CZ 97 .45ACP Anyone shoot one?

[puma guy]

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

[Tex1961]

While I can't comment on that specific model, It is based on the very popular 75 line, which in my opinion are some of the most highest quality firearms made. I either own or have owned several CZ's and have found them 100% reliable, accurate and quality firearms. Since the 97 has been discontinued, you made a good find.

[puma guy]

While I can't comment on that specific model, It is based on the very popular 75 line, which in my opinion are some of the most highest quality firearms made. I either own or have owned several CZ's and have found them 100% reliable, accurate and quality firearms. Since the 97 has been discontinued, you made a good find.

Looking forward to getting it out to the range. I know several people here on the forum shoot CZ 75's. I looked the 97 up on the web and was surprised at the prices they go for. I got this one from a friend who passed away, so I would never part with it regardless whether it's a great shooter. It appears to have been used very little, in fact the magazines look brand new. If I ever make it up your way I'll bring it along.

[Tex1961]

While I can't comment on that specific model, It is based on the very popular 75 line, which in my opinion are some of the most highest quality firearms made. I either own or have owned several CZ's and have found them 100% reliable, accurate and quality firearms. Since the 97 has been discontinued, you made a good find.

Looking forward to getting it out to the range. I know several people here on the forum shoot CZ 75's. I looked the 97 up on the web and was surprised at the prices they go for. I got this one from a friend who passed away, so I would never part with it regardless whether it's a great shooter. It appears to have been used very little, in fact the magazines look brand new. If I ever make it up your way I'll bring it along.

You’d better

[LabRat]

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.

[74novaman]

I know several people here on the forum shoot CZ 75's. I looked the 97 up on the web and was surprised at the prices they go for.

I’m a big fan of my CZs.

They stopped making the 97s a while ago and they always made them in lower quantities than the 9mm 75s so I’m not surprised they command a premium now.

Enjoy your new gun!

[puma guy]

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.

Thanks for that valuable info especially on the firing pin roll pin. I'll look up Cajun Gun Works. Did the shorter factory guide rod create any problems? Great review! Thanks

[puma guy]

I know several people here on the forum shoot CZ 75's. I looked the 97 up on the web and was surprised at the prices they go for.

I’m a big fan of my CZs.

They stopped making the 97s a while ago and they always made them in lower quantities than the 9mm 75s so I’m not surprised they command a premium now.

Enjoy your new gun!

[LabRat]

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

<<snip>>

Thanks for that valuable info especially on the firing pin roll pin. I'll look up Cajun Gun Works. Did the shorter factory guide rod create any problems? Great review! Thanks

No, the shorter factory rod didn't cause any issues, just a personal preference to have a longer one.
Sorry for the delayed response.

LabRat

[puma guy]

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

<<snip>>

Thanks for that valuable info especially on the firing pin roll pin. I'll look up Cajun Gun Works. Did the shorter factory guide rod create any problems? Great review! Thanks

No, the shorter factory rod didn't cause any issues, just a personal preference to have a longer one.
Sorry for the delayed response.

LabRat