CZ75 SP-01 Tactical Gun Review
During the 1980’s, police agencies across this country began questioning the use of revolvers as the standard issue duty gun. While there were undoubtedly numerous supporters of the “trusty-six,” agency captains and directors soon realized that times were a-changing. Gang-bangers, drug-runners, bank robbers, and other ill-tempered individuals often had access to sub-machine and other semi-automatic weapons. Police departments were obviously losing the upper-hand, and they were losing it fast.
There were as many arguments for switching to semi-autos as there were reasons to stay with revolvers. Some agencies claimed that shootings typically lasted less than seven seconds and officers only had an opportunity to shoot 3 or 4 rounds. Other agencies claimed that semi-autos weren’t reliable enough. Point taken, but some agencies even went as far as calling the 9mm round “too powerful” with “too high a velocity”—fearing that it would pass through an assailant and strike a civilian.
Slowly but surely, the cops transitioned to semi-automatic pistols (and rifles). It was far from easy, and there are reports of some agencies not making the full “semi-auto switch” until the mid 1990’s. Call it ignorance, call it arrogance, but there are some kids at the playground who just can’t play nice. Eventually, the men and women “in blue” realized the advantages of 17+ round capacities. The 9mm proved to be effective, and a middle-of-the-road compromise between power and recoil.
The term Wonder Nine was used to describe these new service pistols. Pistols such as the Browning Hi-Power and S&W Model 59 incorporated several valuable features for a combat pistol. With double-stack magazines, DA/SA triggers, drop safeties, and modern polymer and alloys used for construction, these pistols were built with the emphasis on safety, speed, and lots and lots of ammo.
One of the pistols long considered a Wonder Nine is the CZ-75. Designed in 1975 by Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod, the CZ 75 has been in service since 1976. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until 1993 that the first CZ 75 legally made it to the United States. Since then, it has gained popularity, almost to what can be considered a “cult status” (not to be confused with Colt status!). The popularity of CZ pistols in IPSC and IDPA competitions can be partially due to CZ-shooters Adam Tyc and Angus Hobdell. Both have won and performed well in championships held around the world.
First Impressions
CZ offers the 75-series pistol in over a dozen different variations, everything from a compact pistol, to an all-out Open-Class Ready IPSC race gun. As you may have noticed, the particular CZ pistol on the bench today is a CZ 75 SP-01 Tactical. This “Tacticool” variant of the SP-01 is available in both 9mm and .40S&W, but our tester is a 9mm.
Other than the accessory rail, there’s one main difference between the SP-01 Tactical and the standard SP-01: the Tactical model utilizes an ambidextrous de cocker in place of the manual safety. For those who know me or are familiar with my other reviews, I don’t much care for DA/SA guns with safeties. The actual DA/SA setup was designed to be “safe”; an external safety is too much redundancy in a combat pistol. The de-cocker allows an easy and safe way to prepare the pistol for carry.
One of the first things you notice about the SP-01 when you pick it up: the pistol feels rock solid. Unlike most SIG and Beretta pistols, the CZ is all steel – frame and slide. Unfortunately, this means the CZ is heavy – over 38 ounces heavy. For most shooters, this will pretty much relegate this pistol to a “service pistol” or nightstand duties. Those of us who prefer to carry a full-size pistol will realize that the CZ is similar in weight to a full-size M1911. At a very minimum, you will want to invest in a quality holster and thick gun belt.
Fully loaded, the SP-01 Tactical carries a “Farago Approved” 18+1 in 9mm. Those who choose the .40S&W caliber will notice a sharp drop in carry capacity – 12+1. This is the case with many other combat pistols. Even though the CZ 75 was developed 15 years before the development of the .40S&W round, I was surprised to learn that CZ hasn’t tried to maximize the .40S&W magazine to accommodate more rounds. Of course, doing so would likely mean a change in grip size, so perhaps the ability to interchange parts is more important to CZ (and perhaps to armorer’s around the world) than a slight increase in magazine capacity.
Other features of the SP-01 Tactical include 3-dot tritium night sights, corrosion-resistant black polycoat finish, and contoured rubber grip panels. Overall, the pistol is well-finished and I was excited to get this pistol to the range to see how she would shoot.
At the range
I put the CZ through the same smorgasbord of 9mm that I put the Beretta 92A1 a few months back in hopes of finding one that she wouldn’t like. Over all, about 600 rounds went through this pistol in my first outing, consisting mostly of Winchester WWB 115-gr FMJ. I like WWB, although it can get a back rap some times. I find it to be consistent, cheap, relatively clean, and always in abundant supply at Wal-Mart. I had some left-over Remington UMC 115-gr FMJ from the 92A1 testing, and I made sure to pick up some Winchester PDX ammo as well.
