Czech pistol CZ 75 - a legendary world classic

After the end of World War II, Czechoslovakia did not have its own small arms development. The army and police used Soviet TT models and German trophies. This could not continue for long and the country's leadership came to the decision to begin its own development. Of all the variety of modern modifications of pistols, the CZ 75 Tactical model is in particular demand among those who understand.

In the ranking of this type of weapon, it is located next to the Colt M 1911 and Beretta 92, which have been recognized as the standard for many years and are used to design others.

History of creation

The CZ pistol was designed in Czechoslovakia in 1975. Two brothers worked on its project: Josef and Frantisek Koucki from the city of Uherský Brod. They worked by order of the country's armed forces, at the Czech Zbroevka enterprise.

Previously, the model was being prepared for export and was being prepared as a replacement for the heavy and bulky Parabellum, which was used by the police and military. The first modifications had a similar caliber and ammunition size. As a result of modifications, the model was adapted for the use of cartridges with greater power: .40 S2W and 9*21 IMI.

The first official display took place in 1976 in Madrid, at an arms exhibition. The project was assigned the index CZ-75 SP, which was deciphered quite simply: from the name of the trademark of the Czechoslovak plant where the weapon was developed.

A year later, the Cheset was put into mass production, but in its homeland it could not gain full recognition, since it was fired using cartridges that were not in service at that time. The only Czech security forces who use this pistol are the special services of the Department of Internal Affairs, who valued the CZ pistol in many ways superior to the Makarov and Tula Tokarev.

Subsequently, the production license was sold to the Italians and Swiss. A few more years later, the Czech pistol began to be assembled in America, Turkey and Israel.

In addition, the weapon became the prototype for many models developed on its basis by other countries, including not only combat types, but also those intended for training (CZ 75 Standard IPSC) and pneumatic (CZ 75 p 07).

Device

If we compare the characteristics and devices of the first model, it differs significantly from the subsequent ones.

After the start of mass production, the design of the pistol was changed:

1. The front part of the bolt is narrowed;
2. The trigger guard became smooth;
3. Plastic pads appear on the handle;
4. Spoke trigger instead of flat;

Today, the CZ pistol looks quite impressive, durable weapon-grade steel with an increased carbon content and a blued surface give the impression of a serious weapon.

In addition, a number of its features should be highlighted:

1. Capacious box magazine for 14 rounds of 9*19 Parabellum (can be replaced with an enlarged one, holding 18 shots).
2. Comfortable CZ 75 holster for everyday carry.

The automatic safety mechanism of the impact mechanism keeps the firing pin from contacting the cartridge case until the desired moment, this ensures safety from a possible shot when the CZ 75 Tactical falls on a hard surface.

The inertial impact mechanism also performs a similar action, preventing spontaneous shots.

Description of the air pistol ASG CZ SP 01 Shadow (4.5 mm)

An excellent pistol from the famous Danish company ASG has a magnificent appearance and quite high power.
The design of the pneumatic ASG TsZ SP 01 Shadow Blowback is somewhat restrained, but at the same time it has a zest that makes it attract the attention of many buyers. It is worth noting that the presented model is a good copy of the Ceska Zbrojovka SP 01 combat pistol. The best quality plastic is used to produce the body of the ASG CZ SP 01 Shadow Blowback pistol. This material is good because it has excellent density and is resistant to various damages.

The pistol grip grips have small notches that improve grip on the shooter’s palm. This has the best effect on shooting accuracy.

And although the model has a chic design, the price of the pneumatic ASG TsZ SP 01 Shadow Blowback will attract the attention of many weapon lovers.

The main internal mechanisms, including the barrel of the ASG CZ SP 01 Shadow Blowback pneumatic gun, are made of high-quality weapon metal and coated with a solution to prevent corrosion.

The model is smooth-bore, which has a positive effect on the range of the projectile.

The initial speed of the steel ball is approximately 95 m/s. Before firing, it is installed in a special magazine designed for 17 shells. The muzzle energy does not exceed 3 J.

It is worth noting that inside the pistol grip there is a compartment for installing a carbon dioxide cylinder.

A full cylinder is enough to fire about 70-80 shots.

