CZ A01-LD: Your Impressions

[Steve S.]

A rare (physical) handgun commodity around here; I have never had the pleasure of a sample in person.
A story: my Navy son home on leave Christmas past. Took my SP-01 Target II to my club steel range. His first aimed shot was at a 15 yard steel “hostage” target - the perp head rang and flipped to the opposite side. He turned his head and looked at me in stunned but pleased amazement - he could not believe that he had hit that small circle of steel with the very first round.
I may own a high end CZ handgun like the A01-LD some day - I say this respectfully as all will understand my point - the Shadow fits my hand like all of my wife’s curves - a sheer pleasure to shoot that handgun model.

 

[Reinz]

That’s really awesome 460, especially with things being fubared with the lockdowns and all. Glad you got things resolved quickly.

 

[bannockburn]

460Shooter

Here's hoping the relatively simple and quick fix solved your problem and it's time for more CZ happiness at the range! Definitely keep us posted!

 

[Zaydok Allen]

460Shooter

Here's hoping the relatively simple and quick fix solved your problem and it's time for more CZ happiness at the range! Definitely keep us posted!

Will do. I want to put it on a sand bag and do some slow shooting. It was just too cold last time.

Of course it’s snowing like hell right now, so I’m increasing my understanding of the word patience.

 

[bannockburn]

460Shooter

Well I seem to recall hearing somewhere last year that while this winter wasn't necessarily going to produce a lot of precipitation it was going to be a long one with plenty of freezing cold temperatures on hand to keep things nice and chilly. It would appear that forecast was unerringly accurate this year because it really doesn't feel like spring has arrived quite yet!

I know, I know just the kind of thing you need to hear when your itching to pull the trigger (pun intended), on your new CZ! Well it looks like there's some warmer, drier weather on it's way in some parts of the country so hopefully you can get some range time in!

 

[Zaydok Allen]

So I’m frustrated.

I just got back from shooting and I managed to limp through 100 rounds. It’s functioning in DA, but now it’s doing something new and fascinating.

After firing, the trigger is not resetting and I’ve got a dead trigger. Then I let off of it completely and it fires 80% of the time. The other 20% it requires a third or fourth pull. If that wasn’t enough, the hammer sometimes stops at half cock when when pulling the trigger And the gun doesn’t fire.

I’m pretty mad right now and feel this is pretty ridiculous for what I paid. So now I get to drive back to the city again and send it in a second time.

Sigh......

 

[JR24]

Aw man, that's awful. Sorry to hear it.

Think you can get them to just send you a DWX instead

 

[Nature Boy]

No excuse for that

 

[Zerodefect]

Something freaky going on. They might just scrap it, and send you a new one. Be patient.

You want a single action only trigger upgrade anyways.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I can’t reproduce the issue in dry fire while manually cycling the slide with no magazine. It will do it intermittently with one magazine.

I think I’m going to shoot it again to make sure I’m adequately describing the issue.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

This is bugging the hell out of me, because after this post I could not reproduce the issue again. I am taking a day off work on Wednesday to go out and spend some real time testing this thing. I don't know what I could have possibly been doing to cause the issue, but I had a friend out with me who was a little distracting. I did not have any time to really diagnose the problem or check if there was any difference between shooting the gun with one magazine or the other, or shooting it with the magazine removed.

I guess on the upside, it was supremely accurate. There was a an old mullein plant right next to my steel target. It had an old flower stalk from last year sticking out of it. For those familiar, the flowers get quite tall and become a very ridged structure. They make good whipping rods when you are messing with your friends. This one was about an inch in diameter, and I managed to shoot it in half and tip it over at 30 yards with 9 shots. That's pretty good considering how narrow of a target and how small of a space I was shooting at. It more or less confirms my first opinion, that if you slow down, it's capable of tremendous accuracy. But it can easily be run very fast if you want.

Now if I can just get it running consistently.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

If I was confused and disappointed before, now I am absolutely perplexed.

As I said when cleaning the gun I was having the weird dead trigger and no reset problem in SA. Then after playing with it quite a bit more the problem was inconsistently occurring, and occurring less frequently. It did seem associated with one particular magazine as well.

Yesterday was a nice day, and I decided to take the day off and go shoot again. The weather couldn't have been better for it. I was up around 6700 feet, it was about 52 degrees when I started and warmed up to around 62. It was intermittently breezy, but nothing bad. Sun was out, guns were out. Good times.

