[Guest]

I went down to Coal Creek Armory today, and picked up my CZ 75B. Just thought I would share my impressions...
Though there are a couple of rough spots to be addressed, the thing is built like an anvil, and I think this is going to be a really nice pistol, after I do a few things to make it mine, as well as to make it a bit more suited to the role I intend for it - range toy/comp gun. Overall, I like the ergonomics, which I find very Hi-Power-like (I know, some CZ guys hate to hear that). The beavertail-like tang on the rear of the frame is one area where I think the CZ actually trumps the HP. The controls are of a very traditional 1911-orthodox configuration, which is nice for me, since that is what I am used to, but I have to say the long double action trigger pull is atrocious (the trigger itself is a little rough around the edges, too). I have planned from the outset to install a single action trigger and hammer anyway, so I'm not too worried about that. I look forward to the short and sweet trigger pull that the CZ USA single action competition trigger, with two-way adjustment, will allow me to setup. I'm still undecided on where to source a sear, though. I like the simple, rugged, military-type sights, except for the dots, but, for this pistol, I think I would like an adjustable rear sight. I don't much like the looks or the idea of the LPA or other sights that fit the original dovetail, and sit high on top of the slide. The sight I have my eye on, so to speak, is the "Tactical Adjustable" rear sight sold by Caspian Arms Ltd.,

which fits a standard Novak low-mount sight cut (not the modified Novak sight cut required for Novak's tactical adjustable sight). What I need is to find out who will do this cut on my slide, as Novak's shop won't do it. If I can get this done, I will use the Caspian in the rear, with either a tritium dot, or a fiber-optic sight, in front. Provided it proves accurate, I will probably leave the stock barrel in place, but a Bar-sto, or other stainless match barrel, is not out of the question. Almost forgot to mention the finish. The baked-on polymer finish, IMO, leaves something to be desired, at least in the case of my pistol. I don't dig this type of finish in general, but I am much less than thrilled to find a couple of small pinholes and even a touch of splatter/drip. I'll most likely have the finish blasted off, and will do a Shooter's Solution manganese park at home. Finally, the stock plastic grips have a nice shape to them, but the feel just isn't there for me. The obvious move would be to order some replacements from Hakan or Omega, who both make very beautiful wood grips, but my experience with the VZ Gator Backs that are on my 1911 carry guns has me looking for black paper Micarta for my CZ. Unfortunately, neither Omega nor Hakan is up for working with this material, for their own reasons. I intend to inquire with John Van Zyck, of VZ Grips, about whether he would be willing to give it a shot. When last I spoke with him, he was working on development of Hi-Power grips, so he may be able and willing to do this.
I know a lot of you who read this will balk, and some will suggest that I could have bought this or that model to get, as OEM equipment, some of the modifications I have listed, but be assured I always choose carefully, and there's a method to my madness. I've only had this pistol in my possession for a few hours, and while I can't say I'd consider it quite on par with my 1911's (especially my recently customized Mil Spec), I do find myself already fairly infatuated with it (Heck, I've already given her a name!). There's no point in posting pics of a box-stock CZ 75B, but, when I have completed some of the above listed changes, I will do as nice a pictorial essay as I can muster with my limited photographic skill.

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. We look forward to your photographs and update on your pistol. The CZ75 line of pistols remains a very good one in my limited experience with them. I've owned but one CZ75B, the rest being the older Pre-B CZ75's.

I'm in the middle of another 1911 build using a Caspian slide and frame. A friend is using the sight you mention and it does appear to be a sturdy, compact unit.

If Novak's will not cut the dovetail, you might see if Ted Yost or Don Williams of the Action Works will do so. If not, I suspect that gunsmith, Lou Williamson (Williamson Precision Gunsmithing in Hurst, Tx) might do it. He installed a set of Novak fixed sights on a Pre-B for me. They were the size normally used on the 1911 so it seems that this can be done. The hesitation at Novak's might be due to the spring-loaded plunger arrangement firing pin safety on the B; I'm not sure. It might be deactivated and
perhaps this is why Novak's shop is not willing to do the work.

Again, thank you for your report and thanks in advance for
any updates as you progress in your project.

Best.

 

[Guest]

I am really fond of my CZ 75B. Coincidentally, I had it out yesterday for a range session...not one problem ever. The trigger was never what I would call rough or bad, however I have polished the sear and hammer contact areas with Flitz and dry-fired the heck out of it. Please don't scold me, but I also reduced the mainspring by a few coils. Overall, I am pleased with the results. YMMV.

I also purchased a .22lr CZ Kadet Kit which I installed on the 75B's frame with no modification required. That, too, has functioned 100%...GREAT FUN!

Here's a couple of pics:

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your replies, gents. Mr. Camp, I'm hoping the firing pin safety plunger and its spring are rearward enough, and low enough in the slide, to barely allow for the Novak cut. If the firing pin safety would be disabled, I my have to go another route, as I'm thinking of using this gun for IDPA, which doesn't allow any safeties to be disabled. I think I understand the rules correctly, that aftermarket sights with a traditional square notch are permitted. :

Catbird, that's a nice looking pistol, but I have to ask you where you got those grip screws. I must have some.

 

[Guest]

where you got those grip screws

IIRC, I purchased them from Brownell's; I'm not positive, though. If I find out differently, I'll let you know.

 

[Guest]

Have you checked with Mike Eagleshield at CZ? He does their inhouse custom work. Possibly, he'll do it. If not he might point you to someone. CZ's prices are competitive. At least the trigger jobs are. $80 takes the d/a down to 8 pounds on a p01 and smooth as glasss. CZ has super service IMHO. The trigger will smooth by itself after 1000 rounds.

 

[Guest]

I finally got a chance to take Verushka to the range today. Put 200 WWB 115gr FMJ's through, with no failures. Frankly, I expected the pistol to be 100% reliable. What surprised me was the accuracy I achieved, in spite of my unfamiliarity with the terrible trigger. At 7yds, I got one ragged hole. At 15yds, I chewed up the x-ring. At 25yds, which is where the crappy trig really played hell with my inexperience, I scored a couple of 3" 5-shot groups. (BTW, I do all my shooting off-hand.) I was really happy with these first results, and can't wait to see what I can do with this pistol once it's had a proper trigger job done (with the single action trig and competition hammer from CZ USA, of course). Another non-surprise: The OEM grips feel horribly slimy once you sweat on them, in spite of the checkering. Fortunately, I already have Omega grips in the works.

 

[Guest]

Seraph, this is my CZ75 with Novak night sights that were installed by Novak. It wasn't cheap but their work was fast and excellent. Regards, Richard

 

[Guest]

Forgive my ignorance...

Richard, is that a pre-B or is that a new "retro"?

 

[Guest]

Richard tends to be very specific, so I'm betting that is a Pre-B classic CZ 75, which wouldn't have a firing pin safety to interfere with the Novak cut. Richard, thanks for dispelling the rumour that Novak's won't cut a CZ, but I wonder what they would say about a 75B, with its firing pin safety and roll pin. I've already emailed Evolution Gun Works. Depending on their response, I will email Novak's or Ted Yost.

 

[Guest]

The CZ75 is a pre B transition model. I probably destroyed any collector value but I can see the sights. If anyone is interested the grips are by Hogue and I like the look of them. Regards, Richard