Ok so I was all wet about the CZ's.-Excellent value! Comfortable too!

H

Hal

New member
Just goes to show you you can't really judge something until you put some lead downrange. :)
One of the local stores is having a CZ days this weekend with a rep from CZ and a chance to shoot everything they make. I got a chance to shoot a CZ75B and a Kadet. I was pleasantly surprised at how they felt under actual firing conditions. Prior to trying one, I had noticed the backstrap was/is cut a little deeper than a Hi Power. Being a keyboard/mouse jocky for most of each day, the web of my hand is always sore from using a mouse. I bought a box of 9mm, picked out a polymer finish CZ75B and had at it. U-N-believable! These things just flat out shoot great, and much to my surprise, they are pretty comfortable. I had planned on just shooting 10 rounds, but got carried away having so much fun, I burned up 50 rounds :) As much as I love my HP's, I have to say that for a box stock factory gun, the CZ has a bit of an edge in the accuracy dept.,or at least the one I shot did. (I hope the one I bought shoots as well :))
Next up was the Kadet. I bought a box of the cheapest .22 ammo they had, which was Aguila(sp?) brand. I haven't shot any of this stuff, so I wasn't sure how it would work. Both the ammo, and the gun worked OK. Not target grade, but every bit the equal of my Ruger 22/45.-(I see a conversion unit in my future :))
For a selling price of $350-$400, these things are hard to beat-the CZ75B that is. The out of box trigger is fantastic! I stopped short of trying some of the others like the 85 and the decocker model, plus the, I believe 97(?)-the .45. For a lower end gun, these are excellent value, compared to the FEG, or the Charles Daley, IMNSHO, the CZ offers a whole lot more value. Fit and finish is A-1, for a little more money.
 
Congratulations! I agree and I've never fired one. I brought one home a couple of hours ago and I also hope that it works as well as the one you tried. I bought it on reputation, hand fit and the nice DA/SA trigger. I'll know early tomorrow afternoon. Good luck with yours. I feel extra good because of what I didn't buy and the money I saved. I went looking for Taurus Ti PD and couldn't find one at four stores. One generously offered to order it for $440. Then I noticed a brand new Seecamp .32 for $699. I chewed my lip for a while, but took home the black polymer CZ 75B w/1-15rd.,1-10rd., and a box of Speer Lawman for the low figure you mentioned(plus tax). Again, good luck with your new acquisition. John
 
I`m in the market for a CZ75 right now but haven`t decided on a finish yet. What`s the black poly finish look like? I`ve been thinking polished blue but it can be a pain to maintain. Is the poly finish nice enought not to clash with a set of checkered exotic hardwood grips? Marcus
 
ahhhhhhh!!! I still haven't got the one I ordered yet. :( I did check out the poly finish on my loaner though and it is very nice looking. I think it would look great with hardwood grips.. or fake ivory if you could find that somewhere..I've looked and can't find ivory look poly grip panels.

shiro
 
Rae,

Sounds like a good time today. Wish the places I visit had events like that.

Congrats on the new CZ. I'm sure you'll like it a lot. I fell in love with mine after the first trip to the range. Currently looking at a Kadet .22 conversion kit and I've already made up my mind that my next pistol purchase will be the CZ-97 in .45 ACP. I can't wait to get my hands on that.

Joe/Ga
 
I positively adore my CZ-75B. I've got lots of other "more expensive" pistols, but the CZ is what I sleep next to (well, that and my wife).

Now if I can just buy a CZ-85 Combat....

I like the High Power, too. But for the money, I think the CZ is a better gun (particularly these days with the inflated HP prices).

Skorzeny

------------------
For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence. Sun Tzu
 
Thanks guys! I'll find out in a few hours how well mine shoots. :) One of the things that sold me on it for sure: It was clean. It may seem like a petty matter, but for some reason, the fact that they took the extra time to clean it thouroughly after test firing it at the factory impressed me. It's been a long time since I've seen that. Of the guns I've bought in the last two years, this was the only one that was 99% clean. That speaks volumes about extra attention given to detail.

Marcus,
The poly finish has kind of a plastic apperance. Side by side with the blued version, the polymer appears a little nicer on this style gun. The sample the CZ rep had there to shoot was one that had been in this demo service for over a year. It showed virtually zero wear. I know this isn't indicative of a carry style, but it was impressive that there was no wear on the finish. I equate the style of service t something like a rental, where several people handle it. I've seen some pretty shabby rentals after a year of service. I think a set of wooden grips would look great with it(polymer). I like to personalize my semi-autos with a set of non standard grips.

[This message has been edited by RAE (edited July 23, 2000).]
 
Greetings,

These pistols can't be beat for the price. Hogue makes cocobolo grips that are absolutely beautiful on the black polymer finish.