On the first magazine I had two instances of dead trigger with no reset. I thought maybe I was the problem and wasn't getting off the trigger. But I confirmed it wasn't me. I let totally off the trigger in both instances and pressed again with no effect. The third pull worked in both scenarios. So I set that magazine aside and called it the bad one. I loaded up the second magazine, and had no failures at all. The hammer stopping at half cock upon trigger squeeze issue did not occur again at all. So I thought ok, well just keep track of which magazine is which, and see if there's a pattern. Loaded up two more magazines and shot the bad one again. Only one failure this time. Hmmm. Good magazine again had no failures.

The 4th and 5th magazines full, and all shots afterward were trouble free. I put 300 rounds through the gun yesterday, so approximately 250 of them ran absolutely fine.

I cleaned the gun as directed before sending it in, and there was no evidence in the work order or in the form of fouling on the muzzle to indicate the gun had been test fired. When I locked the slide back the grease was still on the rails. So I believed there was no need to strip and clean the gun again if it hadn't been fired. I think I made a mistake by doing that. This is puzzling, and the only explanation I can come up with is that when the factory was doing their work, a bit of crud, or a metal shaving or some debris worked its way into a critical spot and was preventing consistent trigger reset and function.

I can't for the life of me figure how that would cause a hammer drop to half cock only though, and why in the hell would one magazine make it worse than another?

I think at this point I'm going to just keep shooting it, and see if the problem reoccurs. I MAY have avoided this if I'd stripped it and cleaned it again after its return from the factory visit. Maybe not, I don't know.

For now, I'm happy, but if the problem reoccurs, back she'll go again.

When running properly this gun really is a pleasure to shoot. I need to put another 750 trouble free rounds through it before I'm satisfied there isn't a problem. I have some break free CLP I'll sprits in the internal workings too and try to dislodge any persistent gunk. I've also learned that if a gun goes back to a factory for any reason, strip and clean it when it comes back, whether you think it needs it or not.

So maybe a happy ending, but to be continued.

 

[roc1]

Not good. How would you compare to other CZ pistols as far as workmanship? Not counting issues if you get them resolved properly.
What does AO1- LD stand for anyway? Is this custom shop top line item?
Thanks
Roc1

 

[Frankl03]

Sorry to hear about the issue! Absolutely gorgeous pistol! I'm sure CZ will take care of you!

My shadow 2 has been issue free.

 

[TomJ]

460Shooter,

I have 5 CZ's. Only 1 has had a problem, my SP01, which wouldn't reliably feed hollow points. It went back to them twice, and they replaced it after the second time. I sent pictures along with the gun the second time, which helped. If it's possible to send a picture or e-mail them a short video that may help them diagnose the issue. I'm sorry you're having this problem. It's frustrating, but as others have mentioned CZ will make it right. On another note that's a beautiful area you're in. I'm a little jealous.

Tom

 

[roc1]

Yep that is a beautiful piece. I love my CZ especially after upgrading all of them. Great shooters. I’m looking at getting custom gun in future just don’t know what I want leaning towards TSO. I know CZC take of you that did custom work on y 75B it’s great. CGW is great to bought several upgrades and packages from them for my other pistols. Can’t go wrong with either company all good folks. Been both there shops nice people.
Good luck
Keep us posted

 

[Reinz]

Thanks for the detailed range report 460.

Well that was disappointing news. I realize when dealing with race guns that the envelope is pushed to the edge and sometimes gets pushed over the edge. But for that kind of money one would hope for more thorough testing before boxing it up for sale, and even more so after getting sent back for issues.

I sure hope it works itself out for you 460.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Not good. How would you compare to other CZ pistols as far as workmanship? Not counting issues if you get them resolved properly.
What does AO1- LD stand for anyway? Is this custom shop top line item?
Thanks
Roc1

I only own this gun and a CZ Shadow 2.
View media item 2616As far as the workmanship goes, I can't really comment beyond these two guns. They both suit me very well, with the edge going to the A01-LD for ergonomics. But they are both great, and I wouldn't part with my Shadow. The fit and finish on the A01 is miles ahead of the Shadow though. You are talking about a very even and beautiful blueing job on the A01 vs a "pollycoat" finish on the Shadow2. The Shadow is fine, but the finish is really lacking in comparison. But the Shadow is meant to be run very hard in competition, and it's meant to be an affordable entry gun that still performs as needed. As competitors learn what works for them, they customize.

