The Original CZ Forum

CZ PISTOL CLUBS => CLUB CZ97 => Topic started by: watchfan1 on March 13, 2017, 03:09:53 AM

Title: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: watchfan1 on March 13, 2017, 03:09:53 AM
I have CZ 75 Shadow ACCU and I REALLY like it even more since it was converted to SAO. Today I will be buying my first 97B and I also want to do the SAO conversion. My apologies in advance, because I know that a lot was written about this but it seems that different folks do different (and extra) things. To make some sense out of various approaches I read about - I want to ask the fallowing:

1) what is absolutely the bare minimum that needs to be done (in addition to getting the SA straight trigger)

2) what would be the middle of the road SAO conversion - i.e *Since you got 'er open, may as well do this inexpensive, but useful upgrade* option"

3) Lastly what would be the ''all out SAO conversion"  - presumably the most expensive with the most possible upgrades.

Thank you in advance.

Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: Tok36 on March 13, 2017, 03:33:21 AM
1. Change out the trigger to an SOA style trigger, remove the disconnector from the trigger bar.

2. Upgrade/change out the hammer, springs and sights.

3. Polish all of the internal contact surfaces, extended safety, extended mag release, frame and slide refinish, new barrel bushing, Nill grips. 

Not everyone is going to benefit for all of theses modifications. But you said most possible upgrades so i threw in as much stuff as i could think of.
Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: Earl Keese on March 13, 2017, 07:55:57 AM
The minimum you need for the conversion is an SAO trigger, floating trigger pin and I'd include a new trigger spring. You'll need to remove the disconnector. To do so, a starter punch is recommended for driving the pin out of the hammer. While you're? in there you should go ahead and polish everything up.
https://cajungunworks.com/product/rp-trs-reduced-power-trigger-return-spring/

https://cajungunworks.com/product/5sao-single-action-aluminum-trigger/

https://cajungunworks.com/product/straight-single-action-aluminum-trigger/

https://cajungunworks.com/product/sp-forged-steel-starter-punch/

You don't have to upgrade the hammer but I always do as the OEM hammer is creepy. This also requires a new hammer pin and either fitting the safety or adding an adjustable sear.
The last thing I do is remove the firing pin block and lifter to get the shortest possible reset. This requires replacing the lifter with a small spacer. My 97b is for range use only. Disabling/removing the fpb is my preference and not necessarily a recommendation for you.
https://cajungunworks.com/product/manual-safety-blue-steel-hammer/

https://cajungunworks.com/product/hpin/

https://cajungunworks.com/product/as-b/

https://cajungunworks.com/product/s-spacer-sear-spacer/

https://cajungunworks.com/product/61100-tempered-spring-steel-firing-pin-retaining-pin/

All of this should net a 2-2.5lb trigger pull. Properly adjusting the pre/over travel screws in the trigger gave me a reset between 1 and 2mm. I finished mine with the Cajun barrel bushing mod and a red dot sight.
Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: watchfan1 on March 13, 2017, 10:59:18 AM
Thank you Tok36 and Earl - MUCH appreciated. I am in a pretty good mood right now as the purchase was completed just a few minutes ago and now I just have to wait for a couple of days until it arrives here.
Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: watchfan1 on March 13, 2017, 11:04:38 AM
One quick question. The pistol is pre-owned and comes without the bushing wrench. However, the seller states that in order to disassemble the pistol he can turn the bushing by hand and does not need the wrench.

This brings up a question:
 - Is this bushing positional (like 1911) - so it can rest in only one logical position or is the wrench necessary, because the bushing can rest in various turn positions as one can make it tight or lose ?

Thank you.
Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: Earl Keese on March 13, 2017, 02:13:59 PM
If you tighten the OEM bushing all the way, it won't align with the recoil spring plug. You have to back it out until it lines up. I think the fit is actually better on a standard CZ75 pressed in bushing. This is why I sent my slide & barrel to CGW for their 1911 bushing mod. Congrats on the new gun, btw.
Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: watchfan1 on March 13, 2017, 02:46:35 PM
Thank you,   so if I understand correctly - tightening by hand should be OK and I should not need the wrench ?
Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: Earl Keese on March 13, 2017, 04:21:34 PM
That's correct.
Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: watchfan1 on March 13, 2017, 06:38:39 PM
Thank you again, Earl!
Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: Earl Keese on March 13, 2017, 06:44:51 PM
Glad to help out. A range report would be nice after you get it.  :)
Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: watchfan1 on March 13, 2017, 08:23:02 PM
For sure, I will post a range report after I get it. I have over a dozen of 1911, but to be honest- I have to admit that I have never shot a 45 acp with  other pistol than 1911. Being originally from Czechoslovakia, I am a big fan of CZs (3 CZ rifles, 3 75s) so it was natural for me to go after 97. I cannot wait for it to arrive mid week. I scored a bunch of CZUB parts so until I get the pistol in my hands  - my only dilemma is to make choice which color of these 97 alu grips will replace the wood grips  ;) (shown in this picture just laying for my visual imagination while deciding, against my skinnier Shadow ACCU)


