Price Check, CZ-97B .45 ACP

shotgunshooter3

Hey all, I need a price check for a CZ-97B .45 ACP. For those who don't know what it is, it's basically the CZ-75B 9mm/.40 beefed up for a .45 ACP.

Background story is: A .45 ACP semi-auto was my priority for gun purchase this year. I've got a friend who might be selling his to fund another project. I was planning on getting a Glock 21 SF or a Ruger SR1911, however I have always had a soft-spot for the CZ line of pistols. He said he'd be willing to let it go to me for $400, which to me sounds reasonable (and is less than I'd have to give for the Glock or 1911). I know holsters, magazines, etc would be harder to find than a Glock, but this is more of a fun gun than a serious one.

I haven't seen his in awhile, but I'm pretty sure it's the matte-blued one.

So is this a good deal: $400 cash for a used CZ-97B in probably VG condition? I told him I couldn't spring for one right now but that when he was ready I wanted to be the first person to know about it.

http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-97-b/

bisley

I'd jump on it, just because I like CZ's and I never see any CZ-97's around here.

shotgunshooter3

I've only seen one, this one. I didn't handle it though, just saw it. Anybody know how the CZ-97 grip compares to the CZ-75 grip? Bullsi?

wizard78

About time CZ got into the big bores. EAA and Tanfaglio have been doing the clones for a long time. If it's anything like the EAA Witness (I'm pretty sure it is) 45acp, you'll love it. The CZ's are a little higher priced than the Witness and $400 is a fair price for a Witness so it sounds like a great price for the CZ. Since the mag capacity is the same as the Witness I'd say it's also double stacked. Grip is about the same width as a G21 but a little different angle. Sits better in your hand than a G21, more like a Browning HP. My Witness has rubber grips and helps when shooting the 10mm conversion but I'm sure the wood grips on the CZ will handle the 45 recoil fine. Give us a full report if you buy it.:up:

I just found this pic of the underside of the doublestack 45 compared to a 1911 frame.

shotgunshooter3

wizard78 wrote: »

About time CZ got into the big bores. EAA and Tanfaglio have been doing the clones for a long time. If it's anything like the EAA Witness (I'm pretty sure it is) 45acp, you'll love it. The CZ's are a little higher priced than the Witness and $400 is a fair price for a Witness so it sounds like a great price for the CZ. Since the mag capacity is the same as the Witness I'd say it's also double stacked. Grip is about the same width as a G21 but a little different angle. Sits better in your hand than a G21, more like a Browning HP. My Witness has rubber grips and helps when shooting the 10mm conversion but I'm sure the wood grips on the CZ will handle the 45 recoil fine. Give us a full report if you buy it.:up:

I just found this pic of the underside of the doublestack 45 compared to a 1911 frame.

Thanks for the pic. I was assuming it was something similar to the Glock 21. My favorite is by far the 1911, but I can handle the Glock just fine as well. If I have the money when he sells it I think I'm going to go for it. Failing anything else I can mess with thinning up the grips myself, or resell it for a profit.

ilove22s

400 is a steal.

fwiw & afaik, they didnt make them in matt/flat blue. Either Blue or PC (Polycoat). they did make a few special editions from RSR that were mat nickel.

another fyi, some have issues eating HPs. just so you know and wont be surprised with your new toy.

Big Chief

I'm sure it's a good reliable pistol, but I'd ask to shoot it first. Just to see if it felt right and you can hit with it and if you really love it, if not, hold out for a 1911 in .45 ACP. 400 smackers will go a long way toward a good one. :guns:

bullsi1911

shotgunshooter3 wrote: »

I've only seen one, this one. I didn't handle it though, just saw it. Anybody know how the CZ-97 grip compares to the CZ-75 grip? Bullsi?

It's bigger than the -75. It can be a reach for those with smaller hands. I'd handle it first before I bought it. Make sure it fits.

Holsters and magazines are harder to find. Mine is very reliable.

Upside- this could be the most accurate .45 you ever shoot. Mine is VERY accurate, and easy to shoot very well.

shotgunshooter3

bullsi1911 wrote: »

It's bigger than the -75. It can be a reach for those with smaller hands. I'd handle it first before I bought it. Make sure it fits.

Holsters and magazines are harder to find. Mine is very reliable.

Upside- this could be the most accurate .45 you ever shoot. Mine is VERY accurate, and easy to shoot very well.

Thanks for the info guys. If it fits my hand I'm going to tell him to earmark it for me.

bullsi1911

BTW, the price is really good. I'd buy it.

Oh, make sure it's the CZ-97B model (cocked and locked) and not the CZ-97BD model (Decocker- blech)

Erw

Another problem with the older CZ97B was the slide release. It was made of two welded parts and I could see the oil oozing through the weld after cleaning the gun. It sort of worried me until one day the pin broke loose. I called the company rep and he mailed me free of charge a new slide release which this time was machined from one piece of steel.
Both problems stemmed from attempts to cut costs, but the their CR was very responsive and I believe the slide release problem has been fixed a long time ago.
One more thing to be concerned about. The set screw of the loaded chamber indicator tends to come loose, the part pops out and the spring gets damaged. Use some Locktite 242 that doesn't require heating when you need to get out the screw.

bullsi1911

Necrothread! I fell for it.

shawn1172

bullsi1911 wrote: »

Necrothread! I fell for it.

I did too. Did he get it?

MileHighShooter

I'm surprised my brother hasn't seen this yet. He has one, been trying to get rid of it for years. Gorgeous gun. It is big, but not obscenely big. If you can handle a 1911 without issues, it'll be fine. 400$ is like picking up a clean Glock G3 for 199.99$

shotgunshooter3

I bought it two years ago and just sold it for $200 more than I paid. Used part of the proceeds for this: ImageUploadedByTapatalk1391830793.333009.jpg

Good gun, but I like my SR1911 a lot better.

5280 shooter II

Necrothread or not........I love my gloss blue CZ-97B, feels just like a Beretta M9. I walked into Dave's Gun on a whim after work, it was their last day in business, and picked it up for $500. I had only seen the poly coated ones at the gun shows, so seeing a blued one........it had to come home with me. No problem with MecGar mags, and since it's a bigger handgun, I usually holster it "general" handgun type of rigs like Bianchi M-12 or Viking Tactical. Very accurate and solid pistol.