CZ 75 pistol (Czech Republic)

Original version of the CZ 75 pistol, easily distinguishable by the curved triggerguard

and spurred hammer


CZ 75B pistol, with reshaped triggerguard, hammer with circular head, and internal
firing pin safety


CZ 75BD pistol, with decocker lever instead of the safety


CZ 75DAO, with double action only trigger


CZ 75 Automatic, a selective fire version of the CZ 75B; note the spare magazine,
attached as a front grip, and a lengthened barrel with muzzle compensator, which
indicates the early model


CZ 75B Compact, with shortened barrel, slide and grip


CZ 75 P-01, one of the most recent versions of the CZ 75, adopted by the Czech
Police. Note the accessory rail under the barrel, compact frame, and a decoking lever
instead of the safety.


CZ-75B diagram


Type: Double Action (75B) or Double Action Only (75DAO)
Chamber: 9x19 Luger/Para, 9x21mm IMI, .40SW
Weight with empty magazine: 1000 g
Length: 206 mm
Barrel length: 120 mm
Capacity: 16 (9mm) or 12 (.40SW) rounds

The CZ-75 pistol was developed by the Koucky brothers, who worked at the state-
owned arms factory Ceska Zbrojovka in the city of Uhersky Brod (Czechoslovakia, now
Czech republic). This full-size semiautomatic pistol first appeared in the 1975, and the
production began circa 1976. CZ-75 was obviously intended for the export market. The
CZ-75 accumulated best features from many preceding designs. Resulting pistol was
aesthetically attractive, comfortable to handle and shoot, quite accurate and reliable in
operation. Made by CZ in various versions and modifications, CZ-75 was also widely
copied and cloned. Most popular of CZ-75 copies are (or were) made by: IMI (Jericho-
941, Israel), Tanfoglio (TZ-75, TZ-90, T-95, Italy), Sarsilmaz (M2000, Turkey), ITM (AT-
88, Swiss), Sphinx (mod.2000, Swiss), Norinco (NZ-75, China), Springfield (P9, USA).
CZ-75 is now in service with Czech police (in the form of compact CZ-75 P-01). It is
also used by Turkish police, and by several police departments in USA. By opinions of
most experts, CZ-75 is one of the best combat pistols in its class.
CZ-75 is a short recoil operated, locked breech pistol. It uses a fairy standard Browning
locking system, with cam-shaped cut below the barrel, which lowers the barrel on recoil
stroke. Barrel locks into slide with two locking lugs, located just ahead of the ejection
port. The slide rides on the internal rails, machined on inside of the frame. This system,
originated by the Swiss SIG P210 pistol, provides more smooth cycle and better
tolerances, resulting in greater accuracy. In basic models, the double action trigger
system with exposed hammer has a frame mounted manual safety, which allows for
"cocked and locked" carry. Since the late 1980s, all CZ-75 type pistols are fitted with
internal firing pin safety. Models with firing pin safety are indicated with "B" index, for
example CZ-75B, CZ-75BD. All full-size CZ-75 have all-steel construction; several
compact models, including CZ-75 P-01, have aluminum frames with steel slides.
There are several variations of the trigger system, available in various models. First is
decock-only system (frame-mounted decocker lever, with no manual safety, in models
CZ-75BD, CZ-75 BD Compact, CZ-75 P-01). Second is the Double action only system,
with no manual safety and spur-less hammer (models CZ-75DAO). Third is the Single
action system, with manual frame mounted safety, intended mostly for sport shooting
under IPSC rules (CZ-75SA). In all versions, manual safety or decocking lever is
located only at the left side of the frame, as well as the slide stop. The completely
ambidextrous version of the CZ-75 is the CZ-85, described in the separate article.
Standard models of CZ-75 are fitted with fixed sights, with the rear sight being
dovetailed into the slide. "Combat" and IPSC models are fitted with adjustable rear
sights.
The Semi-compact models of CZ-75 have the same frame as basic guns, but have
slide and barrel shortened by 20mm (.78 inch); Compact models also have shorter grip
frame, which holds only 13 rounds of ammunition (standard magazines will also fit, but
will protrude from the bottom of the grip).
The CZ-75 P-01, which is a standard gun for Czech police since 2001, is based on the
Cz-75BD Compact, but also featured an accessory rail under the barrel, which is
usually fitted with tactical flashlight.
Probably most rare version of the CZ-75 is the CZ-75 Automatic, a selective-fire
version of the basic pistol, which can fire either in semi-auto or in full auto, with rate of
fire about 1,000 rounds per minute. The CZ-75 Automatic first appeared circa 1992,
and is intended for special police and military forces. To help control the gun, a spare
magazine can be fitted upside down into special holder under the barrel; it then serve
as a front grip. Early models of CZ-75 Automatic were fitted with longer barrels with
integral compensators; latest models have standard barrels.
Early models of CZ-75 were offered with 15-round double stack magazines; present
models are offered with 16-rounds magazines (9 mm full-size models), 12-rounds
magazines (.40SW models) or with 13-rounds magazines (9mm Compact models). For
US market, those guns are offered with 10-round magazines.

