Help me decide between two CZ pistols

[Black Butte]

I'm looking to get a CZ pistol because they are well made, reasonably priced, and have a lot of history. I like that they are all steel and have inverted slide rails. The models I'm torn between are the CZ-75B and the CZ-85 Combat.

The 75B appeals to the collector in me. It's more "pure," being that the number "75" is the original model number of perhaps the most widely used 9mm pistol in the world. I like the idea of having the closest representative example of the most famous and prolific 9mm pistol, especially among the police forces of east-block countries. The purchase price of the 75 is also more favorable than that of the 85 Combat.

The 85 Combat model, on the other hand, seems like it would be a better shooter. The absence of the firing-pin block safety seems like it would make the trigger smoother and easier to work on. The drop-free mags, ambidextrous controls, and adjustable sights are also pluses.

Let me hear your thoughts.

 

[wbwanzer]

"The 85 Combat model, on the other hand, seems like it would be a better shooter. The absence of the firing-pin block safety seems like it would make the trigger smoother and easier to work on. The drop-free mags, ambidextrous controls, and adjustable sights are also pluses."

I've had two CZs; a 75B and a P-01. I liked them both but couldn't shoot well with either. So I let them go.

What is your main purpose for getting a CZ? I would say that if you're buying the pistol just to have it, for the historical reasons you gave, then get the 75. If you're going to use it consistently (range gun) then get the one with the better trigger. I probably should have had an 85 instead of the 75 for that reason.

 

[surveyor]

the 85 combats can be made to have a great trigger..smooth,light,and short reset.
i have one in single action, and it sees a lot of range time, both in 9mm and with the kadet kit..

the single action trigger with pre and over travel screws is the way to go for a range gun..

night and day diffrence between a stock SA/DA trigger and a SA trigger

all depends on what you want..

 

[eerw]

Both are good guns.
the 85C has ambi controls,and ext mag release, adj. rear sight, overtravel stop on the trigger, no FPB.

these are just opinions. I don't like the adjustable sights. they are too small and fragile for anything but goofing on the range. the lack of a firing pin block is nice in that the trigger has two less springs to work through and a lot less friction points to deal with. You will feel a lot of this at the end of the DA stroke and the end of the SA stroke as the lifter moves the block on a gun with the block in place.

On both guns, the hammers are cut with long hammer hooks. the angle of which these are cut the hammer will begin to cam backwards in single action.


I like the 75B because of the lack of ambi controls. something I just don't need.

OK..now the 75B can be set up to be really really nice.
the hammer can be replaced or hooks recut for a more neutral let off. all the internals can be polished and springs replaced or adjusted to make a super great trigger both in DA and SA.
sights can be replaced, trigger reset can be adjusted with the firing pin block in place.

If you want a range gun and don't want to do any work to it, look at the 85C. if you are willing or wanting to do work on it, the 75B would be a great gun too.

 

[BCRider]

If you get a non Omega action 75B then it can always be tarted up with nothing more than factory parts to duplicate the trigger of a nicely tuned IPSC SP-01 Shadow. The firing pin block parts are easily removed and then replace the hammer and sear with a the Shadow's match hammer and sear so your hook angles are closer to "square" and there's less hammer creep. Add in the 13 lb mainspring to further lighten things and you have a recipe for a fantastic competition or general plinking gun.

On the other hand I'm not sure about doing all this for an SD gun. Making the trigger as light as these mods imply could easily lead to an AD when the adrenaline is running high.

The 85 IS a nice gun too. But if you don't need the ambi safety and such then why have them and have to pay for them?

Another option would be to find a nice condition pre B model. I got one a while back and it's proven to be a superb option. It's my IDPA companion to my IPSC Shadow.

 

[tekarra]

I think BCRider made a good assessment of the two pistols. You may consider looking for a pre B 75. I have a couple and, after some use, the triggers came out quite nice.

 

[AKElroy]

Toss up, which means holster availability wins IMO. Finding a truly well-fiitted holster for the ambi controls on the 85 is nearly impossible. They are everywhere for the 75. I have the 85, love it, and never use the ambi controls. Wish I could find a decent holster for it.

 

[railroader]

If you decide on a 75b here is a great deal on one. It's a 75b cold war commemorative. It has a sickle and hammer on the frame a red star on the slide. It also has a spur hammer. Bud's gun shop is selling them for $443 shipped which is a great price. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_82/products_id/70851 Mark

 

[Black Butte]

Thanks for your input everyone, especially Railroader for turning me on to the limited-edition Cold-War CZ-75 with Cyrillic lettering and the hammer and sickle roll mark. I ended up getting it from J&G for $479 because they had the oval trigger guard with front serrations rather than the round one sported by the pistols sold at Buds. I've included two of the sales pictures below.

http://www.jgsales.com/product_info...orative,-new/cPath/16_75_371/products_id/5352

 

[cz75luver]

There was a time I knew nothing of CZs and my first purchase was a stainless 75B a few years ago. The only word that can describe when I first held it was "Wow". It truly felt great in hand and I've tried other makes/models, CZ became my favorite because 1) I haven't had a single failure of any kind, 2) it points perfectly for me, 3) fits my hand perfectly, and 4) I'm ultra accurate with any of them. Beretta comes in second for me as it is just as reliable, accurate, etc., but the CZ feels better in hand.

I will say that the trigger is very gritty when new and needs time to smooth out, but roughly 1000 dry fires and/or rounds down range takes care of that. For, it's a defensive pistol so I don't mind the long trigger pull and what not, but if you just want a range pistol, you can have the trigger worked on at CZ Custom. For me, I prefer the 75B as I do not like adjustable sights on defensive pistols, but for a range gun they're find. Also, I'm right handed so the 75B works for me and do not need the additional 85 manipulation.

The other thing I'll mentions is that being that they're all steel, they'll last a lifetime and pistols with over 100k rounds have been reported (with regular maintenance of course).

I just added the Cold War Commemorative last week and thinking of adding a second to save. I love them that much.

 

[candr44]

Get the 85 Combat if you want a gun to shoot. It has more features that contribute to its accuracy.

If you want a CZ for its history, get a CZ82, 50, 70, or an older 75 pre B.