CZ 97b - Are my jeans getting skinnier?

[BreechFace]

So I have this hole in my collection. I've never been much of a 45ACP fan, but not against it by any means.

But I am a CZ fan, and figured if a gun was to get me more excited about 45ACP I figured it to be a CZ.

So anyone with experience with one please let me know what you think of them. I wish the "polished blued" version was still being produced but they are not.

EDIT: So much right with this photo

 

[foxmoor]

I have one and like it. The most frequent ‘complaint’ is that the grip is quite large. I have average to large hands and don’t find it too much. I did remove the walnut grips (it’s an older model) and put on CZ 75B rubber wrap-around Hogue grips with finger groves. You can fit them on by soaking them briefly in boiling water and then stretching them quickly to fit. A very soft shooting, accurate 45acp pistol.

 

[BreechFace]

I’ve got longish fingers so it shouldn’t be a concern, but like you that seems to be the biggest complaint.

 

[sevt_chevelle]

In reality its not that much bigger than a 75. I'll take my 97 over a 1911 and Sig P220 any day of the week.

 

[tarosean]

Need to buy a much bigger belt fo sho..

 

[Dragonfly]

I owned one a few years ago and liked it...accurate, pleasant recoil, plus I thought it was the best looking CZ pistol. However, it’s the only pistol I’ve ever owned that I could not reach the trigger in DA mode, and I’ve owned other big pistols like the H&K Mk 23 and a Desert Eagle. Aftermarket slim aluminum grips helped, but if you’ve got long fingers this likely won’t be an issue for you.

 

[JDGray]

Love my 97B! Made mine SA only.

 

[bannockburn]

Dragonfly

However, it’s the only pistol I’ve ever owned that I could not reach the trigger in DA mode, and I’ve owned other big pistols like the H&K Mk 23 and a Desert Eagle.

This was my problem too with my smaller size hands. The grip frame felt like it was too big and the reach to the trigger in DA mode was too far. Other than that it's a fine looking CZ and had a good feel to it in terms of handling and balance.

 

[wiscoaster]

I have one and it's a fabulous gun. I would probably have a slight preference for my Springfield 1911 A1, but it would be a tough choice, and the only way is to keep both.

 

[Demi-human]

So much right with this photo

A perfect shot.

Svelte, classic and a payload of glory. The cut of the pant won’t matter, but like @tarosean says, you’re going to need a stout belt.

Nice hole-making hole filler for sure!

 

[BreechFace]

The are my jeans getting skinnier comment was in response to buying CZ’s gets one associated with being a hipster millennial.

But yes I will need a stronger belt.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I own a CZ Shadow 2 and a CZC A01-LD. On the Shadow 2 I put larger grips on it, so if you have longer fingers, I imagine the 97 would fit you fine. I'd like to pick one up as well from the CZ Custom Shop.

That being said, they chambered the 97 in 10mm auto, and I'm much more interested in that offering on the 97.

I have no plans to "collect" CZ pistols, but they work very well for me and I enjoy shooting them. I sold three lower quality guns to get the A01-LD. It was well worth it.

The other option I'm considering is just buying a 97 and sending it to CZC or to CGW.

 

[BreechFace]

I own a CZ Shadow 2 and a CZC A01-LD. On the Shadow 2 I put larger grips on it, so if you have longer fingers, I imagine the 97 would fit you fine. I'd like to pick one up as well from the CZ Custom Shop.

Agreed on the Custom Shop or CGW, I'm just on an information gathering adventure right now.

That being said, they chambered the 97 in 10mm auto, and I'm much more interested in that offering on the 97.

Wwwhaat? How did I miss that CZ chambered this in 10mm as well, this throws a whole wrench in my decision. This was supposed to be about me filling a hole in my firearms in 45 ACP, not another 10mm.

I have no plans to "collect" CZ pistols, but they work very well for me and I enjoy shooting them. I sold three lower quality guns to get the A01-LD. It was well worth it.