The CZ has to be one of the lightest recoiling 9mm pistols I have ever shot – even lighter than a M1911 chambered for the same round. The grip, which mind you is home to an 18-round magazine, is surprisingly thin and comfortable. The rubber on the grips is hard to describe in words – not “tacky” but certainly not like a hard plastic. CZ certainly sourced out a rubber compound that is what I would consider “perfect” for a combat pistol.
Accuracy of the SP-01 Tactical was excellent, as good as my XDm and maybe a tad better than the Beretta 92A1. At 7-yards, the PDX 124-gr +P grouped the tightest and had the most clovers. This is the first time where a JHP round has actually shot better for me than a FMJ, so this was a big day for me. At 11-yards, all rounds shot equally well.
When I had the pistol at my house, I noticed that one of the magazines wouldn’t activate the slide-stop. It turned out to be a bit dirty and have a slightly bent feed lip. I’m not sure if it came that way from the factory, or if the owner of this pistol had dropped it before, but a quick wipe with a mag-brush and a quick touch-up with a wooden dowel fixed the problem. I marked the magazine with a marker to make sure I kept track of it at the range to see if it was problematic.
It turns out that it wasn’t. The CZ handled all rounds without a hitch. While I shot all of the UMC and PDX ammo, I had a first-time shooter shot the majority of the WWB ammo. With 400 rounds of limp-writing and constantly searching grip placement, there wasn’t a single FTF, FTE, or FTL – regardless of what magazine was used. Whether due to design or the sheer weight of this pistol, it cycles reliably and flawlessly.
Back home
When I got back in the shop, stripping and cleaning the CZ was easy enough. Not “rotate this lever and your done” easy like a SIG or XD/XDm, but easy nonetheless. The frame and slide both have a little mark on each. Line them up, push out the slide-stop from the right, and you’re done. However, those with weak fingers or a pistol that hasn’t been shot much may find it easier to use the handle of a screwdriver or similar to push the pin out.
With 600 rounds pushed through in a single outing, the CZ was surprising easy to clean. Typically, after that many rounds I find that I need to use a soft bristled brush to clean the feed-ramp and throat areas. When shooting a lot of UMC or Wolf ammo, I often need to resort to a bronze-bristled brush. Since it has been well documented that the average gun-owner does more harm to a firearm while cleaning it than actually shooting, I try to stick to the basics. The CZ barrel simply wiped clean with some M7 Pro and a microfiber cloth. The rest of the pistol cleaned up in similar fashion.
Final thoughts
The CZ is a great combat pistol and certainly a great starter gun for people looking to get into pistol competition. The tritium-lamped sights are easy to acquire and are fast on target. Recoil from this 9mm feels like shooting a BB-gun. One thing I did notice was that the slide is very stiff – particularly for a gun that I would consider to be “broken in”, and that chambering a round takes quite a bit of grip pressure. Something to keep in mind for those who have weaker hands or grip strength.
The de-cocker is in a well enough place and works as advertised. I have large hands and found it easier to de-cock the hammer with my weak (left) hand thumb. On my SIG pistols, the de-cocker naturally falls under my strong (right) hand thumb, but then again I’ve been shooting SIG’s for quite some time. The CZ de-cocker didn’t feel unnatural; it was just something that I noticed.
Handling and ergonomics are what you would expect on a pistol that has been around for over a quarter century. The size, shape, and reach are designed to accommodate a wide range of shooters. As mentioned earlier, the rubber grip panels provide a nice feel and have swells and relief cuts in the right areas. The beavertail isn’t really necessary for a 9mm chambered pistol, but is appreciated when un-holstering as it provides the same index each time. The beavertail also provides a nice “pinch” in the web of my strong hand, increasing the speed and accuracy of follow-up shots.
The trigger on the CZ is perfectly acceptable for a combat pistol. While certainly better than a Beretta, it isn’t nearly as smooth as a Glock or XDm. And it certainly isn’t a SIG. The DA trigger pull has some stacking and feels a bit gravely, something that may or may not go away after a few thousand more rounds. The SA trigger has a fair amount of take-up and doesn’t break cleanly like I prefer. Instead, the CZ’s trigger has a little bit of “squish” just before breaking. In either mode, the trigger isn’t difficult to master, and I was quickly getting tight groups in both DA and SA mode.
