SP-01 roll call

[hags]

Well, it seems I've stepped on some toes and hurt a few feelings in another thread here, so I'll start a different one.

Without getting emotional, can we all share our experiences, good and bad, with the CZ SP-01?

I wanted to like this pistol from the get go, I'm not saying I don't. However, when it comes to things like the trigger pull, which is really not that good, or the weight, loaded and unloaded, I think there is room for inprovement.

It is sold as a "service pistol" hence the SP, but, I've read and heard of problems with FTE, FTF as well as broken trigger springs and extractor springs. That doesn't sound good.

I've been disappointed with the accuracy from mine. The slide to frame fit is good as is the barrel to slide. I've tried different factory ammo as well as factory match grade ammo.

I've got my flame suit on for all the CZ backers that post here.

 

[borntwice]

I have the compact version, the P-01. I have been very happy with it, and it has functioned flawlessly for me. Accuracy is amazing.

Trigger pull hasn't been an issue for me - mine has a nice, smooth pull, whether DA or SA. I love the alloy frame, and the gun shoots like a dream. That's my experience.

 

[everallm]

Have the SP-01 and about 1,500 rounds through to date.

I agree the out of box trigger leaves something to be desired but I was aware from the outset that a DA/SA was not going to be a glass smooth break.
The trigger has also gotten a lot better with use.

The pistol is not a light weight option but the other side of the coin of that mass is that recoil is extremely mild and point of aim between shots shifts minimally (for me).

I have not had as single FTF, FTE or broken part to date.

My only real moan is that as the SP-01 is still something of a niche weapon, holsters are a pig to source.

I'm informed by others that after market support by CZ is good (haven't needed to contact them yet) have you contacted them with your understandable concerns on the accuracy?

Anyway, how can anyone not love a pistol that comes with a mounted bayonet..

 

[hags]

I have heard great things about the P-01, here and on CZforums.com.
Yet, even on the CZ forums I have read accounts of problems with the SP-01.

Just curious, like I mentioned, I have not experienced any problems with mine accept for the accuracy issue.

 

[RNB65]

I have an SP01 Tactical which is the most accurate handgun I've ever owned. Even WWB will shoot a single ragged hole if I do my part.

However, it counter balances it's excellent accuracy by having the worst trigger I've ever encountered on a semi-auto handgun. Creep and grit that go on for miles. Several thousand firings and dry firings have done nothing to improve it a bit. I've given up on trying to find a local gunsmith who will work on it -- ain't gonna happen. So far I'm unwilling to pay high dollar to send it off to one of the big names CZ smiths for a trigger job.

 

[240SX]

I've had not problems with my SP-01. IMO it is not as good as my CZ 75s. I did, however, have trigger work done on my SP-01 as well as my CZ 75.

Sorry to hear your experiencing problems with your CZ. They really are a great company and a majority of people I've talked to love their CZs. I hope you are able to resolve problems you are having.

 

[GZOh]

HAGS... First, take your 'Flame Suit' Off!!!... I have a bunch of CZs and what you're sayin is 'kinda on.'... The only CZ I own that came out-of-the-box smooth was my 75B, and now after 2000+rnds NOT ONE FTF, FTE NOTHING!!! Trigger is 'smooth as silk' , accuracy dead-on and I love it! SP-01 took almost 500-rnds to loosen-up, but now its right-on (but nowhere near my 75B). It's a big-gun with a '1911 feel'... I call it 'the monster'... accuracy is pretty good... and no one would argue, it's NOT a CCW gun!... NOW... just got my P-01, and THAT'S A GUN!!!... Still, out-of-box, trigger was stiff... but now after 400rnds it's startin to feel real-good... but the accuracy is DEAD-ON... only gun at that accuracy par is my SIG-229!...
Regarding your 'gun-problems'... again, I've got five CZs and have probably shot close to 10,000rnds total (and that's NOT really alot) and I swear, I have NOT HAD ONE PROBLEM with ANY of these guns... PERIOD! Since my first CZ, beyond the fit, the heavy feel, the quality etc... it was the RELIABILITY that's made me keep buyin 'em. Maybe I've been lucky, but I don't think so. Before I shoot a NIB gun, I do a total breakdown/cleaning... and after every shoot, I do a basic field-strip and cleaning (#9 for the bore, and CLP for the rest), that's it. Have NEVER had to use CZ-CS but I hear they're super...
So, I guess I'm a CZ'er for Life!!!... Sorry about your problems.

 

[eerw]

Biggest problem with the SP01 is the springs..the factory recoil spring is way to much, even for most factory loads.
have heard there is a bad bunch of trigger springs out there, not sure why or what time period. but have three SP01s...no issue with my trigger springs..but then again I keep spares. extractor spring is fine. hammer spring is heavy at about 18#.
unfortunately most of the CZ hammers have that gawd awful angle on the hammer hooks resulting in the hammer camming in single action..

if you do nothing to your SP01 except this..replace the recoil spring with a 14# spring at least, and replace the hammer spring with a 16# at least..you will feel a different gun.




no feelings hurt..I have had and played with a bunch of the EAAs also..just some things about them I don't prefer..

