97B Reliability Questions

[dgludwig]

As indicated in my previous thread, I'm interested in buying a 97B. I really like the way it handles and the basic concept of the pistol. However, after perusing this forum as well as the CZshooters forum, I'm beginning to get the impression that the 97 has more than its share of "issues" to be reckoned with before its reliability can be counted on 100% (or 99.9% ).
  I'm more of a shooter than a tinkerer. I expect a firearm to be reliable out-of-the-box (yes, even with hollow points), at least following a reasonable "break-in" period (and some pistols apparently don't even require that,i.e.,Glock, S&W and others). I know some guys enjoy "tuning" their pistols, etc. I respect and applaud them but I just don't have the time, money or expertise to alter feed-ramps, relocate magazine catches, play with springs, dry-fire thousands of times and a host of other chores in order to get a gun to perform like it should of, right from the get-go.
  Don't get me wrong.I'm 62 years old, a retired LEO who has shot competitively, hunted, and enjoyed shooting and handling firearms all my life. Which is to say, I'm quite aware that many, if not most firearms, could stand improvement from NIB status (i.e., smoother actions, better trigger pulls, etc.). My question is, can I expect, with reasonable certainty(understanding that even Rolls Royce can turn out an occasional lemon) a 97 to digest hollow-point as well as hardball without problems "from the box"?
  Or am I expecting too much from CZ?...I REALLY do like that 97  !

[Walt-Sherrill]

The majority of 97Bs seem to be pretty darned good, out of the box.  A few need the feed ramp polished to work with hollow points.

If that not-100% sure chance is too much, get yourself a SIG P-220.  

(Ooops.  Don't do that, as folks on The High Road are talking about major problems with old and new 220s.)  Try a GLOCK in .45.  Ooops.  Don't do that unless your hand just comfortably fits a 2x4".  

There's always a Springfield Milspec, which sould be pretty reliable... but not nearly as accurate.

[jwc007]

When I first got my SigArms P220A it was hardly reliable out of the box with GI Hardball.  Some Beveling and Polishing with Mr. Dremel set that right, but as this was a new pistol, I certainly did not expect that.  Especially for the Price Paid.  Sold it later after buying my first .45 Witness, which was reliable out of the box.  Most CZ97B's will feed hollowpoints and if the one you get, does not, CZ-USA should make it right!  

One of the other most reliable .45's that I own is an S&W 4506, which will feed sized but empty .45 brass from the magazine. It was that way right from the box and my Dremel has never been near it!  My S&W 4506 is an older one.  I'm not sure of S&W's current quality level.  It seems to be quite variable.