CZ-75 owners - do you know what you're talking about?

[3 gun]

The CZ75 has it pretty well covered as far as 9mm pistols go. You can find pistols that will hold more ammo but not with as slim a grip. You'll find ones that fire smaller groups at the cost of being ammo sensitive or less reliable. You will find better fit and finish at a much higher cost. As a package the 75 covers the middle ground very well.

If you want a display piece you might want to look at something else. If you want a bullseye pistol keep looking. If you want a CCW piece to show off how much money you can spend you'll want to pass on the CZ.

If you want a well made, rugged, reliable, easy to maintain, high cap, USPSA/IDPA/self defense ready pistol that won't break the bank the CZ75 should be very high on your list.

 

[goon]

I've had a couple Glocks, a couple 1911's (springfield and kimber), a couple SIG's, a couple CZ's, and a Browing HP. I currently have a Ruger P-95.
If I had to rate those, it would be as follows

SIG
CZ or Browing HP
Glock
Ruger
1911's

These are rated just on my own experience so don't take any of this personally. Overall, CZ's are great pistols and even better when you consider the price tag.

 

[col_tapiocca]

I own / used to have follow semi-autos:
-Glock 17
-Walther P22
-Sig P225 & P226
-1911 (Colt Serie 70')
-Sphinx AT-2000S = Swiss clone of CZ75

Basically the Sphinx AT-2000S is a almost exactly copy of CZ75 with few minor modifications.
Is it available in the USA? If yes, I'll recommend you to take a closer look at it!
It's a 9mm with extem good finish and workmanship. But quite pricy.

 

[SDDL-UP]

Marshall,

This is not meant to be a ra-ra thread, and that goes for everyone telling us "they are fine guns" too. I want context!

Everyone has a valid opinion.

Some people here understand and are posting that their opinion is not based on ownership of one or two guns, but with many, that's what I'm most interested in.

The best posts in this thread are from those that have let us know they have a lot of experience with many handguns, like armoredman, ClickClickD'oh, bigmike45, and others. I'm giving more weight to the opinions with context. Providing a picture that show accuracy provides context, telling us the safety is too small (and why) provides context, you telling us it doesn't fit you doesn't mean as much unless you tell us what fits you better. Same with the sights - I'm simply asking for context.

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Let's make sure that as the discussion and information with "context" continues that we stay on THR and not get sidetracked into name-calling or other silly actions.

Thanks in advance.

Best.

 

[GaryArkansas]

Two CZs, Bersa, Smith & Wesson, Taurus, Hi-Point, Ruger

I'm familiar with and have fired numerous Colt 45 ACPs, Beretta, Kimber, STI, and Springfield XD.

On an overall basis, when it comes to reliability, functionality and accuracy, yeah, so far, CZ is the best. Some match grade custom jobs may be more accurate, but they might have reliability issues, or may be finicky with ammo, etc.

Kimber and others may have CZ beat on the quality of finish or polishing of unseen machined parts, they do not exceed the CZ when it comes to the defining characteristics of a defensive firearm.

CZ's will consistently digest the cheapest Russian ammo, lead bullets - just about anything. It will do so accurately, round after round.

 

[Juna]

Well, let's see... A few of the handgun brands I've fired (but not necessarily owned) off the top of my head...

Glock
SigSauer
Beretta
Ruger
Kel-Tec
Smith & Wesson
Kimber
Para-Ordnance
Springfield
Desert Eagle

There are others I'm forgetting at the moment...

I can honestly say that I prefer the CZ 75 series (including full size, compact, and RAMI) to any brand of gun mentioned above for several reasons--accuracy, ergonomics, reliability, looks, options, etc. The next closest for me would be the XD or a good 1911.

I've actually gone to the range and done side-by-side, head-to-head comparisons with different versions of CZ 75s and the other guns mentioned above, and the CZ wins every time for me.

Granted, I've never fired any CZ pistols other than the 75 series (CZ 75B/75BD/SP-01, CZ 75 Compact/PCR/P-01, and CZ 2075 RAMI/RAMI-P). I have no experience with the CZ 97B or any other CZ handguns (e.g. CZ 100). Also, I think I've only fired the 9mm versions of the 75 series.

Nothing has the ergonomics or accuracy of the CZ, IMO. I truthully don't find their triggers to be bad at all, especially in SA. I just can't get enough of CZs! I have a serious addiction! In fact, all this talk of CZs--and especially the pictures--makes me want to buy another one!!!

 

[Trebor]

The guns I've owned or currently own include:

CZ 75
FN High Power
Sig 239
HK P7M8 and PSP
Glock 19
STI Spartan 1911
Makarov
various S&W revolvers.

The CZ-75 is still my "go to" gun as it's the gun I shoot the best and gives the most consistent performance. The Sig has been just as reliable, but I don't shoot it as well, and the Glock *might* be a contender when I get more used to it.

The FN HP and the Sig are pretty much tied as my second choice for best performing semi-auto for me.