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CZ 85 pistol (Czech Republic)

CZ-85B, the ambidextrous version of the CZ-75


CZ-85B Combat, same as CZ-85B but with adjustable rear sight


Type: Double Action
Caliber 9x19mm Luger/Parabellum
Overall length 206 mm
Weight loaded 1000 g
Barrel length 120 mm
Magazine capacity: 16 rounds

The CZ-85 pistol is similar in design, general outline and operations to the famous CZ-
75 pistol. The only differences are the completely ambidextrous safety catch and slide
stop levers, and a reversible magazine release button. The CZ-85 appeared on the
scene in the mid-1980s; production began circa 1986. Original CZ-85 design latter was
upgraded with integral firing pin block, along with the CZ-75B.

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CZ 97B (Czech Republic)

CZ97B pistol


CZ97B parts diagram


Type: Double Action
Chamber: .45ACP
Weight with empty magazine: 1150 g
Length: 212 mm
Barrel length: 123 mm
Capacity: 10 rounds

The CZ-97B is a further development of the famous CZ-75 pistol. CZ-97B had been
developed by Ceska Zbrojovka - Uhersky Brod (CZ-UB) arms factory late in the 1990s
especially for American market, where .45ACP is very popular. CZ-97B is mechanically
identical to the CZ-75B, but has enlarged and slightly reshaped frame to accomodate
thicker magazine and bigger cartridge.
CZ-97B is a recoil operated, locked breech pistol, with Browning-style, linkless locking
and internal slide rails. It is double action, hammer fired pistol with frame mounted
manual safety, automatic firing pin safety and hammer half-cock safety. It also featured
loaded chamber indicator. Both frame and slide are made from steel.
CZ-97B is a high quality, accurate and reliable pistol, suitable for self -defence, police
duty or practical sport shooting.

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CZ 100 (Czech Republic)


CZ-100 pistol

CZ 100 fieldstripped

Type Double Action Only
Caliber 9x19 mm Luger/Parabellum, .40SW
Overall length 177 mm
Weight loaded 680 g
Barrel length 96 mm
Magazine capacity 13 rounds(9mm) or 10 rounds (.40)

CZ 100 is an entrance into "polymer world" by CZ-UB.
Tecnically, CZ 100 is a recoil operated, locked breech firearm, that uses modified
Browning linkless barrel to slide locking via ejection port. Gun is striker-fired, with DAO
trigger and automated firing pin block safety. Gun had no manual safeties, and has
frame-mounted slide stop.
CZ 100 has ajustable 3-dot sights, and, like all other CZ guns, very reliable and
accurate.

