CZ 85B 9mm...any opinions?

[guyfromohio]

I have a trade offer on the table for a BNIB CZ 85B 9mm. Unfired. I am satisfied with the value of the swap, but have heard very little about the model. I like CZ. I've owned 3 CZ 75B (2 9mm and 1 .40), but no longer own one. I carry a PCR as my primary CCW. My understanding is that the 85 is essentially a 75 with ambi controls. Are there other differences? Also, are 75 mags interchangeable? Any quality issues? It is not the 85 Combat.

The gun has no intended purpose. It may fill one of the 1-gun room safes as HD and occasional range gun.

I'm trading a BPS Trap for gun and ammo. I don't use this one for trap.

 

[Pilot]

Yes, full size 75 mags are interchangeable. and the only difference I know of is the ambi controls as you say. If you carry a PCR you know what CZ is all about, and you already have your answer.

 

[hAkron]

The CZ 85 has an ambi safety and slide release. The 85 Combat has adjustable sights.

 

[CNobbe]

85 is just as good as a 75.

 

[Fredericianer]

I used to have one, and can recommend them.

One thing worth looking at though, is how old it is. The older models used a slimmer slide stop than the newer ones do (4mm versus 6.4mm IIRC). These are now next to impossible to find, and also have a tendency to wear out quite quickly.

A competent gunsmith should be able to bore the slide up to fit the newer slide stop. I had this done to mine and had no problems afterwards.

 

[guyfromohio]

Thank you all. It's being traded as BNIB Unfired except for factory test target. My bet is that it is newer production. Looking forward to getting it this afternoon.

 

[bannockburn]

guyfromohio

What's not to like with that deal? Sounds like a win/win situation for you. Enjoy.

 

[TMann]

I've owned a number of CZ over the years; currently have two in my stable. Never had an 85B, but know them to be great guns. You won't be disappointed!

 

[CNobbe]

Thank you all. It's being traded as BNIB Unfired except for factory test target. My bet is that it is newer production. Looking forward to getting it this afternoon.

The year of manufacture will be on the right side of the slide near the muzzle.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

The year of manufacture will probably be in a little oval that adjoins the ejection port.

The 85B is a fine gun but it's simply a 75B that's a bit friendlier to left-handers. Other than that, it's no different. Unless you're left-handed, all you'll gain is a slightly higher price and two controls you'll never use.

The 85 Combat is different: as noted, it has an 1) adjustable sight (which you may or may not find useful), an 2) extended mag release, a 3) trigger that can be adjusted to reduce (or stop) overtravel, and a 4) mag brake that allows mags to drop free. The 85 Combat also 5) does not have the firing pin block, so the trigger may be slightly better out of the box, and can be tuned a bit more finely if you or your gunsmith know what you're doing.

I'm not sure, but I suspect that the larger ambidextrous safeties from the SA models can be fit to this gun -- something I've thought about doing to mine -- which makes cocked & locked a little easier.

While the 85B and 85 Combat are lefty-friendly, neither has the reversible mag release -- which has been introduced on later models, along with extended beavertails on many models.

Mine is satin nickel -- which I consider the best of CZ's finishes. (Stainless isn't a "finish" --but I'd only go for a matte stainless if I were to get one of those.)

 

[wally]

Unless you're left-handed, all you'll gain is a slightly higher price and two controls you'll never use.

IMHO ambi safeties should be standard on all guns with an external safety. I'm right handed but I do 10-25% of my practice shooting left handed.

Never saw the need for ambi mag releases or slide lock levers as the trigger finger of my left hand works these better than does my right thumb. But I can make a case for an ambi slide lock lever if you release the lever with the "off" hand after a magazine insertion.

 

[Wil Terry]

My CZ85COMBAT is nothing short of a superb 9MM pistol that has NEVER malfed a round and is darn near as accurate as my SIG P210-5.

 

[Litlman]

I have a two tone 85 Combat that rocks! A 75 compact a full size 75, a PO1' and a dedicated Kaddet 22. I am lefty so I love the 85 c.

 

[sirgilligan]

I have a CZ 85B. It is great. I bought CZ 75 Mecgar mags for it, they are great too. I gave my son a CZ 75B. They shoot and handle the same.

 

[1SOW]

The 85C (Combat) doesn't have the Firing Pin Interrupt and the trigger is a little better. Both are great pistols with good accuracy.

With a little trigger TLC and some CZC or CGW parts added, they can be truly amazing. A short reset disconnector together with an improved hammer (hook improvement) they shoot like a high quality 45 in SA. Add a lighter hammer spring (13#) and a little polishing and the DA is also really sweet. Pulls of 5-6 lb DA and 3 lb SA are easy to get.