Used P-01 Compact Inspection Tips

[PeteB]

New member, first post.  Considering a slightly used P-01 Omega (aluminum alloy frame, decocker installed, manual safety included with gun).  Super clean, looks as new.  Cleanest used auto I've seen.  Couple small scratches on frame.  Two previous owners both known to me, been to the range with one of them etc... neither very enthusiastic about the gun, which is my main hesitation.  I'm able to ask both questions b/f I decide. 

Looking for suggestions on what to check or inspect.  Also if there is something negative about this model or I should be looking at one of the older models in the compact size.  Thanks in advance for any tips.

[viking499]

This model is the same size as the older models, it just uses the Omega trigger system that allows you to switch deco key and safety.

Why did previous owners not like the gun?

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

Obviously you've handled the gun but have you ever fired it? You say you've never been that enthusiastic about it so that right there should tell you something. I've never bought a gun I wasn't enthused about on the front end but usually after ownership I've had several that I didn't like and a couple I hated.
If it's in the condition you describe and you liked it and the price was right then I'd say grab it but not really liking it going in you have to make the call.

[PeteB]

@Si vis pacem... I misspoke, mea culpa. I did not mean to say "I" was not enthusiastic.  The fact that two people I know wanted to get rid of it in short order is what gives me pause, so I'm wondering what to look at more closely.  I have NOT fired this particular gun, or this model, ever.  I HAVE fired a couple older CZ models, including one P-01 owned by the original owner, at a range, and with range ammo only.  I like the size, weight, grips, superficial stuff etc.  I am NOT qualified to comment on the technical aspects, or one model v. another, or trigger pull etc.  I DO like this compact category of  CZ, but never owned one.

@viking499: First owner felt there was no real advantage over an earlier model P01 he already owns.  He's Not impressed with being able to switch safeties as a feature etc.  Also had some (one or two) misfeeds or failures to eject, (not sure which). I have shot his older gun, not this one. Suggested I should get a P-07 "if I wanted something new", but of course I would have to pay for a new one, or search for a used one in unknown condition.

2nd/current owner feels it is difficult to use compared to other guns same size/weight, does not like the slide or location of the decocker, stiff recoil spring and D/A trigger etc. Said trigger was "not smooth".  Has something he likes better, wants to get rid of it, and at a price much less than I would have to pay elsewhere. 

Both have more experience than I do, both own other 9mm autos, and neither has a very positive opinion of this particular gun, which makes me wonder if there is something I am missing.  If this model is identical to other P-01 models except for the "trigger system", I will probably buy it, that was sort-of the point of my post, to get some opinions, or suggestions on what to check out.

Thanks for the replies

[jurek]

Hard to decide for you. P-01 Omega is a nice firearm. As a first gun it gives you option decocker / safety, so you can find what works best for you.
Nothing special to inspect - just check like all firearms should be checked - make function check.  (YouTube -> The Briefing Room: Handgun Function Checks)
Next step... the price. 

[PeteB]

@Jurek, thanks, will do.  Done some of that earlier, not all.  I know how to do the basic stuff, just wondering if there is anything specific, like a gotcha about this model.

The recoil spring seemed a little stiff (to me), but I can (just) rack the slide with fingers only without using my palm.  There is a very sharp point just above where the firing pin retaining/roll pin(?) is located (not so cool IMO).  The slide stop is difficult to remove, I had to push it out with a wooden dowel (no way the plastic bottom of a mag would push that out). On the other hand, I could barely feel the reset on the trigger, not sure if that is good or bad.

[christak]

 I have 5 CZs including a standard and an Omega P-01... The Omega P-01 is one of my favorite guns. I prefer its flatter trigger to the more curved one on the standard model. That said, I've never met a CZ that I didn't like. My Omega was built in 2018 and I've had no issues with it or any of my other CZs. Not sure why the owners of the one you are looking at were so anxious to sell it. I'd try it at the range if that's feasible. There are really no gotcha's with that model, unless that particular gun is a lemon which is doubtful, but possible.

[PeteB]

Getting it for a day or two for inspection is probably possible, b/c the owner and I trust each other. Range time under current restrictions probably not.  I suspect the original owner would have known if there was a lemon-type defect, since he already owns another CZ.  Second owner, not so much.  I may pick it up tomorrow for another look.  More than I would get from a store probably.

