The Czech Armory produces a wide range of small arms. One of the most popular and sought-after pistol models on the global arms market is the 9-mm combat pistol CZ-75SP, which was developed by CZ in 1975.
The CZ-75 pistol is very popular not only among European law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies, but also among the civilian population. It is suitable for both self-defense and sport shooting. Many modifications allow you to choose a pistol that best suits the characteristics of a particular user. For example, the most popular model for sports shooting is the CZ-75 “Shadow”. It is distinguished by a black coating of the body, for which it received the name “Shadow”.
Review of the air pistol CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow
The CZ 75 SP 01 Shadow model is made of high-strength plastic. A special feature of this model is that the guides (the weapon’s casing-shutter moves along them) are located inside the frame and do not cover it.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of the CZ 75 Shadow air pistol:
- Structural strength.
- The handle with rubber pads (with notches) fits comfortably in the hand.
- Light weight (595 g) – good maneuverability.
The disadvantages include the following:
- The axis is located high (relative to the handle) - the recoil shoulder increases.
- Light weight (595 g) - increases recoil during a shot.
Purpose
The pneumatic model of the CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow pistol is actively used in training sports shooting. The use of an air pistol is only permitted on a shooting range, shooting range, hunting or shooting range, or on property surrounded by a fence (provided that the fired bullet does not leave the property).
Photo of the air pistol CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow
The history of the appearance of the CZ-75SP pistol
The CZ-75 pistol was developed by Czech designers the Koucki brothers. Since the development of the arms industry in Europe involves the creation of only weapons that are in demand on the market, the new Czech pistol was created with special care. The new pistol was supposed to be a replacement for large pistols, which in those years were widely used by intelligence services and law enforcement agencies around the world.
Unlike other countries of the socialist camp, which blindly copied Soviet weapons, the Czech Republic managed to preserve its centuries-old traditions of producing high-quality small arms. It is for this reason that weapons produced in Czechoslovakia were in demand in Europe and the USA. The new pistol, mass production of which began in 1977, was developed for the 9x19 Parabellum cartridge; it was for this reason that it was not adopted by the Czechoslovak Army.
The first official show of the CZ-75 took place in Madrid in 1976. The new model from the famous Czech manufacturer managed to attract the attention of the public, so within a year its mass production began. In the first years of production, stable exports were established to a number of European countries.
Soon after release, the pistol was released in a reinforced modification, designed to use more powerful cartridges, and then other models were added to the line of pistols. Czech gunsmiths, despite the difficult times for the country, did not follow the path of least resistance and did not blindly copy Soviet weapons. Thanks to their heroic efforts, the Czech weapons school was able to survive and now delights its fans around the world with high-quality models of small arms.
Specifications
Technical characteristics of the air pistol CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow:
| Characteristics | Indicators |
| Manufacturer | Denmark, ASG |
| Form factor | gun |
| Mechanism | single, double action |
| Energy source | CO2 gas cylinder (12 g) |
| Power | 2.4 J |
| Ammunition | balloons |
| Chuck feed type | self-loading |
| Caliber | 4.5 mm |
| Capacity | 21 pcs. |
| Shop | double-row, box-shaped |
| Beginning bullet speed | 120 m/s |
| Blowback | absent |
| USM | SA/DA |
| Barrel length | 110 mm |
| Fuse type | double-sided |
| Sighting device | rear sight, front sight (fiber optic) |
| Weight (with magazine without cartridges) | 595 g |
| Dimensions (l-h-w) | 206-138-33 mm |
| Guarantee | 6 months |
History of creation
The Koucki brothers worked on the creation of a pistol in a small town. The designers created a weapon for future export to foreign countries. Its design was proposed as a replacement for modern large pistols that were used by intelligence agencies around the world. It was made for 9x19 Parabellum ammunition. After some time, versions adapted for powerful cartridges were released.
The first show to the arms community around the world took place in 1976 in Madrid. At the exhibition, the CZ 75 SP received a lot of sympathy. Mass production began in 1977 by an arms company from the Czech Republic. At that time, the weapon did not enter service with the intelligence services of Czechoslovakia and the Warsaw Pact countries, since it was powered by charges not included in the arsenal of the countries.
It was adopted by the special services of the Department of Internal Affairs, as it was ahead of the current weapons in terms of technical characteristics and power. Immediately after production, it attracted attention in Western countries, as a result of which exports were established. In the 90s, demand appeared in the USA and Western Europe.
A few years after the launch of serial production, the rights to own the product were sold to Italian and Swiss companies. Weapons production is concentrated in Turkey, the USA and Israel. The pistol design has become the basis for many popular models used today.
Device
The trigger mechanism with a “trigger-stop” provides a short trigger stroke without broaching. The design of the pistol includes a Weaver rail, fiber-optic front sight and an adjustable rear sight. There is additional space for installing a tactical flashlight (guide).
There is a safety lock on the left side (above the handle). The CO2 canister fits into the holder. The pistol is loaded with 4.5 mm caliber balls; the magazine holds exactly 21 balls.
The power of the air gun is quite small - 2.4 J, but it can be increased by replacing the spring with a stiffer version.
