Anybody Own a CZ-97? What's Your Honest Opinion?

silver-bullet · November 8, 2006, 06:32 PM

So, I rarely see anything written about this big-bore manstopper, but I'm fascinated by it. It seems to be well-designed, and the all-steel construction appeals to me as well. For those of you who own one, how reliable is it? How big are the grips? Is this weapon more of a handful than, say, the HK USP Full-Size .45? Any comments from those who have first-hand experience is appreciated.

silver-bullet · November 9, 2006, 07:05 PM

Anybody?

ranburr · November 9, 2006, 07:12 PM

Very well made if somewhat large gun.

ranburr

rellascout · November 9, 2006, 07:15 PM

They are incredible guns.

They are an excellent firearm. Everything that you could want from a 45 ACP.

BUT as stated they are very large. The length of pull does not fit my hands at all so I could not add one to the collection.

M1911 · November 9, 2006, 07:52 PM

Quote:

How big are the grips?

It's BIG. Unless you've got large sized hands and are willing to have one big hunk of metal hanging off your belt, it's not a terribly practical gun.

Richard Simmons · November 9, 2006, 10:15 PM

I love mine. Very, very accurate and superbly made.

tipoc · November 10, 2006, 07:55 AM

I've owned mine for a couple of years now. IMHO one of the best non 1911 .45 acp pistols made. The best if you prefer the cocked and locked format of the 1911. They tend to be very accurate and the trigger gets better the more you use it. Miossi gunworks also does excellent action jobs on the guns. Customer service from CZ is good.

The down side is that they can be finicky with certain brands of JHP ammo. European designed they did not make it with JHP in mind. Mine though is quite reliable with certain brands. And again that can be improved on. They are large guns but well shaped and smooth all over.

A trip over to the CZ forum will show you many discussions and reports on the gun.

tipoc

97 on the right with an older brother on the left.

sindiesel666 · November 10, 2006, 12:35 PM

Damn, I sold mine 2 years ago for 450. Been kicking myself in the a$$ ever since then. THE MOST ACCURATE handgun I've ever fired, bar none. First time I shot it at 7 yards, I put first 3 rounds thru one hole.

It's a larger gun, especially the trigger reach. It's not too bulky in the grip area, just if you got shorter fingers, it may be problematic. It worked perfect for me, but I needed cash fast, so had to sell it.

Graet gun overall, you wont be disappointed.

badbob · November 10, 2006, 02:03 PM

Can anyone with a 1911 Gov comment on the CZ-97? I am curious about the grip diameter and grip length compared to the 1911. Thanks

badbob

p99guy · November 10, 2006, 03:25 PM

I had one( I too kick myself for selling it to a friend) It was one of the most accurate right out of the box .45's I have ever seen, and shot exact point of aim. Was 100% reliable for the 1000 shots I put though it. Grip size is comfortable, points well, resonable recoil as it is a heavy pistol(that would be the only downside as a possible CHL pistol is its heavy)

I give it a Siskel & Ebert , two thumbs up.

ranburr · November 10, 2006, 03:45 PM

You can't really compare the grip to that of a 1911. The 1911 has numerous shaped mainspring housings, beavetail grip safeties, and standard vs slim grips. Not to mention the different trigger lengths available for the 1911. You need pretty good sized hands to handle the grip and trigger reach of the CZ. The 1911 can be made to fit any hand.

ranburr

silver-bullet · November 10, 2006, 05:55 PM

How about the LENGTH of the grip, meaning the length from top to bottom.

What would you compare it to? A 1911 (which are not very long), a Springfield XD (which ARE very long), or somewhere in-between?

Thanks.

IanS · November 10, 2006, 06:30 PM

No comparison. The 1911 can comfortably fit hands from small to large being a single stack. The CZ97 has a wide girth. I felt more comfortable shooting the other largish double stack, the Glock 21. With avg sized hands the DA trigger can be problematic. And even cocked and locked my thumbs had trouble thumbing down that safety with the authority I like.

badbob · November 10, 2006, 06:45 PM

Thanks, guys. I might have to try one IF they ever make it in Commander length slide and shorten the grip a little.

badbob

tipoc · November 10, 2006, 07:31 PM

The pic below may give you a rough idea of the size compared to a GM sized 1911.

