Cz 97b

[sfhogman]

I shot a CZ 97B at the range for the first time the other day. It was blued, and appeared to be pretty new. It was a beautiful gun to look at, well made and was very easy to shoot well. I had a ball shooting it, and its owner had a ball shooting my .45LC Ruger Bisley. I think I may be falling in love with the CZ.

Anyone have experience with these guns that they'd like to share with an old 1911 guy?

Thanks, Jeff

 

[antediluvianist]

A friend of mine shot a burglar through his leg with one.

Since you have fired it already and you like it, apparently the size and weight, and wideness of the CZ97's grip, don't put you off. Some people, like me, find the grip a bit wide.

 

[u084708]

I've had one for about a year and really enjoy this gun - it's my only .45 so I have no comparison. As you know, it is remarkably accurate, has mild recoil due to its size/weight, and I've never had any issues with it. My only modifications a full-length guide rod to make it easier to install Wolff 20-lb recoil springs. I shoot S&B 230 gr. ammo and it's never skipped a beat.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

I had one, but traded it away, as it was just a bit too big through the grip/trigger for my hand...

But, I've since found that slimmer grips are available, so would probably still have it otherwise.

I'm a big CZ nut and have a bunch of them (and related clones), and the 97B may be the best of the CZs, if they fit your hand. Its also one of the best, out-of-the-box .45s you can buy for under $1000 -- and only the SIG P-220 seems to give it serious competition.

Great gun.

 

[np15cgg]

Heck of a shot

Dang! Why would anybody shoot through his leg just to stop a burglar?

 

[armoredman]

Hakan Pek makes excellent grips for the CZ line that could help address the big grip, or you could wrap hands around a regular CZ75 in 9 or 40, for the same great ergonomics with less heft. Hard to beat the CZ value, too. Glad you had fun!

 

[u084708]

I found the grip issue to be markedly improved by useing a Hogue rubber 1-piece grip for the CZ 75B (~$15) on the 97B. To do so, submerge the grip in almost boiling water for around 30-45 seconds and then work quickly to stretch it on the 97B - insert grip screws and you're done! This really improves the grip on the gun, as I wasn't a big fan of the factory wooden grips.

 

[Kamicosmos]

I'm extremely pleased with my 97. They are very accurate and have mild recoil. I had a full length guide rod made for mine by Black Snowman, more just to make it, I haven't noticed much of a difference, but mine was a new enough model that it had a much longer plastic guide rod installed anyway.

They're a big gun, but in reality they are actually just a hair smaller in most dimensions that a Beretta 92/96FS! Feel about the same too, at least for me. I plan on utilizing my 97 for my CCW qualification next week, and it has replaced the Beretta as my nightstand gun....well, they'll probably share the duty! I do have a holster by HBE for it, and will probably carry it on occasion.

If it fits you well, as that seems to be the case, I highly recommend picking one up. They are a great value in a .45!

 

[peteinct]

97b rocks

sfhogman, My 97b is the pistol I would keep if I could only have 1. I wish the grips were thinner but I'm too chicken to take sandpaper to them. It's accurate at 25 yds for me and shoots very softly. If you have shot it and it fits for you buy one you'll like it. pete

 

[sgtb]

I have one and love it. Just ordered more mags. for it for 3-gun matches. Alot of people find it too large for their hands. I don't really have big hands but mine fits fine. It is the most accurate pistol I have and I have alot of pistols. Good luck.

 

[wally]

My CZ97 is a good gun but not one I'd readily recommend because I think the safety is too high and far forward and the grip is too thick for a lot of folks. But the main reason is many of them have feeding problems with JHP ammo.

--wally.

 

[Craig M. Arnold]

CZ97B Pistols

I love the CZ97B pistols. I have two of them (had three) and my son has one. I polished the chambers and feedramps. Installed a FLGR and a 20 or 22 pound Wolff recoil spring and they all will feed any kind of ammo that you can stuff in the magazine, including HPs. One of my 97Bs has Hogue grips. The other has a pair of CZ wood factory grips that I thinned, stained and refinished. Both are a lot thinner than the stock grips.

Best regards.

 

[sfhogman]

Thanks, all!
I appreciate everyone's input. It looks like I may have a new addiction in the making....
Jeff

 

[Steelcore]

Do the CZ97s use the same mags as the 10 rd Witness .45s?

 

[Black Snowman]

Sure do Steelcore. MecGar makes the factory mags and many places carry them at very reasonable prices. I'm jelous of Kamicosmos' and plan on getting one of my own when I find a "deal" on one.

Only technical complaint I've ever heard on them is that they can be ammo sensative.

 

[George Hill]

I don't think I'd buy one and plan on using it for Duty right out of the box like I would a SIG.
But I think the 97 deserves more attention to make it right, so it is duty ready. As mentioned, FLGR and a heavier spring is required. 16 to 18 I think is about right. The factory 12# unit is just too weak in my opinion of duty grade ammunition. The accuracy is amazing.

 

[geojap]

i love mine. i only use ball ammo. it's been flawless thru the first 200 rounds. i can easily grasp it snd manipulate the safety with my medium sized hands.