Thinking about adding a CZ 97 .45 to my two CZ 75 - series guns. I expect big and heavy would be a couple descriptors, but how does it shoot compared to HK 45 and sig p220, both of which I have? The gun looks like a big SP 01. Are holsters available?

quote:

Originally posted by Ken 3D:
Thinking about adding a CZ 97 .45 to my two CZ 75 - series guns. I expect big and heavy would be a couple descriptors, but how does it shoot compared to HK 45 and sig p220, both of which I have? The gun looks like a big SP 01. Are holsters available?

As a range gun, I think the CZ-97 is better than the SIG or HK, I have all three. It's as accurate as my Ed Brown Executive Elite. Way too big to carry for me though. Magazines are kind of a pain in the ass to find though.
It would be kinda cool if they put a rail on one, it was make a great home defense pistol.

I like my 220's. I also like my 97BD. It's heavy for sure but the weight does help soak up the recoil. The newer versions come with the "thin" aluminum grips and they do make a difference in my tiny hands.

I did the CGW drop in kit and it made a big difference in the single action pull.

As far as a comparison to the 220, the 97 seems to be a very different pistol but very likeable for me and the others that have shot mine.

I have one with the red fiber optic front sight and safety (as opposed to de-cock) and man its soft to shoot!

I even was able to find about 8 mags for it. I'm still a 1911 guy at heart though so the 97 just sits.

I've had one for 6 months or so. To me, my P220, 245, and 229 have better DA and SA triggers, especially SA. My CZ 97 has the manual safety, but it can be fired in DA as well and has heavier take up for both DA/SA.

It's not THAT big.
My 97 with measurements, comparisons and pics.
http://www.xdtalk.com/threads/...measurements.273203/

I went through the same deliberation a while ago. My frame of reference for size was the P220, USP45 and G21. The 97BD while large seems to just fit the hand very nicely, with the thin aluminum grips at least. My trigger wasn't the best but a few drop in parts from CGW corrected that easily. And mags can be reasonably found:
http://gregcotellc.com/cart/cz...t45lfafc-p-1093.html

quote:

Originally posted by Ken 3D:
Thinking about adding a CZ 97 .45 to my two CZ 75 - series guns. I expect big and heavy would be a couple descriptors, but how does it shoot compared to HK 45 and sig p220, both of which I have? The gun looks like a big SP 01. Are holsters available?

My 97B (newer version with thin grips and fiber frt sight) is easier to shoot accurately standing, two handed than my KB proofed (older style) P220.
Re trigger pull: The P220 has a slight advantage in DA while the CZ has a slight advantage in SA (both pistols 100% stock).
I would expect newer style P220 pistols would be better in both areas of trigger pull.

No comment on the HK since I don't own one and it has been about 10 years since I shot one.
I would not consider holstering the 97B, so no help there either.

I LOVE my CZ75 Single Action. But I just can't get over the honkingly large physical size of the CZ97, just like I can't get over the large size of the Beretta 92 for a 9mm.

I have heard the 97's are great shooters and unstoppable.

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
I LOVE my CZ75 Single Action. But I just can't get over the honkingly large physical size of the CZ97, just like I can't get over the large size of the Beretta 92 for a 9mm.

I have heard the 97's are great shooters and unstoppable.

Not sure what dimensions make it honkingly large, most 97 measurements are within an 1/8" of all the other guns, with the aluminum grips the 97 is actually much thinner than the 75 with rubber grips.

quote:

Originally posted by kaptaboom:

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
I LOVE my CZ75 Single Action. But I just can't get over the honkingly large physical size of the CZ97, just like I can't get over the large size of the Beretta 92 for a 9mm.

I have heard the 97's are great shooters and unstoppable.

Not sure what dimensions make it honkingly large, most 97 measurements are within an 1/8" of all the other guns, with the aluminum grips the 97 is actually much thinner than the 75 with rubber grips.

Compare the 97 to a government size 1911 with the same capacity.

Mine has been my only 1-hole gun. It's mind boggling to me. I did the CGW upgrades and it destroyed my 220's.

My father bought one this time last year, and it's the only gun I've seen him shoot since.

On the rare occasion he lets me shoot it, I've found it to be extremely accurate, surpassing the shootability of my HK45 and my 1911's. I think the full length dust cover really keeps the muzzle flip under control, which contributes to its accuracy.

If you are thinking about buying one, do it!

I've shot a CGW 97B"E" in bullseye matches for two years. Here's a typical practice session, one day after winning a local bullseye match. Full disclosure--none of us locals are national contenders!

https://youtu.be/7MsCB7ucxLs?l...Te-22GvoVjUa3ZVSKiOH

Joe

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:

quote:

Originally posted by kaptaboom:

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
I LOVE my CZ75 Single Action. But I just can't get over the honkingly large physical size of the CZ97, just like I can't get over the large size of the Beretta 92 for a 9mm.

I have heard the 97's are great shooters and unstoppable.

Not sure what dimensions make it honkingly large, most 97 measurements are within an 1/8" of all the other guns, with the aluminum grips the 97 is actually much thinner than the 75 with rubber grips.

Compare the 97 to a government size 1911 with the same capacity.

