Having played with Beretta, HiPower ,1911, Sig and Glock, it seems only natural to try the next big thing, which seems to be a CZ-75. But everytime I see it mentioned, it's generally around good value. What else does it have going for it as an alternative to the other pistolas?
Other than good value, what does CZ-75 has going for it?
- Thread starter AirPower
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Rival
Member
It is very well build pistol, accurate, reliable, and with great ergonomics. Modern models come with very good sights (CZ-75B), while the older CZ-75 handguns had rather small sight picture. The handgun is the right size comparing to some other full size 9mm (Beretta comes to mind). The closest thing to what CZ-75 feels like is BHP.
I hva e CZ75B .40, and it cost me $355. What did I get? A solid shooter that feels great, in my hand, decent combat sights, the most accurate .40 I've ever fired, best DA trigger (after about 600 rounds to break in and get rid of some rough spots). I can carry cocked and locked or hammer down DA.
I won't say it's as good as the BHP I had and of course nothing tops my Colt Gov't '70 series, but it's a great basic pistol and the price can't be beat.
Down Side: The pistols are rumored to have weak extractor springs (although I haven't experienced any problems after 1000 rounds)
The slide is inside the receiver rails so there isn't as much to grab on to
My mag followers all broke the underside legs off the first time I fired it, however, this has never caused a malfunction.
Best thing is to rent one if you can and try it out
I won't say it's as good as the BHP I had and of course nothing tops my Colt Gov't '70 series, but it's a great basic pistol and the price can't be beat.
Down Side: The pistols are rumored to have weak extractor springs (although I haven't experienced any problems after 1000 rounds)
The slide is inside the receiver rails so there isn't as much to grab on to
My mag followers all broke the underside legs off the first time I fired it, however, this has never caused a malfunction.
Best thing is to rent one if you can and try it out
dleong
Member
Accuracy, accuracy, and more accuracy.
Oh, and it's a great value too!
DL
rbernie
Contributing Member
Accurate, reliable, naturally a great pointer and very comfortable to shoot, and you can get really inexpensive hi-caps for 'em. Downsides may be the need to replace the recoil and extractor springs on a used version, and the fact that you'll get hooked once you buy one.
CZF
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Cee-Zeds are an aquired taste. You either come to them as a new shooter and buy becuase of the low price. OR you try all the other brands..then you find that
you don't have to pay high prices for outstanding quality in pistol.
They are not the Perfect pistol or unbreakable. Some folks just prefer them above all else.
you don't have to pay high prices for outstanding quality in pistol.
They are not the Perfect pistol or unbreakable. Some folks just prefer them above all else.
armoredman
Member
It works, it works right, the first time, and it won't break the bank. The ergonomics sold my on the grip style, and the quality kept me going.
VG
Member
They are decently accurate, and heavy for comfy range shooting. They are cheap to buy and magazines are cheap as well. The DA pull is pretty creepy but the SA pull is no worse than most DA 9's. The polymer/painted finish is fairly durable. Oh, and they're cheap to buy. If you don't mind the rough interior finish, painted-on exterior finish, and trigger, they can shoot about as well as the similarly priced Rugers and Smith & Wessons. There are a few night sights and holsters available and some of those from the Beretta will fit. They're somewhat unusual, although they have a "Yugo" reputation with many collectors.
Here's a comparison test with the Beretta.
http://www.gunweek.com/2002/feature0110.html
Here's a comparison test with the Beretta.
http://www.gunweek.com/2002/feature0110.html
VG's knowledge not withstanding, the polymer finish is not spray paint. They also come with other finishes like hard chrome, and blue. The polymer is like the finish used on the BHP MkIII.
Creepy trigger...I disagree. Name one DA/SA pistol that doesn't have a creepy trigger?
The gun is as good as the Beretta 92FS at least
Creepy trigger...I disagree. Name one DA/SA pistol that doesn't have a creepy trigger?
The gun is as good as the Beretta 92FS at least
GigaBuist
Member
Accurate. I've told this story here before but I'll do it again.
The CZ-75B in 9mm was my first pistol. Granted a Glock 21 came home the next day but it was still my first.
It came recommended by a US Marine who'd got to play with them in Europe. No, this isn't some guy that was in and got out and never touched a firearm much. He turned me onto firearms (not that hard to do) and brought me to my first gun show. The man bought and traded hanguns like, well, like a THR member would I suppose.
He had a Sig 226, Beretta 92, and BHP already. He let me fondle his own (on a previous range trip) to see how they felt. We even checked out a Steyr (which I didn't know at the time, but the sights make it stand out) at the gun show but I figured the CZ-75B was right for me. Hey, I'm a cheap bugger and it felt GOOD in my hands.