 

[HorseSoldier]

My SP-01 and P-01 have both been very good pistols, with zero problems.

So was my CZ-97, for that matter.

 

[Orion8472]

GZoh, are you saying that the 75B has a better trigger than the SP-01?

Was looking at the Stainless Steel 75B.

 

[hags]

I've had zero function problems with mine. I did have a customer tell me that he's had problems with his. He had mentioned that he was using WWB and had a number of FTF and FTE. I'm aware that could be a recoil spring issue, ammo issue or shooter issue. I didn't pursue it with him.

My SP-01 is "combat" accurate, and I'm aware that the ammo is the biggest variable. Also, I don't have many rounds down the barrel. Compared to my Glock 17L (2008 limited production model) which shoots 1-1 1/2" at 25 yards with the same brands of ammo, it's not accurate.

I am aware of all of the "fixes" for the trigger, springs, sights, etc....It seems like alot of areas need to be addressed by the owner before you get world class quality.

Like I said I wanted to like this gun. It seems to be an also ran.
?????

 

[mbott]

My SP-01 is much more than "combat accurate" and it pretty close to being the most accurate CZ I own. I only have one CZ that I would classify as being of average accuracy and that is the CZ 40B. All the rest are very accurate.

--
Mike

 

[RNB65]

Be aware that the factory recoil springs on the P01/SP01 are heavy because those guns were specifically designed to be used by Czech police and military and they use NATO rated ammo that is higher pressure than standard civilian 9mm. If you shoot 9MM+P you'll probably have no problem. If you're shooting non+P ammo, a 14lb or 15lb recoil spring from Angus Hobdell (Ghost Products) will cure any cycling problems. I use a 15 pounder and it works just fine.
-

 

[GZOh]

ORION: What I'm saying is that in MY case, my 75B Stainless was an 'out-of-the-box smoothie'... compared to my SP-01, which was alittle stiff and needed a bunch of rounds to soften-up (and it seems my P-01 is similar). Some of the CZers have had trigger work, and like 240SX, are VERY pleased with the results. Honestly, none of my CZs have had 'such a trigger problem' to warrant me going to a smith and dropping $100 to make 'em better. EERW knows his 'mechanics' and pretty much explains the 'spring' situation. Again, alot of this is 'individual touch and feel'... if I was at 2000+rngs and my triggers were STILL STIFF, I'd probably do something... but mine aren't! Mike, RNB and HAGS are all correctly acknowledging that the SP-01 was designed to be a 'service/combat' pistol for NATO so alot of the slick, finesse stuff is just not gonna be there!... I call it 'The Monster!'... simple, a HUMM-V can't be no JAGUAR XJ!...
As the great PT Barnum once said "There's an Ass for every seat!"

 

[240SX]

For the record, I spent around less than $100 on my trigger jobs (3 CZ guns SP-01 & my 2 CZ 75s). I just happen to be friend's with a gunsmith and only paid for parts, plus he's a whiz with CZs...basicly got the triggers custom fit and had some inners replaced (that's what I had to pay mostkly for; the most parts).

If you are not happy with the trigger or hammer action on your gun, it can easily be resolved, all you have to do some research and I highly recommend seeing a gunsmith (unless you know what you're doing...could end up doing more harm than good). IMO I'm extremely happy with my CZs as a whole and I love my trigger jobs!

 

[schmeky]

hags,

It's fine it you don't like CZ's. Like any other pistol, they don't suite eveybody. As far as accuracy goes, my CZ's are the most accurate semi-autos I have ever owned.

Has someone else shot your SP to validate the inaccuracy? As far as trigger work and parts problems with CZ's, have you seen many 1911's in the "affordable" price range that had good out of the box triggers? How about a Hi Power, a Glock, an XD, an M&P, etc.?

Have you priced parts for "other" brands? Priced a 1911 sear, disconnector, and hammer lately? A new CZ sear is $9.00. How about the labor to to have 1911 parts installed? Priced trigger parts for an XD lately?

You can have an awesome CZ trigger for about $70.00 if you do the install, takes about 45 minutes or less with a couple of punches.

 

[atblis]

Mechanically

It is sold as a "service pistol" hence the SP, but, I've read and heard of problems with FTE, FTF as well as broken trigger springs and extractor springs. That doesn't sound good.

The SP01 is identical internally to a regular 75B. Same parts. Same issues. The trigger return spring is a known issue. Seems to be a quality control issue with the springs rather than design.

That being said, of the 6 or so CZ I own, it has been the most reliable. Boringly so. Doesn't care what I feed. Even went through a few thousand rounds of 20-30 year old Israeli sub gun ammo with no problems asides from hard primer issues.

I've been disappointed with the accuracy from mine. The slide to frame fit is good as is the barrel to slide. I've tried different factory ammo as well as factory match grade ammo.

They are no more accurate than a regular 75B (not intended to be). They're not a match version of a 75B. Just a heavier version intended for rapid target engagement.

