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CZ 75

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CZ 75
CZ 75
CZ 75
Original "short-rail" version of the CZ 75.
TypeSemi-automatic pistol
Place of origin Czechoslovakia
 Czech Republic
Service history
In service1976–present
Production history
DesignerJosef and František Koucký
Designed1975
ManufacturerČeská Zbrojovka
Produced1976–present
No. built1,000,000+ (Oct. 12 2007) [1]
Variantssee Variants
Specifications
Mass1.12 kg (2.47 lb)
Length206.3 mm (8.1 in)
Barrel length120 mm (4.7 in)
Width32.6mm
Height138mm
Cartridge9x19mm Parabellum
.40 S&W
Actionshort recoil, tilting barrel
Rate of firesemi-automatic
Feed systemdetachable box magazine
SightsFront blade, rear square notch
CZ P-01
CZ-75
CZ-75
The CZ P-01
TypeSemi-automatic pistol
Place of originCzech Republic
Service history
Used byCzech police
Production history
Designed1999
ManufacturerCeska Zbrojovka
Produced2002-
No. built?
Specifications
Mass0.77 kg (1.7 lb) with empty magazine
Length184 mm (7.2 in)
Barrel length98.5 mm (3.9 in)
Width35 mm (1.4 in)
Height128 mm (5.3 in)
Caliber9x19mm Parabellum
Actionshort recoil, tilting barrel
Rate of firesemi-automatic
Feed systemdetachable box magazine
SightsFront blade, rear square notch

The CZ 75 is a semi-automatic pistol made by Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod (CZUB) in the Czech Republic. First introduced in 1975, it is one of the original wonder nines featuring a staggered-column magazine, all-steel construction, and a hammer forged barrel. It has a good reputation amongst pistol shooters for quality and versatility at a reasonable price, and is widely distributed throughout the world.

Design details

The CZ 75 is a short recoil operated, locked breech pistol. It uses the Browning linkless cam locking system similar to that used in the Browning Hi-Power pistol, where the barrel and slide are locked together on firing, using locking lugs milled into the barrel mating with recesses in the roof of the slide. An enclosed cam track integral with the barrel is actuated by the slide release lever's transverse pin. After the first few millimetres of the recoil stroke, the barrel is cammed downwards at the rear, enabling the slide to continue the recoil stroke and eject the spent cartridge. Most models have the capability of being fired in both single and double action modes, and feature a frame-mounted manual safety. Some recent models have a decocking lever that doubles as a manual safety. Starting in the late 1980s, all CZ 75s have been made with firing pin blocks, designated by the letter B (as in CZ 75B). The CZ 75 was one of the first high capacity 9mm pistols with a manual safety similar to that of the Browning Hi-Power. This allows the CZ 75 to be carried with the hammer cocked with safety applied and a round chambered, ready for use simply by switching the safety off --- a configuration known as condition one. It is somewhat unusual for double-action pistols to have this "cocked and locked" type of safety; most such as the Walther P38, Beretta 92F and SIG P220 have a combination safety/decocking lever (as do later versions of the CZ 75). The trade-off of this configuration is that to uncock the hammer for a double action first shot, the hammer must be dropped manually by pulling the trigger while lowering the hammer with the firer's thumb under control. Once lowered in this manner, a double action first shot can be achieved in a similar manner to other double action pistols without actuating any controls. Subsequent shots will be single action unless the hammer is again manually lowered. Unlike most other semi-auto pistols, the slide rides inside the frame rails rather than outside, similar to the SIG P210. This provides a tight slide-to-frame fit and a very efficient barrel lock-up, both of which contribute to good accuracy.

Both frame and slide consist of high-quality castings. The 6-groove barrel has traditional land-and-groove rifling with a higher-than-standard rate of twist (1 in 9.7).

Jeff Cooper, a long-time advocate of the Colt 1911, hailed the CZ 75 as the best-designed double-action autoloader available at the time. Because of his endorsement, the design became the basis for the Bren Ten pistol. Česká Zbrojovka claims the CZ 75 is in service with "more Governments, Militaries, Police, and Security agencies than any other pistol in the world."[2]

Production

Originally designed for export, the CZ 75 entered mass production in 1976. It was not widely available in the U.S. until 1993, when Action Arms began importing it. CZ-USA is now the sole distributor in the United States.

Variants

CZ variants of the CZ 75 include:

