CZ Questions. PLease help.

[ATBackPackin]

I am looking to buy a new handgun, possibly as soon as today. One gun that I am really interested in is the CZ SP-01 but I have a few questions that I haven't been able to find answers to by searching. I know how to shoot and how to field strip a pistol, but that is about the extent of my expertise. These questions may seem silly or ignorant to some, but I really don't know so please bear with me.

1. Can you use the magazine from a CZ 75B on the CZ 75 SP-01? I would imagine that you could but I would like to know for sure. I am an ass enough without assuming.

2. Should one replace the factory recoil and extractor springs with aftermarket ones straight out of the box? If so, which pound recoil spring would your recommend? I believe 14 lb. spring is factory, but what are the advantages of going up or down?

3. Of course with CZ I have heard that the trigger leaves something to be desired. How much does it cost to have a trigger job done and in your opinion is it worth it?

4. Is this gun capable of firing any ammo reliably for range practice? If not which inexpensive range ammo would you recommend? I.E. What have you had good luck with?

I would greatly appreciate any help that you have to offer.

Happy New Year to all,
Shawn

 

[Kind of Blued]

1. Yes, I think so. I haven't done so, but CZ says the mags are interchangeable here.

2. No, the stock springs should be fine for many rounds right out of the box.

CZs are pretty well known for their reliability, but I'll let someone with lots of rounds through one comment on your last two questions.

 

[ATBackPackin]

Thank you, that was very informative. That definitely clears up question number one.

Happy New Year Kind.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

1. Can you use the magazine from a CZ 75B on the CZ 75 SP-01?

Yes. It will fit flush in the grip, a consideration if you wish to CCW it. The extended 19-round is fine for sport and open carry, I suppose.

2. Should one replace the factory recoil and extractor springs with aftermarket ones straight out of the box?

I would not, at least not before even shooting it first. (More on this later.) Generally, the people who designed the gun know what "weight" and type of springs should go in it. And CZ springs are not known for poor quality or frequent breakage.

3. Of course with CZ I have heard that the trigger leaves something to be desired. How much does it cost to have a trigger job done and in your opinion is it worth it?

The SA trigger pull on my PCR, with considerable "creep" and "hammer camming," is one of my few criticisms of it. (By contrast, I like the short and smooth DA pull, which is one of its best features.) I've done nothing to it, however. Is it worth it? Not to me, at least not at this time. It is only noticeable during slow fire for accuracy testing, not rapid fire. I don't like to fix things that aren't broken. There is a lot to be said for the very positive hammer engagement (which causes the "hammer camming"). And I don't feel it rises to the level of the trouble and expense of shipping it to Angus Hobdell (CZ Custom Shop) in AZ, especially in a precarious financial situation. (I should have had it done while I was still back in AZ.)

4. Is this gun capable of firing any ammo reliably for range practice? If not which inexpensive range ammo would you recommend? I.E. What have you had good luck with?

Everything with a brass case has fed reliably in mine; I've used WWB, Independence, Blazer Brass and MagTech. The only JHP I've used thus far is Federal "Classic" 115-gr. (AKA "9BP"), which also feeds fine. It did not "like" the aluminum Blazer; I had four failures to extract/eject in a single box, which went away when I switched back to brass. I am told a stronger extractor spring would fix this, but have not done anything, finding it easier to just avoid that brand.

 

[jdc1244]

3. Of course with CZ I have heard that the trigger leaves something to be desired. How much does it cost to have a trigger job done and in your opinion is it worth it?

My experience with my SP-01 is that the trigger smooths out considerably after a short period of use. That’s true for my other CZ pistols as well. You might want to give the trigger some time before spending money on a trigger job.

 

[Pilot]

My PCR has one of the best, stock triggers of all my semi-autos. My 75B also has a very good trigger for a military style sidearm. Neither has had nay work and have only gotten better with use.

 

[EAJ]

I would agree with most of the above points, except that I haven't tried CCI Blazer (aluminum) in mine. If you want something more than an off the shelf SP-01 and have the extra dollars you may want to consider purchasing a CZ Ghost custom shop SP-01. Angus and Mike do excellent work. Very pleased with mine.

