Does anyone here use this weapon. Are they accurate and reliable CZ P-01
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okie ruger shooter
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I have several CZ's and all of them are reliable good shooters that i would bet my life on.
She will like the steel/alloy construction of the metal framed pistols as they tame 9mm recoil very well.
I put thin G10 grips on the PCR that my wife carries and it fits her smaller hands very well.
She will like the steel/alloy construction of the metal framed pistols as they tame 9mm recoil very well.
I put thin G10 grips on the PCR that my wife carries and it fits her smaller hands very well.
blackd24
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P-01 is a great gun. I’ve never had a problem with mine and it shoots accurate, feels great in my hand and anyone who holds it. My only issue is that it’s sort of an in between gun.. a little too big to carry and too small to be a range/competition gun. I don’t think I would ever sell it though.
My father has one and he also have a HK P30 V3, both 9mm.
The P-01 is a very good pistol but there are some things to consider especially for a female shooter: due to how slide serrations are made, racking the slide is difficult in particular with the hammer down and the recoil spring is pretty strong also. Once she put a round in the chamber, the decocker is pretty stiff to activate. With the hammer down, the trigger reach could be quite long for a female hand. Also during fire, the trigger, which is quite thin, has a nasty habit of pinching the fingertip. Finally, the disassembly/reassembly procedure requires a certain skill and force to extract the hold open and to put it back in place (the spring that holds it is quite strong). Considering all these things, it would be a good idea to go out to some LGS and let her handle a few different 9mm pistols to see which one works best for her.
The P-01 is definitely an accurate and reliable pistol and usually has a pretty decent trigger.
The P-01 is a very good pistol but there are some things to consider especially for a female shooter: due to how slide serrations are made, racking the slide is difficult in particular with the hammer down and the recoil spring is pretty strong also. Once she put a round in the chamber, the decocker is pretty stiff to activate. With the hammer down, the trigger reach could be quite long for a female hand. Also during fire, the trigger, which is quite thin, has a nasty habit of pinching the fingertip. Finally, the disassembly/reassembly procedure requires a certain skill and force to extract the hold open and to put it back in place (the spring that holds it is quite strong). Considering all these things, it would be a good idea to go out to some LGS and let her handle a few different 9mm pistols to see which one works best for her.
The P-01 is definitely an accurate and reliable pistol and usually has a pretty decent trigger.
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If you don't mind the extra weight (frame). It's a reliable pistol as all CZ of its era. Classic trigger which will improve over the time, great accuracy, low recoil since it's weight. For carry is up to your taste.
gotboostvr
Member
I absolutely love mine. It's given great service.
A few considerations though.
The reach for the DA trigger is a little long. I know it's uncomfortable for some shooters with smaller hands. There is a kit that reduces that distance, but I'm unsure with how you feel about carrying guns with aftermarket triggers. (I'm for it, but know some aren't).
The "slide-in-frame" design does make it hard to work the slide sometimes. Especially if you're lacking in hand strength.
Those potential issues though are not a problem for me, personally. I could see them being deal breakers for others though. Mine is one of my favorite semi auto's.
A few considerations though.
The reach for the DA trigger is a little long. I know it's uncomfortable for some shooters with smaller hands. There is a kit that reduces that distance, but I'm unsure with how you feel about carrying guns with aftermarket triggers. (I'm for it, but know some aren't).
The "slide-in-frame" design does make it hard to work the slide sometimes. Especially if you're lacking in hand strength.
Those potential issues though are not a problem for me, personally. I could see them being deal breakers for others though. Mine is one of my favorite semi auto's.
Riomouse911
Member
I am newer to the CZ game than many here, but I jumped in and bought a full sized 75B PO1 and a 75D compact in the past few months.
As you may be aware, the PO1 adds a longer bit of frame (“dust cover”) compared to the standard CZ 75. It makes the PO1 a bit heavier out front, which helps dampen the flip from recoil a bit
but also adds weight to a carry gun 
. Depending on the desired use, the little bit extra weight of the PO1 compact will probably be beneficial.
