CZ 97 question

[cambridge00]

Hi all,
My local gun shop has a CZ 97B. It has wood grips and the white-dot sights (not the fiber optic). Isn't this an older model? If so, I am nervous to buy it -- could have been on the shelf for a very long time. It looks like all new 97B's come with black alum grips and fiber optic front sight. I am wondering if I should get this one or go for a fiber optic one. Would like the BD, but it doesn't seem to be available anywhere. Thanks for any info on the wood grip model or any advice.
-cambridge00

[eastman]

The year of manufacture is marked on the slide. On newer pistols it is a two-digit code, the double-tailed lion proofmark then the serial number. On older pistols it is in a recess directly behind the extractor.

Yes, that was an older configuration, but it is still approved on the CA handgun roster, so CZ produces a number of them each year to ship behind enemy lines. 

[cambridge00]

Thanks a lot for that. Any reason to wait for the newer configuration?

[eastman]

If you really want the thin aluminum grips, you could wait for one of those (or change the grips).

I have the factory palmswell rubber grips on my 97s.

[bang bang]

welcome,

the original non BD afaik had wood grips and i think later on they changed.

if you want the BD version, you are best to wait for one. 

you dont say where you are from, but there are gun auction/selling sites if you haven't looked at those.  Even with the panic buying going on, chances are not many people are snapping up CZ97s.

also, fwiw, the last time i bought a gun, there wasnt a shelf life or "best used by" date stamped on it. 

If you want, you can ask the shop owner if its new, used or whatever and how long they had it.  chances are they will know how long its been on the shelf if that really maters to you.

also as far a grips/sights go, its not like they are part of the frame/upper.  They are like rims on a car/truck.  If you dont like them, change them.

[cambridge00]

Thanks, that's all helpful info.

I'm in the US, in a relatively free state. May wind up going online, but would save some $ to get it locally, and also to not have to change sights/grips later.

[bang bang]

Thanks, that's all helpful info.

I'm in the US, in a relatively free state. May wind up going online, but would save some $ to get it locally, and also to not have to change sights/grips later.

you can ask your LGS how much to bring one in for you if you want.

They may ask for a deposit.

but you can also ask your LGS how much to swap out the sights.  The grips you can buy/swap yourself if you want.

if your LGS wont swap sights, then you can look around for a gunsmith that will do the work and again, ask them how much.  its not like you are the 1st one to want to swap sights.   So, they may even have a fixed price.   but i would have an idea on what sight you want, price and if you or they can get it for you. 

[Earl Keese]

The issue isn't only the sights and grips. If it's actually an older model, there were feed issues with hollow points. The OP is right to be cautious.

[cambridge00]

Thanks, I didn't know that. Do you know when this issue was fixed, in case I can find out the date of manufacture?

[thedude]

Thanks, I didn't know that. Do you know when this issue was fixed, in case I can find out the date of manufacture?

The barrel feed ramp was changed I believe in 2012.  The new extended ramp allows easier feeding of HP ammunition.  Unless the 97 at your dealer is used it sounds like they have a CA version with the wood grips and different front sight.  If you prefer a BD you can find sometimes find them on GB.

https://czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=71747.0

https://www.gunbroker.com/All/search?Keywords=CZ%2097&Sort=13

[Tok36]

Picture for reference.
<---New / Old--->

[bang bang]

The issue isn't only the sights and grips. If it's actually an older model, there were feed issues with hollow points. The OP is right to be cautious.

im not telling the OP to buy it but to do his due diligence.  Many people ASSUME on prices for work.  To me, its no brainer to ask "HOW MUCH" and maybe "HOW LONG" if someone is in a rush like many people are now adays.

changing sights in general and changing grips is low hanging fruit.  The sights can be more work but again, finding out how much it will cost then you can do some comparisons.

again, im not telling the OP to buy it, but to do their homework.

[cambridge00]

Thanks, everyone.

I checked out a different store today, another branch of the one in my town, and they had the newer configuration of the 97B with the fiber optic and black grip. Bought it, shot it, and love it. Definitely a winner! I think I would probably prefer the BD (I knocked it on safe once by accident), but not worth the potentially long wait to find one and the extra $100.

[n8vmdpath]

Recent position California market CZ97Bs still come with wood grip.