CZ 97B for Bullseye?

[czgusso]

I've been shooting .22 bullseye for about 2.5 years and was thinking of jumping into 45 centerfire BE.  I know that most 45 BE shooters use 1911's but I like to be different. I love my CZ75B in stainless so I figured the 97 would be a nice alternative. Unfortunately, it looks like there's very few to none as far as upgrades for a 97.  I mean, I can't find squat as far as mounts for a red dot or match style grips.  I know that CGW has parts to upgrade the trigger and such, but there seems to be precious little else.  Before I decide to go the 1911 route, does anybody know of someone who could customize a 97 for BE?  Any grip makers that produce models for the 97?  Rink has match grips for the 75 but not the 97. Thanks for your help.

[derweibhai]

I feel your pain, though CGW does offer a 1911 barrel bushing conversion that really tightens things up. CZ-USA makes custom grips for the 97. I think you could be competitive out of the box, why not try it and see how you score? I would put in a comp hammer and convert to SA at the very least though.

[czgusso]

I have seen "custom" grips, but nothing resembling "match" grips such as this set available for the CZ75 from Rink (pricey, yes).   I'm not in a rush -- I'm looking at June as the earliest for the purchase.   

http://www.formgriffe.de/en/shpSR.php?sfC=czech&A=48&p1=255&p2=255

[AZ_CZ]

You could try Numrich for these grips:

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Detail.aspx?pid=1164340&filter=cz+97&catid=0

Not a bad price.

Sights CAN be upgraded.

[schmeky]

An out of the box 97 cannot compete with a BE 1911. 

[mitchg233]

Hmmm that is a pretty definitive fanboy statement.


And then I looked at who posted it.
Schmeky, can a tuned 97 equal a 1911?

[blh]

I have seen "custom" grips, but nothing resembling "match" grips such as this set available for the CZ75 from Rink (pricey, yes).   I'm not in a rush -- I'm looking at June as the earliest for the purchase.   

http://www.formgriffe.de/en/shpSR.php?sfC=czech&A=48&p1=255&p2=255

Rink makes the best grips I've ever used, I have them on my free pistol.  I bet for a little extra you could get them to make a pair. 

[czgusso]

Yes, I did see those grips at Numrich -- I have the same set for my 75 (rather good price). But I would rather have true match grips.  So Schmeky, just as Mitch asked, can a tuned 97 compete with a 1911?  Would I be better served going the traditional 1911 route?

[schmeky]

mitchg223,

Yes, it can.

[jwc007]

The task may not be easy, but something worth doing rarely is.

Upgrade the Trigger with CGW parts as desired.  For an Optics Mount you may wish to use the same mounts used for the higher end EAA Witness Pistols which would require the CZ97 Frame to be drilled and tapped.  I would consult Henning Walgren on that and you can get Mounts from him.

http://www.henningshootsguns.com/shop/mounts.html

Also, CZ-USA may have Optics Mounts for their IPSC Comp guns that can be used, but may require modification for the CZ97 Frame.  Ask them.

[czgusso]

Some good info.  Like I said, I'm not looking to get a BE 45 immediately.  I'll weigh my options and make a decision when I have ample money at hand. Thanks for your help.