CZ Quality and Customer Service
- Thread starter Jim4003
- Start date
- Status
Mulliga
Member
CZs aren't the be-all and end-all of pistols, but they are good guns (I really like mine). I've also shot Sigs and HKs, so I do have a frame of reference. As one THR member put it, if they were as expensive as Sigs, they wouldn't be as popular, but for ~$450 new, they're a good buy.
RugerOldArmy
Member
I very much like my CZ75B-SA. After getting it, I'd like a PCR and CZ-97 too!
Out of the box, it seemed nicer, with a better trigger than a BHP. Seems more accurate than I am.
Out of the box, it seemed nicer, with a better trigger than a BHP. Seems more accurate than I am.
Good guns but I had terrible service from Mike at CZ. We sent a new rifle back because the bolt was binding BADLY and they returned it unfixed and said "as long as it fires it's fine". I tried everything but they wouldn't fix it. The owner who has several CZ's said he's never buy another and we as a shop will never stock another CZ after the conversation with Mike.
Too made good manufacturers out there that are easier to deal with. Browning and CZ are a PITA!
As far as the CZ 75 pistol goes, I have an oringinal Pre B and they are one of the best 9mm's out there at any cost and I'd take one over a clunky Sig or HK any day.
Too made good manufacturers out there that are easier to deal with. Browning and CZ are a PITA!
As far as the CZ 75 pistol goes, I have an oringinal Pre B and they are one of the best 9mm's out there at any cost and I'd take one over a clunky Sig or HK any day.
drannor
Member
Traded all my SIGs away a few weeks ago.... still have a CZ 75B, CZ 75SA, CZ 97B and a strong desire to pick up one of the Champion models. I've owned SIG, Glock, Beretta and Browning DA/SA pistols. I prefer the CZ to them all, it just points well and shoots better in my hands.
The insides are definitely not as a pretty as a SIG, but the durability and reliability have been excellent on all of the CZs I've owned. I've also found them relatively easy to work on.
My experiences with customer service have mostly been parts related and positive. Only complaint being that I ordered a metal trigger for my CZ 75SA and they weren't kind enough to tell me I'd need a different trigger spring for install. (Apparently this is only true for the very early models) However the spring and some other small parts were comp'd for the trouble.
It's disturbing to hear about issues with the rifles. I was considering purchasing a rimfire bolt from them sometime this year.
-Andy
The insides are definitely not as a pretty as a SIG, but the durability and reliability have been excellent on all of the CZs I've owned. I've also found them relatively easy to work on.
My experiences with customer service have mostly been parts related and positive. Only complaint being that I ordered a metal trigger for my CZ 75SA and they weren't kind enough to tell me I'd need a different trigger spring for install. (Apparently this is only true for the very early models) However the spring and some other small parts were comp'd for the trouble.
It's disturbing to hear about issues with the rifles. I was considering purchasing a rimfire bolt from them sometime this year.
-Andy
Wildalaska
member
Nice but they arent hi powers 
WildgunsnobAlaska
WildgunsnobAlaska
mbott
Member
Thank goodness for that.
Actually, I do own a Mark III in .40 that's really nice, but I reach for my CZ's first.
--
Mike
nwiniewicz
Member
It's obvious that there has been a wide mix of opinions regarding CZ customer service. I have not had had any service issues with my P01 so I can not offer an opinion.
However, I can vouch for the gun itself. I have several hundred ropunds through mine without a hint of a glitch. It is a terrific piece to shoot with. Some have suggested that the insides of the gun are not finished as well as a Sig. While this is true, I would suggest that CZ's are just as reliable at a much lower price point. In the case of the P01, CZ has put this gun through rigorous testing to get its' NATO acceptance as well as the buy in of the Czech National Police. I would not hesitate to recommend CZ to any potential buyer.
However, I can vouch for the gun itself. I have several hundred ropunds through mine without a hint of a glitch. It is a terrific piece to shoot with. Some have suggested that the insides of the gun are not finished as well as a Sig. While this is true, I would suggest that CZ's are just as reliable at a much lower price point. In the case of the P01, CZ has put this gun through rigorous testing to get its' NATO acceptance as well as the buy in of the Czech National Police. I would not hesitate to recommend CZ to any potential buyer.