As far as shooting performance goes, I'd say they are about even in regards to the trigger, but I've now noticed that the A01-LD has a bit less muzzle flip. That isn't surprising given the weight. There's things I like about both guns. If I were to compare them to cars, I'd call the Shadow 2 a high end Camaro, and the Ao1-LD more of a high end Corvette. If you extend that, I'd then call true custom guns more of a Ferrari. The A01-LD is a production gun.

I'm not sure what A01-LD stands for. I've heard Azure 1 Limited. I guess that would kind of make sense since it's blued and not polycoated. But azure is a bright blue color, not a deep blackish blue. I've also heard it just means A #1, meaning it's a top quality pistol. I've been googling a bit, but I may just email CZC and ask.

I want leaning towards TSO

I've handled a TSO and it's a fantastic pistol. I am planning on buying one despite having these two guns.

Sorry to hear about the issue! Absolutely gorgeous pistol! I'm sure CZ will take care of you!

My shadow 2 has been issue free.

460Shooter,

I have 5 CZ's. Only 1 has had a problem, my SP01, which wouldn't reliably feed hollow points. It went back to them twice, and they replaced it after the second time. I sent pictures along with the gun the second time, which helped. If it's possible to send a picture or e-mail them a short video that may help them diagnose the issue. I'm sorry you're having this problem. It's frustrating, but as others have mentioned CZ will make it right. On another note that's a beautiful area you're in. I'm a little jealous.

Tom

Just to clarify, CZC operates in association with, but independently of CZ USA. So if I send my gun to CZ they would not work on it, but rather refer me to CZC. Different facilities in different states. This firearm is only warranted for a year also, but I kind of think that makes sense. They are meant for competition and to be run hard. If they kept fixing them for free for too long, they'd be losing a lot of money. I was extremely pleased with the fast turn around from CZC. Ten days from Fedex back to my door.

Thanks for the detailed range report 460.

Well that was disappointing news. I realize when dealing with race guns that the envelope is pushed to the edge and sometimes gets pushed over the edge. But for that kind of money one would hope for more thorough testing before boxing it up for sale, and even more so after getting sent back for issues.

I sure hope it works itself out for you 460.

Thanks. I'm actually fairly encouraged by the situation. I can also understand why they wouldn't have test fired the gun given the problem it was in for. Like I said, I'm going to keep shooting and keep her real clean, and see what happens.

 

[roc1]

Thanks for reply sounds great. I upgraded all my CZ pistols the last one I finished was SP01 with CGW kit it’s great. Under 3lb SA under 6lb DA short reset great. CZC told me AO1-LD stands for Agnus Original sounds like it belongs. I shot a S2 nice gun I think I have my SP01 upgraded to liken SP01 Shadow now so I will look at Orange series of pistols but yours sounds fantastic. Like I said I met Angus at his shop years ago super nice guy I believe he will take care of you. I also stopped at CGW shop last summer coming home from Mississippi those guys are great to. I think either way you go your in good hands. Good luck thanks again for comparison. Keep us posted. I wish there was a way to shoot several of these pistols to try them out. Probably make things worse make you want all of them.
Thanks
Roc1

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Thanks for reply sounds great. I upgraded all my CZ pistols the last one I finished was SP01 with CGW kit it’s great. Under 3lb SA under 6lb DA short reset great. CZC told me AO1-LD stands for Agnus Original sounds like it belongs. I shot a S2 nice gun I think I have my SP01 upgraded to liken SP01 Shadow now so I will look at Orange series of pistols but yours sounds fantastic. Like I said I met Angus at his shop years ago super nice guy I believe he will take care of you. I also stopped at CGW shop last summer coming home from Mississippi those guys are great to. I think either way you go your in good hands. Good luck thanks again for comparison. Keep us posted. I wish there was a way to shoot several of these pistols to try them out. Probably make things worse make you want all of them.
Thanks
Roc1

Ah that would make sense on the name. They say it’s a built from scratch competition gun as Angus would’ve done it.

