Sidearms & Scatterguns Talk me into a CZ SP-01

[Boomstick308]

I was pretty set on my next handgun purchase being an M&P9, but this morning after reading a comment about the CZ being "gun nirvana" accurate I'm now debating which one to get. I have to admit I didn't know much about them and from the light research I did after reading that, I am pretty impressed.

I already have a 1911 so I was thinking about getting a polymer gun in 9mm. My sister has a G19 (gen 3) and I honestly like the ergonomics of the M&P a lot better. I'm not going to ccw this so the glocks proven reliability records doesn't factor in much (not that I think the M&P is a jam-o-matic). I mainly want an accurate and comfortable 9mm.

Is the accuracy of the SP-01 Phantom the same as the steal frame SP-01? I don't mind the extra weight of the steal frame, if it improves accuracy and follow up shots. So the steal frame is NOT out of the question.

From what I'm seeing the CZ is about $150-200 more than the M&P9, but then again it comes with night sights and I was probably going to end up adding the Apex trigger to the M&P.

So which route should I go? Please elaborate on why you think I should get one over the other. Oh, and I can potentially see IDPA or ISPC matches in the future.

 

[Outsydlooknin75]

Re: Talk me into a CZ SP-01

The CZ is the number 1 competition pistol in Europe...... its that way for a reason.

 

[glock24]

Re: Talk me into a CZ SP-01

I always shot my Glock 35 in IDPA, and never thought much of anything else.

On a whim, I decided to buy a CZ-75 SA as a 'poor man's 1911', and I'm glad I did. The ergonomics were phenomenal to me, and it was spooky accurate. Frankly, I just started winning more when I was shooting my CZ. That was the what ultimately convinced me to keep it.

When the SP-01 came out, I sold the SA model and never looked back. I now shoot a pair of SP-01s and love them. The extra weight up front does help control muzzle flip very effectively.

None of the custom SP-01s will shoot better than the standard one, they simply have small parts upgrades that many customers like. I decided to buy the standard version and upgrade myself. I've converted mine to single-action only, added Novak sights, and added Hogue aluminum grips.

I do however have some criticisms of these guns;

Unfortunately these pistols are all based on the original CZ-75, which like all CZ pistols, is named for its first year of production. That said, we're talking 1975 technology. The pistols use an internal locking lug design, (like a 1911) which can cause malfunctions faster when the pistol starts to get dirty. The pistol is also designed to absorb recoil on the slide stop pin (similar to a 1911). This means the slide stop can break, so always carry some spares.

These guns are built like Swiss watches, meaning skilled craftsmen and old school mechanical design. There are pins and springs inside the pistol frame that are so small, they are hard to even see (just like a Swiss watch). Don't expect to detail strip one without first doing your homework.

And lastly, it is more difficult to obtain a great trigger job with a CZ-75 pistol. The hammer/sear design has a negative contact angle. In other words, the hammer has to travel backwards just slightly before it can release forward. This rearward movement can be felt while pulling the trigger, and it feels like a bit of creep, even with a tuned trigger.

Nonetheless, if you find that you like the feel of the CZ design, it is certainly worth a hard look. Like I said, I wasn't a believer until I started winning with mine. I think they are natural-pointers, very accurate, and (if you're willing to maintain them) very reliable.

 

[Boomstick308]

Re: Talk me into a CZ SP-01

Thanks glock24 that's exactly the type of response I was looking for.

 

[Bronco]

Re: Talk me into a CZ SP-01

I'll be up front I like CZ's, Carry a Compact CZ 75 around the farm most days. Also have a 85, 40 S&W 75, and a SP-01 with most of the competition upgrades.

The SP-01 is a bit on the heavy side, fine for comps and quick follow up shots. Mine is very accurate, I've been told not all of them are. After the 85 trigger was installed the reset is amazing, takes a bit of getting used to after shooting anything else.

If you need work done Matt Mink is the guy.

 

[Winny]

Re: Talk me into a CZ SP-01

Love my CZ's....carry a CZ75 as my CCW and general go to gun. I do have a SP01 sitting in the safe, my first CZ and sold me on them. It is on the heavy side due to its size and metal frame, but soaks up the recoil very well. If you have handled the SP01 and like it, try to get you hands on a P01, its little brother in the CZ line. It was my CCW weapon until I stumbled into my current 75.

As for the trigger issue mentioned above...there is a gentleman here in town that seems to be able to work wonders on them for a very fair price. Hope this helps.

B.

 

[signal211]

Re: Talk me into a CZ SP-01

I have one and it is great. I really enjoy shooting it and would never sell mine. It is a blast to shoot due to the low recoil and makes follow up shots a breeze. Mine is stock and runs fine. And that concludes post number 1 onthis site.

 

[prom93]

Re: Talk me into a CZ SP-01

Also check THE ORIGINAL CZFORUM it has great info....and my custom SP-01
[

]
enjoy

 

[jheat308]

Re: Talk me into a CZ SP-01

CZ is a love or hate kind of gun IMO. I had one for a while and did not like the slide hold or the way it feels on reloading on the move. I would look into trying to shoot one and work it for a while before I pull the trigger on buying one. I might get told off buy others but It was just not for me. Look at the sig line or just go Glock.