I DID, remember?
http://www.xdtalk.com/threads/...measurements.273203/

The stats:
Grip length: Bottom of beavertail to bottom of magwell, not mag base.
CZ-97= 3 5/8"
Beretta 92FS= 3 1/2"
H&K USP40 Full Size= 3 3/8" magwell stub counted.
SA 1911 Mil-Spec= 3 1/2"

Grip depth: Front strap to back strap.
CZ-97= 2 1/8"
Beretta 92FS= 2"
CZ-75SP01= 2"
H&K USP40 Full Size= 2 1/8"
SA 1911 Mil-Spec= 2 1/8"

Grip width: Maximum, averaged on CZ-75 rubber grips.
CZ-97= 1 1/8"
Beretta 92FS= 1 3/8"
CZ-75SP01= 1 3/8"
H&K USP40 Full Size= 1 1/4"
SA 1911 Mil-Spec= 1 5/16"


Slide length: Rear of slide to front of slide, bushings count but not barrel nor hammer.
CZ-97= 7 1/2"
Beretta 92FS= 7 1/2"
CZ-75SP01= 7 1/4"
H&K USP40 Full Size= 7 3/8"
SA 1911 Mil-Spec= 7 1/2"

Slide height: From dust cover to top of slide, rails count, sights do not.
CZ-97= 1 5/8"
Beretta 92FS= 1 1/2"
CZ-75SP01= 1 9/16"
H&K USP40 Full Size= 1 9/16"
SA 1911 Mil-Spec= 1 1/2"

Slide width: Max width including dust covers on the CZs.
CZ-97= 1"
Beretta 92FS= 1 1/8"
CZ-75SP01= 1"
H&K USP40 Full Size= 1 1/8"
SA 1911 Mil-Spec= 15/16"


Overall Length: Maximum length, barrel to beavertail.
CZ-97= 8 3/8"
Beretta 92FS= 8 1/2"
CZ-75SP01= 8 1/8"
H&K USP40 Full Size= 7 5/8"
SA 1911 Mil-Spec= 8 5/8"

Overall height: From top of slide to base of magwell, no magbase no sights.
CZ-97= 5 3/8"
Beretta92FS= 5 1/8"
CZ-75SP01= 5 3/16"
H&K USP40 Full Size= 5 1/8" magwell stub counted.
SA 1911 Mil-Spec= 5 3/8"

Findings and impressions.
Big? Yes, but not the gargantuan ogre some web reviews have made it out to be, not bigger than other big pistols and in some ways, widths in particular, it's actually significantly smaller! This thing really IS just a CZ-75 with a bigger hole in one end.
I really like this pistol, enough to spend some serious mod dollar$ on it.

quote:

Originally posted by kaptaboom:
Big? Yes, but not the gargantuan ogre some web reviews have made it out to be, not bigger than other big pistols and in some ways, widths in particular, it's actually significantly smaller! This thing really IS just a CZ-75 with a bigger hole in one end.

While I would agree that the dimensions are not all that different (with new style grips) the ergonomics are not exactly the same as the CZ-75, hence the "it is huge" feeling that many experience.

Also the weight difference (measured with empty mags);
P220: 1lb 14oz
1911: 2lb 6oz
CZ-97B: 2lb 8oz

Need to add in the weight of 10 (+1) 45 ACP rounds to the CZ-97B
vs.
The typical 7 or 8 (+1) for the 1911 and P220

CZ 97 is big, fun and damn accurate.
I wouldn't hesitate to acquire one at the right price.

Love mine and couldn't imagine not owning one.

Most accurate .45 out of the box, production pistol ii own.

Currently saving to have a full Angus Hobdell job done on it.

However, I like large handguns... Glock 21 etc.

Use to have an early CZ97 and then got a Witness also in .45ACP and found I liked the Witness more. My Witness is an older square shaped slide with no rail in Wonderfinish. Mine works and has a better trigger reach without that steep feed ramp my 97 had that wouldn't feed JHPs'.

quote:

Originally posted by BillyBonesNY:
CZ 97 is big, fun and damn accurate.
I wouldn't hesitate to acquire one at the right price.

Love mine and couldn't imagine not owning one.

Most accurate .45 out of the box, production pistol ii own.

Currently saving to have a full Angus Hobdell job done on it.

However, I like large handguns... Glock 21 etc.

I don't have large hands but I was rather amazed at how easy it is to get used to large frames like HK and Beretta.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve 22X:

quote:

Originally posted by kaptaboom:
Big? Yes, but not the gargantuan ogre some web reviews have made it out to be, not bigger than other big pistols and in some ways, widths in particular, it's actually significantly smaller! This thing really IS just a CZ-75 with a bigger hole in one end.

While I would agree that the dimensions are not all that different (with new style grips) the ergonomics are not exactly the same as the CZ-75, hence the "it is huge" feeling that many experience.

Also the weight difference (measured with empty mags);
P220: 1lb 14oz
1911: 2lb 6oz
CZ-97B: 2lb 8oz

Need to add in the weight of 10 (+1) 45 ACP rounds to the CZ-97B
vs.
The typical 7 or 8 (+1) for the 1911 and P220

My experience with 45 grips is that they tend to be squarer, where an individuals finger joints lay around that squarer shape would likely make it feel quite different BUT the fact that a pistol fits this or that person differently doesn't make the pistol any larger or smaller.