CZ85 - please help to identify

[lamelogin]

Greetings,  I just purchased a beat up "SAO CZ85" manufactured in 1998.  Can anyone tell me the likely model i have?  Looks like a modified CZ85 Combat??

I was thinking about sending to CGW for the following work, I always loved the dual tone look:

Pro Package
  - Black Ring Hammer
  - Old Style Trigger, Stainless
  - 10X Black Barrel Bushing

Barrel ReCrown
Sights - CZ Shadow 2 front and rear
Refinish
  - frame - CrN
  - Slide and Controls - DLC

https://ibb.co/HPL5xXq

https://ibb.co/fxLvhhH

[AZ_CZ]

Looks like a 85 with lots of parts added. Not sure CZ even had different models. does it have any importer info? Might be a Service bring back so no stamp.

How does it shoot? I’d at least see if the barrel has potential before spending money on upgrading the barrel and lockup. My guess it is. Looks like the previous owner added the target sights and SA trigger for competition.

[lamelogin]

I've had CGW install pro package on a Shadow2 and a SP01Shadow.  Will any of the old parts fit into a 1998 built CZ85 (non-B)? I also have a spare SP01Shadow fiber sights, will those fit on an 85?

[rdcinhou]

Use the free TAPATALK app on your smartphone to upload photos directly into the Forum.

I compared your photos to my CZ 85 Pre-B (made in '87 with a S/N about 3000 less than yours and is DA/SA).

Differences:  I have the fully round trigger guard and my trigger rests midway in the trigger guard.

It looks like a reach reduction was done on your trigger.

Since mine did not come with its original box I don't know what SKU number it might have had.

[lamelogin]

I should be able to liberate the pistol from Illinois's 3 day waiting period later this afternoon.

I'm going to try and take it a apart for the next week or so.  I plan to clean and lube it well.

It's currently SAO which is probably why the trigger looks so far back.  I eventually plan to convert it back to DA/SA with the SP01Shadow parts that may fit.

[lamelogin]

 
While breaking down the pistol and inspecting, I've noticed some excessive wear on the right side of the frame above where the slide stop rides.  Is this a common issue?

Is this a major issue?  Should I continue to invest in restoration process, or is this thing junk?

I just used the search button and I see this, I don't see any pictures and I'm not sure it's the same:  https://czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=17646.30

https://ibb.co/FbS9jrx


https://ibb.co/b3MjhqF

[lamelogin]

I've decided to keep the pistol and continue to move forward. 

I've broken it down into pieces, the plan is to use as many spare SP01Shadow parts as I can.  (Note to self:  the sear cage on this thing is MUCH easier to put together compared to a decocker).

I also have about $40 in parts (pins and springs) coming from CGW.  I also have some Dawson sights in the mail too..

[lamelogin]

Over the past few days I installed the SP01 sear, hammer and trigger.  The good news is that i'm getting good at taking things apart and putting everything back together.  The bad news is that i get hammer follow.  In double action, the hammer never falls and when I let go of the trigger, it just goes back down to wht I think is 1/2 cock. I think I'm at the limits of my knowledge at this point.

I'm currently in line at CGW, I hope they can help.

[lamelogin]

I sent the firearm to CGW and it came back working and looking great!  The guy I spoke to on the phone mentioned that I should replace the recoil spring often, as the slide stop|release are a weak point in this firearm.  "..once broken it will be a paper weight..".

https://ibb.co/56F8Xrj

[lamelogin]

I took it to the range, and within 50rnds the slide stop broke!   :'(

I'm going to package it up again and send it to mk3 for their "CZ 85 Slide Stop Ambi Lever Delete fix".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl4QecIPHoA

[M1A4ME]

Wow, just saw your post about the slide stop breaking.

I've read (here on the forum) that some CZ's, not just CZ85's, are more prone to slide stops breaking.  Seems to be more of an individual pistol thing, or the way it's set up (lighter recoil springs?)  Some CZ's (competition guns) even come new in the box with spare slide stops so you can replace them when the break without having to wait an ordered replacement.

I've got three with CZ85 slide stops, zero issues so far.  One is a Pre B CZ85 older than yours that was run hard and put away wet for a long time before I got it.

Good luck with the conversion and future use of the old warhorse.