TriStar CZ clones - what do you know?

[italianbreadman]

I'm in the market for a CZ (full, compact, or RAMI, just not polymer), and it was recently suggested to me that I look at the TriStar-imported Canik55 pistols. I've checked them out and they seem to be solid. The manufacturer is said to be a NATO-approved/certified. Should the guns then have NATO stock numbers? And should they match the quality of CZs?

Looking more specifically at their lineup, how do people feel about the more CZ-styled S-120, L-120, and C-100 (MKEK series) versus the more Jericho-styled T-120 and T-100 (Shark series)? Are there noteworthy differences?

 

[ku4hx]

A recent edition of American Rifleman had a story on the Canik55; the author liked the gun. I don't recall which issue but it was within the last six months.

 

[hAkron]

I don't think the TriStar are NATO spec in the same way that the CZ P-01's used to be (the newer slide stop on th P-01 nullifies the NATO stuff unless they certify it again or something), but since CZ claims the P-01 is the first civilian handgun to have this designation, I wouldn't be too worried about guns that don't hav it (as in any civilin gun that isn't the P-01). Having said that -- if I'm not mistaken, the TriStar guns are built by Sarsilmaz in Turky. Sarsilmaz has a good reputation in that part of the world for making a high quality product. I have a SAR K2-45 which EAA imports to the US and I think very highly of it.

The guys over at the CZ fourms, and occasionally around these parts as well speak very highly of the TriStar as well.

CZ style guns have been being successfully copied and improved by companies all over the world since their inception, and I don't think I've ever seen a bad one. Sure, there are bad individual examples, but CZ clones are generally regarded as being serviceable.

For the price (just south of $400) you are going to get a whole lot of gun, with a similar build quality of a $500 (give or take) CZ compact.

I carry a CZ 75D PCR which is an alloy framed, compact CZ. Similar to the TriStar I believe. It's just about the perfect medium sized carry gun. It also is big enough to be a no compromises range gun. This man's opinion is that the compact CZ style guns -- any of them -- are money well spent.

 

[hAkron]

Just looking at their website - the factory is NATO approved, but I don't think that carries over to th guns. Anyway, I would buy without hesitation. I'm eagerly awaiting to snatch up one of these bad boys when they show up on th used market.

 

[Pilot]

CZ style guns have been being successfully copied and improved by companies all over the world since their inception, and I don't think I've ever seen a bad one. Sure, there are bad individual examples, but CZ clones are generally regarded as being serviceable.

For the price (just south of $400) you are going to get a whole lot of gun, with a similar build quality of a $500 (give or take) CZ compact.

I carry a CZ 75D PCR which is an alloy framed, compact CZ. Similar to the TriStar I believe. It's just about the perfect medium sized carry gun. It also is big enough to be a no compromises range gun. This man's opinion is that the compact CZ style guns -- any of them -- are money well spent.

My thoughts exactly. I've been carrying a CZ PCR for 13 years. The Tristar/Canik pistols look like excellent clones.

 

[Furncliff]

Who do you send the Turkish gun to if your pistol develops a problem?

 

[Crosser]

BusGunShop

I bought 2 Canak 55 S-120, and 2 Tristar C100 pistols.....got them from Budsgunshop.com....paid about $15 each for the "Lifetime Warranty" that Buds just started...Buds pays shipping both ways....the pistols are all steel....great shooters and I sold my CZs....

 

[italianbreadman]

Lifetime warranty at Buds, huh? Just like GoG. Hmmm.

 

[Dan-O]

I just bought the Canik S-120 from Bud's on Gunbroker. I got the stainless for $350 with the "Buy Now" option. Guessing they're trying to thin out their inventory as their still selling them on the traditional Bud's site for $450.

 

[tekarra]

I have a Canik C100 and it has been problem free.

 

[carlrodd]

I have a c-100. I like it better than a cz 75 compact I had. The double-action trigger was so awful at first, it made me laugh, but lots of dry-firing straightened that out. Regardless, for the price, they're a great deal. Get one before they turn into $500 guns.

 

[Crosser]

Lifetime warranty at Buds, huh? Just like GoG. Hmmm.

Looks clear to me.....

 

[Kiln]

I can say that the fit and finish on the Canik C100 that I own is better than the CZ75B that I own and the Canik is much cheaper.

The Canik has a better trigger in single action and double action as well but somehow manages to have slightly inferior accuracy, most likely due to the shorter barrer because the C100 is a compact, whereas the CZ75B is a full sized gun.

I did a full write-up on it a while back and my view so far is extremely positive. The C100 has been completely reliable and so far still looks great.

Here's my short article:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=714680

I'm betting that the Tristar L120 would be even more impressive than the compact C100 I own.

 

[papershoot]

C-100

I like the way mine shoots and feels. A smooth factory trigger in single action. Very reliable for the several hundred rounds I put though it since I bought it late last year. I'm not an accomplished pistolero, but this gun gets me in the black. Academy Sports had them on sale for $300. I put some wood grips and Meps night sights on it. Pic attached. Apologies for the poor picture.

 

[gym]

That's well worth it