If you'd bother to dig around, you'd find that your beloved EAA/Tanfoglio has had more issues than CZ.

 

[hags]

Hey Schmeky, who said I didn't like CZs?

I see you've spent the $1000 + to get the CZ Custom Shop SP-01. At the very least you've had Angus do some work. I've seen your gun posted here and there before. So posting it here, in an (stock) SP-01 thread is a little misleading.

Uh, yes, I'd consider a Dan Wesson Pointman 7 an affordable 1911, they have very good triggers. Same goes with the S & W 1911s. That is really apples to oranges. I happen to like the Glock triggers.

Part of my issue is that I shouldn't have to spend the $70 dollars or the 45 minutes.

If you'd bother to dig around, you'd find that your beloved EAA/Tanfoglio has had more issues than CZ.

and to answer your question, I have dug around, as mentioned, I'm not talking about the stock Witness. If you're talking about my beloved then get it right! Glock 17L!

 

[atblis]

I'm not talking about the stock Witness.

The Witness Match has had issues as well. The SP01 is pretty much a stock CZ. It's not a match or special model really.

 

[LoadedDrum]

Hags, I have two of them. I agree that the out of the box trigger is not great but I have not noticed the accuracy issues that you have. Perhaps the SP01 does not agree with you. I have had no luck with SIGs or Beretta's. I know they are accurate guns but they just don't agree with me. On the same token, I shoot my CZ's and 1911 better than my Glocks.

 

[atblis]

Well

I see you've spent the $1000 + to get the CZ Custom Shop SP-01. At the very least you've had Angus do some work. I've seen your gun posted here and there before. So posting it here, in an (stock) SP-01 thread is a little misleading.

MSRP on the Shadow is $850 (which means it probably sells for less than that). However, I don't think that's a Shadow. The mechanical accuracy probably isn't any different than a "stock" SP01. Yes, trigger and sights do help with the actual shooting, but they don't change the accuracy of the pistol.

 

[burningsquirrels]

1500 rounds through our sp-01, haven't noticed anything yet. the trigger was gritty at first but has smoothed out. yes there's a small positive cam but i think it's in there for safety reasons since it's a contract firearm. so far i haven't done anything to the sp-01 other than shoot and clean. heck it survived a couple ammo failures - even a case/head seperation ammo failure - the thing blew up in my hands, but the gun survived without a scratch. it was really lucky that it happened to me and not my fiance, it was my turn at a steel shoot and on a whim i picked up her sp-01 instead of my 40b for the heck of it and on the second round kaboom! scary thing is, from that same batch of ammo, i had several rounds that weren't crimped

the most common things i hear about CZs from people is a really long DA pull and a gritty trigger. the long DA pull is subjective, and the triggers need some time to work out. however, no complaints in the accuracy department. the average joe can make their CZ trigger better for the cost of sandpaper, that's how i started out on my 40b. i cut a couple coils off the stock mainspring and smoothed all the surfaces and changed the sear angle, made a huge difference. then the comp hammer went in, then a short time later a real 11lb mainspring, then a couple weeks ago the SA trigger. just keeps getting better and better.

there's this nice 75b at the store, i want to pick it up, but whoever imported it emblazoned their logo in a really wierd place near the muzzle on both sides with bold, fat white font about 7mm high EMI MARKETING INC. - it destroys the appearance of the gun. bastards. and it has really nice tritium sights and a very buttery trigger, too.

p.s. - no toes stepped on. forums are for debate.

 

[atblis]

Interesting

there's this nice 75b at the store, i want to pick it up, but whoever imported it emblazoned their logo in a really wierd place near the muzzle on both sides with bold, fat white font about 7mm high EMI MARKETING INC. - it destroys the appearance of the gun. bastards. and it has really nice tritium sights and a very buttery trigger, too.

I hadn't heard of that importer yet. How much were they asking? Sounds like that might be a decent pistol to snag if the price is right.

 

[burningsquirrels]

EMI, IME, i forget, but it was something like that. they want 379... i like the sights, some tritium 3-bar system i haven't seen before, like this:

- | -

but basically you form a "T" for the sight picture. wierd. the trigger is also really good.

BUT i need a compact, not a fullsize... AND, i just bought a ton of reloading equipment, so i'll pass on this one.

 

[240SX]

Can't we all just get along? "Come on now, smile on your brothers..." LOL.

I do beleive that we have come to a point inwhich some people favor certain guns/manufactures and are very pleased with their firearms (sometimes regardless of any slight defects that are fixable).

On the other hand tere are individuals who have difficulties/problems with a particular firearm that they had great expections for and those expections were not met. Several people have already voiced this same thing. Some people, for example love Glock, but when they get a particular model it does not meet the expection they had prior to purchasing it or the firearm may have had a factury defect...ect. They may become sour toward that manufacture, instead of trying to get the problem resolved, which in most cases is very easy. I know that CZ customer service is extremely easy to work with.

This type of thing does not just happen with CZs. There are many other firarms manufactures catch the flack for letting a consumer down (not meeting their expections).

"That's all I've got to say about that."