CZ 45ACP- thoughts?

[jcaoloveshine]

I turn 21 in a year so I'm getting a head start on looking for my first handgun. I've decided I'll get a 22lr because it's cheap (either a Ruger mk3 or beretta neos) but I'd also like a larger caliber. I've read some reviews about CZ and they say for the price these are good solid handguns. Any woners like to share their experiences with reliability and accuracy? I'm thinking either CZ or 1911, but I figure I'd get more for my money out of a CZ than a stock 1911.

[bohoki]

i have a baby eagle in 45 it is as cz as a kimber is a colt 1911

it works ok and lets me have a 10 round mag that fits in the grip

[Mr. Meeseeks]

I've only handled, not fired a CZ97, and felt it was a bit big, considering the .45acp Baby Eagle (which is a CZ clone) is much slimmer.

However if you don't mind going 9mm or .40, the CZ75 is pretty sweet.

Also, the .22lr Kadet conversion is excellent, since I converted my CZ with one its been coming with me to every range session.

CZforum

[Kingofthehill]

Love my CZ75... but its a .40... also have the "Kadet" .22 conversion slide for it. Works flawless and is a joy to shoot.

JOe

[SCMA-1]

The EAA Witness is essentially a CZ copy. They are reasonably priced and there are several 45ACP versions. I don't know if they are still on the CA roster; may have dropped off. I've seen several used ones that can be bought in CA via PTP transaction.

http://eaacorp.com/handguns-witness-steel-Full-TP.html

http://eaacorp.com/handguns-witness-elite-match-TP.html

[AMC]

The CZ 97 is a great gun. One of the most accurate out of the box 45s you will find. It's a little on the big side so if you have small hands, the DA pull may be a reach for you. The Desert Eagle is a very well made clone but the EAA version is a little poorer quality (IMO) and would be my last choice.
The only negative with the 97 is that I've heard some need tweaking to handle HP ammo, but CZ customer service is excellent and they'll make it right.
See if your local range has one to rent to make sure it's a good fit for you.

[markw]

I though the CZ97 was a little big, but loved the fit of the CZ75B. Ended up plunking down the $$$ on one in .40. If you do a 75B, get the .40 as you can go to 9mm or .357sig with drop in barrels. The 9mm breech face isn't machined large enough for .40 or .357 sig. I found 2 CZ75B's in .40 in San Diego.

[Joe]

Remember, you can only purchase one new handgun every 30 days here in ca. So make a wise first choice. Or buy one new and the other used, or both used.

[Hoop]

CZ are incredible pistols for the money. Personally I'd get the p-01 model in 9mm. It's a little bit more compact.

[bruss01]

I have one and will offer my comments.

It is big. I have what most people consider "big hands" but that is mostly my palm, my fingers are not "stubby" but they are probably as short as possible and still look poroprtionate to the hand. The DA trigger is a reach for me. My neighbor, who has 2" height on me (I'm 6'1"), has considerably longer fingers and it fits him perfectly. SA trigger pull suits me perfectly.

It is accurate. The fit between slide/frame and slide/bushing/barrel is very well engineered.

Mine does not like wide mouth hollow points (such as Winchester Ranger, my favorite). They hang up on the bottom lip of the feed ramp. Yes I have polished the ramp, but that's not the problem, the lower lip is the problem. I just shoot hardball in it, although a narrow mouth hp would probably feed fine (I am going to try Remmington Golden Saber).

The .22 kadet adapter that fits most other standard CZ pistols, does not fit the frame on the 97b.

I really like the CZ's, and I'm glad to have this one for my collection. If I were choosing something for real-world defensive purposes, I would probably lean more towards an XD in .45 acp for reasons of practicality.