I'm not a "collector" per say of CZ's but wouldn't mind one in each chambering. It's really Glocks and CZ's for me in regards to autoloaders, I had a brief flirting with Walther's and was satisfied, but there's not much out there that isn't covered by the two listed above. Well except for the FK BRNO that I can't justify it's cost currently, would really like to though. There maybe a rash moment down the road where several guns go packing to purchase one.

Yes, I've seen your A01-LD, someday if I can find a deal on one, they are one sweet looking ride.

The other option I'm considering is just buying a 97 and sending it to CZC or to CGW.

Same.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Wwwhaat? How did I miss that CZ chambered this in 10mm as well, this throws a whole wrench in my decision.

CZC did, not CZ. Head on over to CZC's website and you'll see it. IMO it's a much better offering on the 97 platform given the flexibility you gain. But, if you just want a DA/SA 45, the 97 is a great choice. I definitely want one of each.

Yes, I've seen your A01-LD, someday if I can find a deal on one, they are one sweet looking ride.

I had some initial teething issues and a part failure that required sending the gun back to CZC. It was frustrating for sure, but it's now running like a top.

Let me put it this way, once I got it running the way I wanted, I stopped thinking about buying anymore full size 9mm pistols.

CZC AO1-LD

• Zaydok Allen
• May 11, 2020

But anyway, back to the 97.

 

[Walkalong]

They are awesome guns. I put a competition hammer in mine which made it superb.

Cajun Gun Works can make it sing

 

[Demi-human]

this throws a whole wrench in my decision.

To add another, my Dan Wesson 1911 came in a CZ case...

Does that keep me from being cool too?
Is it that it’s a CZ or a 97?

 

[BreechFace]

They are awesome guns. I put a competition hammer in mine which made it superb.

Cajun Gun Works can make it sing

Really leaning towards eventually just going with CGW's 97b.

Their work is top notch, I've used their parts in the past on my PCR.

 

[BreechFace]

To add another, my Dan Wesson 1911 came in a CZ case...

Does that keep me from being cool too?
Is it that it’s a CZ or a 97?

Not quite as close to being a CZ as would be the DWX coming out.

 

[drband]

Love my 97B! Made mine SA only.
View attachment 963214
View attachment 963215

So did I! You'll never look back. SAO trigger, CZ rubber grips, it just fits my medium hands and I don't have to worry about the DA reach anymore... Seriously, it gives my 1911s a run for the money!

Also put in CGW's floating trigger pin and removed the FP block and spring and lifter--replaced with the bushing from CGW. Trigger pull is just under 4lbs. Adjusted for VERY short pre-travel and over-travel. It just feels perfect.

 

[buddyd157]

i have a CZ 97B, came with the slim aluminum grips. absolutely love the gun.

 

[DJW]

cz still underrated but good stuff.

 

[JDGray]

So did I! You'll never look back. SAO trigger, CZ rubber grips, it just fits my medium hands and I don't have to worry about the DA reach anymore... Seriously, it gives my 1911s a run for the money!

Also put in CGW's floating trigger pin and removed the FP block and spring and lifter--replaced with the bushing from CGW. Trigger pull is just under 4lbs. Adjusted for VERY short pre-travel and over-travel. It just feels perfect.

Mines going in for the E bushing pretty soon, after I recover from Christmas.

 

[sevt_chevelle]

The E bushing from CGW is worth every friggin penny! Mine got the E-mod, which is the bushing plus their pro grade trigger. Every single person that has shoot it has remarked how soft and smooth shooting the gun is, plus how accurate it is. The SA breaks right around 2.5lb.

I plan on buying another 97, doing the bushing, tactical rail, SAO trigger with FPB removed and milled for red dot.

 

[JDR]

https://cajungunworks.com/product/e-conversion-for-cz-97b-bd-625-00/

The CZ 97B with this CGW E-Conversion is really something to behold. CZ should utilize this 1911 barrel bushing conversion in all of the 97B’s they build. My friend has one and it outshoots his Ed Brown 1911.

 

[Reinz]

I got one when they first came out. It was too big for my medium hands, so I sold it. I was really disappointed because I was a CZ fan before CZ’s were cool.