Cz 97 45

[Niel4]

I have 2 9mm guns; a XDM 9mm and the CZ 75B.

The CZ 75 is the most accurate gun I own and feels the best in my hand. It shoots intuitively at the target and is easy to aim and rapid fire.

I also own a RIA 1911 45 and a XD 45 (4 "). The XD is ok but I love my 1911.

I may be in the market for another gun. The cz 75 is so good that most any other 9mm I have fired does not measures up. So why bother.

That leaves me to consider another 45.

I can't find a CZ 97 to rent or even to hold. But if it is anything like a CZ 75B in terms of accuracy and hand fit I would be willing to buy one if/when i find one on the spot. But is it?

Can anyone that owns both a 97 and a 75 compare them for me?

 

[ROCK6]

I have both...both a CZ85 and a pre-B 75 plus a semi compact, compact and P-01.

My 97B is a little larger in the grip over the 75/85. I put real thin Aluminum grips on it and it's almost too flat, but still handles well.

I have medium sized hands and I can easily operate it from DA. It is a heavy pistol, but no as big as some suggest.

ROCK6

 

[schmeky]

The 97 has been discussed many times in the past. There is also a CZ Forum that has a separate CZ-97 thread. Many of your questions can be supplemented there. You’re going to get love it or hate it responses. There are some 97 detractors and they have some valid reasons. I have probably done as many modifications as anyone on a 97 and have used one extensively for over 2 years now. I am almost at the 6,000 round mark. Here are the negatives on the 97, IMHO of course:

1. Physically larger than most other 45’s
2. You’ll need a medium+ hand size to feel comfortable with the grip
3. Very long reach to the trigger in DA
4. SA trigger quality varies, mostly on the fair-to-poor side due to the positive camming of the hammer
5. Not a lot of aftermarket support
6. Not as easy to work on as 1911 or Glock
7. Will not feed some hollow points reliably

On the positive side:

1. Least perceived recoil of any 45 I have ever fired, and I’ve fired and owned a bunch
2. Excellent accuracy of the box; can be improved to near bulls-eye grade accuracy
3. Trigger can be improved to near 1911 quality
4. 10 round magazine capacity, plus one in the tube
5. Nearly all upgrades for the CZ-75 will fit the 97, i.e. sear, hammer, trigger, sights, etc.
6. Incredibly reliable with the right ammo
7. Solidly built; extremely smooth once broken in
8. Different and unique

If you like your CZ-75, I suggest you look at the Steel Witness .45. It’s nearly identical, ergonomically, to the 75. The Witness has its issues as well, but it has a more amenable DA trigger reach, and still holds 10 rounds in the mag.

You really need to call around and find a 97 to “fondle”, or find a forum member that has one and lives within a reasonable distance. I love mine, but I won’t advise you one way or the other.

This is my tricked out 97:

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

My favorite 45.

A review of it here http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=323