New CZ P-01

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LockedBreech

New member
I got the call today that I passed the Uniform Bar Exam. On the same day, I got a good-paying job. I figure I'll never have as good an excuse as today to order something, and I decided I'm probably going with CZ's P-01. This will be my first CZ. It has always been one of the most appealing CZ models to me, and I am impressed by the tests it ran through to get NATO certified. Anyway, I'm preparing to put it on layaway on Bud's and I'll pay it off with my first check.

Anything to know and/or any must-have accessories? Any notes of caution that might get me to change my mind? Any nice pictures or good reports that might push me over the edge to buy it?
 
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It is one of the better, compact 9MM service pistols on the market. Buy with confidence. They are accurate range guns, as well as a good self defense pistol. The alloy frames make them a bit lighter for carry. Great choice.
 
It has always been one of the most appealing CZ models to me, and I am impressed by the tests it ran through to get NATO certified.
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If you reread the press releases, etc., you'll find that the tests mentioned are for the Czech police trials and not for NATO acceptance. NATO apparently doesn't test guns -- it just set standards and defines the specs for NATO weapons. (Most of the handguns used by NATO are from the big gun makers, and only a few of them have ever worried about NATO specs. (Great Britain, for years, used Browning BHPs, and they were NEVER NATO certified); Beretta, Glock and SIG handgun are the most-widely used NATO handguns, and I'm not sure that any of them are NATO "certified."

That doesn't mean that the P-01s aren't top quality, or that their forged frames aren't as good or better than cast frames used in other CZ models. (Frame durability has never been a concern with a CZ.)

The earliest P-01s were made to NATO specs, but CZ no longer makes that claim with the newest versions of the P-01; a number of production changes have apparently changed things a bit.

The P-01s are nice, durable/reliable guns. Trigger break=in will take several hundred rounds, a lot of dry-firing, or a trigger job.

I prefer the safety-equipped models to the decocker models, but those who have them seem to love them. And the alloy frame is noticeably lighter than the other steel models.
 
I just ran 100 rounds through mine last night. This was the first time at the range since switching to the Meprolight 17775s night sights. I liked shooting it so much I sat around with snap caps for about half hour this morning dry firing.

The P-01 for me is an accurate shooter, probably more accurate than me. Only complaint was stock sights. But my eyes are struggling at my mid 40s age. For me the Meprolight ML17775s were a very nice and economic upgrade from the stock sights.
 
The Cajun Gun Works Pro Package creates a phenomenal trigger. I shoot my smaller/lighter P-01 with this work much better than my stock CZ 75 B stainless. Definitely upgrade the sights. The Crimson Trace CMR-201 is also a great accessory for this pistol.

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The CZ 75-P01 is a superb choice. I purchased one for my wife last year and she loves working with it. Neither of us have any issue with the trigger, think the gun is fine just the way it comes out of the box. (not taking anything away from Cajun Gun Works here as commented above, I understand they do excellent work)

My only recommendation is the purchase of more magazines. The gun comes with two, I want more but haven't made any purchases yet. It makes it easier at the range.

Word of caution, not sure how they are packaging the gun now. Look behind the foam for a package that contains a strange looking tool. It is a right angle piece of metal with a Phillips head on one end and a point on the other. That tool is used to remove the pin that holds the slide in place so that you can tear the gun down for cleaning. This is the only feature about the gun that I don't care for. When Canik cloned the CZ, they fixed this issue by having a small piece of the pin protrude from the frame which can be pushed out with the butt of your magazine, neat trick.

Enjoy your new toy. Be safe.
 
Without doing anything that disassembles the gun, I'd highly recommend a Dawson fiber optic front sight. David at CGW can set you up with the correct height, which is imperative.

Word of caution, not sure how they are packaging the gun now. Look behind the foam for a package that contains a strange looking tool. It is a right angle piece of metal with a Phillips head on one end and a point on the other. That tool is used to remove the pin that holds the slide in place so that you can tear the gun down for cleaning. This is the only feature about the gun that I don't care for. When Canik cloned the CZ, they fixed this issue by having a small piece of the pin protrude from the frame which can be pushed out with the butt of your magazine, neat trick.
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Or, any pointy piece of plastic can be used. It's really a non issue.
 
Oddly enough, I've had my CZ P-01 for many years, practically since they came out, and I've yet to use any tool other than a brass cartridge case to push out the slide stop, (not pin), that holds the P-01 together. :) OTOH, I've fired thousands of rounds through it, and I get accused of having had a trigger job done on it. I just wore in like glass. One of my best friends openly asks to see if I will put her in the will for my P-01...:eek: I don't eat at her place anymore...

Old pic a year or so after I got it;



How it looks today, in a High Noon Double Jeopardy IWB rig. I did have a set of Crimson trace Lasergrips on mine, but the rubber centerpiece became so tacky/sticky it was uncomfortable to use, and CT has refused to answer e-mails to date about that.



Magazines are out there - the older curved baseplate ones are the hardest ones to find - the rubber baseplate ones are easier to locate. Also oddly enough, I just found an old Cali compliant curved baseplate ten rounder magazine in the back of my safe. I might sell it - no need of such an animal here.
 
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There ya go. Back when i was searching for them, they seemed much harder to come by. :)
Edit to add - not the same magazine. Very close, but you'd have to bend down the from of the base plate for the same feel. Look here,



The front bends down. A small difference, but it seemed, in my mind, to make a big difference in feel.
 
The front bends down. A small difference, but it seemed, in my mind, to make a big difference in feel.
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When I used them in the 75 compacts I owned, the front barely protruded passed the bottom of the grip, it was almost flush. There was really nothing to bend down on these IMO.
 
Own a bunch of CZs and the P-01 is my favorite...
You're getting one of the best they make... a flawless, quality pistola!!
 
Love my P-01, and it is slowly working its way ahead of my P-07 for #1 EDC. Put over 500 rounds through each of my new ones these last couple of weeks, and even though the sights are easier to acquire and I'm keeping a general tighter group with the P-07 (for now), the P-01 just feels more natural and close to perfect in my hands. Especially shooting from ½ cock double action (marked w/dark numbers).

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Definitely going to put some night sights on mine, and considering giving it the CGW touch, though I don't know if I really need it or not. Possibly looking at VZ G10 grips as well, just to slim it down a bit and, not to catch on my shirt so bad when carrying.
 
I sent mine to Cajun gun works for an internal make over and it was night and day. 3.3lb SA trigger 8 lb DA trigger and it is smooooth. A sight upgrade is a must! Looking back though I would have saved money if I would have just ordered one straight from David. I would have probably went with the PCR. My HK already has a rail and the PCR is sexier. I do love the mepro's though, so much I put a set on my HK.
 
Here's another accessory I think you're going to like.
Pricey but, worth it - It'll keep up with my Wife's MKII on the reactive range.

CZ75 Kadet Conversion Kit


Now you see it -


Now you don't -
 
Yes, the Kadet Kit practically lives on my 75B these days, but I do also use it on my PCR. It is a great .22lr conversion unit.
 
I ended up calling an audible. I placed bids on two excellent-condition discontinued pistols I've always loved on Gunbroker, and won both (Sig P6 and Beretta 8040G). So I'll throw pictures of those up soon.

I still have every intent to get the P-01, but discontinued wish tends to beat current-production wish. Thus your input was/is still quite appreciated.
 
On that note, I am having a super hard time finding factory 11-round 8040 magazines. Any advice in that regard is appreciated.

Edit: Nevermind, I totally forgot that the Stoeger magazines are identical.
 
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