As the name suggests, this model is equipped with a blowback , thanks to which the bolt automatically cocks the hammer after firing.

To ensure safe use of the model, the manufacturer equipped it with a non-automatic fuse located on the right side of the case.

Despite the fact that the model shows quite high power, anyone can buy the pneumatic ASG CZ SP 01 Shadow Blowback with delivery even to the most remote region of Russia.

With all the advantages of the model, it also has a very small size. The length is 210 mm and the weight is only 0.59 kg.

The sighting device of the ASG CZ SP 01 Shadow Blowback pneumatic is an open sight with a front sight and a non-adjustable rear sight, however, thanks to a special bar located in the lower part, you can install a laser sight or a special flashlight.

Thanks to the laser center, you can make fairly accurate shots, and if you install a flashlight, shooting in the dark will not be difficult.

Automation and trigger mechanism

The CZ 75 Tactical automatic operates on the principle of using recoil energy during a short barrel stroke. The reduction is carried out due to the contact of the figured groove and the axis of the bolt stop.

In this case, the shutter-casing moves along the internal frame guide. These features could significantly extend the life of the slide stop for the CZ 75.

The trigger mechanism of the Czech CZ pistol, the hammer, is activated by pressing with a preliminary cocking of the safety. Features of the characteristics are that the trigger is located in a separate block, which greatly simplifies the care of the weapon. The ejector in the open position signals the presence of a cartridge in the chamber. The safety switch blocks the sear and the bolt-casing when turned on; it is located above the handle, on the left side of the weapon.

Also on this side there is a slide stop lever and a magazine release.

Many years of use of the CZ 75 Tactical have confirmed that it is stable and stable during long-term shooting. The CZ 75 P 01 series has repeatedly proven its unpretentiousness. Due to the fact that the balancing is designed correctly, at the moment and after the shot, the mechanism has virtually no recoil, which allows you to increase the accuracy of hits.

Video of the CZ-75 SP-01 Shadow pistol

It would seem that the layout of the CZ-75 is quite standard. Externally, the pistol is not original, it resembles the legendary Browning Hi-Power, but it fits better in the hand. The modern CZ-75 is quite convenient for both right-handed and left-handed shooters. Although on the first model the controls were made only for the right hand, the production of pistols with the location of the safety box, slide stop and magazine latch was soon launched. CZ-75 pistols are equipped with fixed-range sighting devices, but due to the standard mount, the owner can always choose a more convenient one for himself. The CZ-75 pistol is perfectly balanced, making it extremely easy to use. The excellent distribution of shot energy, especially in 9-mm models, makes the pistol comfortable for aimed fire not only for men, but even for fragile girls.

CZ-75B - modified version. It differs from the classic model by a trigger with a rounded head and the presence of an automatic firing pin safety. Also, the CZ-75B model is made of stainless steel.

The internal structure of the CZ-75 pistol is quite classic. The barrel locking is rotary. Especially to increase the reliability of the pistol, locking is done using two massive lugs. The trigger mechanism of the CZ-75 pistol is double action. Disassembly and assembly of the CZ-75 pistol is generally similar to assembly and disassembly of Browning, Colt M1911A1 and TT-33 pistols. The magazine is removed by pressing the magazine release button, which is located so that it can be pressed with the thumb of the hand holding the pistol. This device is considered more convenient than the latch at the base of the handle, like the PM and Walther PP pistols - where both hands are involved in removing the magazine. Despite the difference in the design of the trigger mechanisms, the CZ-75's safety system resembles that of the Colt M11911A1 and allows the weapon to be carried loaded, with a cartridge in the chamber; A significant difference is the absence of a frame safety in the Czech pistol.

CZ-75 Compact - compact version of the CZ-75 pistol

Specifications

Technical characteristics regarding the dimensions of the CZ 75 P 01 characterize it as a fairly large type of pistol. In the case of the military and police, when there is no particular need to hide it, this does not pose a problem.

But, if you need to wear it under clothes, a number of difficulties arise that require the selection of a special holster for the CZ Shadow.

The performance characteristics of the Czech pistol are presented below:

Modifications

The CZ pistol is actively used by the military and law enforcement agencies. In addition, it is used for training and sports shooting practice.