CZ 75
The original CZ 75, easily identified by the curved trigger guard and spur hammer, and short slide rails. Short rail CZ 75's in excellent condition without import markings have fetched between $2500 and $3000 in the U.S. due to their rarity, with the early blued finish model commanding a premium over the later enameled finish.
CZ 75
Late version, easily identified by longer slide rails.
CZ 75B
Second-generation CZ 75 with internal firing pin safety, squared and serrated trigger guard, and ring hammer.
CZ 75B Omega
A version of the CZ 75B with a factory-reworked trigger group. It is available chambered for 9 mm or .40 S&W.
CZ 85
A completely ambidextrous CZ 75 variant.
CZ 85B
Second-generation version of the CZ 85.
CZ 75 Compact
A standard CZ 75 with a slightly shortened grip and 3.9 inch barrel. There is now a version available chambered for the .40 S&W.
CZ 75 SemiCompact
Combines the frame, grip and capacity of the full size CZ 75 with the shortened (by 20mm) barrel and slide of the CZ 75 Compact.
CZ 75 PČR Compact
Very compact - similar to the P-01 in size, but lacks an M3 rail frame and features a smaller muzzle point and snag free sights. A popular choice for a carry weapon, known for its inherent accuracy and weight distribution.
CZ 75B SA
A CZ 75 which has a single action trigger mechanism and a drop free magazine. It is available chambered for 9 mm or .40 S&W.
CZ 75 P-01
A CZ 75 Compact variant intended for law enforcement use, with an aluminum alloy frame, decocker and under-barrel accessory rail. It is the new weapon of choice for the Czech National Police. It is one of the few (if not only) NATO classified handguns that is available to the public without modifications. It received NATO certification after undergoing extensive testing. Its NATO Stock Number (NSN) is 1005-16-000-8619. [3]
CZ-75 SP-01 with extended-capacity magazine
The SP-01 has an integral 1913 accessory rail
CZ 75 P-07 DUTY
The CZ P-07 DUTY is a compact, polymer-framed CZ 75 variant notable for having a redesigned trigger mechanism. The redesign has reduced the number of parts as well as improved the trigger pull. Chambered in 9mm Luger, the CZ P-07 DUTY also includes the ability to change the manual safety to a decocking lever and vice versa through an exchange of parts.
CZ 75 SP-01/SP-01 Tactical
Similar to the P-01 with accessory rail, but with all-steel construction and utilizing the full-size frame and slide as well as incorporating extended-capacity 19 round magazines. It is available with an ambidextrous manual safety (SP-01) or with an ambidextrous decocker (SP-01 Tactical). Used in the 2005 IPSC World Shoot XIV by World Champions Adam Tyc and Angus Hobdell (1st and 3rd place respectively in the production division).[4]
CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow
New generation of CZ 75 SP-01 pistol especially adapted according to suggestions as proposed by users from Law Enforcement, Military and Police communities worldwide, with an additional input from the Team CZ shooters Angus Hobdell and Adam Tyc. Based on the SP-01, it has no firing pin block resulting in improved trigger travel. It also features a slightly reshaped grip and safety, a “weaker” recoil spring for easier loading, and fiber optic front sight and tactical “Novak style” rear sight.[5]
CZ 75 SP-01 Phantom
The SP-01 Phantom is a variant of the CZ 75 SP-01 Tactical pistol and has a polymer frame with accessory rail, and a forged steel slide with a weight saving scalloped profile. Two Interchangeable grip rear strap inserts are included with the Phantom to accommodate users with different sized hands. The pistol is further outfitted with a decocking lever.
CZ 75 Compact
Version similar to P-01 with accessory rail, but utilizing a steel instead of alloy frame. In place of P-01's decocker is an ambidextrous manual safety. Magazine capacity is 10 rounds.
CZ 75 Standard IPSC
A CZ 75 variant designed specifically for IPSC competition with extended grip, single-action trigger, heavy-duty free-falling magazines, and an enlarged magazine well. Now replaced by the CZ 75 Tactical Sport, available in 9x19mm (20 rounds) or .40 S&W (16 rounds).
CZ 75 Champion
A competition version designed for Open Class IPSC competition, with three port compensator, adjustable trigger, extended magazine release, ambidextrous safeties, fully adjustable sights and two-tone finish, with blued slide and satin nickel frame.
The CZ 2075 RAMI subcompact variant designed for concealed carry.
CZ 2075 RAMI
A subcompact version of the CZ 75 intended for concealed carry. Features a 3-inch barrel, aluminum frame and low-profile sights. Available in 9x19mm or .40 S&W, with standard magazine capacities of 10 (9 mm) and 8 (.40 S&W) rounds, respectively. An optional 14-round magazine is available for the 9 mm version.
CZ 75BD
A variant of the now-common CZ 75B (B standing for firing pin Block) with a decocker replacing the traditional manual safety. (D stands for Decocker). This variant is quickly becoming the most common of the CZ 75B models, due to the additional safety the decocker safety provides.
CZ 75 Kadet
A .22 LR calibre version of the CZ 75, available as a complete gun or as a slide/barrel assembly and magazine kit to fit onto a standard CZ 75B frame.
CZ 75 AUTOMATIC
A selective-fire variant introduced in 1992 intended for law enforcement and military use. One distinguishing characteristic of earlier models is its longer compensated barrel although later models may have a standard barrel. An extra magazine can be attached to the front to act as a makeshift foregrip.

Clones and variants by other manufacturers

The CZ 75 was and is cloned or its design was and is used by several manufacturers of semi-automatic pistols.

Users

See also

References

  1. ^ THE CZ 75 PISTOL MODEL PASSED ONE MILLION PIECES (Press release)
  2. ^ CZ web site
  3. ^ CZUSA CZ P-01 gets NATO approval (Press release)
  4. ^ http://czcustom.com/testproduct-298.aspx
  5. ^ http://czcustom.com/CZ-75-SP01-SHADOW-PolyCoat-9mm.aspx
  6. ^ http://www.army.cz/assets/files/9334/zbrane_definit.pdf
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