The SP-01 Tactical is well built, reliable, and good looking (that’s important!). It has some heft, but for those who will carry the SP-01 Tactical will appreciate the almost none existent recoil. The 18+1 capacity makes this a great home-defense option or full-size service pistol for those who need one.
Special thanks to J.B. for letting me borrow another great combat 9mm!
SPECIFICATIONS: CZ75 SP-01 Tactical
Caliber: 9mm
Weight: 2.4lbs
Overall Length: 8.2in
Barrel Length: 4.7in
Height: 5.8in
Width: 1.5in
Frame: Steel
Grip: Molded Rubber
Barrel: Cold hammer forged
Trigger: DA/SA
Sights: Fixed, tritium lamped
Safety: decocker, Safety Stop on Hammer, Firing Pin Safety
MSRP: $680
Ratings (out of five stars):
Style * * *
For DA/SA pistols, the CZ SP-01 Tactical looks about as good as you can get. Throw in a set of rosewood or hardwood grips and I’ll add another star!
Ergonomics * * * *
Probably the skinniest double-stack 9mm I’ve ever shot. Everything is well placed and within reach for most shooters looking for a full-size service pistol.
Reliability * * * * *
So far so good. I had no issues with the CZ and the owner tells me that it has functioned flawlessly for him as well. I contemplated only giving 4 stars because of the one magazine that wouldn’t lock the slide back. Since it was obviously dented, I will chalk it up to a magazine issue and not a gun issue.
Customize This * *
Already equipped with night sights and a rail. For home duty, those who want a laser and/or light combo have the space and option to do so. I wouldn’t mind seeing how this pistol looks with some nice wood grips, but I don’t know if I would trade in those factory grips in for anything else… they’re that good!
Overall Rating * * * *
Probably not going to replace SIG as my favorite DA/SA pistol, but the CZ certainly gives it a run for its money, especially considering that the CZ is a couple of hundred dollars cheaper! A trigger upgrade would be nice though…
I’ve been waiting for this. Thank you for the review. It just jumped to the top of my list. But, I’ll probably go for the 40SW.
Sounds like a great pistol. Does the compact have an aluminum frame?
it has an alloy and aluminum slide and frame. this gun CZ75PO1 is a bad ass gun to shoot. thirty feet and under 2in groups,key holes you name it We call it the tack driver, better than my sons beretta 92, other sons p90 ruger and MP S/W
It does NOT have an aluminum slide. The frame of the CZ P0-1 is alloy while the slide like every other pistol is steel, The standard cz-75d compact has a steel frame with no rail.
CZ75D compact has an alloy frame.
“those with weak fingers or a pistol that hasn’t been shot much may find it easier to use the handle of a screwdriver or similar to push the pin out.”
Use the corner of the magazine’s plastic base-plate. Soft, scratch free, and having it in hand is a natural part of ‘safe’ing the gun.
“I did notice was that the slide is very stiff”
Valid complaint. While I don’t think the spring is any stiffer than normal, the slide in frame design provides less purchase on the slide for gripping. It also allows for a lower bore axis and low profile slide which aides in the controllability of the gun.
The ‘grit’ in the trigger is another common CZ complaint. It goes away after about 1500 rounds. The poor mans trigger job is to put jewelers rouge on the parts and dry fire it a bunch, then hose it out with gun-scrubber.
Lastly, most but not all of the mags will actually hold 19 rounds as they break in.
Standard disclaimer: I’ve got one and love it.
A great hand gun that I have come close to buying a number of times. The bore axis is noticeably lower than that of a Sig or Beretta, making the recoil almost pleasant and acquiring a sight picture very easy.
I do have a problem with the video though. I know that the point is to draw attention to the pistol, but what SWAT team breaches a building with only handguns? Realism goes a lot further for me than glamorization.
try the French special forces using the Manurhin MR 73 boarding a plane full of terrorist
Great viddy. Didja notice that the first target that got shot was Justin Bieber?
I shoot a CZ Compact and a full size 75 in IDPA. There are few finer ergonomic pistols extant.
I have the EAA Witness, a CZ clone in .40 S&W. Very solid, reliable and accurate.
Go to http://best9mm.com/
see what’s #1……
However, the “sales vid” was not very realistic as to think not one tac-ops, team member didn’t have a shotgun or rifle.
CZ still makes a damn fine pistol.
Cost Cost Cost???
All the BEST reviews have COST in them….
