CZ75B-How good for all around CCW

[rich'sguns]

I work for the government and have carried many different firearms in 20 years. Due to operational requirements and personal preferences I have been carrying a CZ-75B. I like it, it shoots well, and I have had no problems. Reading all the threads here and on the "TFL" I get a little anxious about reliability issues (ie slide stop pin, roller pin). I also carry a Kahr K-9 and sometimes a Glock 19. In desert areas I have carried the Glock but in other areas the CZ or Kahr.

I know they are apples and oranges and the CZ is harder to conceal than the others but I really love the pistol. In my opinion it is a classic design.

So, I am asking for advice/input concerning these three hanguns. I have shot them all, and every other major design. I have had no problems with any of them and can work on both the Kahr and Glock myself (though the CZ intimidates me a bit to fully take apart).

What are your thoughts concerning these guns for CCW and carry in dangerous situations.

Thanks

 

[Bren]

All three are good to go as you've found them reliable. I also like all three and shoot the CZ the best (most accurate).

 

[PCRCCW]

Well...you have good taste in CCW's. Each gun has its place in the CCW environment.... just different place's.

The Kahr is an "always" gun....quality, accurate, great sights & trigger etc.....I use it for deep conceal/BUG and an Always gun when you can only take 1

The Glock...medium size, light and hi capacity........great gun. would be a great summer main carry...t-shirt/vest concealable and be very comfy.

The CZ is a fav. of mine......but size/weight does limit it as an always gun.
Absolutely a cooler weather carry.....good pancake/belt/IWB gun...can be t-shirt carried if youre that committed.

Great choices all around...........Shoot well

 

[ojibweindian]

I've been able to carry my CZ-75 in the hot Alabama summer. All it takes is a slight adjustment to my wardrobe.

 

[sanchezero]

You could always go with a compact or PCR if it needs to be more concealable.

 

[RBull]

Reliability upgrade...

If you are concerned about reliability, then you may like to switch the slide stop for Tanfoglio one (drop-in) and keep the springs fresh. Preferably use Wolff recoil springs and also the "+15%" magazine springs. I also find usefull to have the new design red color plastic followers in the magazines (may not fit properly in some of the older matt finished magazines), as the design of those followers prevents nosediving of the last round and consequent FTF.
The trick with current production Tanfoglio slide stops is, that the pin is made from bar stock and is pressed into MIM lever. Original CZUB slidestop is cast (since cca 1993 when they introduced the B model).
RB

 

[CZF]

What ammo do you use in the CZ? How do you carry it? Any super
quality gear like a NULL holster?

 

[rich'sguns]

Ammo carried is Federal hydrashock - either 124 gn or 147 gn. Holsters include a fist IWB, and various pancakes all for the CZ. I like it but concerns over reliability are there even though I have had no problems. It is a 1997 version and I have put in a 14lb Wolff recoil spring - tried the 16lb but it really was hard to chamber and started to rub the bottom of the barrel. I have appx 4,000 rounds through it.

Interesting about the Tang. slide stop - did not know about them or even how to get one. I have a spare CZ slide stop that I carry in my kit.

Thanks

 

[chaim]

I was always under the impression that the general concensous was that the CZs are quite reliable. Yes, every gun has its weak points and the CZ is no exception, but neither is Kahr, Glock, Kimber, Browning/FN, etc.

For what it is worth I've had a CZ 75B for a couple years now with thousands of rounds through it with little trouble. Until recently I had a CZ 40B that never hiccuped in the year and a half or so that I owned it and 1-2K rounds I put through it (I sold it because as hard as I tried I didn't like its compromise size between a full-size service pistol and CCW plus I never really warmed to .40S&W). My best friend also owns one, a CZ 85 Combat, which while not perfect has been a reliable gun.

I know there are problem CZs out there, but everyone has their lemons. At 4K rounds it sounds like you have a good one. If you are comfortable carrying a full-size I don't think you will have any problems. If you simply want to go smaller then sure, carry the Glock or Kahr instead for physical comfort (if they are as proven as your CZ). Or you can get a smaller CZ 75 varient (P01, used PCR, Compact) and put it through about 500 rounds to see if it is reliable enough to use and you'll also be fine.

 

[CZF]

Interesting that you are not issued a sidearm and can make a choice.
CZs are viewed a top rated firearms among those shooters who know
guns and who own Cee-Zeds. Only in America does the virtues of CZs
remain a secret to most gun people.

The slide stop is the 'weak link' in a CZ, but as stated other guns have
the same problems.

One might break at 500 rounds or 5,000... you never know. The big
problem that i face is the replacement of a Pre-B slide stop.

In searching for a suitable B series gun to replace my aging 75s,
the P-01 has proven it's worth. Much lighter and compact to carry.
Soft recoil and above average accuracy. I'm sure a PCR might appeal
to some people for CCW, but once in a proper holster(HBE) the P-01
is quite nice.


I have not tried any 147 gr. loads in my P01, citing the problems that
people are having with 147s in CZs. I'm intrigued by the fine accuracy
displayed by the 135 gr Federal load in the P-01 articles.


I'm no longer restricted to what i can carry, so the 97B and Witness
10MM are what i shoot most nowdays.

Since Eric is in business. We now have some dandy CZ specific holsters
to choose from. Classy leather for wear under a nice suit.

 

[RBull]

Tanfoglio = EAA

Well, just to complement my earlier post, if you are interested in Tanfoglio slide stop, then look for the EAA (9mm models) one, it should be the same thing.

Nice holster CZF!

RB

 

[Trebor]

I don't think the CZ is less reliable then the Kahr or Glock pistols. There are reports of various failures and broken parts in all three models. Just because you are personally aware of the specific "weak spots" of the 75 series does not mean that the 75 has more problems then the other guns. You just have more specific info on CZ problems than the problems with the other guns so it assumes a larger, out of proportation, place in your mind.

In short, I think all three are good, reliable handguns, especially the CZ.

 

[Marcus]

All three are very fine handguns IMO. I`ve had the good fortune to shoot all three types and their variations quite a bit. The Kahrs I`ve shot (K9 Elite, PM9) both have reliability issues. They don`t jam super often but at least one every other range session. Maybe it`s just those two but I`ve grown to distrust them a bit. The Glocks I`ve shot have usually been quite reliable but I`ve had a 17 and 19 choke on me several times. My CZ 75B and one a good friend owns have both been outstandingly reliable as well as significantly more accurate than the other guns mentioned. I probably have about 4K rds, through mine also and it`s been like a rock. As for CCW the Kahrs win out of course,especially the PM9 (awesome in a FIST ultrathin kydex IWB). Between the 19 and 75B, personally I`ll take the 75B every time,sure it`s a bit heavier but it`s much slimmer and much more comfortable IWB. I wouldn`t worry about reliability issues with the CZ, in just about every country in the world except maybe the US its reputation as a reliable and generally outstanding service pistol is legendary. Marcus

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

CZ's are fine pistols, but In my opinion, they seem like they were designed for NBA basketball player's hands.


If CZ made a single stack with a shorter trigger reach, then they'd really have something.

 

[CZF]

Try a CZ83 in .380 or 9 MAK. Wonderful little guns. Larger than most .380s
and very accurate with most loads. You get the CZ experience with a
short trigger reach for around $300.

Once you own an 83 you wonder why CZ can't produce a mini-9 with
the same smooth action/safety of the '83.

As the weather warms up, and up. There is a renewed interest and
boost in sales of the smaller CZs.