 

[Skillet]

I have a CZ 75 B 9mm and it shoots fine with whatever i put in it. i use Blazer brass most of the time because it's cheap and easier to get. it's probably not the best ammo for it, but it works. my better stuff is federal ammo and remington ammo. all fmj's. I have yet to get some jhp's because of price and availability.

all full sized magazines are interchangeable in all full sized pistols from CZ, as long as they are the same caliber (duh). the difference is price. I think that the extended mags and SP-01 mags are more expensive than the traditional 16 round basic 75b magazine.

one cool feature of the SP-01 pistols and the polymer cousin to it the Phantom, are that they have rails, and a REALLY cool accessory from CZ is a bayonet. now this is kind of expensive and a bit mall-ninjaish, but its something to have for cool factor that not many other people have. it is quite cool.

I would not deal with the trigger. my trigger on my 75B is just fine in single action, but has alot of creep in double. but one downside to CZ is that they kill you on accessory prices such as magazines and that bayonet, but my CZ came with two magaines so I have no need for another one anytime soon. And the trigger jobs available from CZ are probably quite expensive as far as I can tell from the expense of their other "aftermarket" add-ons and tunings.

But so far I really like my CZ. good pistol, fits in my hands perfectly, and is very reliable. I would definitely reccomend this pistol and any other from CZ. they know what they are doing.

but, if you find that you do not like CZ, many companies make clones of the basic CZ 75B. EAA (Tangfolio) with their Witness and Magnum Research with their Baby Eagle are a few manufacturers that I know of.
hope I helped!

 

[CZF]

Some 75Bs don't do well with extracting Blazer ammo.

I've never heard of a SP-01 or Phantom having such a problem.

 

[tekarra]

I often read complaints about cZ triggers: maybe I have been lucky as I have good triggers, in all my cZs, out of the box. They get even better with use. On the ammunition topic, the only problems I have had were with one lot of Brown Bear with the slide not fully closing. Other lots of Brown Bear functioned without problems. I also used several thousand rounds of Blazer aluminum without a single problem.

 

[Isher]

The ultimate CZ.

Still on my wish list...........

http://czcustom.com/testproduct-289.aspx

isher

 

[ATBackPackin]

Well I finally pulled the trigger and bought the SP-01 today. I will do a good clean and lube, take some pics, and take it to the range tomorrow so I will give you a report then. From what I have seen so far I love it, but I am certain I will have more questions to follow. I am also a cabinetmaker by trade so I may take a stab and try to make my own custom grips. The worst that could happen is a lose a couple pieces of scrap cut-offs. I would love to know how they do the checkered pattern though. Dremel?

Until tomorrow,

Shawn

 

[Joseywales3]

If you want custom grips, dennismarschal.com is the man. I had several sets of Makarov grips made, as well as a set of CZs. For the money, I doubt it's worth your time, unless you just want to make your own.

The CZ forum is a great resource for anything CZ.

I'm nearby in K of P. I, too, was searching out CZs this week. I wasn't looking at 9mm, but perhaps I might.

I sold my CZ years ago, but if you want to look at the makarov grips, shoot me a PM.

 

[ATBackPackin]

No it's just something I would like to try on my own. I have some really nice scraps laying around the shop. I was thinking birds-eye maple with cinnamon stain would look nice. But thank you very much.

P.S. When I get sick and tired of screwing them up I'm sure I'll buy from someone else. lol

 

[Philo_Beddoe]

1) yes

2) no the factory recoil and extractor springs are fine

3) It cost me between 100-165 for trigger jobs on both my cz's and I think it was worth it

4) my cz's have been 100% perfect with everything, they are extremely reliable guns

 

[Pilot]

Shawn. Where did you buy the CZ? I'm in Chester County and usually by mine on line and have an FFL do a transfer. Can't find any locally.

 

[ATBackPackin]

Pilot,

I bought mine at Bass Pro Shop because they actually had the SP-01 in stock and they have a few others in stock as well. They are all the way out in Harrisburg and not the cheapest around.