And all the best review readers know how to use google or call their local gun shop 🙂 The truth is, I didn’t purchase this gun and I don’t care to know the cost. The MSRP on ANY gun manufacturers website is marked up by 10-15%, and “actual” cost will vary by the same amount. Of course, this is assuming that you want to buy it new. I have seen a few of these pop up on the “used shelf”. Figure the cost to be somewhere between a new Hi-Point 9mm and a used Wilson CQB 🙂
“I put the CZ through the same smorgasbord of 9mm that I put the Beretta 92A1 a few months back in hopes of finding one that she wouldn’t like. ”
Yeah, good luck with that. I have two CZ-75’s. A regular, and the SP-01. Something like 20000 rounds downrange , and no problems ever. Shot one in a class once, 400+ In one day without cleaning. The gun didn’t even hiccup. And that was with my less than great handloads.
Well long-term reliability and “can it feed this” reliability are two separate issues. I don’t think I or RF can afford enough ammo to do a “death by numbers” test on any reviewed pistol… although it would be fun! For the record, last May I shot 700 rounds of 230-gr through a stock Springfield 1911 during a training/practice session and followed it up by a 200 round steel match in the afternoon without a single failure! (eat that Gunnutmeggar!). Modern pistols, particularly ones used for personal carry and CCW had BETTER be able to feed anything, all the time, every time!
My CZ 75 P-07 is the best shooting pistol I have. I chose it over a Sig Sauer because it felt better in my hand and shoots as good if not better for about 1/2 the cost. The recoil is very controllable, making follow-up shots faster and more accurate. The new Omega trigger is very smooth, especially in SA. (DA is a little stiff – wish it were a little lighter.) The P-07 is a polymer CZ and weighs about 25 oz. unloaded. It has a 16 round (9mm) capacity, and is about the size of a Glock 19. It’s fairly easy to conceal, although it feels a bit thicker than a Glock 19 in an inside the pants holster.
This new CZ is cool. I have had a CZ-75B for years. I took my first CHL class with it and added night sights that are still bright. I have a Springfield P-9 – never had any problems with it (either really) but the P-9 is damn heavy- could be a club in an emergency. I found a original CZ-75 for $350.00 shipped a while back never liked the rib on Mod B. After I touch up my frame and change out the springs it should be good to go. I just wish there were more high- caps available. CZ has always had good products- I love my CZ 97 also. Not related to the article but 2 thumbs up for anything CZ.
I purchased the .40 version of this pistol a few weeks back. I have since put about 300+ rounds through it. Smooth, reliable and remarkably accurate. I absolutely love the tritium sights and the rubber grips. My shooting improved immediately. I have to say that this pistol is my new favourite (the previous being a Star 30M in 9mm).
I chose this over the Sig P226 once I had a chance to handle both of them. My hands are on the small side and the CZ felt like it was made just specifically for me. The weight was just right, the recoil more than manageable. In fact, the recoil with the .40 was less noticeable than many 9mm I have fired, including my Star.
This CZ is worth every penny I paid (since up here in Canada handguns tend to be expensive). I am convinced. My next pistol will be a CZ as well.
Just now found this review – it would have helped me when trying to decide on whether or not to purchase this firearm in the .40 version. I did, and have absolutely NO regrets. Like you hinted at, there’s not a whole bunch of customization you can do on it – but there’s also not much that would even need to be done. Purely aesthetic stuff. Otherwise, anyone with bad things to say about it either hasn’t shot one or was shooting the wrong one. However, I do have a question for you, personally. I’m not normally the type of person to point out mistakes or errors, but I found yours very amusing. “I like WWB, although it can get a back rap some times.” The correct phrase is “bad rap,” which leaves me wondering what in the world do you think “back rap” means??? I don’t even understand your usage of that term here!! Anyway, thanks for the review. =)
To the fella that just doesn’t get it…Everyone that noticed back rap instead of “bad”, it let it go…butt you…to a T.
Considering that this article was written from the perspective of a ‘newbie’ to the pistol, I found that the reflections, reactions and insights were right on target. I might add that the ‘improvements’ category might be a 4 star at least; after all, if little more than a relatively inexpensive trigger job brings this piece up to a race gun level of performance, what else is wanting?
How do you compare the da/sa trigger of a CZ to a Glock? Besides, a Glock trigger, inhrrent by design, epitomizes “squishy” if anything.
FLAME DELETED
The stiff spring may be mitigated, over time, by keeping a cable lock snaked through the port and well–with the slide locked back–in storage. (You have to do this, anyhow, in Canada.)
