CZ97 for CMP EIC Competition

[chaps]

Seems to me of the non-1911 options on the proposed rule change for CMP EIC Pistol, the CZ97 has a strong chance of holding its own on the line, and it appeals to my contrarian streak to imagine a non-Les Baer Hardball gun used to make Distinguished Pistol. Don't get me wrong; I like the 1911 just fine, but CMP Pistol seems IMO to have drifted slightly from its roots as a stock service pistol competition.

How might you set up a CZ97 to compete against Hardball guns (1.5" at 50yds)? Leave it alone, send it off to CGW, or DIY? And would you consider the final product to still be in the spirit of "service issue" in that it could be counted on in combat for durability, reliability, etc.? Would you carry it, or keep it in the safe for match day?

S/F, Chaps

[schmeky]

Chaps,

I know my "mule" 97B"E" has done a best of 5 shots in 9/16", C-to-C at 25 yards with match grade handloads from a rest.  .75" groups are not that difficult when I'm having a good day.  I use the Missouri 200 grain hard cast bullet, 5.0 grains WW231, seated to 1.240" and crimped to .479".  I don't even sort brass, just use a mix.

I cannot say our "Enhanced" 97's can do 1.5" @ 50 yards, but the likelihood is very good. 

[bugboy]

Send it to David/Schmecky/CGW with a blank check and tell him what you want it to do,,,,,, he'll fix you up!

[Alpha Sierra]

And would you consider the final product to still be in the spirit of "service issue" in that it could be counted on in combat for durability, reliability, etc.?

I've never shot NRA conventional pistol or CMP pistol EIC but I've shot plenty of NRA HP Rifle and CMP Rifle EIC.

These sports, just like IDPA, are just games.  The firearms used in these sports are heavily modified.  In the case of AR-15 service rifles you have free float tubes, 2 stage match trigger, pinned rear sights with optical lenses, big hunks of lead in the stock and under the handguards, very thick barrels under the handguards, etc.  M-14 service rifles also had their share of serious modifications too BTW.  All this leading to a rifle that is NOTHING like its service counterpart and that is basically nearly useless as a true combat rifle.

I'm a gamer, so I modified my "service rifle" to the maximum allowed by the rules and not care whether that met some original spirit or intent of the game.  That ship sailed long ago.

[cdhbrad]

David: Thanks for the info on the load you use in your 97BE.  I'll put some of those together and try them in my BE very soon.

[chaps]

Chaps,

I know my "mule" 97B"E" has done a best of 5 shots in 9/16", C-to-C at 25 yards with match grade handloads from a rest.  .75" groups are not that difficult when I'm having a good day.  I use the Missouri 200 grain hard cast bullet, 5.0 grains WW231, seated to 1.240" and crimped to .479".  I don't even sort brass, just use a mix.

I cannot say our "Enhanced" 97's can do 1.5" @ 50 yards, but the likelihood is very good.

If the rules change as they indicated, I pray you receive alot of business! That's a nice load, btw; did something similar with my own cast bullets over 231, for a 1911.

I'm a gamer, so I modified my "service rifle" to the maximum allowed by the rules and not care whether that met some original spirit or intent of the game.  That ship sailed long ago.

I'm sorry to hear the ship  has sailed for you; it hasn't for me. I've shot IHMSA and USPSA/IDPA with the same handguns I depend on for carry and hunting, and never been disappointed with the results ... and met a few others like me along the way. Perhaps there's a few of us in the EIC game as well. Everyone shoots for their own reasons, and winning a match isn't a bad one at all!

[dale59911]

I agree but the initial intent was to learn how to use your weapon the most effective way possible.  If you win a comp.....hooray.  If you don't and you come out a better shooter.....game on!  And yeah, I love the way the 1911 guys look at the CZ97B and go "what is that". 

[Alpha Sierra]

I think I mentioned I shot NRA HP Rifle for the better part of a decade.  I know all about the benefits to basic marksmanship skills that bullseye competition brings.

Having said that, NRA/CMP rifle and pistol bulleye competition is still a game, not training.  When it comes to games, I do all I can within the rules to win.

And if we want to discuss using firearms effectively, one must move beyond shooting a rifle with a sling and a coat or standing bladed to the target holding the pistol in one hand.