I believe the grips are actually smaller than the HK USP, at least for my hands the CZ is better shaped.

The width of the grip is actually smaller by a bit than a double stack Para-Ord. It's overall shape make it a comfortable gun to hold. As someone mentioned, the full length dust cover adds weight up front and makes it faster to recover from shot to shot than the standard 1911.

The reach for the da pull is long. Miossi gun works can install a more curved trigger on the piece which brings it within reach of most all shooters. A single action conversion has the same effect.

For the price it is very hard to beat the CZ97B.

For more info. drop by www.czforum.com Scroll down the page to where it says "Enter Forum"

tipoc

rhgunguy · November 10, 2006, 08:04 PM

A well-made, reliable and accurate monstrosity. If Dirty Harry carried an auto, other than a DE, the CZ-97 would be it.

OldShooter · November 10, 2006, 08:19 PM

I am an average sized guy and I wear large size gloves, if that means anything. I have owned a CZ97B for a couple years. As big as it is, it's not a good candidate for concealed carry for most people. It is however a beautiful gun and a great shooter. Next to my Browning Buckmark it is the most accurate handgun I own. Recoil is not bad and it fits my hands perfectly. I like the weight and balance. I have used it in IDPA competition. I also use it as a home defense gun. I would have to be desparate to part with it.

silver-bullet · November 10, 2006, 08:27 PM

Dammit, now I REALLY want one!

IM_Lugger · November 11, 2006, 12:33 AM

I've never shot 97B, but did handle one....IMO it's not that big.

FWIW I heard they aren't very durable (slides cracking at the muzzle)

doncameron · November 11, 2006, 07:28 AM

I've got an EAA witness in .45 and love it.
years ago I had a TZ-75 in 9mm and shot it alot.
the Witness is more of a hand full compared to the 1911 style pistols,
my hands are on the large size and have no problems.

p99guy · November 11, 2006, 10:41 AM

My hands are glove size "large" and it was just fine in my hands

M1911 · November 11, 2006, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Can anyone with a 1911 Gov comment on the CZ-97? I am curious about the grip diameter and grip length compared to the 1911.

The 1911 has a smaller grip circumference. In fact, I believe that the 1911 has a smaller grip circumference than a Glock 17. Of course, it's a single stack that only holds 7 or 8 +1 rounds...

roc1 · November 11, 2006, 06:37 PM

The 97B is one of the most accurate and overall best buys in a 45 out there.I have a Sig and a Colt 70 Series and it will shoot with both of them.I have also owned the Glock 21 which is a very good weapon but the 97B feels smaller and is less of a handful than the Glock.The 97B is taller and heavier than the polmer pistols but it makes up for it in accuracy.I shoot jacketed and lead reloads all the time with no problems.You can not go wrong with a CZ period.
Thanks
roc1

vts · November 12, 2006, 11:31 PM

Im in the marked for a new gun it will be a 9mm or a 45acp. I have naroved it down to CZ85 Combat or CZ97B.
Then i found out that i live on the Left coast, The Land Of The Not So Free, Commifornia. The CZ85 Combat is not aloved for sale, so now i down to the CZ97, and from what i read its not bad at all.

Im going to hold one next week and if it fits my hand i'll by it when i get money

November 8, 2006, 06:32 PM	#1
silver-bullet Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2005 Posts: 515	Anybody Own a CZ-97? What's Your Honest Opinion? So, I rarely see anything written about this big-bore manstopper, but I'm fascinated by it. It seems to be well-designed, and the all-steel construction appeals to me as well. For those of you who own one, how reliable is it? How big are the grips? Is this weapon more of a handful than, say, the HK USP Full-Size .45? Any comments from those who have first-hand experience is appreciated.