This popularity is explained by the presence of modifications of Czech weapons:

1. CZ-75B
2. CZ-75BD, where D means replacing the lever safety with a decocker
3. CZ-85, a model on which the safety and bolt mechanism lever are on both sides. This design allows you to fire with both hands
4. CZ 75 Kadet, pistol chambered for small caliber cartridge 5.6*15.6 mm
5. CZ 75 FA, a modification produced since 1992. It is distinguished by an elongated 150 mm barrel and automatic burst fire at a speed of about 1,000 per minute, which was not previously used on this model
6. CZ 75 P-01 – standard version with an aluminum alloy frame
7. CZ 75 p 07 - pneumatic version, produced in Denmark
8. CZ 75 Standard IPSC weapon used for target practice

In addition to the common pneumatic models CZ Shadow 2 and other modifications, including the CZ 75 p 07 and CZ 75 Standard IPSC, there are single samples, the release of which is timed to coincide with certain world events.

For example, the Chiset revolver, marked DW 75 and chambered for a live cartridge, was produced for the anniversary of the independence of Czechoslovakia; no more than 100 copies were produced. Later they were presented to the largest political figures of that time.

CZ 75 (CSSR/Czech Republic)

Pistol CZ-75 - an early version with a rounded trigger guard and a hammer with a spoke, without an automatic safety

Pistol CZ-75B - a modern version

Pistol CZ-75BD - version with a safety release lever instead of a conventional safety

Pistol CZ-75DAO, with only double action trigger

CZ-75 Automatic, a variant of the CZ-75 pistol with the ability to fire in bursts. a spare magazine is attached under the barrel, serving as an additional handle for holding the weapon

CZ 75B Compact, with shortened barrel, bolt and handle

Pistol CZ-75 P-01, adopted by the Czech police. The main difference from the CZ-75BD Compact pistol is the presence of a guide under the barrel for a flashlight or laser laser.

Diagram of the CZ-75 pistol

USM

: double action or double action only
Caliber
: 9x19mm Pair, 9x21mm IMI, .40SW
Length:
206 mm
Barrel length:
120 mm
Weight:
1000 g without cartridges
Magazine capacity:
16 (9mm) or 12 (.40) cartridges

The CZ-75 pistol was developed at the Ceska Zbrojovka plant in the city of Uhersky Brod by engineers the Kouczki brothers - Josef and Frantisek. The CZ-75 pistol was first presented to the public at an exhibition in Madrid in 1975, where it created a real sensation. Production of the CZ-75 pistol began in 1976 and continues to this day. Initially, the CZ-75 pistol was intended for export, since the Czechoslovak Army at that time had a vz pistol. 52 caliber 7.62mm, replaced in 1982 by the vz pistol. 82 caliber 9x18mm PM. CZ-75 pistols were purchased by Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and are currently used by a number of large police departments in the United States. More or less exact copies and clones of this pistol are produced (or were produced) by a number of companies in other countries - IMI (Jericho-941, Israel

), Tanfoglio (TZ-75, TZ-90, T-95,
Italy
), Sarsilmaz (M2000,
Turkey
), ITM (AT-88,
Switzerland
), Sphinx (mod.2000,
Switzerland
), Norinco (NZ-75,
China
), Springfield (P9,
USA
).

In 2001, a compact version of the CZ-75 pistol, under the designation CZ-75 P-01, was adopted by the police of the Czech Republic. Overall, the CZ-75 series pistols are considered to be some of the best modern combat pistols in the world. CZ-75 pistols combine excellent reliability and survivability. shooting accuracy, they have very well-thought-out ergonomics, and at the same time, a fairly low price compared to competitors. CZ-75 pistols are available in a wide range of options, chambered for 9x19mm Parabellum, 9x21mm IMI (for export to countries where citizens are prohibited from using military cartridges), .40S&W (mainly for the US market). A slightly larger version of the CZ-75 pistol chambered for .45ACP is produced under the designation CZ-97.

