https://www.czfirearms.com/en-...-series/cz-75-legend

It looks like CZ is issuing a reproduction of the original 75, making it the fourth recent pistol reproduction that I know of; the first was the Glock P80, followed by the SIG Sauer P226 40th Anniversary and the Beretta 92SB 50th Anniversary.

Handsome. They've been doing runs of the CZ75 Retro since at least 2014 though.

I've always wanted a short-rail CZ75 but this doesn't do it for me. Looks like they've made a good effort to do it right- correct style grips, no firing pin block and the heavy hammer, but it's just not the same as an original.

Options like this and the hi gloss hi power from SA are good to see.

I’m a fan of CZ in general though.

They've been out for several months. They're no better or worse than what they're putting out now, except the P01 shot up $200 for a fancy stamp.

I like mine but it feels antiquated.

Does the finish chip off like the original?

I think one of the differences between the original “short-rail” 75 and its successors was that it had a forged frame. I would assume this new reproduction has a cast frame.

quote:

Originally posted by Fredward:
Does the finish chip off like the original?

The first of these pistols had a high-polish blue. Later examples had an enamel finish, and this is what chips. This new repro has a black oxide finish.

quote:

Originally posted by MacGyver:
I would assume this new reproduction has a cast frame.

Machined from a billet.

The CZ-75 Legend is the closest reproduction of the short rail we have gotten so far. If I still didn't live in such a crappy restrictive state I'd by one today to hold me over and shoot it without worries.

Because the original ones were made during when CZ was part of the communist bloc none were able to be imported so all of them went overseas to places like Africa.

Now that the Soviet Union is long gone they can be imported to the US but with a estimated 12-15K units produced they are hard to come by and can get pretty expensive.

This new reproduction is a fraction of the cost and you won't ruin the value if you shoot it vs a highly collectible original. Or have to worry about wearing out or a part breaking that you can't replace.


I've been looking for a real short rail for almost 30 years came close a few times they pop up on gun broker every now and then last one I saw sold for almost 4K. By some miracle a guy 400 miles away from me has one made in 1978 blued in good shape with some of the bluing worn off. Trying to work out a good price if I can I'll buy it. On the low side if I buy this example it will be more than twice as much as the new Legend model.

The one I regret the most is I met a guy who has a near NIB blued short rail that could pass as brand new but since he's not hard up for money will not sell it for any price. He told me how he got it by buying it along with a also mint enamel model for $10,000.00 for the pair. He really only wanted the blued one so he sold the other to fund the blued model. And I just missed it even though the blued model is my preference would have bought the enamel model in a heartbeat with condition being flawless.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: dfens,

quote:

Originally posted by dfens:
Because the original ones were made during when CZ was part of the communist bloc none were able to be imported so all of them went overseas to places like Africa.

Yes, here are some of those African pistols which were imported into the United States in 2003. You can see their poor condition.

Thanks for the video, Para. The frame being machined from billet/stock (instead of cast) is definitely a cool detail. On a less related note, I do have higher hopes for sales of these than I did for the SIG and the Beretta.

I’m looking forward to getting one as a shooter. I have a 75B Cutaway and factory Kadet 2 pistol that need a 9mm counterpart in the safe.

For an example of a fully machined 9mm with a nice FCG it’ll be a nice historical plinker.
The price is reasonable if they did in deed eschew MIM components and switched to the traditional finish.

This video gives a closeup look at the Legend, and it also shows serial number 10 of the original CZ75, which lets you see what the original finish was like.

I am excited for this to hit the market. The ones they had at the shot show booth felt great in the hand.

Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and to my eyes, the way that slide and frame are chopped is hideous. There is a reason CZ moved that chop job forward to look more like a BHP.

This first type of the pistol is extremely difficult to obtain, making it interesting and desirable to collectors. Looks are secondary.

In lieu of an original, a faithful reproduction by the original manufacturer appeals to many of the fans of the pistol.

quote:

Originally posted by Keystoner:
There is a reason CZ moved that chop job forward to look more like a BHP.

Yes, there was a reason CZ lengthened the rails, and it's apparent you don't know the reason. Cosmetics had nothing to do with it.

True, no clue.

Aesthetically I prefer the longer sides, but it's cool seeing these classic reproductions

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
This first type of the pistol is extremely difficult to obtain, making it interesting and desirable to collectors. Looks are secondary.

In lieu of an original, a faithful reproduction by the original manufacturer appeals to many of the fans of the pistol.

quote:

Originally posted by Keystoner:
There is a reason CZ moved that chop job forward to look more like a BHP.

Yes, there was a reason CZ lengthened the rails, and it's apparent you don't know the reason. Cosmetics had nothing to do with it.

Precisely. This is a great “example of the type” that is about as accurate as it gets for modern, large scale production firearms. The fact it’s kind of a “resto-mod” with the new FCG makes it appealing to shoot a lot with.

I usually always default to getting the OG for correctness but the numbers just don’t make sense restoring a surplus Pre-B and really desirable early guns aren’t going to be something you take to the range often.

I’m really hoping the initial hype dies down so my cheap self can secure one.