 

[gpo1956]

Re: Talk me into a CZ SP-01

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: glock24</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I always shot my Glock 35 in IDPA, and never thought much of anything else.

On a whim, I decided to buy a CZ-75 SA as a 'poor man's 1911', and I'm glad I did. The ergonomics were phenomenal to me, and it was spooky accurate. Frankly, I just started winning more when I was shooting my CZ. That was the what ultimately convinced me to keep it.

When the SP-01 came out, I sold the SA model and never looked back. I now shoot a pair of SP-01s and love them. The extra weight up front does help control muzzle flip very effectively.

None of the custom SP-01s will shoot better than the standard one, they simply have small parts upgrades that many customers like. I decided to buy the standard version and upgrade myself. I've converted mine to single-action only, added Novak sights, and added Hogue aluminum grips.

I do however have some criticisms of these guns;

Unfortunately these pistols are all based on the original CZ-75, which like all CZ pistols, is named for its first year of production. That said, we're talking 1975 technology. The pistols use an internal locking lug design, (like a 1911) which can cause malfunctions faster when the pistol starts to get dirty. The pistol is also designed to absorb recoil on the slide stop pin (similar to a 1911). This means the slide stop can break, so always carry some spares.

These guns are built like Swiss watches, meaning skilled craftsmen and old school mechanical design. There are pins and springs inside the pistol frame that are so small, they are hard to even see (just like a Swiss watch). Don't expect to detail strip one without first doing your homework.

And lastly, it is more difficult to obtain a great trigger job with a CZ-75 pistol. The hammer/sear design has a negative contact angle. In other words, the hammer has to travel backwards just slightly before it can release forward. This rearward movement can be felt while pulling the trigger, and it feels like a bit of creep, even with a tuned trigger.

Nonetheless, if you find that you like the feel of the CZ design, it is certainly worth a hard look. Like I said, I wasn't a believer until I started winning with mine. I think they are natural-pointers, very accurate, and (if you're willing to maintain them) very reliable.

Where did you get the Novaks? I cant seem to find thenm on their website.
</div></div>

 

[nashlaw]

Re: Talk me into a CZ SP-01

glock24 hit the high points.

I like mine. It is built tank-tough and reliable. The accuracy is more than I expected.

 

[glock24]

Re: Talk me into a CZ SP-01

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gpo1956</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Where did you get the Novaks? I cant seem to find thenm on their website.
</div></div>

Novak's aren't a factory option.

I had mine installed by Moissi Gunworks, who apparently no longer has a website.

 

[BLAKSUNZ]

Re: Talk me into a CZ SP-01

I own a CZ P-01 that I bought slightly used for $350. The dealer said it was so cheap because he couldn't move it. No one knew what CZ was so he had to keep it low. I knew exactly what it was and picked it up on the spot.

The P-01 is the aluminum frame compact model. It has been NATO tested and certified and is a very well made pistol. No, it's slide is not on ball bearings and the decocker does ruin an otherwise good trigger but I still love it.

The slide is very small. You must be more precise with your slide racking but many make more of a issue out of it than it really is.

The recoil is snappy but it all happens so quickly that your brain almost can't perceive it if that makes sense. The gun has never jammed in over 500 rounds I've put through it aside from the sand test I put it through. Break down is more invalid than a polymer wonder nine but nothing hard by any means.

These pistols are highly underrated. The point like a 1911 and have the comfort of a high power. A winning combination to be sure. The CZ SP-01 is what a 9mm 1911 should be: an accurate shooter, drop dead reliable and durable as hell. If you don't like it I'm sure unloading it would be very easy. Best of luck.

 

[dorton]

Re: Talk me into a CZ SP-01

I had one, and really loved it. I shot it as good as any pistol i've ever picked up. The main reason I sold mine, was I ended up not being a fan of the decocker, and will eventually get another(with safety vs decocker).

 

[RockSteady]

Re: Talk me into a CZ SP-01

I bought a CZ sp-01 about a year ago and it shot well. The weight helped with the recoil. These are great guns and I know alot of people will help talk you into one, but let me list a few of the things I noticed. At one time I have/had the g19, mp45, and CZ sp-01.

I was a bit peaved with the rough machining marks on the inside of the slide and frame. The slide seemed a bit rough initially sliding on the frame, but it wasn't an issue with function at all.

I wasn't too keen to the smaller slide serrations, especially if you like the palm over the rear sight technique to rack the slide. You will usually end up grabbing alot of the frame at the same time. The index finger and thumb pinch was the only way I could do it easily.

My thumbs forward hold also was a bit of an issue since my left thumb didn't really have anywhere to sit. It would float around the cutout area on the left side and if I put it flush with the cutout it would push the gun in an awkward direction.

That said, it was accurate, low recoil, high capacity and overall fun gun to shoot. You might or might not have any of the same issues as I did, but I wanted to put it out there for you.

Goodluck!