Once you have your criteria chosen for your specific needs...then its alot easier.

If you know the holster style/type you want..given your build, carry posistion, environment, clothing etc picked out.....its really not hard.

In regards to myself carrying a large/heavy gun...I have two favorites.

In cooler/cold climates...I wear/made me :D a Pancake holster with about 10 deg of cant so it matches my natural draw stroke when carrying at 4.00 Oclock. Its a mid rise holster and hides the gun well..with a jacket/coat/longer shirt as a cover.

In warmer weather I wear a Com/Com 2 with a STD FBI cant. Its an IWB setup with wide spaced loops that support a larger gun very very well.
The 15 deg cant allows the grip to tuck in better than than the 10 deg cant does, and allows better concealment with an untucked t shirt.

IWB rigs are a favorite of mine...all year round. With the right carry location according to your build type and a cant that matches that specific carry position (the farther back you wear a gun the more cant is needed to meet the natural movement of the arm when drawing from that position) ...it allows the fast and natural draw you need, adds to concealment and is very comfy.

Check it out and if I can help further..........just email or PM me.

Shoot well and thanks again.
 
The 97B is a big gun. You need a good quality holster and belt (HBE)
to support one.

You can feel the gun on your hip after a few hours, but it IS a 10-shot
.45 with superb accuracy and low recoil.

As for trigger reach, it is a common complaint with the 97B and other
CZs. Hakan's grips are thinner, which allow you to get more of your
hand around the gun.
 

Attachments

  • eric14.jpg
    eric14.jpg
    41.6 KB · Views: 90
Where do you live? Find a gun range that rents pistols and try out several. And ask to see holsters for it, so you can get an idea of what it's like to carry it. I have no experience with a PCR, but if CZ makes it it must be good.

With a good holster and (just as important) a good belt, and an adequate cover garment, you can conceal just about anything, but most folks find it a whole lot more comfortable to carry something in the 20-28 ounce range, such as a Glock 19 or 26, or a snubbie revolver, or a Walther polymer, than a big full size steel gun. I love my 1911, and the shape conceals well, but it weighs about twice as much as my Glock 26, which carries 10 + 1 rounds of 9mm, and will handle the hottest 9mm I can find. I carry the Glock 26 in an inside the waistband holster from Sidearmor, or a thumb snap outside the waistband from Don Hume, or ankle holsters from Alessi or Galco. It's accurate, tough, and reliable.
 
The CZ 97 is only bigger in the grip area, otherwise it's actually a bit shorter in length. It is probably a smidge thicker than a 1911 in the slide/frame area, but not much. The grip frame though, is quite a bit thicker no question. The long DA trigger pull is only a problem if you don't carry cocked and locked, which is one of the attractions of the 97 in my opinion.
They are a pleasure to shoot and mine will eat just about anything.
But, were I to carry a .45ACP pistol, I'd probably carry my SA Champion, which is considerably smaller overall and I'm only giving up two rounds to the CZ. But I love to use my CZ in IDPA.
 
Where are you in Mo? I know most gun stores around the Kansas City area will have one from time to time and Denny's in NKC usually keeps one in stock.

My hands are on the large side so the 97 fits me perfectly. When I'm next in the market for a handgun it's at the top of my list. The new verson of the PRC the P01 is also a great option espeically if you have smaller hands. It's at the top of my list for my 9mm choices.
 
I'm Alternatley in Columbia and south central MO

The only rental place I know of in Columbia doesn't have one (targetmasters). There a supposedly huge store "Pistols Plus" about an hour 45 from here (in Lake Ozark) I think I'll make a pilgramidge there this weekend.
 
The '97 is a great gun. A guy I shoot with has one and it is really cool.
But it is a horse pistol.
 
Wheelman,
The '97 is ideal for car carry and I made sure that the Missouri CCW law allowed car carry with out a permit. How else to carry those big guns, comp'd guns, etc.? ;) Larry
 
You may go to a website based in Columbia, MO: www.learntocarry.com and click on The-New-License-to-Carry-Law. This will bring up HB349, scroll down a page or two to 571.030, subsection 3 and read the bold text which is the only part of the law that changed. It states:

Subdivision (1) of subsection 1 of this section does not apply to any person twenty-one years of age or older transporting a concealable firearm in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, so long as such concealable firearm is otherwise lawfully possessed, .........................................

This exempts car carry from the penalties listed in subdiv(1) of subsec 1 if you are 21 and lawfully own the handgun.

Also on the website is a Q & A on the law which he copied from a letter that I sent to all the Rep's that support the override on HB349 and SB13 (the ban on junk lawsuits again gun manufactures). I did not address the carry carry in the Q&A but this provision will be in effect on October 11th, unless there is a lawsuit filed with a court injunction following. Let me know if you need more info. My website and email, as well as the bill are at:

http://www.house.state.mo.us/bills03/member/mem117.htm
 
If any of you fellow Missourians ever spots a 97B in a shop in the Springfield area I would like to know. I would really like to handle one sometime. I just don't frequent most shops due to the price/attitude.

One think you might consider as an alternative is a polymer 1911 like the Kimber line, or the Bul M-5 if CD ever gets around to bringing them in. I plan to carry a Polymer Pro Carry as an alternative to my Pro Carry HD II at times when I feel I have the space to hide the fat double-stack .45 mags. 14 rounds of .45 is not too shabby, and the Polymer Pro Carry models are very light. They actually weigh less than the HD II, although loaded that might change a bit. My dealer is sitting on one for me while we work out the details of a trade.

GR
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

G
  • Locked
New CZ - CZ-75D PCR vs SP-01 ?
Replies
11
Views
3K
HorseSoldier
H
M
  • Locked
Calling ALL 1911 3 Inch CCW's
Replies
21
Views
1K
bigmike45
bigmike45
S
  • Locked
Calling all CZ owners
2 3
Replies
62
Views
3K
armoredman
armoredman
N
  • Locked
Assistance requested
Replies
5
Views
442
NG VI
N
S
  • Locked
A Ruger CZ?
Replies
12
Views
1K
ozmosis
O
Back
Top