CZ 75 B SA and Kadet

CZ 75 B SA

The CZ 75 is a semi-automatic pistol made by Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod (CZUB) in the Czech Republic. Designed for export by Josef and Frantisek Koucky and originally introduced in 1975, it is one of the original “wonder nines” featuring a staggered-column magazine (originally these held 15 rounds and is now offered with 16-rounders), all-steel construction, and hammer forged barrels.

Contributing to the legacy of the CZ-75, Jeff Cooper once dubbed the CZ-75 the "world's best service nine." In the early years its appeal was rivaled only by its scarcity.

Unlike most other semi-auto pistols, the slide rides inside the frame rails rather than outside, similar to the SIG P210. This provides a very tight slide-to-frame fit, very good barrel lock-up and contributes to good accuracy.

CZ makes many versions and various modifications of this handgun and the CZ-75 is still widely copied and cloned. Most notably the EAA Witness and the Baby Eagle (once imported as the Uzi Eagle and now known as the IWI Jericho 941 and now imported under KBI / Charles Daly).

The CZ 75 B SA (Single Action), intended mostly for sport shooting under IPSC rules, is identical to the CZ 75 B in all aspects, except that it has a single action trigger mechanism and a drop free magazine. The trigger is a straight blade type and is adjustable for over travel. The safety is extended and ambidextrous.

From the early days the CZ-75 has always been compared to the Browning Hi Power. We find the CZ-75 to be a far better fighting gun than the Browning. The CZ-75 is free of the quirks of the Hi-Power and offers a far better value. The CZ-75 B also is easily compared to the Beretta 92FS / M9 pistol, as they both are all metal, 9mm, DA/SA platforms. The CZ easily outshines the Beretta 92 series with a far better double action trigger, a better designed safety and a much more robust design.

The single action version of the CZ takes this one step further and offers a far superior single action trigger than the Hi-Power. This pistol readily lends itself to competitive action shooting like USPSA with its crisp trigger easy reset. The aftermarket support for this pistol is good but some things like carry holsters are a bit harder to find than we would like.

Conclusion:
Our shooters find the CZ-75 B SA to be another great version of the world class fighting handguns out of Czech Republic. For those wanting a single action duty 9mm this pistol represents an outstanding value.

Pros
Reliability
Shootability
Customer Support
Trigger
C&L carry only

Cons
Weight
Holster Selection
Parts Availability
C&L carry only

Kadet Kit

The Kadet .22LR conversion kit from CZ is an obvious choice for saving money on ammunition and still getting good training with your chosen manual of arms. The Kadet "upper" has a fixed barrel and the rear portion of the slide moves in a setup much like the S&W Model 22A. This means that the adjustable, target-style rear sight does not reciprocate with the slide, but like the front sight it remains stationary over the fixed barrel.

The CZ Kadet magazine seems to be some sort of magazine-within-a-magazine set up. The exterior is about the same dimensions as the 9mm magazine, but the "interior magazine" holds ten .22 LR cartridges. These magazines are not inexpensive but they are well-made and in my experience work reliably.

The Kadet kit shoots just like the frame it is mounted on and once you figure out what ammunition it likes it is very reliable.

Conclusion:
This kit is a fabulous addition to any CZ pistol and allows tremendous savings over shooting centerfire ammunition.

Pros
.22LR ammunition price and availability
Uses same frame as 9mm so the platform is identical

Cons
Pricey mags
May need “tweaking”
Small hard to grasp slide