Difference between CZ 75 and 75B?

[Columbus Archer]

Is there a difference between the 75 and 75B?

 

[Trebor]

Is there a difference between the 75 and 75B?

Yes.

 

[Trebor]

Sorry, couldn't resist.

The main difference is that an internal firing pin safety was added with the "B" designation. The pre-B models lack this feature.

Another important difference is that, at some point, the dimensions and tolerances of the pistol were changed as well. Personally, I believe this has to do with a switch from traditional machining processess to a CNC set up. The practical difference is that the mag wells on the "B" guns have different dimensions than the mag wells on the older guns. The new wells are "looser" and the mags are ever-so-slightly larger than the older mags. That mags that older "Pre-B" guns can't use newer CZ-75 mags. They just won't fit in the well. The newer guns can use the older mags just fine, btw.

 

[Columbus Archer]

Great! Would 350 be a good price?

 

[Trebor]

$350? For an older Pre-B or a current production 75B?

I saw a NIB CZ-75 BD (Decocker version) on sale at Gander Mountain the other day for $350. That was a good price for a NIB, current production gun.

For a used gun, so much depends on the condition of that specific gun. What kind of shape is it in? How many rounds through it? Etc.

Also, older CZ-75 mags are hard to find. Like I said before, the new mags won't work in the older guns, so you might want to count on only having the mags that come with the gun. If you do find a source for good Pre-B mags, stock up, but expect to pay more than current production mags go for.

$350 might be a good price for a gun in nice shape with at least 2 or 3 mags. The more mags the better. I'd pass at that price if the gun is beat up though or if it only has one mag. Finding more mags can be a PITA.

 

[Campusninja]

Would 350 be a good price?

If you buy it, please post pictures if you can.

 

[Columbus Archer]

Here is a picture of it. I've decided not to buy it. Thank you for all the information.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=45068346

 

[Campusninja]

Here is a picture of it.

Looks like a Retro model, haven't seen one in sometime. Price is good IMO.

 

[Pilot]

The new Retro model is based on the old pre-B CZ-75, except it has the B's hammer safety and new manufacturing tolerances.

 

[Trebor]

I agree. That's definately a newly manufactured CZ. One tip off is that the "Kansas City" import marking.

$350 is not a bad price for that, btw. And, it is current production so new parts and, more importantly, new magazines will work just fine.

 

[BevrFevr]

Sure looks like the older model to me

That gun has new style grips but old style hammer and old style round trigger guard.

The only new gun they sell without a serrated trigger guard is the polymer cz100.

The only current production gun with an old style hammer is the 83.

That thing looks cherry for an older pistol and $350 would be a damn good deal on a rarer non B version with extra mags or not.

I don't think the KC import mark means didely beans. If it didn't have that I would say it found its way down here from Canada.

 

[Trebor]

BevrFvr,

It's the "Retro" model. It's "B" model designed to look like the earlier models. They were a special run CZ sold about 2 or 3 years ago.

The "Kansas City" marking is the clincher. CZ-USA has been established in Kansas City for about 8 or 10 years now. Older guns wouldn't have that marking. CZ-USA was originally in California. Since the move to KC, I don't believe any pre-B models have been imported. The marking is required by the ATF for importation of the gun. An older, Canadian import gun would NOT have those markings.

 

[BevrFevr]

I stand corrected

Thanks for clearing me up there!

I have been following cz for years but somehow missed the "retro" models.

Answer em this if you can...

I have just been reading the cz catalog. Are the ergonomics on the SP01's better than on the 75B?

Thanks for the info -bevr

 

[Trebor]

I've never handled an SP-01, so I can't say. I will say that changing the grip can make a huge difference in how a CZ feels. I replaced the "Cheese grater" grips on my Turkish contract overun 75 with some slim rubber grips and it was like a different gun.

 

[PCRCCW]

Ok....I can do that one. The SP01 has a frame thats a modified shape, much like the SA is. It is very slightly different in dimension and shape...having a more upswept beavertail and some subtle differences in the grip. Hope that answers your questions.
Shoot well.

 

[robertbank]

I have a CZ 85 made in 1988 with the square trigger guard and the small adjustable sights. Great shooter. I got fed up trying to find mags for it so armed with the Dremel I opened up the mag well rails just a tad and now the gun runs with the new 75B/85B mags. Not difficult to do and it certainlly has not had any effect on function. The dimension difference on my gun was mostly at the base of the gun. NExt up a SP-01 decocker model with FO front sight for IPSC PRoduction. Will keep my CZ 85 for IDPA.

Take Care

Bob

 

[CZguy]

I've never handled an SP-01, so I can't say. I will say that changing the grip can make a huge difference in how a CZ feels. I replaced the "Cheese grater" grips on my Turkish contract overun 75 with some slim rubber grips and it was like a different gun.

I would like to second that opinion.

I use a set of custom "Hakan Pec" grips on my PO-1 and it's completely different from the feel when I got it.