November 10, 2006, 03:25 PM	#10
p99guy Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2004 Location: Haslet,Texas(DFW area) Posts: 1,506	I had one( I too kick myself for selling it to a friend) It was one of the most accurate right out of the box .45's I have ever seen, and shot exact point of aim. Was 100% reliable for the 1000 shots I put though it. Grip size is comfortable, points well, resonable recoil as it is a heavy pistol(that would be the only downside as a possible CHL pistol is its heavy) I give it a Siskel & Ebert , two thumbs up. __________________ Lighten up Francis!.....;Actor Warren Oats, in the movie "Stripes"

November 10, 2006, 08:19 PM	#17
OldShooter Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2006 Location: Maine Posts: 846	Cz97b I am an average sized guy and I wear large size gloves, if that means anything. I have owned a CZ97B for a couple years. As big as it is, it's not a good candidate for concealed carry for most people. It is however a beautiful gun and a great shooter. Next to my Browning Buckmark it is the most accurate handgun I own. Recoil is not bad and it fits my hands perfectly. I like the weight and balance. I have used it in IDPA competition. I also use it as a home defense gun. I would have to be desparate to part with it.

November 11, 2006, 12:33 AM	#19
IM_Lugger Senior Member Join Date: June 27, 2004 Posts: 2,011	I've never shot 97B, but did handle one....IMO it's not that big. FWIW I heard they aren't very durable (slides cracking at the muzzle) __________________ "I feel the Beretta is a great character, it's so strong and elegant. The other guns look dumb to me." - John Woo

November 11, 2006, 10:41 AM	#21
p99guy Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2004 Location: Haslet,Texas(DFW area) Posts: 1,506	My hands are glove size "large" and it was just fine in my hands __________________ Lighten up Francis!.....;Actor Warren Oats, in the movie "Stripes"

November 9, 2006, 07:05 PM	#2
silver-bullet Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2005 Posts: 515	Anybody?

November 9, 2006, 07:12 PM	#3
ranburr Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2006 Location: TX Posts: 1,278	Very well made if somewhat large gun. ranburr

November 9, 2006, 07:15 PM	#4
rellascout Junior member Join Date: September 2, 2004 Posts: 2,435	They are incredible guns. They are an excellent firearm. Everything that you could want from a 45 ACP. BUT as stated they are very large. The length of pull does not fit my hands at all so I could not add one to the collection.

November 9, 2006, 10:15 PM	#6
Richard Simmons Senior Member Join Date: August 5, 2005 Location: Roanoke, VA Posts: 161	I love mine. Very, very accurate and superbly made.

November 10, 2006, 07:55 AM	#7
tipoc Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2004 Location: Redwood City, Ca. Posts: 4,114	I've owned mine for a couple of years now. IMHO one of the best non 1911 .45 acp pistols made. The best if you prefer the cocked and locked format of the 1911. They tend to be very accurate and the trigger gets better the more you use it. Miossi gunworks also does excellent action jobs on the guns. Customer service from CZ is good. The down side is that they can be finicky with certain brands of JHP ammo. European designed they did not make it with JHP in mind. Mine though is quite reliable with certain brands. And again that can be improved on. They are large guns but well shaped and smooth all over. A trip over to the CZ forum will show you many discussions and reports on the gun. tipoc 97 on the right with an older brother on the left.

November 10, 2006, 12:35 PM	#8
sindiesel666 Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2004 Location: San Antonio Posts: 270	Damn, I sold mine 2 years ago for 450. Been kicking myself in the a$$ ever since then. THE MOST ACCURATE handgun I've ever fired, bar none. First time I shot it at 7 yards, I put first 3 rounds thru one hole. It's a larger gun, especially the trigger reach. It's not too bulky in the grip area, just if you got shorter fingers, it may be problematic. It worked perfect for me, but I needed cash fast, so had to sell it. Graet gun overall, you wont be disappointed.