[christak]

 I think that a little dry firing and a disassembly and reassembly of the gun should tell you all you need to know. The double action trigger will be heavy, though better from half cock position. The single action will be pretty darn good after a number of rounds have been fired. Springs can be changed to lighten the double action trigger, if that is important to you. Not expensive, but not something I have ever been interested in. I'll likely be an enabler for you and suggest you get the gun unless something doesn't look right during your time with it. How much does he want for it?

[PeteB]

@christak: $350~375 depending on whether he can find the spare mag. It's got everything else, even the funky lock, and unused safety kit, manual etc.  The original owner bought it on a whim at a discount, and the current owner bought it from him at below that discounted price. I'm not questioning or looking for reasons to haggle over price, just trying to understand if there is some gotcha with this model or this gun that's above my paygrade, or suspecting he is dumping a defective gun, I know him for some time.  I'm not desperate to buy one either, if the case is that a different model of P-01 is a better choice, but they seem to sell for much more new, plus shipping etc...

[Tanners Owner]

Based on what you describe, I’d buy it for 350, 375 if he has the other mag.  Most used P01s in my neck of the woods are going for 450-475 and up.

Good luck. I love my P01 Omega &  PCR. Great guns that fit me well

[jurek]

The recoil spring seemed a little stiff (to me), but I can (just) rack the slide with fingers only without using my palm.  There is a very sharp point just above where the firing pin retaining/roll pin(?) is located (not so cool IMO).  The slide stop is difficult to remove, I had to push it out with a wooden dowel (no way the plastic bottom of a mag would push that out). On the other hand, I could barely feel the reset on the trigger, not sure if that is good or bad.

* Recoil spring IS stiff - (Factory flat green). You can use #14lb from CGW and you will be OK.
* Slide stop / take down lever is originally very difficult to remove (nothing wrong with this particular item). You can make it easy to remove later (need a little file work)
* Trigger reset... I think it's personal experience, if you somehow feel or hear it  - all good (this also can be adjusted later with CGW parts)
* very sharp point ... my guess is - that was accidentally made during gunsmith work (retaining pin replacement??)

Generally speaking you will have very easy handgun for maintenance and gunsmith work if you decide to do any. Omega action is much less complicated and easier to reassembly than regular in P-01 or PCR.

$350 is a good price. $375 with spare mag - even better. 

[christak]

@christak: $350~375 depending on whether he can find the spare mag. It's got everything else, even the funky lock, and unused safety kit, manual etc.  The original owner bought it on a whim at a discount, and the current owner bought it from him at below that discounted price. I'm not questioning or looking for reasons to haggle over price, just trying to understand if there is some gotcha with this model or this gun that's above my paygrade, or suspecting he is dumping a defective gun, I know him for some time.  I'm not desperate to buy one either, if the case is that a different model of P-01 is a better choice, but they seem to sell for much more new, plus shipping etc...

That's a very reasonable price. I'd buy it that price baring any obvious problem. No need to haggle. Just don't think you can go wrong at that price. Good luck!

[PeteB]

Thanks everyone, this has been very helpful! 

As far as the little sharp point goes, there was one on either side, just above the roll pin, but I was told nothing was replaced or modified, I will check w. original owner tonight.  I believe he said he saw no point of changing anything once he decided he would probably not be keeping it. 

The recoil spring is definitely green.  It is  flat in cross section, it is not round like piano wire. The guide rod is plastic like other comments I read online.  The barrel showed almost no wear marks except at the lug, and the inside of the slide was clean and light grey, and not black like I expected, meaning not the same coating as the outside of the slide.

[christak]

Thanks everyone, this has been very helpful! 

As far as the little sharp point goes, there was one on either side, just above the roll pin, but I was told nothing was replaced or modified, I will check w. original owner tonight.  I believe he said he saw no point of changing anything once he decided he would probably not be keeping it. 

The recoil spring is definitely green.  It is  flat in cross section, it is not round like piano wire. The guide rod is plastic like other comments I read online.  The barrel showed almost no wear marks except at the lug, and the inside of the slide was clean and light grey, and not black like I expected, meaning not the same coating as the outside of the slide.

Everything you described in your last paragraph is normal...and sounds good.