The grip, to my mid-sized mitts, is perfect. As the guys above said there is a DA trigger reach that can be a stretch for daintier paws, but if she was shooting a USP this should not be an issue.
The compact version I have has a slightly more curved trigger than the full sized PO1, this may or may not help. ( I believe Cajun Gun Works sells a shorter reach trigger if you want to swap.)
The CZ in-frame slide design (allegedly) puts the barrel low to the hand, arguably reducing muzzle flip and keeping it down for quicker/easier follow up shots. Im not an engineer, nor do I have a calibrated “degree-of-flip” scale to do a side by side comparison. I can say that shooting the CZ’s is easy and they do seem to stay put nicely.
I will agree that the in-frame position of the slide makes it short and narrow. This does make grasping/retracting the slide a bit more challenging than the much more common frame-over slide designs. It is not undoable, but it will take a bit of getting used to.
The one mod I did do was a Cajun Gun Works spring-firing pin swap to lower the trigger pull weights. I am a certified armorer for several pistols and S&W revolvers so I can move about inside most gun designs comfortably, but replacing the CZ trigger return spring without extra hands has been my least favorite gun related task (by far!). If you try, be patient, watch a couple of you tube how-tos and expect to chase that dang spring around at some point. My Po 1 pulls are now sub 7lb DA and 3lb SA, the compact I left the stock trigger return spring in and its 8lb DA and 3.5lb SA. (I will admit the reduced power spring shot into low earth orbit so I had to put the stock one back in
.)
Again, if you can get her to shoot one first you will know if the 750-odd bucks one commands OTD now will be money well spent.
Stay safe.
As you may be aware, the PO1 adds a longer bit of frame (“dust cover”) compared to the standard CZ 75. It makes the PO1 a bit heavier out front, which helps dampen the flip from recoil a bit
but also adds weight to a carry gun . Depending on the desired use, the little bit extra weight of the PO1 compact will probably be beneficial.
The grip, to my mid-sized mitts, is perfect. As the guys above said there is a DA trigger reach that can be a stretch for daintier paws, but if she was shooting a USP this should not be an issue.
The compact version I have has a slightly more curved trigger than the full sized PO1, this may or may not help. ( I believe Cajun Gun Works sells a shorter reach trigger if you want to swap.)
The CZ in-frame slide design (allegedly) puts the barrel low to the hand, arguably reducing muzzle flip and keeping it down for quicker/easier follow up shots. Im not an engineer, nor do I have a calibrated “degree-of-flip” scale to do a side by side comparison. I can say that shooting the CZ’s is easy and they do seem to stay put nicely.
I will agree that the in-frame position of the slide makes it short and narrow. This does make grasping/retracting the slide a bit more challenging than the much more common frame-over slide designs. It is not undoable, but it will take a bit of getting used to.
The one mod I did do was a Cajun Gun Works spring-firing pin swap to lower the trigger pull weights. I am a certified armorer for several pistols and S&W revolvers so I can move about inside most gun designs comfortably, but replacing the CZ trigger return spring without extra hands has been my least favorite gun related task (by far!). If you try, be patient, watch a couple of you tube how-tos and expect to chase that dang spring around at some point. My Po 1 pulls are now sub 7lb DA and 3lb SA, the compact I left the stock trigger return spring in and its 8lb DA and 3.5lb SA. (I will admit the reduced power spring shot into low earth orbit so I had to put the stock one back in
.)
Again, if you can get her to shoot one first you will know if the 750-odd bucks one commands OTD now will be money well spent.
Stay safe.
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Nature Boy
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Take a look at the CZ PCR.
This is my wife’s pistol
And I’ll add some friendly advice. Make sure to included her in the decision making process and let the final choice be hers.
This is my wife’s pistol
And I’ll add some friendly advice. Make sure to included her in the decision making process and let the final choice be hers.
Can't go wrong with any of the CZ-75 variants. One of the best and most accurate pistols ever made, IMO (and I do own a couple).
