CZ 97B range report

[jashobeam]

Last Wednesday, June 28, I bought and registered my new CZ 97B .45 ACP. This gun shop, where I work part time, has an indoor range. This means that even though I cannot take possession of my newly purchased pistol I can retrieve it from the storage vault and shoot it on the premises (anyone who buys a gun there can do this, not just employees).

I have fired 200 rounds of MagTech ammo through it so far and have not had any malfunctions.

Today I shot 40 rounds from a distance of 7 yards. The resulting 40 round group measured 2.30", and consisted of two holes: one small hole made by a single .45 caliber bullet, and one larger hole measuring 1.74" made by 39 bullets.


The trigger is a little weird to me, so I can't wait until I can take the gun home and practice dry firing it. The stock wood grips are sharply stipled and need to be replaced with some custom wood grips. Other than that, I really like this pistol and love how it looks. You CZ fans talked me into it. I kept reading how owners of the 97 said it was the most accurate .45 they'd ever fired. I don't have much experience with .45's, but I think I could learn to shoot this one pretty well. After buying a P-01 in March I realized it would only be a matter of time until I acquired another CZ. Better sooner than later.

 

[Craig M. Arnold]

CZ97B

I have owned about 7 or 8 CZ97Bs. IMHO, they are one of the best 45acp pistols around. The 97Bs that I have had shoot as well or better than pistols costing two or three times as much.

I also feel that the factory grips are too sharply checkered. So I usually remove the checkering and then refinish. This makes smooth and thinner grips that cost almost zero dollars and very little time to make. Here's a picture of a pair I did on my glossy blued 97B.

Best regards.

 

[Black Snowman]

Yes, the only thing wrong with the 97B as a target gun is that it's not available in more calibers. It's been successful enough that CZ is developing a new 45 for CCW and duty use that's slimmer and lighter addressing some of the complaints about the original. Only problem making it lighter is more recoil and less stability. I'm sure it will be a fine gun and I plan on buying one. I really hope they come out in 10mm too.

 

[KadicDeshi]

It's been successful enough that CZ is developing a new 45 for CCW and duty use that's slimmer and lighter addressing some of the complaints about the original.

Wow. Got any more info on this? Or a link? Thanks.

Barrett

 

[LanEvo`]

The trigger is a little weird to me, so I can't wait until I can take the gun home and practice dry firing it.

The trigger will smooth out dramatically the more you use it. If you're impatient, you can always send it back to the armorer in KS (I forget his name). He'll give you a slick trigger job for maybe $100.

The stock wood grips are sharply stipled and need to be replaced with some custom wood grips.

Unfortunately, there isn't much aftermarket support for the 97B. Even Hakan Pek doesn't make replacement grips

Other than that, I really like this pistol and love how it looks. You CZ fans talked me into it. I kept reading how owners of the 97 said it was the most accurate .45 they'd ever fired. I don't have much experience with .45's, but I think I could learn to shoot this one pretty well.

The 97B was my first .45ACP as well. It is SO accurate and SO fun to shoot that I never bothered to buy a 1911 until this year. Not many 1911's come close in terms of accuracy and reliability. Not for anywhere near this price anyway.

My 97B feeds mild 185gr LSWC target loads just as reliably as 230gr FMJ ball ammo without even a change of recoil spring. This is an awesome pistol!

 

[LanEvo`]

Yes, the only thing wrong with the 97B as a target gun is that it's not available in more calibers.

Actually, CZ recently introduced a very accurate 9x19mm using the same oversized frame. It's called the CZ 75 Tactical Sport. Even though it's called a "75," it's built on the "97" platform.

The trigger is supposed to be phenomenal. It's SA rather than DA. The 75 TS is also available in .40S&W if you don't like 9x19mm. The major downside is the high cost (around 2x the price of the 97B). Nevertheless, if I had the budget, I'd snap one up in a heartbeat.

 

[schmeky]

I know this thread is about the 97B. But I have come to the conclusion CZ autos may be the most accurate pistols out of the box across their entire model line.

My CZ-75 produces hunting grade accuracy. The picture of 39 holes in the center of the target shot by jashobeam looks like the groups my 75 does.

By the way jashobeam, really nice shooting

 

[Buck Nekkid]

Welcome to the wonderful world of CZ's!! You are really gonna love the 97, the more ya shoot, the more ya cain't belive how incredible it is!!

I've got 8-10 of the boogers and the only ones I have problems with are the old CZ 52's. I cain't hardly see the sights, but they're just too much fun to think about gettin' rid of 'em.

You might wander over to www.CZShooters.com or www.CZForum.com and join in the discussions.

RE: grips. I had a set of grips made by Hakan for my 75 and by Omega for my 97. I tried to upload a picture of both with the grips, but THR won't let me, says that I already uploaded them someplace else. If ya can find the thread called "Calling all CZ Fans" you'll see 'em. My 75B is in satin nickel and I have the RSR Special 97B also in satin nickel. Both have the black & silver laminated grips...very cool!!