Walt Sherrill
Member
Mike, the gunsmith ad CZ-USA has been called "testy" a time or two, but if comments on the CZ Forum are any indication, the vast majority of folks who have dealt with him found him to be helpful, if busy, and generally willing to do what he can to keep the customer happy. (This has included, in a few cases, helping with out-of-warranty weapon problems.)
My dealings with him have always been brief, helpful, and pleasant. But he is a technician and gifted gunsmith, not a salesman, and you've got to keep that in mind.
My dealings with him have always been brief, helpful, and pleasant. But he is a technician and gifted gunsmith, not a salesman, and you've got to keep that in mind.
Mikul
Member
I'm very happy with the reliability and accuracy of my CZ-75B. When the slide stop broke near the 25,000 round mark, Mike shipped me a new one and I had it within a week.
So far I'm happy.
So far I'm happy.
armoredman
Member
3 CZs so far, no service needed yet. Mike has actually been nicer to me the last two times I chatted with him - he is getting people friendly. He also knows his CZs inside and out....
I agree it's no Hi-Power - I don't like single action, and would have to trade a Hi-Power for a CZ75 PO1.
I agree it's no Hi-Power - I don't like single action, and would have to trade a Hi-Power for a CZ75 PO1.
Earlier this year, Evolution Gunworks worked on my 75B .40 S&W to correct feeding problems; they throated & polished the chamber of the barrel, and replaced the extractor spring with the Wolff replacement. I also use the Wolff XP mag springs, and the Wolff 18lb. recoil spring in this gun (stock spring for the .40 is 16 lb.). This gun hasn't missed a beat since EGW worked on it, and after the springs were replaced. Additionally, I thoroughly clean & lube this gun with FP-10 before every trip to the range.
CZs are terriffic guns, many of them run out of the box, and some of them need a little tweaking to run right; no big deal either way. This one is definitely a keeper since it was worked over. If any of you are are having feeding or cycling problems with yours, I highly recommend replacing the (crappy) stock CZ springs with the Wolff replacements.
CZs are terriffic guns, many of them run out of the box, and some of them need a little tweaking to run right; no big deal either way. This one is definitely a keeper since it was worked over. If any of you are are having feeding or cycling problems with yours, I highly recommend replacing the (crappy) stock CZ springs with the Wolff replacements.
To answer your questions, CZ's customer service has a bit of an unfriendly reputation. But luckily their pistols rarely, if ever, need any customer service. The quality of gun is very good. They are normally very, very reliable.
I have owned 2 Glocks, a Springfield XD-9, a CZ-75 (pre-B) and I currently own a SIG 229 in 40S&W and a CZ-97B. I may be fortunate because I have never experienced a failure in any of these pistols whatsoever in the few thousand rounds I've put thru all of them. All seem very well-made to me. Of them, the SIG is an engineering marvel. The SIG is very well machined, amazing trigger pull and the slide is smooth as glass. I love my CZ though. SIGs and CZs are my favorite pistols, for different reasons. The CZ isn't machined as well on the inside (shows circular tool marks inside the slide), but this won't affect function at all. CZ triggers aren't the best, but they aren't the worst either and are very usable. The factory mags for the 97B (Mec-Gars) don't drop free either like SIG mags with the spring loaded mag release catch. The CZ has a reputation of being a very reliable, affordable, well-made pistol that you can bet your life on. Their affordability and their reliability make them a wonderful choice. The SIG may be better machined (although not necessarily more reliable), but you will possibly pay twice as much for a SIG.
I would recommend you look at the CZ P-01. CZ-75's are great pistols but the design is a little outdated for modern use. The P-01 is easier to conceal, has undergone more rigorous, legendary testing (although this doesn't mean it is significantly more reliable than a CZ-75B), and makes a better fit in the hand for most people. It seems to be a very outstanding pistol that should rival SIGs and Glocks for overall quality and durability. I will be getting one within the year, along with a SIG 239 in 9mm.