The only caveat I'll offer since you're asking for your wife is to make sure she has a chance to handle and manipulate one first, as it does have a rather smallish serration profile in combo with a rather stiffish recoil spring, so if she has small hands and/or weak grip strength something else might be more suitable.
The only caveat I'll offer since you're asking for your wife is to make sure she has a chance to handle and manipulate one first, as it does have a rather smallish serration profile in combo with a rather stiffish recoil spring, so if she has small hands and/or weak grip strength something else might be more suitable.
@Riomouse911 Note the distinction between the P-01 and SP-01. I was scratching my head, wondering if they had stretched the P-01, then saw the inscription on the slide. https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/cz-p-01-vs-cz-sp-01
I might be the wrong person to ask, but the HK P2000SK V3 was my least favorite GUN of any sort I've ever owned. Out of a BUNCH of 'em. On the other hand, I love the P-01 and 5 other CZ handguns I have.
Among many other things, the P2000SK is needlessly big given the small capacity (but that's not one of the things I hated about it). Here's how they compare size wise, P-01 on top, then the PCR, then the P2000SK.
The HK looks smaller, but it really isn't much. It's the silly thick upper and stubby 2-finger grip (with its low mag capacity) that makes it look smaller. Here's the PCR (essentially a P-01 without the rail) and the P2000SK aligned at the top of the slide. (The camera angle made it look like they're not perfectly aligned, but they are.) To me, the CZs feel almost like full size guns despite not being meaningfully larger than the HK, while the HK feels like a small compact. Those CZ ergonomics...
Like I said, my least favorite gun I've ever owned. D/A trigger pull must have been 18 pounds (I'm not kidding), the boooinnnngggg reminded me of a nerf gun when I dry-fired it, and to my tastes it had the ergonomics of the box that a nice pistol might be shipped in. It did not suit me at all.
I'm not a great handgun shot but here's 15 rounds (14+1) from the P-01 above just like it is shown (shooting with the laser) at 11 yards.
So, my guess is that you all will like a CZ if you get one. If you do get one, put the Cajun Gun Works Ultra-Lite Kit in it right away.
Among many other things, the P2000SK is needlessly big given the small capacity (but that's not one of the things I hated about it). Here's how they compare size wise, P-01 on top, then the PCR, then the P2000SK.
The HK looks smaller, but it really isn't much. It's the silly thick upper and stubby 2-finger grip (with its low mag capacity) that makes it look smaller. Here's the PCR (essentially a P-01 without the rail) and the P2000SK aligned at the top of the slide. (The camera angle made it look like they're not perfectly aligned, but they are.) To me, the CZs feel almost like full size guns despite not being meaningfully larger than the HK, while the HK feels like a small compact. Those CZ ergonomics...
Like I said, my least favorite gun I've ever owned. D/A trigger pull must have been 18 pounds (I'm not kidding), the boooinnnngggg reminded me of a nerf gun when I dry-fired it, and to my tastes it had the ergonomics of the box that a nice pistol might be shipped in.
It did not suit me at all.I'm not a great handgun shot but here's 15 rounds (14+1) from the P-01 above just like it is shown (shooting with the laser) at 11 yards.
So, my guess is that you all will like a CZ if you get one. If you do get one, put the Cajun Gun Works Ultra-Lite Kit in it right away.
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bannockburn
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Basically I would say what 5-SHOTS and gotboostvr wrote is in total agreement with my thoughts on the P01 as well. It's reliable, accurate, and well built. The gun's design, especially with the shape, size, and contours of the grip frame, lends itself to being a very easy to hold and shoot 9mm. The slide within the frame feature can make it be a bit more difficult to rack the slide. Be sure to check this out as it's an important consideration if you have smaller size hands or have difficulty grasping things. I have small hands but have no problem reaching the trigger for the most part. The decocker works okay but it's somewhat awkward at times for me to get at it.