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CZ 110 (Czech republic)


Type: Double Action
Chamber: 9 mm Luger; 9x21mm IMI; .40S&W
Weight unloaded: 670 g
Length: 180 mm
Barrel length: 98 mm
Capacity: 13 (9mm) or 10 (.40) rounds

The CZ 110 is a further development of the CZ 100 pistol, differing from it mostly in
trigger design - while CZ100 is a DAO design, the CZ 110 is a conventional DA pistol,
capable of firing either in double or single action modes.
CZ 110 is a recoil operated, locked breech pistol that featured short recoiling barrel that
locks to the slide by single massive lug, that engaged the ejection port when locked. To
unlock, barrel is cammed down by the interaction of the shaped cam on the barrel and
the frame parts. The frame is made from strong black polymer, the slide is made from
steel. The CZ 110 is a striker-fired pistol. Firing pin (striker) can be fully cocked by the
slide retraction cycle and then, if immediate fire is not required, can be brought down to
res by the decocking lever. The only other safeties are an automated firing pin block
and loading chamber indicator. The CZ 110 obviously designed to be carried with
loaded chamber and firing pin at the rest, and to be fired Double Action. But< if one is
required to fire first shot more acurately (in single action mode) it is possible to cock the
striker by partial slide retraction (of about 10 mm or 3/8 inch).
The rear sight is dovetailed into the slide, and gun featured an "single hand charging
device" on the top of the slide, behind the ejection port, which is used to be engaged
against belt or any other object to hold the slide while shopter pushed the gun forward
to cycle the action.

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Arms Moravia CZ-G 2000 (Czech republic)

CZ-G 2000 pistol


CZ-G 2000 pistol, partially disassembled


Type: Double Action
Chamber: 9x19mm Luger, .40SW
Weight unloaded: 780 g
Length: 185 mm
Barrel length: 102 mm
Capacity: 15 or 19 rounds (9mm), 12 or 15 rounds (.40)

This semiautomatic pistol has been developed in around 1999 by small Czech arms
factory CZ-Guns Trade (not to be confused with famous CZ-UB factory located in the
city of Uhersky Brod). Apparently, this pistol has been designed for Czech police pistol
trials, that were won by CZ-75 P01. Initially offered for export by another Czech
company, Arms Moravia, this pistol was sold for a short time on European commercial
markets, but soon disappeared without a trace, until 2005, when its design surfaced a
half-world away from its home, in Venezuela, where it is made under license by CAVIM
as 9mm Zamorana pistol.
CZ-G 2000 pistol uses traditional short recoil, locked breech, tilting barrel action. Barrel
locks into slide with single large lug that enters ejection window; unlocking is controlled
by the cam-shaped lug below the barrel which interacts with the cross-pin, set into
frame. Pistol frame is made from impact-resistant polymer, with removable steel insert
that hosts slide rails. Trigger is of double action type, with exposed hammer, automated
firing pin block and slide-mounted decocker lever (left side only). Magazines are double
stack, magazine release is located at the base of the enlarged trigger guard. Sights are
fixed, both front and rear being dovetailed into the slide.

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CZ-TT pistol (Czech republic)

CZ-TT pistol, left side view


CZ-TT pistol, right side view


Type: Double Action
Calibers: 9x19mm Luger/Parabellum; .40S&W; .45ACP
Weight unloaded: 798 g (26.1 oz)
Length: 194 mm (7.63")
Barrel length: 96 mm (3.77")
Capacity: 15 rounds (9mm); 12 rounds (.40) or 10 rounds (.45)

The CZ-TT pistol is made in Czech republic by CZ Strojirna s.r.o. company, located in
the city of Strakonice. This recently introduced pistol follows the pattern of the another
famous Czech pistol, the CZ-75, but with the polymer frame instead of the original steel
frame of CZ-75, and with modified locking system. CZ-TT also has a shorter barrel
combined with full-size grip, which accommodates high capacity magazines. The CZ-
TT is comfortable to carry and hold, with well-placed controls, and dimensionally
suitable for both duty carry and concealed self-defense carry. Current pistols have
relatively large slide serrations, suitable mostly for gloved hands, but I was told that the
new production pistols will have more comfortable slide serrations.
The CZ-TT is a short recoil operated, locked breech pistol. The barrel is operated using
a Browning cam system, and is locked to slide by single lug via large ejection port.
Frame is made from high impact-resistant polymer. Double Action trigger system with
exposed hammer has internal firing pin safety, as well as manual safety, mounted on
the left side of the frame. Manual safety can lock the hammer either in cocked or
uncocked position. A CZ-TTL version is similar to basic CZ-TT but features an integral
accessory rail on the frame, under the barrel. Standard sight are fixed, with front sight
being integral to the slide, and rear sight being dovetailed into the slide.

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