Ledbetter
 
Ledbetter, thanks for the suggestion. I checked the website and when I went to the range today they had a catalog. You're right I do believe. Range report - 200 rounds of Atlanta Arms 115 gr. ball reloads and 0 problems of any kind. Well, other than trouble getting the 10th round in the short mag. I didn't try the loader though. The 15-rounder filled easily. Great pistol and the sights are dead on. A number of folks checked it out and three of them started with the "Oh, don't tell me that's all it was and they have more in stock because I just bought something yesterday." One of the three owns 6 Hi Powers and he started asking around for someone to do a black polymer finish on one of his babys. Anyway, time to go clean it. I'm glad I finally listened to the CZ 75B supporters. John
 
Again, I will put my foot in my mouth. What exactly is it that makes a CZ75 a great pistol? Is it the mushy double action trigger or the long take up before it fires? Is it the potential danger of an accidental discharge while lowering the hammer on the original models? Is it the longer trigger reach that makes it difficult for people with small hands to shoot it double action? Perhaps it is the great finish that is sprayed on rather than blued? Is it those awesome plastic grips? I think I know. It is those sights that are inferior to Sig, Glock, S&W, or Ruger. I own a CZ75 and in no way does it compare to my Glock 19, Sig 228 or 226, Ruger P85 MKII, Walther P88, or TZ75. I know you are saying TZ75? Thats right mine is that good. Regards, Richard.

[This message has been edited by Richard (edited July 23, 2000).]
 
Again, I will put my foot in my mouth. What exactly is it that makes a CZ75 a great pistol?

It'a reliable, accurate, and affordable.

Is it the mushy double action trigger or the long take up before it fires?

CZs have among the best out of the box DA pulls. Sure, it's not a custom shop DA, but for what it's intended it's smooth enough.

Is it the potential danger of an accidental discharge while lowering the hammer on the original models?

This is a training issue. If you prefer you can get a decock version.

Is it the longer trigger reach that makes it difficult for people with small hands to shoot it double action?

People with small hands aren't served by a double stack to begin with, so to me this is a non-issue. If your hands are so small that you can't work DA then you're better served by looking at something smaller.

Perhaps it is the great finish that is sprayed on rather than blued?

You can get CZs blued, polymer or nickeled. The choice is yours.

Is it those awesome plastic grips?

Be a big spender and change the gri if you don't like them. Hogues can be had for $15.

I think I know. It is those sights that are inferior to Sig, Glock, S&W, or Ruger.

Hmm, never had a problem with the sights. If you want you can get night sights.

I own a CZ75 and in no way does it compare to my Glock 19, Sig 228 or 226, Ruger P85 MKII, Walther P88, or TZ75.

What you like isn't what I like. To each his own. To me, the CZ75 is a better pistol than a P85, way better than every TZ75 I've ever fired, shorter DA pull than SIG Sauers (and certainly tougher). Don't know about the Walther, but I bet you didn't pay $300 for it. Agree with the Glock, but they're very different mechanisms.

I know you are saying TZ75? Thats right mine is that good.

You got lucky. Last TZ75 I handled had sharp edges, rough feed ramp, and the obnoxious habit of light primer strikes.

------------------
"Get yourself a Lorcin and lose that nickel plated sissy pistol."
 
Richard-

Could it be reliability equal to Glocks? I have never had a hint of a mis-fire with my CZ. It is extremely accurate, the most comfortable gun I have ever held, and a dream to shoot. There is no risk of an AD with the originals (which is what I have) if you use the slightest bit of common sense when dropping the hammer. Thats what the half cock is for. I'll agree that I wasn't wild about the polymer, at first. Then I realized that it never needs to be wiped, and never gets that crappy look that blued guns do in 2 minutes of handling, that I then have to use another 2 minutes with a silicone cloth so there are no finger prints on it when I put it away. And what beef do you have with the grips? They are perfectly serviceable the way they are. Sure there aren't hogues or pachymar, but $15 bucks will get you a pair of those. At least I can replace my grips if I want. Try doing that on a Ruger or a Glock. And the SA trigger is hardly mushy. Even in DA its much less mush than any sig I've ever held. They have more loose take up than any other gun I've ever picked up. Anyway, it comes down to whatever floats your boat. I love my vinatage '84 CZ, and I wouldn't trade it for any other 9mm pistol. Period.

[This message has been edited by RCS (edited July 24, 2000).]
 
Tecolote and RCS,

Lets start my reply with in handguns I prefer High Powers and 1911A1s. Both of these pistols are cocked and locked
weapons and are extremely accurate with minimal gunsmithing. They require trigger jobs and in the case of the 1911A1 a
fitted bushing and then they are ready to go. What is ready to go? I can live with either at that point.

Mushy triggers? Most Double action (D/A) pistols have terrible first shot triggers. I am sorry but a Sig has a better mushy
trigger.