So, range trip. His Sig 226, Beretta 92, BHP and my CZ-75B. He plays with all hist pistols at 10 yards like I'm doing. My groups are, of course being a new shooter, somewhere between dismal and horrid. His are all around 2" around. Slow steady fire. He tries the CZ -- they're down to one ragged 1" hole. Seriously.
That damn pistol was confused. It's a combat pistol but it shoots like a target pistol. That just isn't right! Maybe I got one of the better ones, or maybe every time the guy shot it he paid more attention. The "feat" was repeated a number of times.
Oh heck, I did a write up a few days ago about why I like CZ pistols. It's here:
http://www.justinbuist.org/blog/2004/08/cz-pistols.html
My opinion shouldn't carry much weight. I'm still a novice shooter -- but I'm learning what I like and don't like about various designs.
The CZ-75B in 9mm was my first pistol. Granted a Glock 21 came home the next day but it was still my first
.It came recommended by a US Marine who'd got to play with them in Europe. No, this isn't some guy that was in and got out and never touched a firearm much. He turned me onto firearms (not that hard to do) and brought me to my first gun show. The man bought and traded hanguns like, well, like a THR member would I suppose.
He had a Sig 226, Beretta 92, and BHP already. He let me fondle his own (on a previous range trip) to see how they felt. We even checked out a Steyr (which I didn't know at the time, but the sights make it stand out) at the gun show but I figured the CZ-75B was right for me. Hey, I'm a cheap bugger and it felt GOOD in my hands.
So, range trip. His Sig 226, Beretta 92, BHP and my CZ-75B. He plays with all hist pistols at 10 yards like I'm doing. My groups are, of course being a new shooter, somewhere between dismal and horrid. His are all around 2" around. Slow steady fire. He tries the CZ -- they're down to one ragged 1" hole. Seriously.
That damn pistol was confused. It's a combat pistol but it shoots like a target pistol. That just isn't right!
Maybe I got one of the better ones, or maybe every time the guy shot it he paid more attention. The "feat" was repeated a number of times.Oh heck, I did a write up a few days ago about why I like CZ pistols. It's here:
http://www.justinbuist.org/blog/2004/08/cz-pistols.html
My opinion shouldn't carry much weight. I'm still a novice shooter -- but I'm learning what I like and don't like about various designs.
shep854
Member
It's a tossup with the BHP for over-all slimness, especially in the grip area, all-steel construction, double action/ single action with cocked & locked capability (some clones have safeties that can be engaged with the hammer down-Springfield Armory P9, for one), reversed slide/frame fit for accuracy, simple take-down, and of course, low price.
I keep thinking of it as a High-Power with double-action capability. The hammer will even bite you, like a HP.
I keep thinking of it as a High-Power with double-action capability. The hammer will even bite you, like a HP.
I have to agree with everyone when they say ergonomics and accuracy. I am also comforted by knowing I didn't pay to much for the gun. If I ever do have a problem with my current or future guns I won't look at it and feel that I was ripped off.
caz223
Member
There are two styles of guns I generally do the best with in timed events.
Hate to admit it, but they are 1911s and CZs.
I suppose the BHP would be the CZ's equal or better, but haven't tried one yet.
My CZ75b has my personal best time to target and timed steel event times and I don't see that changing.
The stopwatch tells the tale.
As for my skill, I'm not posting my times, because they still suck, but I need all the help I can get.
Hate to admit it, but they are 1911s and CZs.
I suppose the BHP would be the CZ's equal or better, but haven't tried one yet.
My CZ75b has my personal best time to target and timed steel event times and I don't see that changing.
The stopwatch tells the tale.
As for my skill, I'm not posting my times, because they still suck, but I need all the help I can get.
Mikul
Member
I have an H&K USP that I just love. It's accurate, reliable, feels good in my hand and eats just about everything.
It's probably more accurate than my CZ-75, but I'm probably faster with CZ.
If I had to buy one or the other again, I'd probably get the CZ.
It's probably more accurate than my CZ-75, but I'm probably faster with CZ.
If I had to buy one or the other again, I'd probably get the CZ.
Kamicosmos
Member
I have a CZ97 and love it. Ergo's are great, the gun is super accurate and reliable, and the price was right.
I've also shot several CZ75s, along with a couple other CZ models, and the above goes the same for them. Even the new little RAMI is very accurate and feels good in the hand for such a little gun. So I agree with everyone else, you start with an excellent price and discover one heck of a firearm!!
I've also shot several CZ75s, along with a couple other CZ models, and the above goes the same for them. Even the new little RAMI is very accurate and feels good in the hand for such a little gun. So I agree with everyone else, you start with an excellent price and discover one heck of a firearm!!
Grunt
Member
Well, others have already cited it's accuracy, reliabiltity, ruggedness, ergonomics and how well it shoots most shooters hands. As far as triggers go, mine is an older pre-B model and the DA trigger is one of the best ones I've felt in a DA auto. Me thinks it's due to the lack of a firing pin safety on the early models.
