LabRat wrote: ↑Sun Mar 26, 2023 12:33 am
puma guy wrote: ↑Fri Mar 24, 2023 11:55 am
I know viewing traffic here on the forum is very low these days compared to the past, but wondered if any one has one of the pistols. I have acquired a CZ 97 .45 ACP and am not at all familiar with that pistol. Seems to be well made, large and very heavy (not really suitable for CCW in my opinion) and just wondered about functionality, reliability, accuracy. etc. Any help/opinion is appreciated. Thanks
I carry a CZ 97 BD as my EDC at this time. As you state, it is one heavy pistol. I replaced the firing pin roll pin due to reports of failure after "some" use. That time was different for different shooters.
I went with a Cajun Gun Works solid pin. The one that comes from the factory is a "c" type pin; not solid and not closed.
I also switched to a full-length guide rod. The removal is just a bit trickier with that length, but I feel more comfortable during the reassembly after cleaning. Again, Cajun Gun Works for the guide rod.
Accuracy is great, the weight dampens the .45ACP recoil very nicely. 10 +1 capacity works well.
CZ is an awesome manufacturer. I've never had a failure and have been carrying it for several years.
It eats every type of .45 round I've tried, with no complaints.
I'm a large fellow (a little over 6' 4" @ around 300 lbs), so this helps me carry a large frame firearm like this. I use a Crossbreed Super Tuck to distribute the weight.
With this setup, I can blouse out my shirt and no one is the wiser. Most folks are not tuned into seeing armed citizens, even with a CZ 97.
However, as noted it's heavy, so it's more likely a better winter carry gun than a Texas summer carry gun.
I switch to a 9mm for the summer, but I miss the .45 when I do. Just more comfortable with that caliber, that 's all.
For me it's a solid choice for CC; I hope it is for you as well. Get a holster that helps distribute the weight on your hip. My Crossbreed SuperTuck is a life saver in that regard. There are other good holsters as well.
A VERY STURDY GUN BELT is a MUST for this firearm. Other wise it will drag your trouser waist down and you'll spend a lot of time hitching up your belt. It's a dead giveaway to concealed carry.
I do have an OWB holster if I want to go that route. It too is a holster with a large 'reach' on my gun belt.
Hope the weapon works for you. Good luck.
