CZ 75

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CZ 75
CZ-75

A CZ 75.
Type Double action or Single action semi-automatic handgun
Place of origin Czech Republic
Service history
In service 1976–
Used by Czech Republic Polcie force, many others
Production history
Designer Koucky Brothers
Designed 1975
Manufacturer Ceska Zbrojovka
Produced 1976
Number built  ?
Variants CZ 75, CZ 75B, CZ 85, CZ 75: Compact, CZ 75 D PCR Compact, CZ 75B SA, CZ 75 P-01, CZ 75 SP-01/SP-01 Tactical, CZ 75 Compact .40, CZ 75 Standard IPSC, CZ 75 Champion, CZ 2075 RAMI, CZ 75BD, CZ 75 Kadet, CZ 75 Automatic
Specifications
Weight 1.12 kg (2.47 lb)
Length 206 mm (8.1 in)
Barrel length 120 mm (4.7 in)
Cartridge 15 + 1 rounds (9mm)
Caliber 9 mm Parabellum, .40 S&W
Action Semiautomatic, mechanically locked, recoil operated
Feed system Detachable Box
Sights Front blade, rear square notch

The CZ 75 is a semi-automatic handgun made in the Czech Republic and originally introduced in 1975 by Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod (CZUB) in caliber 9 mm Parabellum. It is one of the original wonder nines featuring high-capacity double-column magazine, sturdy all-steel construction, great accuracy, and superb reliability.

Contents

[edit] Design

The CZ 75 is a short recoil operated, locked breech pistol. Most models have a double action trigger and frame-mounted manual safety. Some recent models have a decocking lever in place of the manual safety. Starting in the late 80s, all CZ 75s are now made with firing pin blocks, designated by the letter B (as in CZ 75B).

Colonel Jeff Cooper, long-time advocate of the Colt 1911, hailed it as the best-designed double-action autoloader available. It has become one of the most popular pistols of its class. As Česká Zbrojovka is quick to point out, it is in service with "more Governments, Militaries, Police and Security agencies than any other pistol in the world."

[edit] Production

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

[edit] Variants

[edit] CZ

CZ variants of the CZ 75 include:

  • CZ 75: the original CZ 75, easily identified by the curved trigger guard and spur hammer.
  • CZ 75B: second-generation CZ 75 with internal firing pin safety.
  • CZ 85: a completely ambidextrous CZ 75 variant.
  • 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 D PCR 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.
  • 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 incorparating extended-capacity 18 round magazines. It is available with an ambidextrous manual safety (SP-01) or with an ambidextrous decocker (SP-01 Tactical).
    A panel from Gunsmith Cats, with Rally Vincent comparing the original and export model, plus suggesting how to make the CZ 75 "better."
    Enlarge
    A panel from Gunsmith Cats, with Rally Vincent comparing the original and export model, plus suggesting how to make the CZ 75 "better."
  • CZ 75 Compact .40: Version similar to P-01 with accessory rail, but chambered in .40 S&W, and 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.
  • 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 9x19 mm 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.

[edit] Clones

[edit] Service use

Česká Zbrojovka claims the CZ 75 and variants are in service with "more Governments, Militaries, Police and Security agencies than any other pistol in the world". It is known to be in service with:

  • Czech Republic: police (P-01).
  • Lithuania: police.
  • Turkey: police.
  • United States: various police forces.

[edit] See also

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[edit] External links

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