My carry gun is the S&W Model 65 due to the combo of bulk, weight, ease of use, and effectiveness. It's really in a different category then the CZ though.

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

It depends on what you mean by "better." The CZ is an excellent gun built to a very high standard, but so are a lot of other brands. What might be better for you might not be better for someone else.

 

[robctwo]

I own a number of different hand guns, and have sold a few. One of my first was the CZ75BD, and I put the Kadet Kit with it right away. I have the CZP01 as my go everywhere sidearm. I have a 97B and a Standard IPSC.

Are the CZs "better" than my Sigs and high end 1911s? No.

They are great guns and have been exceptional values. Especially the 75BD for around $390!

I try to not be too critical of anyone on this board, whether they have a few or many posts. That is the high road.

 

[Golddog]

I've owned various 1911's, a very fine BHP, some underrated Stars, a half-dozen S&W autos, a Ruger P89, and an HK P7 PSP, and I've shot many Berettas, Walthers, Glocks, Tauruses, a couple of Sigs, and a bunch of Euro cheapos (Maks, Toks, etc.).

I now own none of the above, and I just bought my seventh CZ. The CZ's have all stayed around, because of their ergonomics, SA triggers, good looks, reliability, and fun factor. No other semi combines all their assets, at least for me.

By the way, the Ruger and the Smiths had practically no virtues, other than the fact that they actually went bang - ill-handling, with awful triggers. Smith revolvers are exquisite, and I've owned or shot hundreds, but among their centerfire autos only their various SA models were pleasant and useful as shooters.

 

[Bilt4Comfort]

I have had nothing but feeding problems with 2 of my CZs.
The 75B eats whatever I put in it without a hiccup so far.
The Rami 9mm and the 97B are feeding nightmares. The 97 was only having problems with different jhp at first, but at the range yesterday, was jamming up with WWB fmj. I clean my guns after every range trip. I'm not sure what the deal is, maybe I just need to polish the ramp up a bit...but don't trust myself with a dremel. Really frustrating.

The underlaying machine work is sloppy and rough compared to any other semi's that I have owned. If this ever improves...the prices will increase I'm sure.

They point and shoot accurately better than any semi I have owned and the 75 really feels good in my hand.

If I can get the other 2 to feed properly, I'll be pretty happy, despite the machine work.

 

[[email protected]]

I`ve just gotten my CZ 75 B this week and it is magical. Yep, that`s the word, magical. It`s an extension of my hand, low recoil, deadly accurate. I literally blew the bullseye out of the target at 20 yards with it yesterday.

I haven`t had it long enough to make any more comments about it like durability etc.etc. but from the research I`ve done I`d say all of these things will be covered.

I currently have only 3 different handguns and they`re all .40 S@W. Here`s my sweethearts.

 

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

I've owned a PCR for about 3 years now. I don't shoot it as much as I like, but that's my problem. I bought it because I *like* CZ's. SAC will disagree with me, but I consider the CZ action to be an evolved design of the BHP in large measure. Do I think it's as good as my BHP? No, but with qualifications- I think the Browning can have a better trigger than the CZ, whereas I think my PCR has a trigger very similar to my P229; granted, I like my SIG and I carry it daily and have no problem with any aspect of it. Did my CZ cost what the SIG (or BHP) did? No. Do I like my Taurus better than my CZ? Absolutely not, but I'm not throwing the Taurii out, either.

One of the most spectacular CZ's I've ever beheld was a 'pre-B' made when they were a rare commodity in the States in the early 1980's. I should have bought it, as the finish was as magnificent as any blued BHP I'd ever seen. I've never seen its equal from CZ since in terms of of finish quality. My PCR has no rough toolmarks in it, yet has the polycoat finish that doesn't inspire sonnets. It also is every bit as accurate as my P225, which does have tool marks in the slide and has a Nitron finish which is equally as tough yet uninspiring.

Between SIG, Browning, and CZ I think there's not a gnat spit worth of difference when comparing the premium lines on 9mm pistols. I'm going to be subjective and say that I love each and every BHP I've ever had, I really like my SIGs a lot, and I'm really pleased I bought the PCR that I did and when I did.

I think it's a better pistol than my 1960's vintage Mauser HsC and that '42 vintage P38, but then they're solidly built pistols, too. They just have negatives that outweigh the positives of the CZ, like the rough machining and finish on the P38 and the damnable DA trigger pull on the Mauser.

One can make a case for anything. It's like asking if you like your hot blonde model ex-wife better than your current brunette wife. You're going to have to justify your answer to somebody at some point, but nobody is going to be entirely happy with it.

I think if you want a CZ, then get the damned thing. That's what I did and not one of my other handguns is jealous of it.

Regards,
Rabbit.

 

[[email protected]]

Benched and viced today at 21 feet. Ruger P94//3 shots,1.7 inches----Glock 22//3 shots 3/4", CZ 75 B 3 shots// 9/16", all in .40 S@W.