(http://i.imgur.com/anWXYXQ.jpg)
Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: tessitori on March 13, 2017, 08:27:02 PM
Glad to help out. A range report would be nice after you get it.  :)

X2   I just purchased 97B this past weekend and it is slated for a bunch of upgrades and perhaps even the whole E package.
Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: watchfan1 on March 14, 2017, 02:19:21 AM
BTW, I was searched high and low and could not fine any aftermarket base pads for 97. If you know of any URLs could you please share? Thank you in advance.
Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: Earl Keese on March 14, 2017, 09:00:44 AM
I don't think there are any available.
Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: watchfan1 on March 14, 2017, 10:02:46 AM
Earl, you seem to be well informed when it comes to 97s so I am just going to assume that there are none in existence, LOL :--). That being said - I am already manufacturing flat adjustable triggers for SIG pistols, so it seems like another CNC project should be on the books :-)
Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: Earl Keese on March 14, 2017, 03:38:05 PM
Earl, you seem to be well informed when it comes to 97s so I am just going to assume that there are none in existence, LOL :--). That being said - I am already manufacturing flat adjustable triggers for SIG pistols, so it seems like another CNC project should be on the books :-)
Was there a link to your page posted on the CZ Firearms Owners Group on FB a couple days ago? I'd love to see some 97 base pads.
Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: watchfan1 on March 14, 2017, 04:28:13 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/8amcPLB.jpg)

Was there a link to your page posted on the CZ Firearms Owners Group on FB a couple days ago? I'd love to see some 97 base pads.


Yes, it was me, but those pads are for 75......I have a few spare CZUB parts, but so far I have no leads of any kind on 97 aftermarket  basepads.

Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: Captain Jack 805 on March 20, 2017, 07:48:21 PM
As someone with a fairly nice 97, I would suggest going all out and get the CGW "E" Package with bushing. You have 3 months to wait (unless you are doing the upgrades yourself) and can save up a few bucks in the meantime if that is the issue. You'll get back a beautiful heirloom piece that will be a joy to shoot!
Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: Wangfat on April 11, 2017, 04:05:54 PM
There are a couple of base pads you can use to bring the 97 mags to 12+1...
The Ariando plastic pads for the PARA 45's fit nicely and are inexpensive...about $18 ea.
You can also use the Henning Tanfoglio USPSA magazine pad but they are hediously expensive.
The Hennings are anodized aluminum and also give you 12+1...
I use the henning's on my 97B open race gun with the Springer CZ75 mag well that fits nicely with a little fiddling.
Good luck and shoot strength!

Wangfat
Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: SPO1SHADOW on April 21, 2017, 06:32:29 PM
Before anyone else runs out and buys an Arredondo (P-140K) Para .45 extended base pad...DON'T, they do not fit either the stock 97B magazine or the Mec-Gar 97B magazine. You slide it on, it pops right off. It is too narrow front to back and too wide side to side to stay on. The retention clip that comes with it does not fit into the 97B magazine so even if it would fit there is no way to keep it on the magazine.
Title: Re: SAO Conversion - min. requirements - useful additional updates - or going allout
Post by: terry mc on April 21, 2017, 08:24:04 PM
As someone with a fairly nice 97, I would suggest going all out and get the CGW "E" Package with bushing. You have 3 months to wait (unless you are doing the upgrades yourself) and can save up a few bucks in the meantime if that is the issue. You'll get back a beautiful heirloom piece that will be a joy to shoot!
Agreed, David does nice work here is one example.
(http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l260/terrymc_01/HANDGUNS/SLK_4600_zpsfwnozpki.jpg) (http://s98.photobucket.com/user/terrymc_01/media/HANDGUNS/SLK_4600_zpsfwnozpki.jpg.html)