CZ 75 vs. CZ 85?

[Randy63]

Hello all,
I have two BHPs and love them. I've been wanting to pick up a 9mm DA/SA CZ with adjustable sights. The price difference is a non issue for me. I know the 85 has ambi controls. What are the other differences between the 75 and 85? Which gun has the better trigger? I guess I'm asking which is the better pistol overall.

Thanks in advance for your responses,

Randy

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Other than the right and left safeties, etc, the internals are the same. I'd go for the one I preferred. In my case, it would be the CZ-75, but such might not be yours.

Best.

 

[mbott]

To add a little to what Mr. Camp said, even the CZ 75B in .40 caliber comes with the ambi-safeties and the drop-free mag break.

--
Mike

 

[Thirties]

Randy, is it possible you are not recognizing the difference between the CZ-85B, and the CZ-85 Comat models?

They are two different guns. The 85B does not have an adjustable rear sight. The 85 Combat comes with adjustable rear sight. Surely there are other differnces as well.

The folks at CZ-USA in Kansas City would be able to tell you exactly.

 

[railroader]

The 85 combat also doesn't have the firing pin safety. The 85 combat is supposed to have a slightly better trigger because of that. Mark

 

[clipse]

CZF will be able to elaborate a bit more. I think at one time he stated that there was quite a bit of difference betwee the 85B combat(the one with adjustable sights) and the 85B. The regular 85B I believe is a 75B with ambi safties. The 85B combat is an upgraded model. I don't remember the particulars though. Someone will pipe in with them though.


clipse

 

[Marshall]

From their site:

The CZ 85 Combat version was created as an extension of the CZ 85 B with some additional features. The CZ 85 Combat features a fully adjustable rear sight, extended magazine release, ambidextrous slide stop and safety catch, drop free magazine and over travel adjustment on the trigger.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

The principal difference between the 85B and the 85 Combat is that the Combat is, in effect, a pre-B model, without the firing pin block.

As previously noted, the 85 Combat has drop-free mags (an easy, quick fix on any CZ-75 or 85), an extended mag release, adjustable sights (so/so sights), and full ambi controls. (Those same controls are found on the 85B.)

The trigger may or may not be better; I've encountered some NIB 75s with great triggers, and seen an 85 Combat that wasn't all that great.

Supposedly, the internals of the 85 Combat have a different coating/hardening process, and get better attention to fit and finish.

The 75 Single Action guns have ambidextrous safeties, and that's the most critical part. (Most lefties do well without the slide stop or mag release on the right side.) Someone above said the .40 versions of the CZ-75B had ambi controls, too, but I'm not sure about that -- and don't have one handy to check. The CZ website isn't always correct.

Note: I've got a 75 Compact, a pre-B 75, a 75 B SA that has had a lot of custom work, an 85 Combat, a custom AT-84S, a Witness Sport Long Slide (in .45 acp), and an Asai One Pro in .45. They're all GREAT guns.

 

[DJCharlie]

How does not having a firing pin safety make the trigger better....just curious always wanted to know...

 

[Litlman]

Randy, I may be able to get out to shoot this week. I will bring my 75 BD and new 85 C if you bring a hi power. 5-12-04 after 3:30 pm??? You could make a good , hands on comparison. Be good.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

How does not having a firing pin safety make the trigger better....just curious always wanted to know...

It depends entirely on the design of the safety.

In the case of the CZ firing pin block, there's extra linkage that must be pushed up (displacing a plunger in the slide) as part of the trigger and sear mechanism.

Properly polished the FPB mechanism's presence is virtually undetectable. But, out of the box, a new pre-B (older model without the block) and a new 75B don't feel the same -- and the pre-B generally is better.

I've got examples of the above, and several variants, and I don't think there's really all that much difference -- and certainly nothing that can't be fixed by a competent gunsmith. (I have a 75B SA obtained from a forum member which has as good a SA trigger as any 1911... but it still has the firing pin block installed.)

 

[Berg01]

Randy63;

If you live near, or can get to this place, this is where you want to go to look at or discuss a CZ handgun / rifle /shotgun (no B.S.);

The Handgunner Custom Gunshop Inc.
17 West Weis St.
Topton, PA 19562

Phone: (610) 682-6714
attn.; Randy Hollowbush

This is where I got my 75B .40