A bushing is screwed into the barrel of the CZ 75 SP 01 Shadow; the thread is provided for installing a muffler.
Features of the CZ-75 device
The unique Czech pistol has the following design features, which made it popular among intelligence agencies around the world:
- The designers took a big risk when developing in 1975 a pistol chambered for the 9x19 Parabellum caliber, which in those years was not even adopted by the Czech army. As time has shown, this decision turned out to be very far-sighted;
- The double-row box-type magazine holds 15 rounds. This is an impressive figure for a weapon of this class;
- Although pistols made of heat-resistant plastic were gaining popularity around the world, Czech designers decided not to deviate from tradition. Their pistol has a body made of high-quality high-carbon steel. Since steel of this grade tends to rust, the case has a high-quality blued finish. In addition, chrome and nickel plated models are available. For the USA, the CZ-75 is manufactured with a stainless steel case;
- Despite the high quality of serial pistols, their price places these weapons in the budget price segment.
The first model, which was presented at the 1976 exhibition in Madrid, was slightly different from the modern versions of the CZ-75. It had a smooth trigger guard coating and narrowed front parts of the bolt.
Currently, Cesská Zbroevka produces gift versions of the CZ-75. They differ in the following features:
- The pistol's slide and frame are beautifully hand-engraved;
- Plastic handle linings have been replaced with walnut ones;
- Some external controls have high quality gold plating.
In addition to the gift version, there is also a specialized army version. It also has walnut grips and its hammer has a rounded head.
Disassembly
To complete disassembly of the CZ 75 Shadow you will need the following tools:
- Punch (2 mm).
- Phillips screwdriver (for removing handle pads).
- Regular screwdriver (plastic).
For added safety, it is recommended to wear clear safety glasses to prevent the spring from getting into your eye if you remove it carelessly.
So, first you need to remove the magazine and check that there are no cartridges in the chamber.
Next, we carry out all the actions strictly point by point:
- Unscrew the screws and remove the rubber pads on both sides.
- Pull the bolt back and in this position press the bolt stop (it protrudes on the right) onto any solid surface.
- Remove the slide stop that will come out on the left side.
- Remove the bolt, recoil spring (with axle) and barrel.
- Press out the mainspring protection pin using a drift and remove the spring.
- Remove the mainspring stop pin (lower). It is located under the pressure of this spring, so it is necessary to carefully dismantle the pin. To prevent the stop from flying towards your face, you need to press it with your finger.
- We remove the sear spring - slightly up and to the right side we move the lever axis in the fuse. The fuses can only be removed after the spring has been removed.
- Move the safety lever (left) to the left of the body, hooking it with a thin screwdriver. After this, the right lever comes out.
- We remove the sear basket assembly by first removing the lever.
- Remove the left and right fuse stoppers one by one. The most important thing at this stage of disassembly is not to lose small parts.
- We dismantle the hammer pin retaining peg - a part designed to secure the trigger axis in the desired position.
- The trigger axis is squeezed out from the reverse side. If there is no heavy contamination, it falls out freely.
- We remove the “disconnector-trigger-pusher”. It is worth noting that the pusher will be inserted “forward with the sickle” during assembly.
- Remove the trigger and trigger rod.
- If the axle is factory, then it makes no difference which end it needs to be knocked out from. But if it is improved, it has a flared end.
Explosion diagram of the CZ 75 Shadow air pistol
If you are going to do a quick cleaning, then it is enough to disassemble the gun up to the 3rd point (inclusive). And in the case when it is necessary to change the safety levers, we disassemble the pistol to the 8th disassembly point. Next, we replace it with a lever and assemble the weapon in the reverse order.
The video shows the disassembly and cleaning of the CZ 75 Shadow air pistol:
In which countries do intelligence agencies use the CZ-75?
High reliability, combat qualities and a huge number of positive reviews are the reason that the pistol is in service with the intelligence services and law enforcement agencies of many countries. Here is a partial list of countries where it applies:
- Georgia. In this country, the CZ-75 is actively used by the national army;
- In Egypt, a large batch of Czech pistols (80,000 pieces) entered service with local law enforcement agencies;
- Kazakhstan is purchasing CZ-75 for its special forces. In addition, pistols of the Czech army are used as award weapons;
- In Lithuania it is used in the army;
- The Polish police are armed with pistols of this model;
- In Russia, this pistol is used by employees of the prosecutor's office and the Ministry of Justice. Since 2011, it has also become a reward weapon;
- In Slovakia and Slovenia it is used by special units of local police;
- In the United States, it is in service with the famous Delta group; in addition, police officers in a number of states are armed with similar pistols;
- Ukraine purchased a batch of Czech pistols for the Cobra special group;
- In the Czech Republic it is in service with the police.
In recent years, Asian states have actively begun to purchase CZ-75 for their intelligence services.
The CZ-75 is a high-quality and inexpensive short-barreled weapon that has gained popularity all over the world. This pistol is still in production, and Czech engineers are constantly working to improve the design of the pistol. Users with access to various CZ-75 models note that the options for the US market are made of higher quality than other modifications.
