I have a first model, made in 1978, bought new in 1979, serial № 14xxx. These early models had a fine blue finish, but some barrels were oversize - .357", .358" groove diameter. They were also subject to frame cracks with a lot of heavy use, hence the increased frame rail length on the pistols shown. A South African gunsmith marketed a recoil buffer/shock absorber to replace the recoil spring guide, which I installed in the early 1980's and have had no evidence of cracks. According to channel Czechoslovak Gun Stories, designer František Koucký was more inspired by the SIG210 than the Hi-power, the latter really for the double stack high capacity magazine.
Great Video, I purchased mine back in 88 while stationed in Germany. I changed out my grips for some Pachmyers but I still have the originals. One of the smoothest shooting 9mm's out there.
Very Nice CZ’s. I finally bought a CZ 75 SemiCompact a few months ago. It’s a full size grip (16 rounds), with a compact length slide and barrel. The folks at CZ had to ask around to get any information, because they’re apparently weren’t many made. It is stamped “SemiCompact” on the slide. 👍👍👍👍
Jim. your disruption and evaluation of the CZ is spot on. (My opinion) the CZ is one of the most thought out pistols on the market as far a shoot ability and ergonomic comfort. the low axis bore leaves a small window in relation to muzzle flip and wrist position and adds to shot placement and leads to accurate shooting. Good video dude, I love the CZ's in the 75 family, I suggest it to people looking for a 9mm. - Dave
Wow, you really jog the memory UJ. I remember these really early models with lighter slides & frames. The shop I worked at was getting custom leather holsters made by Alessi in the USA and we had to get aluminum sand castings made of the guns for them. The CZ caused quite a problem until we realized there were 2 different variations.
@@unclejim2330 Early CZ's were really pricey in Canada, when I got mine (About '82) it was about $750 and US Tourists who stopped in were amazed because at that time they were very hard to get in the USA and when they could get them they were easily $1400 USD. Then shortly after that they changed the finish to paint or whatever that is you have on yours and the price in Canada dropped like a rock to about $325, we sold dozens after that. At the same time as all that was going on, there was the Type I, Type II confusion that you showed.
i inherited one, bought new in argentina around 1990. its kinda in between those 2. it has the older round trigger guard, but with the newer grips and its blued not painted. i wouldnt like to, but ill have to refinish it. its pretty banged due to beign carried for 15 years in humid weather by my dad, (when we could still carry down here)
Haha, everyone has their own likes. My buddy was stationed in Germany and brought home a transition model. 👍 Also we had friends from Germany come here and buy a 61 VW window van and ship it back! They said I couldn’t find their favorite beer but I surprised them and we had good times. 👍
YES! I have heard about this "Very FIRST Model", but never seen one. Only a few of the "Pre-B" models have come to my attention. With a few selected changes, converted into the CZ-75B for the USA market.
Yes that’s a Mendez and thanks . It’s my sons curiosity and I gave him crap because I have plenty OEM Glock. 😂 $10 Magpul is as low as I go for cheap and I can trust them.👍
I think I have a pre B transition model. It has the rounded trigger guard, and the flat hammer like my Retro but it does have a hammer pin. It was made in 2003. Nobody has been able to tell me for sure what it is.
Bilrentz- You may have what I have. It was called an "RSR Original" (I still have the box). I believe RSR was a wholesale distributor and sold a limited run of old style looking pistols. Mine has the firing pin block and takes the newer type magazines. but has the original slide scallops and rounded top, rounded trigger guard, tang hammer, and original style safety lever, and slide stop. the only negative was a set of thumbrest grips, which I replaced with a set of E-Bay rosewood grips from Thailand. Most important is that RETRO is NOT blazing across the slide. She is a beauty. I wish CZ would make another run of these.
Those very first CZ’s that had the “longer” cut on the slide and frames were prone to cracking issues that destroyed the gun for further use. So CZ redesigned the pistols and left more metal on both the frame and slide, thus ending the cracking issues. I wouldn’t want an original design, because they were seriously flawed and defective pistols. If a gun doesn’t work it’s just junk. The current CZ B amd BD models are superb!
Yes but they weren’t imported here. I still prefer pre b’s without decocker and the price. As for junk the Colt 10mm had an unsupported chamber and collet bushings that cracked and there was the term “super face” for their early 38 supers.. So don’t throw stones. 😂👍🇺🇸
@@unclejim2330 Don’t get all butt hurt with facts bro. Besides, we’re talking about the CZ 75 in this video, not the Delta Elite…. Which resolved their issue some 35 years ago. And it wasn’t the bushing that cracked, nor was there an issue with an “unsupported chamber.” Do you just make this crap up as you go? It was a frame cracking issue (which albeit is bad enough) on first run models, until Colt drilled out a relief cut near the slide catch. After that design change, the newer models since NEVER experienced issues, not even with “hotter” 10mm ammo. Get your facts straight. Another FACT CHECK for you: You’re also WRONG about the CZ 75 being influenced by the Hi Power. That is a false misnomer. As told by CZ historian and author David Pazdera, the CZ 75’s design was primarily influenced by the Sig Sauer P210 and NOT the Browning Hi Power. You can watch and learn about this fact on “Czechsovak gun stories” channel here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-omb6h66MSX8.htmlsi=Eya774nrej2LydSN
To my knowledge, none of those crackable 75s ever made it over any counter into the public. They cracked during testing, when CZ was experimenting with cast steel parts. That's why only cast 75s have beefed up frames and slides - the forged ones didn't need the extra material. Nothing seriously flawed or defective about them.
grips4u makes CZ 75 walnut grips in that exact oldschool design (around $40, I think), if you still need them. Got them on my "granddaddy" 75 from 1980 and wouldn't want to see anything else on her anymore. 😁 There're are still some of the very first 75s around here in Europe, but prices have increased drastically in recent years. As for the rest: Yes, you should absolutely leave them as they are. All the little dings and scratches are part of the guns history. Refinishing it would be like erasing that history.
Mine is an original 1992 model with the rounded trigger gaurd and spur hammer enamel finish I got it for 329.00 in the early 2000s I'm pretty you cant get one for that price anymore
Don't know about the older ones, but newer CZ's have the year of manufacture on the slide. My P01 has the year right after an inspector/proof mark and before the serial number.
If by "originals" you mean the very first series (or "granddad" as they're called here 😁): No, not anymore. Prices have gone up dramatically from 400,- to about 1,500,- during the past 3-4 years. But Pre-B and B? Yeah, sure. They're still at around 300-500 (used).
Jim, what specific spring should go in one of these pre bs? Do you have a link where you got yours? Also how exactly does a stiffer spring prevent accidental discharge?
@@unclejim2330 I Have the grandma without import marks bought it in germany and brought it back via fta however the grips are as the newer pistol posted all scribed in gun are same. the one i have is handmade or so i was told when bought