One thing to watch out for on CZ's is their firing pin roll pin. If you dry fire the pistol a lot, the pin that blocks the firing pin can break after a few hundred dry fires. The pin isn't really a pin, it's a rolled piece of sheet metal and therefore weaker than a solid pin. But if it breaks, it isn't hard to replace. Just get the right size diameter dowell pin from the hardware store, cut it to length and insert it. SIGs have solid steel pins in comparison. Also, CZ springs can be weak, especially in the mags, so they may need replacement with Wolff springs as others have mentioned. CZ also supplied my 97B with a half-length, plastic guide rod which I wasn't happy about. It doesn't seem to affect function at all, but these little shortcuts are probably what makes it affordable compared to the more expensive SIGs and Glocks.
I have owned 2 Glocks, a Springfield XD-9, a CZ-75 (pre-B) and I currently own a SIG 229 in 40S&W and a CZ-97B. I may be fortunate because I have never experienced a failure in any of these pistols whatsoever in the few thousand rounds I've put thru all of them. All seem very well-made to me. Of them, the SIG is an engineering marvel. The SIG is very well machined, amazing trigger pull and the slide is smooth as glass. I love my CZ though. SIGs and CZs are my favorite pistols, for different reasons. The CZ isn't machined as well on the inside (shows circular tool marks inside the slide), but this won't affect function at all. CZ triggers aren't the best, but they aren't the worst either and are very usable. The factory mags for the 97B (Mec-Gars) don't drop free either like SIG mags with the spring loaded mag release catch. The CZ has a reputation of being a very reliable, affordable, well-made pistol that you can bet your life on. Their affordability and their reliability make them a wonderful choice. The SIG may be better machined (although not necessarily more reliable), but you will possibly pay twice as much for a SIG.
I would recommend you look at the CZ P-01. CZ-75's are great pistols but the design is a little outdated for modern use. The P-01 is easier to conceal, has undergone more rigorous, legendary testing (although this doesn't mean it is significantly more reliable than a CZ-75B), and makes a better fit in the hand for most people. It seems to be a very outstanding pistol that should rival SIGs and Glocks for overall quality and durability. I will be getting one within the year, along with a SIG 239 in 9mm.
One thing to watch out for on CZ's is their firing pin roll pin. If you dry fire the pistol a lot, the pin that blocks the firing pin can break after a few hundred dry fires. The pin isn't really a pin, it's a rolled piece of sheet metal and therefore weaker than a solid pin. But if it breaks, it isn't hard to replace. Just get the right size diameter dowell pin from the hardware store, cut it to length and insert it. SIGs have solid steel pins in comparison. Also, CZ springs can be weak, especially in the mags, so they may need replacement with Wolff springs as others have mentioned. CZ also supplied my 97B with a half-length, plastic guide rod which I wasn't happy about. It doesn't seem to affect function at all, but these little shortcuts are probably what makes it affordable compared to the more expensive SIGs and Glocks.
BevrFevr
Member
several thousand thru my 75b
The more I shoot it the more i like it. It is what it is and it ain't what it ain't. I love CZ products except for the 527 rifle.
Buy it.
-bevr
The more I shoot it the more i like it. It is what it is and it ain't what it ain't. I love CZ products except for the 527 rifle.
Buy it.
-bevr
Joe Mamma
Member
I have a CZ 75B and it has had a lot of problems. I was very disappointed after hearing so many good things about it on the internet. Oh well, live and learn.
Joe Mamma
Joe Mamma
cratz2
Member
Ky Larry said:
Yep.. I've owned five or six... Maybe seven and I've never had any reason to have any work done for repair...
Yep.. I've owned five or six... Maybe seven and I've never had any reason to have any work done for repair...
Black Snowman
Member
I lost a spring and tried to order a couple replacements by email but didn't get a response. Email isn't a 100% reliable system anyway and I was able to fashion a functioning replacement myself so I didn't persue the issue.
I have owned 4 CZ pistols, about to trade for a 97B. The ergonmics of the CZ pistols work better for me than anything else I've tried and the fact they work and are afordable to boot doesn't hurt.
See CZForum.com for a ton of great info, both good and bad, on these guns.
I have owned 4 CZ pistols, about to trade for a 97B. The ergonmics of the CZ pistols work better for me than anything else I've tried and the fact they work and are afordable to boot doesn't hurt.
See CZForum.com for a ton of great info, both good and bad, on these guns.
