Answers to Swiss CZ ?s

[B Shipley]

I'm getting an AT-84S and have been researching them.

I'm still not sure about whether or not they take genuine CZ mags (but the standard mag for these is 15 rds., just like a CZ, and not 16 rounds like the TZ/Witness).

The first AT-84s were IDENTICAL to the CZ-75, and were built as part of a licensing agreement with CZ. CZ broke this by allowing Bauska to import the Czech made guns to the US. It is very likely that these were marked "CZ."

ITM Ag started marketing the gun entirely on their own at this point, eventually upgrading it to the AT-88, mimicing the CZ-85. The AT-88 is significantly different from CZs and the AT-84, not the least of which is a non-interchangeable (with previous AT-84s) Peters-Stahl barrel.

F---ups and delays by British and Italian subcontactors compromised the whole arrangement, forcing sale to Sphinx Ag to cover debts.

I forgot where I read this, but I think some of this may be in the "Blue Book."

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Thank you, Mr. Shipley. You've answered questions I've had for years concerning my "Swiss CZ." I must have one of those that were made exactly like the Czech ones. I read in Ramos' book on them, that CZ had entered licensing agreements with Solothurn, but that the deal fell through. I'm guessing that some pistols were made before the cutoff. Mine came in the old, thin, cardboard box, and had the Czech test target, book, etc. The weapon's marked with typical Czech logo, etc, and has the military finish.
The only thing different is the "Made in Switzerland" and "Solothurn" on the frame. Thank you again. Best.

 

[B Shipley]

Witness mags WON't work. CZs will with one, maybe two mods (enlarging catch notch by 1mm in length, and possibly lowering the notch at the back top of the mag by 1mm). Sphinx might work w/o mods, since neither should affect function in a Brno made CZ.