One thing I will mention that hasn't been mentioned yet is the DA trigger guard is fairly large to start with and the CZ has the ability to be carried cocked and locked. Looking at other DA 9mm pistols out there, the trigger circumfrance as would be normally carried of a Beretta 92 is 3.13" the Sig 226 is 3.19" a Hi-Power is 3.19" and a Glock is about 3" in the area between the trigger guard and trigger face. My CZ-75 carried cocked and locked jumps up to 3.63" in this same area and this is with the smaller early trigger guard. If you're like me and live in colder climates where heavy gloves are worn during the winter months, this is a pretty important feature since it allows you to get into the trigger guard without binding, risking an AD or not allowing the trigger to return fully after firing round. To me, that's a big selling point.
One thing I will mention that hasn't been mentioned yet is the DA trigger guard is fairly large to start with and the CZ has the ability to be carried cocked and locked. Looking at other DA 9mm pistols out there, the trigger circumfrance as would be normally carried of a Beretta 92 is 3.13" the Sig 226 is 3.19" a Hi-Power is 3.19" and a Glock is about 3" in the area between the trigger guard and trigger face. My CZ-75 carried cocked and locked jumps up to 3.63" in this same area and this is with the smaller early trigger guard. If you're like me and live in colder climates where heavy gloves are worn during the winter months, this is a pretty important feature since it allows you to get into the trigger guard without binding, risking an AD or not allowing the trigger to return fully after firing round. To me, that's a big selling point.
Ivy Mike
Member
you guys keep forgetting the most important thing...its one heckuva looker too.
My CZ75B never misses out on a trip to the range. Comfortable, reliable, and stomaches the cheapest ammo without complaint. Been dead reliable since day one. Over 1500 rounds through it to date.
My CZ75B never misses out on a trip to the range. Comfortable, reliable, and stomaches the cheapest ammo without complaint. Been dead reliable since day one. Over 1500 rounds through it to date.
Black Snowman
Member
For me, ergonomics that fit me like no other. For me a Hi-Power's grip interferes with proper placement of my trigger finger. If I got a trigger with a differant length it might make a differance. The CZ's trigger is a little long in DA mode but I have somewhat long fingers so it doesn't bother me.
Not only do they feel good, I think they look good too
Then there's the accuracy, reliability, afordability, etc . . . but that's been covered.
Not only do they feel good, I think they look good too
Then there's the accuracy, reliability, afordability, etc . . . but that's been covered.
dairycreek
Member
The CZ has all the attributes that fine pistols posess!
It also comes at a somewhat more reasonable price than many other fine pistols. That is why it has value. Good shooting
It also comes at a somewhat more reasonable price than many other fine pistols. That is why it has value. Good shooting
CZ52GUY
Member
Forgiving...
...I bought a '99 stamped CZ-75B Military that had a decent trigger out of the box that has only got better with time. I added a Hogue FG grip and factory NS and it's become my "alpha-autoloader".
Where some autoloaders let you know any time your technique isn't pristine, the CZ-75 has been much more forgiving in that respect. My best all time groups are all with one of my two CZ-75's.
There are many fine pistols out there (I own several alternatives including Sig's, Glocks, and a 1911), but the CZ-75 is top dog in my safe because I have confidence that I can hit what I aim at, and mine go bang every time.
Safe shooting,
CZ52'
...I bought a '99 stamped CZ-75B Military that had a decent trigger out of the box that has only got better with time. I added a Hogue FG grip and factory NS and it's become my "alpha-autoloader".
Where some autoloaders let you know any time your technique isn't pristine, the CZ-75 has been much more forgiving in that respect. My best all time groups are all with one of my two CZ-75's.
There are many fine pistols out there (I own several alternatives including Sig's, Glocks, and a 1911), but the CZ-75 is top dog in my safe because I have confidence that I can hit what I aim at, and mine go bang every time.
Safe shooting,
CZ52'
cratz2
Member
In general, value, accuracy and capacity take a back seat to reliability and ergonomics. And the CZs are tops in the last two categories in my experience... I've been a 1911 guy for a long time... First handgun I ever shot, first handgun I ever bought, the guns I've shot the most and the guns I've owned the most of. But in my hand, the CZs are more comfortable and ergonomic.
I've never knocked Berettas, Glocks or SIGs but all the Berettas, all the Glocks (esp the 20/21/29/30) and all the double stack SIGs feel like 2x4s compared to CZs, BHPs and 1911s.
I've never knocked Berettas, Glocks or SIGs but all the Berettas, all the Glocks (esp the 20/21/29/30) and all the double stack SIGs feel like 2x4s compared to CZs, BHPs and 1911s.
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