CZ97 a bad deal getting worse

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Brutus

New member
Several months ago I purchased a used CZ97 in perfect condition. As an avid CZ enthusiast, who owns 2 rifles, one shotgun, and 2 pistols I didn't hesitate to plop down my money, paid $670 with tax for it. Firearm is a complete jamomatic. Won't even feed stock round nose ball ammo from Winchester, Federal or Remington. Purchased a new CZ magazine for $50 thinking that might be the problem but no such luck.
Found out through researching the issue that the earlier models are known for this problem and CZ has since altered the barrel feed ramp and bushing. Contacted the CZ custom shop and was told that for around $200 they will fix it right up. Bottom line I'd have to invest $920 for a $700 pistol. Considered trading it in but would incur a $370 dollar loss and pass a problematic pistol off on some other individual.
I can't believe CZ could put something like this out on the market and then refuse to correct the problem. Granted I bought the pistol used from what I thought was a reputable gun dealer but I don't want to take a loss and pass the problem off on someone else.
What to do?

Response from CZ:

Cz Custom is actually a separate entity from CZ-USA and does not do warranty work on non-CZ custom guns. For used 97s we offer to install a new style barrel for only the cost of the barrel itself (145.00), we will cover labor and shipping to and from us. If you would like to proceed I can make you a case and send you a shipping label to send your gun in.

Inquired about a new bushing as I have read it is also problematic.
Response from CZ:
Total cost for both would be 180.00.

I don't think I'd like to reward CZ with more cash for producing a substandard pistol to begin with. After the holidays I'll contact Cajun gun works for a quote. Really lost faith in CZ, guess you have to research everything.
 
You bought a used gun. You rolled the dice, and you lost. Many gunmakers won't do diddle for a used gun -- a few will.

Not all of the early CZ-97s had your problem. I had one and it ran like the top. It just didn't fit my hand.

I had the same sort of problem with a .45 Witness Sport Long Slide. The barrel cracked (using standard factory ammo.) I replaced the barrel, because it was still a worthwhile gun. The Super Sight later broke, and I replaced it ($200). My options were to take a big loss in selling the gun as it was when something broke, or keep it going. I kept it going for a number of years. I kind of wish I had it back. (Smaller grip than teh CZ-97, too!)

You have the option of trading/selling (and lose $370 or so), or upgrading to a new factory barrel ($180). You lose money either way, but lose less by upgrading. You need to bite your bullet, learn from your experience, and upgrade the barrel and bushing.

I seldom buy NEW guns anymore. I do the same with cars.
 
You paid the price for a new 97 for a used 97 (at least prices here locally). As they told you, CZ Custom isn't part of CZ proper. CZ warranty isn't lifetime and even many lifetime warranties don't apply to people passed the original buyer.

Me personally I'd rather pay to get it right. I don't trade guns back that don't function. What I get really lucky in is that the lgs I frequent offers a 30 day warranty on used pistols for store credit if it fails.
 
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That sucks, and I feel badly for you. I would also pay the $180 to get it right, as you will really enjoy shooting that pistol. It will give you a lifetime of good service, and it is one of the softest shooting, most accurate .45's on the market.

I recently bought a new 97B with the fiber optic sight, aluminum grips an re-designed barrel ramp. Out of the box it has been 100% reliable with all types of ammo, and very accurate. It is a pleasure to shoot, and handles my 200 grain LSWC with ease. I paid $618 plus shipping to my FFL. Hindsight is 20/20. Yes, you should have bought a new one for that money, but for another $180 you will have a stellar .45.
 
Yes I agree, rolled the dice and lost. Just wish the original owner had gotten the warranty work done instead of just dumping it. I'm a big fan of CZ products but this one leaves something to be desired. Guess I just needed a place to vent, after doing the research in hindsight I would have been aware of the problems with this model and taken a pass. Thought if I didn't strike fast it would be sold and I really want to like this gun.:rolleyes:
 
"You bought a used gun. You rolled the dice, and you lost. Many gunmakers won't do diddle for a used gun -- a few will."

Agreed. Most of my guns I buy used. Almost all of them have been great, meaning I gambled and won. A few didn't function properly sometimes, meaning I gambled and lost. You win some, you lose some.

That being said, I would be frustrated too.
 
May be the original owner didn't have a problem with it. Not likely but possible.

If I was going to have to buy a new barrel anyway I think I'd get out the Dremel and try to modify what I had.

Wonder if you could get another barrel used from somewhere?