Pistols of the CZ-75 series are automatic using recoil energy with a short barrel stroke. The barrel is locked by two lugs on its upper surface using grooves in the bolt. Lowering the barrel for unlocking is done according to Browning's scheme, using a figured cutout in the boss under the barrel. The frame and shutter are made of high quality steel. A special feature of the CZ-75 is that the bolt moves along the internal guides of the frame, similar to the SIG P210 pistol. The trigger mechanism is a hammer, double action. In the basic version, there is a safety on the left side of the frame, which, when turned on, locks the bolt and sear and allows you to carry the weapon with a cartridge in the chamber, cocked and the safety on. On the left side of the frame above the trigger guard there is a bolt stop lever. A version of the CZ-75 with a double-sided slide stop and safety is called the CZ-85. The sights on the basic version of the CZ-75 are non-adjustable and installed in dovetail slots. A number of sporting variants have adjustable rear sights. The capacity of the double-stack magazine was initially 15 rounds, later increased to 16 rounds. The magazine latch is located at the base of the trigger guard.

The following versions of the CZ-75 pistol are currently produced.

CZ-75B is the main modification of the CZ-75 pistol, differing from earlier pistols in the presence of an automatic firing pin safety, a modified shape of the trigger guard and hammer. All other models are based on the CZ-75B; the original CZ-75 is no longer available.

CZ-75BD - version with a safety release lever instead of a conventional safety.

CZ-75DAO - option with only double action trigger

CZ-75SA - a purely sports version with a single-action trigger

CZ-75 Automatic is a variant of the CZ-75 pistol developed in 1992, which has the ability to fire bursts at a rate of approximately 1000 rounds per minute. For a more secure hold on the frame under the barrel, there is a special mount in which a spare magazine can be installed upside down, acting as a front handle. Early series of CZ-75 Automatic pistols also had an extended barrel with a compensator; later the pistol was produced with a standard barrel that did not protrude from the front of the bolt.

CZ-75 Semicompact - a variant of the CZ-75 with a barrel and bolt shortened by 20mm, produced in variants B, BD and DAO.

CZ-75 Compact is a variant of the CZ-75 with a barrel and bolt shortened by 20mm, as well as a shortened handle that can accommodate special magazines with a capacity of 13 rounds (regular magazines with a capacity of 16 rounds are also suitable, but protrude noticeably from the bottom of the handle). Compact series pistols also differ from full-size pistols in that they have an aluminum alloy frame rather than steel.

What can be concluded

CZ Shadow 2 and their modifications are quite high-quality and effective weapons. However, sometimes the buyer receives a model that requires replacement of the trigger spring or magazine.

This situation cannot be called a disadvantage of the design as a whole; first of all, this relates to manufacturing defects.

In all other respects, the Czech product has no negative characteristics.

If there are no negative reviews about the original version of the pistol, then the Danish model CZ 75 p 07 has a whole list of shortcomings:

1. Front sight falling out during operation
2. After each shot you have to cock the shutter
3. Some parts are made of plastic

Practical and easy to maintain, unpretentious and not requiring additional effort to operate, the CZ Shadow 2 has long proven itself on the positive side and has received universal recognition in almost all countries.

Production of the model continues today, and numerous copies and prototypes created on its basis have spread throughout the world.

Disassembly

To complete disassembly of the CZ 75 Shadow you will need the following tools:

1. Punch (2 mm).
2. Phillips screwdriver (for removing handle pads).
3. 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:

1. Unscrew the screws and remove the rubber pads on both sides.
2. Pull the bolt back and in this position press the bolt stop (it protrudes on the right) onto any solid surface.
3. Remove the slide stop that will come out on the left side.
4. Remove the bolt, recoil spring (with axle) and barrel.
5. Press out the mainspring protection pin using a drift and remove the spring.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Move the safety lever (left) to the left of the body, hooking it with a thin screwdriver. After this, the right lever comes out.
9. We remove the sear basket assembly by first removing the lever.
10. 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.
11. We dismantle the hammer pin retaining peg - a part designed to secure the trigger axis in the desired position.

Explosion diagram of the CZ 75 Shadow air pistol

12. The trigger axis is squeezed out from the reverse side. If there is no heavy contamination, it falls out freely.
13. We remove the “disconnector-trigger-pusher”. It is worth noting that the pusher will be inserted “forward with the sickle” during assembly.
14. Remove the trigger and trigger rod.
15. 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.

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: