Thoughts on the CZ97?

[PanzerAce]

I really like the looks of them, and I want something in .45ACP for my first pistol, but I haven't really heard about any CZ other than the 75B. Anyone here have one?

[Icarus]

Have had one for 4+ yrs. It is accurate and just keeps going. A lot of gun for the money. Only complaints I've heard is that it is big and heavy, but in a .45 this is an advantage if you are not looking for a carry gun.

[PanzerAce]

I'm not looking for a carry gun. and I'm a big and heavy guy, so size isn't much of an issue to me

[ar15barrels]

My thought is that I need to get one as well.
I love my Witness pistols which are CZ clones.
I have one in 9mm (small frame like a CZ75) and one in 38 super (large frame like a CZ97).
If the CZ's fit your hand anything like my Witness does, you will be very pleased with it.

[rivviepop]

Hey you list as being in Cupertino - drive up to Krausewerks in San Mateo, he's got one on the shelf you can play with - I've played with it a few times.

[PanzerAce]

Hey you list as being in Cupertino - drive up to Krausewerks in San Mateo, he's got one on the shelf you can play with - I've played with it a few times.

Only in C-town during the holidays, otherwise I'm out in Merced. They open this Sunday by any chance? maybe I'll stop by on my way out of town...

[dfletcher]

With all my 1911s and large bore revolvers, the CZ97 is my "home defense" handgun. It is very dependable and well made. It is a big gun in the grip area though. My two gripes are wanting better fixed sights, the factory issue is narrow, and the SA trigger pull is creepy.

Personally I'd be very happy if this gun was our official military issue sidearm.

[bruss01]

I have a CZ97b -

I do like this gun. There are some things to keep in mind -

The trigger reach is longer than a standard CZ (75b) and the grip is bigger around. A larger palm and longer fingers will be a good fit for this gun.

Mine is very reliable with ball ammo for target practice. My favorite wide-mouth hp defensive round Winchester Rangers, do not feed reliably. I'm having this issue looked at. From what I understand, it's a common issue with this model.

It's a VERY accurate handgun and the extra heft makes it easy to shoot and shoot well. I did replace my plastic factory guide rod with a stainless full-length replacement. It shoots no better nor worse, I just dislike plastic parts on a steel gun.

Mine is going in for an action job this week to Jim Miossi of Miossi Gun Works. Trigger smooth & lighten, hard sear, etc - It's not bad at all now but I like it enough that I want it to "be all that it can be". Expect about a year + on the wait list, but by all accounts he is the best.

[PanzerAce]

Damn, thanks for all the info guys. Sounds like if it fits my hand, it'll be a good choice.

[rivviepop]

Only in C-town during the holidays, otherwise I'm out in Merced. They open this Sunday by any chance? maybe I'll stop by on my way out of town...

Tuesday -> Saturday, 12-5 only.

[PanzerAce]

not going to be stopping in then, since I'm driving back Sunday :/

[yellowsulphur]

+1 What the other posters have said.

It has a long length of pull in D/A, but S/A is nice.



Field stripped.



Has some tool marks inside the slide.



Gets along great with 230 grain fmj, but has problems with hollow points.



Accurate. The man target IIRC had 100 rounds of WWB Value Pack from ~35 feet.



Side by side comparison with a Glock 21.

[yellowsulphur]

Backstrap.



Profile.



I can shoot the CZ better than the Glock its a lot of fun.

[thomasanelson]

I have a 97b and it shoots great and eats everything I have feed it. Grip is big and with a finger groove rubber after market grip....even bigger. The only complaint I have is the "loaded chamber indicator". It is held in by a tiny screw on the top of the slide that has come loose on several occations after a bunch of rounds. Once it actually popped out. If it comes loose the gun is in-operable with out it....This is bad IMHO. I would "loc-tight" the screw if you want not to worry about this happening to you. For this reason and this reason alone, I have never considered the 97b for a home defense or a packing gun. I just had flashes of needing it while in the wilderness and have that damb screw pop out, landing in dirt (or at night) and never finding it. More parts = more potential problems.

[dfletcher]

I've not had a problem with the loaded chamber indicator. I'm not at home now & can't check it out - how would the indicator becoming inop result in the gun not working? So far as I know, it's a small tab that lifts up when a round is in the chamber, maybe I'm missing an aspect of its function.

One thing not captured by those very nice photos is just how ergonomic the grip feels. Although large, it does feel & fit good in hand.