French Creek Outfitters can order them, but they are such a ripoff to the point that they usually charge MORE than MSRP.

Cabelas has the most in stock (still only a handful) but can order what you want if they do not have it.

Tanner's Sport Center does not stock them, but they were extremely helpful and the price they quoted me was the cheapest I found locally. If you know which CZ you want I would start with them. They are in Jamison and again I can't say enough how helpful and pleasant they were to deal with. Definitely worth the little extra trip. Wish they stocked them, it would have made my shopping experience a lot shorter and much better.

www.tannerssportcenter.com

Hope this helps,

Shawn

P.S. If you need anything else don't hesitate to PM.

 

[Full Metal Jacket]

the trigger is just fine, and is lighter than many competing autos. certainly nothing that warrants a "trigger job".

as far as reliability, mine's had tens of thousands of rounds through it without a jam.

 

[Gary G23]

1. yes
2. yes

 

[ATBackPackin]

So I took my new SP-01 to the range today and WOW. Now keep in mind that I have not fired a handgun a single time in over ten years so this gun is way more accurate than I make it look. You know when you have made a good shot and likewise you know when you have jerked or anticipated the shot and every time I knew it was a good shot it was dead on. This thing is so comfortable and accurate that I almost feel for the bad guys.

I fired a total of 108 rds broken down into 6 mags of 115 gr fmj. Two mags of WWB, two of PMC Bronze, and two of Remington UMC. I can honestly say the only problem I had was that I didn't have a speed loader so I could shoot more, but after loading six mags by hand with new mags that my hands were killing me. This gun operated flawlessly!!!

I could not be happier with my investment,

Shawn

 

[StrikeFire83]

Nice going! Bought my CZ-75b used for $390 a few years ago and it's nearing 7k rounds, no problems.

Your accuracy will improve over time, but those dudes look pretty dead to me.

I can't comment as to its reliability with aluminum cased ammo (blazer or wolf) because I don't shoot that **** in any of my guns.

Good shooting.

 

[Pyzon]

Get an UpLula and keep the lead flyin'.

You're going to love that pistol.

 

[rockheadd]

After 500+ rounds though my 75B, it's never once failed to feed, fire or extract. I use the cheapest ammo I can find, and it eats them all.
Trigger- DA is loooooong, SA is just fine.
Why mess with it? It's a very fine machine right out of the box and will shoot better than most people squeezing the trigger.
They are a truly fine firearm.

 

[Pilot]

Pilot,

I bought mine at Bass Pro Shop because they actually had the SP-01 in stock and they have a few others in stock as well. They are all the way out in Harrisburg and not the cheapest around.

French Creek Outfitters can order them, but they are such a ripoff to the point that they usually charge MORE than MSRP.

What a coincidence.

Shawn,

We met Saturday at French Creek Outfitters range and were talking about CZ's. I had the 75B in my range bag and you were shooting the SP-01 for the first time and got some great groups I might add.

French Creek is well known on these boards for being WAY overpriced so I'm sure you got a better deal at Cabelas.

Nice meeting you! We'll have to shoot sometimes!

Anthony

 

[ATBackPackin]

Strikefire - Thank you, but I did notice that my technique was really lacking but it had been ten years so that is a pretty good excuse. That to me really exemplifies the accuracy of this pistol.

Pyzon - I wish I would have seen that yesterday, but after leaving the range I bought a speed loader at the store. I'm not going to love this pistol, I do love this pistol.

Rockheadd - I have decided after firing this pistol that I am going to leave it as it is. I have no complaints!

Pilot - That is too funny. After I got home I thought about that and then thought that it was just too coincidental. Guess not, lol. I would absolutely go shooting with you some time so just send me a PM with your info and I'll reply. It was a pleasure to meet you as well.

I would like to thank everybody for their input because honestly it was what pushed me off the fence to the CZ side and the grass is definitely green on this side. I am drinking the CZ koolaid and loving the taste.

Shawn