Did this gun have any difficulty with ‘long’ 9s (Hornady XTPs/Zombie Maxes)? Some people have had this issue with other CZs.
I’m thinking of purchasing CZ SP01 Tactical. Is there any know difference in quality or design between CZ USA and CZ UB?
Well, I have to say I never even considered owning a CZ. I’ve always been a S&W, Colt, Glock, Springfield, and Ruger type of shooter. Until, that is, I shot my coworkers P-01. Wow!! I was blown away as soon as I gripped it. Like a glove. Better to me than a 1911 grip. Perfect S/A trigger for a 9mm. I liked it so good that I traded my coworker out of it the next week for my Glock 19. The only regret I have is not owning one sooner. It has improved my accuracy. I am converted. I’ll never get rid of this one (and that’s not like me). There are only two pistols that I will never part with, my 70 series Colt Gov’t & my new (to me) CZ P-01. Loved the review BTW.
Great review. Went to the local outfitter just to hold one. Loved it so much I ordered the CZ 75 SP-01 Iin 9mm. Now just have to wait as they are on special order.
Again thanks for a great review.
PS.
Like the feel better than my Bretta and Ruger.
The CZ75 D Compact is my handgun of choice, for more than five years now. It DOES have an ALLOY FRAME w/steel slide. 14 rd. magazine. SA/DA and de-cocker on left side. This weapon has served in various climates and wet or dusty proves reliable with all sorts of odd ammo. I’ve heard bad reports regarding aftermarket magazines of a certain manufacture, but have no personal experience with that.
Excellent carry, easy to conceal, accurate with good to excellent sights.
Hard to find on the shelf, but order from CZ USA.
Time to finally ditch all these RINOs
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“Slob hunters may need to rethink the idea that they can get away with murder, alone out there in the woods with no one watching.”
I hope they get a video of that. Murdering while alone in the woods would certainly be a stunt worth watching.
The trigger is gritty out of the box but with little effort it can be as smooth as a 1911. I use this method by David, a master CZ gunsmith who started out with 1911s from Cajun Gun Works has a tutorial on smoothing the action on CZs: http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=42537.0
Great Link CAGLS…!
Looks like its time to dig out the sandpaper.
Well, I have owned an SP-01 Tactical in 9mm and sold it. Then for the few months I didn’t have it I missed it. The you guessed it I bought another one. This one got the normal treatment of smoothing out the trigger group, installed a CZ decocker comp hammer, CGW extended firing pin, 11lb hammer spring, and older version 85C trigger. It is my dedicated HD gun along with a Sig P220. I have never owned a Sig P226 but did own a P229 enhanced elite which I sold to fund another purchase and was redundant for a compact 9mm since I already owned a P-01. I never felt the need for a P226 since I owned 3 CZ Shadows and feel the reversed rail design, low bore axis and natural grip angle is a superior design. Even the highly sought after Sig P210 has the same design features of a CZ.
I started out a few years ago with a standard CZ 75B. It looked & felt like my service gun, Browning High Power. It shot far better than a Browning. As I started in IPSC I looked around and upgraded to a SP-01 Shadow. While in transition, I experienced that competition frustration of having to ease the hammer down. I dislike doing it on the job and really don’t like it in competition. I’ve ordered a Tactical & am really looking forward to breaking it in and getting on with more IPSC. What a great line of guns…tough, reliable, accurate & economical. All good.
If there ever was a 5 star gun. This one is it. Id go as far as saying if I could pick 1 gun, 1 gun to have for the rest of my life, the CZ75 SP01 would prob be the gun.
I own 3 CZ’s a P-01 a Cz-75 Sp01 tactical and a Shadow. I have 10000 + round through my tactical never had a problem. The other 2 guns have 5000+ rounds and never had a problem with anything. I own other pistols as well but the reliability of Cz is second to none. In the article the author gives 2 stars for customization and that’s just not true , Cz custom shop and Cajun gun works have everything you’d need for modification of this weapon.
This article needs updating since the USPSA community embraced the SP01 you can get pretty much anything you’d want for it.
Absolutely my most favorite 9mm I am such fan I just got my 3rd. Few things I wanted mention that are not noticed much first is the trigger guard with curved bottom that contours perfectly in your supporting hand second is the factory rubber grip with nice palm swell That helps deaden the energy transferring into the hands and third is the barrel bushing which you can upgrade to significantly accurize the pistol lot of people don’t know about the bushing but there is a fixed barrel bushing in the muzzle end.