All the Best,
D. White
 
I was in the LGS last weekend looking at guns. I actually was looking at the CZ-97 and decided against it due to the size. I ended up getting a Sig 320 45acp. Haven't shot it yet.
 
Brutus said:
Yes I agree, rolled the dice and lost. Just wish the original owner had gotten the warranty work done instead of just dumping it.
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If the original owner is a friend or lives nearby, maybe you can get HIM to send it in (for you, with you paying for shipping if CZ doesn't do it) for the upgrade -- as he's still the owner of record (as far as CZ is concerned), and CZ OUGHT to make it right. If you bought it from a shop, you might be SOL... If the CZ Custom shop upgrade includes the same stuff and SHIPPING, I'd go that route.

If not, the factory upgrade makes sense -- as they typically pay for shipping coming back. (You might be able to work out a deal for either party to pay shipping both ways, and you reimburse them -- their shipping costs are much lower than a private individuals. An FFL can ship it for you by mail for less, too.)
 
Cz Custom is actually a separate entity from CZ-USA
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Have you tried contacting CZ USA (the manufacturer/importer) instead of CZ Custom. If CZ Custom is a separate entity, I can understand why they wouldn't offer warranty work on something they did not manufacture or import.
 
WiShoot: in his original post, Brutus wrote:

Inquired about a new bushing as I have read it is also problematic.
Response from CZ:
Total cost for both would be 180.00.​

CZ new it was a used gun, and Brutus got a price for both parts...
 
Hmm, you bought a used gun, and painful as it is, its on you! I would spring for the fix and be done with it! On the other hand, CZ-USA has a reputation, they are selling aftermarket parts for their guns that void the warranty on their guns and not explaining such to the customers, who often purchased them at the prompting of CZ-CSR's! Yeah, thats a poor reputation! :rolleyes:
 
Badfinger said:
Hmm, you bought a used gun, and painful as it is, its on you! I would spring for the fix and be done with it! On the other hand, CZ-USA has a reputation, they are selling aftermarket parts for their guns that void the warranty on their guns and not explaining such to the customers, who often purchased them at the prompting of CZ-CSR's! Yeah, thats a poor reputation! :rolleyes:
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What aftermarket parts is CZ USA selling directly that void their warranties? You understand right that CZ Custom is a separate entity?
 
I would seek out the services of a good local gunsmith and ask him to inspect and service your gun so that it reliably feeds and accurately shoots Win Whitebox ball ammo, I'll be surprised if the cost is anywhere close to what CS quoted you.
 
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What aftermarket parts is CZ USA selling directly that void their warranties? You understand right that CZ Custom is a separate entity?
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For one, the stainless guide rod regardless of manufacturer, which is being sold by CZ-USA out of their Kansas hub, if you experience any damage as a result of it, not only won't they fix it, it voids their warranty entirely! I got mine from them after their CSR upsold me to it when I had called intending to purchase a new polymer rod for a PO1, he never mentioned the fact that its use would void my warranty if any problems from its use occurred, be careful!
 
I would seek out the services of a good local gunsmith and ask him to service you gun so that it reliably feeds and accurately shoots Win Whitebox ball ammo, I'll be surprised if the cost is anywhere close to what CS quoted you.
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You realize right that the price quoted includes a new barrel of different design? Given that I don't think the price that was quoted is that high.

For one, the stainless guide rod regardless of manufacturer, which is being sold by CZ-USA out of their Kansas hub, if you experience any damage as a result of it, not only won't they fix it, it voids their warranty entirely! I got mine from them after their CSR upsold me to it when I had called intending to purchase a new polymer rod for a PO1, he never mentioned the fact that its use would void my warranty if any problems from its use occurred, be careful!
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I would agree that is a poor idea on their end. It should at least say in the product description so when the person on the phone reads it they would know.
 
You realize right that the price quoted includes a new barrel of different design? Given that I don't think the price that was quoted is that high.
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OP got a ballpark estimate from CS without first getting an inspection of the gun to see if there might be additional wear or damage from use by the previous owner, that could account for the problems he's having. I would first seek out the owner of the LGS that sold OP this gun at an inflated and ridiculous price and request a referral for an independent gunsmith / armorer who can evaluate this gun. If the LGS gives OP a hard time you know you bought a used firearm from a scumbag outfit, I would still get the gun evaluated by an independent gunsmith / armorer, then haul the LGS owner into small claims court for the cost of any modifications or upgrades necessary to get that CZ into proper and safe working condition.
 
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