CZ Model 75 Pistol

by
posted on May 12, 2009
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
20095199217-cz75pistol_fs.jpg

The Czech CZ 75, designed by Josef and Frantisek Koucky, was introduced in 1975 by Ceska Zbrojovka, Uhersky Brod. The short-recoil 9 mm Parabellum double-action with its 15-round magazine was applauded in these pages (September 1981, p. 48), but it was not expected to appear here in large numbers because of import restrictions against what was then Communist Czechoslovakia.

The first CZ 75s, with rough finishes, wood stocks, lanyard rings, rowel hammers and no half-cock notches, were difficult for U.S. citizens to buy, with the usual route of acquisition being through Canada. To fill perceived U.S. demand, manufacturers in other countries soon began to make close copies of the pistol and, since the 1980s, many have been imported here-some in 9x21 mm, .40 S&W and .41 AE cals.

From Switzerland, with early assistance from CZ, and from Muller in England, came the ITM AT-84 and the Sphinx AT-2000 line. Italy's Tanfoglio gave us the TZ-75 and Springfield Armory's P9 series and continues with European American Armory's extensive Witness line of variations. Israel Military Industries, using some Tanfoglio parts, made the Jericho 941 and the current Magnum Research Baby Desert Eagle.

In 1992, Action Arms, which had gone through many fits and starts with the ITM/Muller guns, finally got on track when Czechoslovakia earned most-favored-nation trading status, making the Czech-made pistol readily importable together with the 1986-developed CZ 85 with ambidextrous slide release and safety levers. The .40 S&W chambering was added to the CZ 75 line in 1997, discontinued, then returned in 1999. CZ has since set up its own importer, CZ-USA in Kansas City, Kan., and currently imports literally dozens of full-size and compact models and variations in 9 mm or .40 S&W. The 1998-introduced CZ 97 B brought the .45 ACP chambering to the design, and there is even a .22 LR Kadet variant.

The CZ 75 and its descendants now occupy a considerable part of the imported high-capacity, double-action autoloader market. Its applications for home defense, service pistol use and practical pistol competition will ensure the CZ's influence for a long time to come.

The accompanying instructions are for the basic CZ 75 and apply to most of its variants, though there are differences in safety and trigger systems.

Disassembly
Depress the magazine catch on the left side of the frame, remove the magazine and retract the slide to ensure that the chamber is empty, then release the slide. Bring the hammer to the full cock position and retract the slide about 1/4" to align the witness marks on the left side of the slide and frame. The rear sight may be used to aid in gripping the slide. Next, press in on the slide stop pin projecting from the right side of the frame and lift it out from the left side. The slide may now be pulled forward and lifted off the frame. Turn the slide upside down and retract the recoil spring to allow removal of the recoil spring and recoil spring guide. The barrel may then be removed from the slide. Further disassembly is not recommended, unless performed by a qualified gunsmith. Reassembly is carried out in the reverse order.

Latest

Walther Arms Pd380 Rifleman Review 1
Walther Arms Pd380 Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Walther Arms PD380

For its latest compact carry pistol, the PD380, Walther Arms combined elements of its Performance Duty Pistol series with its legacy PK380 platform.

Black Beauty: Nimschke’s Masterpiece Sold By Rock Island Auction

German-born Louis Daniel Nimschke is widely recognized as one of the most talented and prolific firearm engravers of the 19th century.

Springfield Updates Saint Victor AR-15 Lineup

Since 2019, Springfield Armory has offered its Saint Victor line of AR-15s with enhanced features, and for 2025, the company has updated those features to keep pace with consumer demands.

In Memoriam: Wiley Clapp

Longtime American Rifleman Field Editor and contributor Wiley Clapp passed away June 4, 2025. He was 90 years old.

Fiocchi Of America Joins The Kinetic Group, HEVI-Shot Moving Operations

The Kinetic Group has officially added Fiocchi of America—and exclusive rights to Baschieri & Pellagri in the United States—to its lineup of top ammunition brands.

Inside NRA’s New America’s Rifle Challenge

NRA has developed a new competition designed to promote better marksmanship with America’s rifle—the AR-15 platform.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.