If the decocker is a problem you can also look into getting the P01 Convertible. It comes with the Omega trigger system and has the ability to change out of from using the decocker to having a frame mounted thumb safety if you want to carry it in Condition One. Your first shot now will be single action rather the the double action with the decocker. I have a P07 with this set-up and it's fairly easy to do the swap with all the parts included to make the switch with the gun when you buy it.
Overall I would say the P01 is one nicely built, compact, and ergonomic 9mm. for EDC.
If the decocker is a problem you can also look into getting the P01 Convertible. It comes with the Omega trigger system and has the ability to change out of from using the decocker to having a frame mounted thumb safety if you want to carry it in Condition One. Your first shot now will be single action rather the the double action with the decocker. I have a P07 with this set-up and it's fairly easy to do the swap with all the parts included to make the switch with the gun when you buy it.
Overall I would say the P01 is one nicely built, compact, and ergonomic 9mm. for EDC.
FYI, anyone who would like to make the slide easier to rack on a CZ 75-based gun, the CGW Ultra-Lite Kit https://cajungunworks.com/product/54420-ultra-lite/ will make a noticeable difference, or a dramatic difference, depending upon which of the two hammer springs you use. It will also lighten the trigger pull significantly in D/A, some in S/A. (Or you could just change the hammer spring only and get the same result as far slide racking and trigger pull.)
I don't find stock CZs hard to rack, but on my guns the blue spring lightened the trigger pull and made the slide noticeably easier to rack. The black "range" spring, which I have in my 85 Combat, made a really noticeable difference. To me, it feels somewhere between a stock CZ and a 22 LR semi-auto. I was shocked at how much difference it made. CGW says to use the blue spring for defense, and the black for range because the black spring might not light off some primers. I've never had a FTF with the 85 Combat and the black spring but I still wouldn't use that spring for a carry or HD gun.
Thanks guys...
I have some concerns as I have read reports about breaking slide releases and FP roll pins wearing out.
Are these real problems or just the usual blather by shooters that are loyal to other brands?
I agree that My P2000sk is a bit chunky but it's very reliable, accurate and shooting a 165gr 40cal bullet.
What has been your experience with CZ weapons?
Thanks!
I have some concerns as I have read reports about breaking slide releases and FP roll pins wearing out.
Are these real problems or just the usual blather by shooters that are loyal to other brands?
I agree that My P2000sk is a bit chunky but it's very reliable, accurate and shooting a 165gr 40cal bullet.
What has been your experience with CZ weapons?
Thanks!
I like my P01. I got mine shortly after they came out. Carried it for a few years. But it is a little heavy being all steel. Great ergonomics, accuracy and quick follow up. But I have come to expect that from all CZ products.
Not sure if they make an all steel P-01. The only all steel CZ compact that I remember is the CZ 75B Compact with no decocker but I could be wrong.
I do not like my CZ-75D compact at all. I thought I would like it because I grew up shooting a Berretta 92 and am very comfortable with the DA/SA manual of arms.
Bottom line: I have a very long hand with average thickness fingers. My CZ-75D compact is too small for me to shoot comfortably and enjoy shooting it. My trigger finger is at a funny angle because the trigger is too close to the grip for me. I HATE the curved trigger that pinches my trigger finger on almost every shot.
My CZ-75D compact does have a steel frame and I appreciate the extra weight when at the range but even the aluminum frame CZ-75 P01 and CZ-75 PCR are a LOT more weight that "I" would want in a carry piece.
That said it might be a perfect weapon for a smaller feminine hand. But the only way to really know if it will be a good gun for your wife is to take her to the store and let her hold it and dry fire it and see if she likes it. I would NOT BUY ANY GUN AND HOPE SHE LIKES IT!!! I would definitely recommend one of the compact CZ-75's to suggest that she should look at it, hold it and dry fire it to see if it is a handgun that might fit HER well. If there is a range where she can actually fire one before buying one that would be even better!