Sig .357// 3 shots,1 1/2", Beretta 9mm 3 shots// 7/8"

 

[Sonny74]

Here are the guns that I've own. List in order of favorite.

S&W M&P 40 - most favorite
1911 (S&W)
Beretta 92FS Vertec
Sig 226
Springfield XD
Sig Pro 2009
CZ 75b
CZ P01
Ruger P95 - least favorite.

 

[AndyC]

Having grown up in South Africa, the CZ75 was immediately popular there ever since they were first imported around 1976 - my dad bought one of the first. I still remember reading the imported US gun-magazines where the writers were moaning that they couldn't import one for themselves for whatever legal reason.

As for his son - moi, naturellement - I have owned 3 (or maybe 4, I misremember) 75's (bought my first around 1981 or so), one of which was a Tanfoglio clone in the late 80's. That one stood out for me because I remember my gunsmith swearing at the hardness of the steel when drilling the front sight for a tritium capsule

I started competing in IPSC matches with CZs, first informally then in more formal matches - cocked and locked, of course, never used the DA pull. I've mentioned this before, but I easily put over 120,000 rounds through one, calculated from my weekly use (never less than 500 rounds per week) - I replaced the barrel when it miked-out at .360"; never replaced a recoil-spring, either.

Although I prefer the 1911 platform, I've carried CZs on security details guarding foreign royalty (because that's what the rest of the team carried) and I had absolutely no hesitation in doing so - I trusted in my CZ that much.

Only problem I ever had was a front-sight flying off - the earlier models had the sight staked-in, which was corrected a long time ago.

 

[tekarra]

Have owned and shot Llama Omnis, cZ75s, BHPs, S&W 4506, S&W 39??, 1911s, Ruger P93, 94 and a couple of cZ 75 clones. The cZ 75s just feel right and shoot well for me, and I have never had a problem with them. The Omni 45 was also a favorite until the frame cracked. That is the only major problem I have ever had with a semiauto.

 

[browningguy]

I don't think so.

They are decent guns for people that like the DA pull and don't want to carry cocked and locked, but they surely aren't better than the BHP's, 1911's, Sigs, HK's, Tanfoglio's etc. I currently only have one CZ, a 75B Anniversary model that I carry for my barbeque gun (that's when we get all gussied up in Texas).

 

[jmr40]

I went through the CZ-75 stage a few years ago and have owned 3 at various times. They were good guns, but no better than anything else I owned. I decided I had too many types of magazines to keep up with so the CZ's were sold. I must be an odd ball because they did not fit my hand nearly as well as other guns.

 

[lastresort777]

surely aren't better than the BHP's, 1911's, Sigs, HK's, Tanfoglio's etc

In my opinion the CZ`s are as good if not better than your list. 1911???? I`ve seen so many posts and comments stating "1911" ??? Which model? The original Colt or the hundreds of clone 1911`s out there????

 

[Glockorama]

I've owned (and own) a lot of guns, but the CZ-75 is my all-time favorite. 100% reliable, laser accurate, and an ergonomic dream. It is my ultimate SHTF sidearm.

 

[Blue .45]

After a three day waiting period, I brought my new CZ75B home today. It's my first and I hope that when I get to the range this week, my experience will be as positive as most other CZ owners.

BTW, for those in the Chicago area who might be interested in one of these guns, Midwest Sporting Goods in Lyons, IL. has them for $389 while supplies last.

 

[philbo]

Part of what I currently own includes:

1911 (Para & Sig)
BHP
XD's (9/40/45)
S&W (1006/5946)
Steyr GB
Kahr K9

I own others and have owned many more over the years including a CZ75 in 9mm. I picked it up for a good price, and it was ok for plinking. I recently traded the CZ because it wasn't as accurate for me as those above. DA trigger was long & heavy, SA had a lot of travel to reset. Fit & Finish was ok, but not spectacular. In the end when it came time to shoot in competition or choose a carry weapon for the day, everything above just beat it out. If the CZ works for you then it's a great choice. If it were my only pistol I wouldn't complain. Unfortunately, it just wasn't meant to stay in my collection. Purely personal.

 

[peacemaker45]

As far as autoloaders, I'm primarily a 1911 guy. As such the CZ is a very nice gun, as it can be made behave in a similar manner, i.e. c&l carry. It's not quite a 1911, though, as the safety is a skinny little thing to hit well, and the trigger has a LOT more takeup, and a LOT more reset length. It does fit my hands very nicely, is easy and intuitive to point, and is reliable. My list is as follows:

1. 1911. I have 4, have had 6. RIA, Sistema, 2 Tauri. Had Colt and SA.
2. CZ-75, B or SA, either one works. I've got the B.
3. Kel Tec P32. I list it because I own it, and like it, and it's an autoloader that I like but like less than the CZ
4. Springfield XD .45 Tactical. Ick, gone
5. H&K USP .40 Fullsize. Again, ick. Again, gone.
6. Beretta 92FS. Like gripping a 4x4, didn't group, it patterned. Again, ick, and again, gone.

~~~Mat