Opinions on the CZ 97BD

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I have had no reliability issues with it at all. I did send the barrel back to CZ and they polished the feed ramp and chamber for free which put an end to the occaisional hiccups using hollow point ammo.

Even though CZ resolved your problem, it's not exactly accurate to claim that you've "had no reliability issues at all". It seems that, in fact, you did...
 
@SwampWolf

I stand corrected...

I have fired 9,000+ rounds through the 97B - approx. 60% of them hollow point. Early on I had 2 fail to feed of inexpensive, steel-cased range ammo which prompted me to take advantage of CZ's free "fluff and buff" service to correct the issue. My SP-01 (and many other factory standard pistols) come with polished feed ramps and chambers out of the box. CZ is a company that monitors their products performance in the field and realized that the 97B would benefit from that treatment and offered it as quick-turn-around free service (they also covered shipping). I have experienced far more positive performance from the 97B than negative and still feel that, for the money spent on the gun, it offers an incredible value. I don't use the gun as a personal defense weapon, nor as a duty weapon for professional purposes.

I originally wanted the 97BD (the decocker and night sights would match nicely with my SP-01 Tactical) but I was unable to find one at a price that I was willing to pay. They were brand new on the market when I bought the 97B and they were commanding a premium when you could find one.
 
CZ...If you read post no. 21 in this thread, you'll understand what my concern is. You certainly should have no complaints with the performance you have recited with your Model 97. That kind of reliability ought to make even a Glock owner genuflect. :D
 
SwampWolf - While a fan of the CZ's, I also own quite a few others - including several Glocks. I can't imagine carrying the all-steel CZ's on a daily basis vs. a totally reliable and MUCH lighter Glock. The CZ's tend to be something I grab when headed to the range where the added mass and nice ergonomics help to make up for my accuracy shortcomings (of which there are many!). There is no question that Glocks are, and always will be, a benchmark for reliability and utility that few others are able to match.
 
Owner of CZ 97 Review on My Website

http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=323

I love mine and have written what I consider to be an honest review from my perspective on it from my point of view.

If anyone knows where I can get a set of sights for it please point me to the link.

I would like to know what Marine training your buddy went through that allowed him to shoot a CZ97. As a recently retired Marine I have never seen a CZ on any Marine Corps range.
 
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I have a CZ75BD which I like very much and shoot most. That's also the reason when I want to upgrade to .45ACP, I look into CZ first, espcially I live in California with 10rd limit on mag and feel I will be outgunned by criminals with my 10rd 9mm if I get into a self-defence situation. My only issue with my CZ75BD is the mag will not free fall when mag release is pressed and I have to pull the mag out which slows down my tactical reload. I don't know if it's just my gun or it's the same with all CZ design. Do you have this issue with CZ97? Thanks.
 
Steve Bedair makes awesome guide rods, and he also sent me a slightly blemished (forward face was cut at an angle) rod for my PCR when I ordered one for the Kadet Kit I was using with it.

Oh sorry I forgot he didn't charge me for it. You hear that people spread poor experiences more than good ones, I like to fight that tide when I can.
 
My only issue with my CZ75BD is the mag will not free fall when mag release is pressed and I have to pull the mag out which slows down my tactical reload. I don't know if it's just my gun or it's the same with all CZ design.

Many, if not most, CZ pistols come equipped with a magazine brake. This "feature" can be defeated by judiciously flattening it or removing it altogether. Personally, aside from the need for a super speedy reload needed for combat style games, I kind of like the idea of not losing a mag in the event the magazine release button gets accidently depressed.
 
I love my 97. I paid 500$ for it brand new years ago and don't regret a thing. I've probably got 2500 rounds through it. I did have to send it to CZUSA to get the loaded chamber indicator replaced, but function of the gun never faltered. I recommend them to anyone looking for an all metal, non 1911 handgun. It is more accurate than I can shoot. It isn't much trouble to hit a 18" circle target at 100 yards. I never shoot it off of a bench, so I can't truly say how accurate it is. I did have feeding issues with wide-mouthed hollowpoints. I kinda like having stuff that not everyone else has. Most people would go straight for a 1911. I guess I just like the looks and questions that arise when I put it on the table. Everyone that has shot mine has agreed that it is a soft, accurate shooter.
 
The CZ-97BD also has a wider feed ramp the the orginal CZ-97B it is noticable when these are held side by side.
 
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