Stupid CZ97 bushing question

[Evil_Ed]

Hi, I recently picked up a CZ97BD, and this thing is awesome...I can honestly say I think it's the most enjoyable 45 gun I have, and I have quite a few. 1911s are still my first love, but man this thing is one fantastic shooter.

Anyway, I sprang for a Barsto threaded barrel for it, as I also enjoy shooting with a can. Barsto fit the barrel and sent it back. When I got it home, of course I cleaned it all out again (they did a fair bit of test firing for zero, and it is dialed right in to the factory sight picture), put the factory barrel back in, and noticed...when the gun is assembled/cleared, if I push the muzzle of the barrel around, you can see the barrel bushing tilt and move with it. Basically, you can push the muzzle around. Here's some pictures of what I mean; first photo is me pushing up on the muzzle; 2nd photo is me pushing down on the muzzle; note the circled area in the 2nd photo and compare to the first...





Basically, my question is - is this normal? I mean, the factory barrel and bushing shoot very well for me as far as I've had a chance to shoot it  (50 feet...I know, not a huge distance, but it's still kinda chilly and windy here in the tundra). I can stack holes in holes if I do my part at that distance, so it's not as if this is a detriment.

The reason I'm kind of hesitant about this though, is if I hang a can off the end of the threaded barrel...well, that's a fair bit of weight. The bushing clearly moves when I push down on the muzzle with my finger so...I'm wondering if that's normal, or what.

I've been half considering sending it to CGW for their E bushing magic, but I don't know if it actually needs that work done. If this is normal, then I won't worry about it. I mean...like I said, this thing can shoot, at the distances I've had it at; it's accurate and consistent.

Also FWIW I did send this query to CZ, they took the gun in, shot some targets with it, said it meets their accuracy standards as-is and sent it back. Which is fine, and that's all I can ask, I just don't know if this is "normal".

Thanks for any help and input!

[Mtb1083]

My 2012 blued 97B did that with the factory bushing and it was accurate so I'd say it's normal. I sent to CGW for their bushing magic and man no regrets. Nice and tight now and I'm sure its more accurate but I never shot it on a rest before and after so how much more accurate I don't know. Sure as heck looks better though.

[Evil_Ed]

Phew, that's actually a relief to find out that mine isn't the only one that did/does that. I mean, it shoots great and like I said, I can pretty much put things into a golf ball sized hole at 50 feet without too much trouble off of a bag, but there's a noticeable lack of consistency once I put a can on (never mind the POI change). I'm thinking the bushing slop really becomes apparent when you start hanging weight off the end of the barrel.

So, one more thing to save up for and send to CGW for improvements

[Mtb1083]

You won't regret the upgrade. I think it was 215 for the upgrade if I remember right

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

Yes that is perfectly normal. CZ designed them to have some play from the start.I had a very early version and a later version and it caused no issue. I can also attest that the CGW upgrade is an awesome and worthwhile addition. I had it done on my last 97 and what a difference it makes. If you think the gun is great now you won't want to stop shooting it after the upgrade.

[batman4706]

I've got a new unfired CZ97 (not the decocker) and mine has a screw in bushing and a wrench for it.

[Earl Keese]

I've got a new unfired CZ97 (not the decocker) and mine has a screw in bushing and a wrench for it.

That's how they come. From the factory they are inherently loose, thats why people have Cajun Gun Works modify them for a 1911 style bushing. I don't know why CZ includes the bushing wrench,  the bushing isn't supposed to be threaded in tightly.

[Boris_LA]

That's how they come. From the factory they are inherently loose, thats why people have Cajun Gun Works modify them for a 1911 style bushing. I don't know why CZ includes the bushing wrench,  the bushing isn't supposed to be threaded in tightly.

There are variations in tightness of the bushing.
One of mine had a loose bushing and CGW upgrade to 1911 style bushing made it my main BE gun in 45. Rested groups are averaging under 2" at 50m. The second one had bushing that when tightened with the wrench is not moving at all and accuracy is almost as good (2.5-3") as the main one. I keep it for now as is.

[DJK11]

I fabricated and installed a washer to remove the slop from the bushing.  Didn’t notice any difference in function.  The slop in mine is in the threads, smaller diameter than the slide threads.  For concern about cracking the bushing I removed the washer.  That bushing is thin walled. It’s made with a loose fit for some reason, manufacturing tolerances maybe.  At first it bothered me but I’m over it.  I don’t compete with it.

[NMShooter]

Mine has a good deal of movement as well. This is a new pistol. I wrapped the threads with Teflon tape, 5-6 layers of it, and now the bushing has no movement, however the barrel still has some movement within the bushing. I doubt it effects accuracy for 90% of the shooters out there.