November 10, 2006, 02:03 PM	#9
badbob Junior member Join Date: August 17, 2006 Posts: 999	Can anyone with a 1911 Gov comment on the CZ-97? I am curious about the grip diameter and grip length compared to the 1911. Thanks badbob

November 10, 2006, 03:45 PM	#11
ranburr Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2006 Location: TX Posts: 1,278	You can't really compare the grip to that of a 1911. The 1911 has numerous shaped mainspring housings, beavetail grip safeties, and standard vs slim grips. Not to mention the different trigger lengths available for the 1911. You need pretty good sized hands to handle the grip and trigger reach of the CZ. The 1911 can be made to fit any hand. ranburr

November 10, 2006, 05:55 PM	#12
silver-bullet Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2005 Posts: 515	How about the LENGTH of the grip, meaning the length from top to bottom. What would you compare it to? A 1911 (which are not very long), a Springfield XD (which ARE very long), or somewhere in-between? Thanks.

November 10, 2006, 06:30 PM	#13
IanS Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 2000 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 2,632	No comparison. The 1911 can comfortably fit hands from small to large being a single stack. The CZ97 has a wide girth. I felt more comfortable shooting the other largish double stack, the Glock 21. With avg sized hands the DA trigger can be problematic. And even cocked and locked my thumbs had trouble thumbing down that safety with the authority I like.

November 10, 2006, 06:45 PM	#14
badbob Junior member Join Date: August 17, 2006 Posts: 999	Thanks, guys. I might have to try one IF they ever make it in Commander length slide and shorten the grip a little. badbob

November 10, 2006, 07:31 PM	#15
tipoc Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2004 Location: Redwood City, Ca. Posts: 4,114	The pic below may give you a rough idea of the size compared to a GM sized 1911. I believe the grips are actually smaller than the HK USP, at least for my hands the CZ is better shaped. The width of the grip is actually smaller by a bit than a double stack Para-Ord. It's overall shape make it a comfortable gun to hold. As someone mentioned, the full length dust cover adds weight up front and makes it faster to recover from shot to shot than the standard 1911. The reach for the da pull is long. Miossi gun works can install a more curved trigger on the piece which brings it within reach of most all shooters. A single action conversion has the same effect. For the price it is very hard to beat the CZ97B. For more info. drop by www.czforum.com Scroll down the page to where it says "Enter Forum" tipoc

November 10, 2006, 08:04 PM	#16
rhgunguy Junior member Join Date: March 7, 2006 Posts: 1,057	A well-made, reliable and accurate monstrosity. If Dirty Harry carried an auto, other than a DE, the CZ-97 would be it.

November 10, 2006, 08:27 PM	#18
silver-bullet Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2005 Posts: 515	Dammit, now I REALLY want one!

November 11, 2006, 07:28 AM	#20
doncameron Senior Member Join Date: September 25, 2005 Location: Upstate S.C. Posts: 144	I've got an EAA witness in .45 and love it. years ago I had a TZ-75 in 9mm and shot it alot. the Witness is more of a hand full compared to the 1911 style pistols, my hands are on the large size and have no problems.

November 11, 2006, 06:37 PM	#23
roc1 Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2005 Location: Lubbock Texas Posts: 560	Cz 97b The 97B is one of the most accurate and overall best buys in a 45 out there.I have a Sig and a Colt 70 Series and it will shoot with both of them.I have also owned the Glock 21 which is a very good weapon but the 97B feels smaller and is less of a handful than the Glock.The 97B is taller and heavier than the polmer pistols but it makes up for it in accuracy.I shoot jacketed and lead reloads all the time with no problems.You can not go wrong with a CZ period. Thanks roc1

November 12, 2006, 11:31 PM	#24
vts Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2006 Location: Norway Posts: 242	Im in the marked for a new gun it will be a 9mm or a 45acp. I have naroved it down to CZ85 Combat or CZ97B. Then i found out that i live on the Left coast, The Land Of The Not So Free, Commifornia. The CZ85 Combat is not aloved for sale, so now i down to the CZ97, and from what i read its not bad at all. Im going to hold one next week and if it fits my hand i'll by it when i get money

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