 

[BigErn6936]

In another thread I expressed that I am decluttering and downsizing my life. This includes my firearms, as I see little or no point in owning a bunch of guns that sit in a safe. I would rather have a dozen guns that are a bit higher end (for me), and a lot of fun to shoot that I'll take out frequently, rather than two or three dozen guns that sit in a safe.

Last year I picked up a CZ Shadow 2, as I've said several times, and it very quickly shot to the top of my favorite autoloader list. It just works for me. so in the spirit of downsizing I've identified three guns I no longer need or care about.

Ruger No 1 chambered in S&W 460 magnum. I really don't enjoy shooting it.

An HK45 with 5 magazines (three brand new) and a Safariland level 2 Duty Holster. I don't care about this gun much any more as I greatly prefer my Dan Wesson 1911.

A Wilson Beretta 92 Brigadier Tactical with six 15 round magazines and three 30 round magazines. I shoot my Shadow 2 A LOT better than the Beretta, and honestly I've just soured on the 92 series anyway. This gun actually has a Wilson tuned trigger, but the Shadow 2 stock trigger is better. It's smoother and breaks more crisply. I actually shoot my Shadow better than any of my other guns, and am planning to press it into a home defense role.

I used to be the type that would say "I'm NEVER selling that gun." Yeah well, innovation can change that notion, and I do not have a disposable income or house large enough to accommodate that mentality. I believe I can sell all three and scrounge up enough money to purchase a CZ A01-LD and a few extra magazines.

https://czcustom.com/czc-a01-pistols/czc-a01-pistols/zczusa-a01-ld.html

View attachment 896500
View attachment 896501

Before doing this though I wanted to see if anyone has any experience with this gun from the CZ Custom Shop, and can comment on it's comparison to the Shadow 2. Everything I've read is that the A01-LD is different in some regards, but is a step above the Shadow in fit, finish, smoothness of action, trigger crispness, and is priced appropriately for what you are getting.

The only intended purpose of this gun is a fun range gun that is a pleasure to shoot, and is refined enough that I'll notice an enhanced experience over my other guns.

Please share any thoughts or opinions on the this offering, and if you think I'm just going to be totally redundant with the Shadow, that's fine to state also.

@Nature Boy, I recall you saying you handled one last year I think. I know you were impressed, but I was wondering if you have any other thoughts after the I want meter dropped to a more reasonable level. Still dreaming of it, or have you moved on?

I own 5 CZ pistols including the Shadow2 and the A01 is superior in every way. The DA trigger is better than most SA triggers and the balance is perfect. I had literally just bought my Shadow a week prior when I had the opportunity to buy the A01 so funds were light. I was able to shoot it and was instantly in love.It took everything in my power to walk out without it and still think about buying one down the road. CZ firearms are IMO some of the best especially at their price point.

 

[ddc]

460Shooter,
Any further resolution on this?
I'm interested as I'm playing around with the idea of checking one out but your experience gives me pause.
Thanks!

 

[Zaydok Allen]

460Shooter,
Any further resolution on this?
I'm interested as I'm playing around with the idea of checking one out but your experience gives me pause.
Thanks!

Funny you should ask. I shot it on Saturday. The first magazine had several malfunctions with the dead trigger again. Like maybe 4 or 5 out of 18. Second magazine maybe one or two. Then it was 100%.

I have tried several times now to see if it’s one magazine but I have a new theory. I think what MIGHT be happening is there’s a slightly out of speck part. As the gun heats up the metal expands and the parts then interact the way they should but won’t when cold.

However this seems ridiculous to me. I’m likely going to send it back again.

When it’s operating properly it’s great but I can’t ignore this.

However, this is one example. I wouldn’t base your decision on my one gun.

 

[Nature Boy]

I still want one

 

[Reinz]

Funny you should ask. I shot it on Saturday. The first magazine had several malfunctions with the dead trigger again. Like maybe 4 or 5 out of 18. Second magazine maybe one or two. Then it was 100%.

I have tried several times now to see if it’s one magazine but I have a new theory. I think what MIGHT be happening is there’s a slightly out of speck part. As the gun heats up the metal expands and the parts then interact the way they should but won’t when cold.

However this seems ridiculous to me. I’m likely going to send it back again.

When it’s operating properly it’s great but I can’t ignore this.

However, this is one example. I wouldn’t base your decision on my one gun.

How frustrating. Hopefully they will fix it right this time. I want one as well. I’m judging their customer service closely on this one.