Hakan
Member
CZ Customer service
Few years ago I posted a complaint on the CZ Forum about how difficult it was to find CZ parts here in Norway. I needed a new type firing pin for my Kadet kit. A couple of weeks later I got a package from CZ USA.They had sent me a new firing pin....free...without even asking for it.
I don't know what else to say.
Regards,
Hakan.
Few years ago I posted a complaint on the CZ Forum about how difficult it was to find CZ parts here in Norway. I needed a new type firing pin for my Kadet kit. A couple of weeks later I got a package from CZ USA.They had sent me a new firing pin....free...without even asking for it.
I don't know what else to say.
Regards,
Hakan.
Ah, but that's because you're the Great Hakan.
If I were CZ USA, I'd have you on my VIP list in a heartbeat!
Seriously, my CZ 75b Tactical is a pure joy to shoot, ultra reliable and ultra accurate. It just feels GREAT in my hand. I haven't had a need to send it in, nor has my friend w/ his Compact. Our Kadet kits work flawlessly, too.
Big thumbs up to CZ.
If I were CZ USA, I'd have you on my VIP list in a heartbeat!
Seriously, my CZ 75b Tactical is a pure joy to shoot, ultra reliable and ultra accurate. It just feels GREAT in my hand. I haven't had a need to send it in, nor has my friend w/ his Compact. Our Kadet kits work flawlessly, too.
Big thumbs up to CZ.
Hakan
Member
CZ Customer service
Hey, thanks BamBam but, this happened before I started making grips for the Cz's....maybe I should've pointed that out.
Thanks anyway tho'
Regards,
Hakan.
Hey, thanks BamBam but, this happened before I started making grips for the Cz's....maybe I should've pointed that out.
Thanks anyway tho'
Regards,
Hakan.
Craig M. Arnold
Member
CZ Pistols
I have a few CZ pistols and love them all. I carry a RAMI or PCR as my CCW. I shoot my CZs a lot and rarely have any problems with them. I have had a couple of issues with Mike at CZ-USA in the past, however my last contact with him was OK. Overall, I would say that CZ pistols are excellent and the customer service of CZ-USA is average.
I have a few CZ pistols and love them all. I carry a RAMI or PCR as my CCW. I shoot my CZs a lot and rarely have any problems with them. I have had a couple of issues with Mike at CZ-USA in the past, however my last contact with him was OK. Overall, I would say that CZ pistols are excellent and the customer service of CZ-USA is average.
Master Blaster
Member
Last year I bought a 10 year old CZ85 pre b model with importers Magnum research on the slide (the 75 with an ambi slide release). I paid $280 for it and got 2 15 round mags with it.
The lever was missing on the right side, but this did not affect the accuracy or function which was excellent.
I called CZ and talked to Mike, he said they woudl fix it for free by drilling out the frame hole and replacing the slide stop and ambi lever with the new improved model (the old one was too thin and prone to breakage (the person who sold me the gun had removed it cause it scratched his holster, and had lost it, then he hrdly ever shot or carried the gun and it looked new except for the lever)
I sent the gun 2nd day air fed ex, on the Wednessday before Thanksgiving, Mike got it Monday morning in Kansas City, did the work and shipped it out before noon on Monday, Tuesday I had it delievered and signed for by my neighbor overnight UPS.
Included was an extra slide stop and and ambi lever.
Thats service you cannot beat.
The lever was missing on the right side, but this did not affect the accuracy or function which was excellent.
I called CZ and talked to Mike, he said they woudl fix it for free by drilling out the frame hole and replacing the slide stop and ambi lever with the new improved model (the old one was too thin and prone to breakage (the person who sold me the gun had removed it cause it scratched his holster, and had lost it, then he hrdly ever shot or carried the gun and it looked new except for the lever)
I sent the gun 2nd day air fed ex, on the Wednessday before Thanksgiving, Mike got it Monday morning in Kansas City, did the work and shipped it out before noon on Monday, Tuesday I had it delievered and signed for by my neighbor overnight UPS.
Included was an extra slide stop and and ambi lever.
Thats service you cannot beat.
Gary in Pennsylvania
Member
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2003
- Messages
- 683
Hey Craig M. Arnold . . . . Are those the factory wooden CZ-83 grips? If not - Do tell....!
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