Accidental Discharges (AD)? One is better off avoiding this potential situation. There is a manual of arms one has to
memorize prior to safely lowering a trigger on any CZ75 without a decocker. Therefore, I do not view this pistols as ideal
for new semiautomatic pistol shooters.

Long trigger reach? You are right this is a constant problem for me! I have size 12 hands with long fingers. I have read
enough posts from people with small hands to know this is a problem.

The sprayed on finish? The CZ75 pistols I see touted on these boards are the ones you can buy for about $325.00 wholesale
and they do not come blued.

Plastic grips? I do not voluntarily use plastic grips if I can avoid them. I prefer well made wood grips. I use mainly Ahrens
and Spegel grips on my pistols.

Inferior sights? Yes, the pistols I mentioned do have better factory sights than the CZ75. I wish I could say you are right
about this issue but this isn't the case.

Cost factor? I paid $600 for my Sig P228 with night sights and two high capacity magazines. I would not trade it for two
CZ75 and that is a fact.

Better DA pistols? I was lucky and got a great TZ75 with a sweet trigger from the factory. If you question this ask ShallCarry his opinion of this TZ75. He shot it once and offered to buy it from me! I have owned my Ruger P85 MKII for more than 9 years and have yet to have a misfire. When I bought it I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. I complained, shipped the pistol to the factory, they laser sighted it, and that was the end of the problem.

Regards,

Richard
 
Back from cleaning the CZ 75B. I put a drop of GUNSCRUBBER on the back of one plastic grip panel. It will liquify it. No matter, I had planned on replacing them because I didn't like the walnut ones on the blued gun I looked at. And the powder coat polymer ain't Model T paint :)
I do have a question though. Are the CZ 75's different than the 75B's(other than the firing pin safety)? Make that two questions. Why not carry the 75B cocked and locked? Is it the lack of the grip safety? John
 
Richard,

That's what makes responsible gun owners such a great crowd, we all have different tastes. I like 1911s and HPs, but I prefer DA/SA or Safe-Action. ;)

johnbt,

Please excuse for not saying anything about solvents. CZ grips are very sensitive to solvents. Use a rag and some elbow grease and the damage should come off, not easily, but it will come off. Uncle Mike's makes some really nice grips for the CZ line.

------------------
"Get yourself a Lorcin and lose that nickel plated sissy pistol."
 
What is the difference between the "military" version and the regular CZ-75B? Also as far as long term use does the polymer hold up? It is easy to get a gun reblued, but if the polymer wears it might be hard to fix.
 
Richard, Richard, Richard...

The High Power is a great gun and we all know that you love it a great deal.

However, what is interesting is that, in every discussion, you compare a Browning High Power Mark III (which now sell $600 NIB) with a trigger job AND a set of Spegel grip ($55 or so) with your old, beat up CZ-75 with old, military sights.

Let's put this on perspective.

Caliber: Both 9mm Parabellum.
Size: About the same except that the CZ has longer (not thicker) grips.
Capacity: HP 13, CZ 15.
Price: HP $600, CZ $315 (with 1 pre-ban and 1 post-ban magazine each).
Reliabity: Both reliable, but slight edge to CZ.
Durability: Both very durable, but slight edge to CZ as it utilizes the vaunted slide-in-frame design, which lends greater support.
Action: HP single-action, CZ double-action WITH "cocked & locked" capability for those who want to use it as a SA gun.
Trigger reach (for those with small hands): CZ longer with DA, but shorter with SA.
Trigger: CZ superior out-of-box (I am sorry, but several HPs I've checked out had nearly 10 lbs. of SA trigger pull!).
Finish: HP Parkerized (for MkIII), CZ Parkerized with a baked enamel finish on top (meaning CZ finish is more durable). Note: I am comparing the least expensive models here.

Now, the way I see it, CZ is a less expensive, modernized HP with a double-action capability, greater ammo capacity and the SIG P210-style slide-in-frame design.

Now, if you compared customized guns, that's different story altogether...

Skorzeny

------------------
For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence. Sun Tzu
 
Skorz, how did you know it was your little hands I was thinking of? I recommend buying used Browning High Powers (BHP) when ever possible. I paid $340 for my BHP. As you know I also recommend an extravagant trigger job from my gunsmith ($35) and yes I do like Spegel and Ahrens grips. I am guilty as charged.

Where you are wrong, my friend, is my CZ75 is in in pristine condition. I paid about $350 for it used in like new condition. After ShallCarry shot both the CZ75 and the TZ75 I asked him if the difference was that I had shot the TZ75 so much? His response was no, in this case my TZ75 is the better weapon. I thought maybe all the use had smoothed up the Tanfoglio.

Regards,

Richard
 
Tecolote, No problem about the solvent - I tested it on the no-show-side. And I just ordered Cocobolo grips from Hogue. Now I need to call CZ about mags because they don't have on-line ordering. Thanks to everyone for the information. John
 
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