If you are looking for a range gun for your wife I would suggest also looking at a Browning 1911-380. EVERYONE that I have ever taken out shooting falls in love with my Browning 1911-380. Even with its small 75% of a 1911 size it is one of my favorite shooters and feels really nice in my hand. I LOVE shooting my 44's and 50ae but after a box of ammo I do start getting a little shaky. I can shoot my 1911-380 all day and never get tired of it!... but only if no one else is with me because it is so popular amongst my friends.
Bottom line: I have a very long hand with average thickness fingers. My CZ-75D compact is too small for me to shoot comfortably and enjoy shooting it. My trigger finger is at a funny angle because the trigger is too close to the grip for me. I HATE the curved trigger that pinches my trigger finger on almost every shot.
My CZ-75D compact does have a steel frame and I appreciate the extra weight when at the range but even the aluminum frame CZ-75 P01 and CZ-75 PCR are a LOT more weight that "I" would want in a carry piece.
That said it might be a perfect weapon for a smaller feminine hand. But the only way to really know if it will be a good gun for your wife is to take her to the store and let her hold it and dry fire it and see if she likes it. I would NOT BUY ANY GUN AND HOPE SHE LIKES IT!!! I would definitely recommend one of the compact CZ-75's to suggest that she should look at it, hold it and dry fire it to see if it is a handgun that might fit HER well. If there is a range where she can actually fire one before buying one that would be even better!
If you are looking for a range gun for your wife I would suggest also looking at a Browning 1911-380. EVERYONE that I have ever taken out shooting falls in love with my Browning 1911-380. Even with its small 75% of a 1911 size it is one of my favorite shooters and feels really nice in my hand. I LOVE shooting my 44's and 50ae but after a box of ammo I do start getting a little shaky. I can shoot my 1911-380 all day and never get tired of it!... but only if no one else is with me because it is so popular amongst my friends.
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They come in small batches. Break out your wallet and be prepared to spend 1K.
Don't dry fire the gun without a snap cap and pin will be fine.
The CZ 75 design is the second most produced and copied design in the world behind the 1911, it's totally a giant POS.
Gordon
Member
My daughter in law took my P01 NATO with blue slide spring and lightened trigger and won't give it up as her CCW ! I tried bribing with a Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS , but she shoots the PO1 better than any pistol ever. She is medium size , she likes the rail and the little Olight I mounted on it for bedside duty. She carries it legally with a spare mag in her waist belt purse in Oregon.
Breaking slide releases is real, but is a rather inexpensive wear part and they last a long time.
As a for instance, in the CZ lock-up, the slide stop is what arrests the barrel. Over many cycles, the slide stop wears out. You replace the slide stop, it is an inexpensive part.
On a Browning Hi-Power, the barrel is arrested by a frame cross member. If you break that part, it is the frame that needs to be fixed or replaced.
Terry G
Member
I have carried a P-01 for 20 years now. I have tried Glocks, S&W's, SA, and Sig's. I'm still carrying the P-01. A warning though. Once you shoot a CZ you will buy others. See signature photo.
I haven't broken anything on any of my CZs, but I haven't been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to put multiple/many thousands of rounds through any of them. The CZ handguns will reportedly withstand a good bit of dry fire (according to a lot of people who have reported doing so with no issues), but the CGW Ultra-Lite Kit makes them dry-fire safe with its tool steel firing pin and improved firing pin retainer roll pin.
See my target in Post #13 for an example of accuracy that *I* get from my CZs. This is from the P-01, but all of the handguns I have seem to shoot as well or better than the P-01 (because some are larger guns and more likely to deliver better accuracy with their longer barrels and sighting radius). Some people would probably shoot my guns better than I can, and some worse. I don't recall a malfunction from any of mine. That seems unlikely, and perhaps I'm forgetting one or two, but if I have malfunctions from a gun, it troubles me and I either fix it, or sell the gun. Or both, if I don't trust that the "fix" fully addressed the issue. So, I think I'd remember a malfunction. Beyond the handguns, the BRNO and CZ rifles have also been great for me in terms of accuracy, function, and enjoyment to own and shoot. I have over 5x more of their rifles than handguns, so my experience with CZ weapons has been very good.
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