Buy a CZ97B or CZ97BD?

[bullet45acp]

Hello All -

I just bought a Shadow 2 and I love it, but I have way more .45acp ammo than I do 9mm ammo, so i was thinking of getting a CZ97.
I watched all the YouTube videos and it seems everybody who shoots one loves them.
So the big question, CZ97B or CZ97BD?

I am kind of agnostic as to safety or decocker, but the BD comes with night sights, however this will probably be a range gun, and I am not sure that is a big deal.

If i buy the BD can it be converted to safety or if is buy the B can it be converted to decocker - fairly easily and inexpensively?

Sorry if this has been asked before - I did a search and did not find a thread on this.

Thanks,
JAG
 

[tdogg]

You can't convert a B to a BD.  They are different and it isn't possible (easily).  It is a standard 75 series action in a large frame.

As to a decocker vs safety, that is personal preference.  You can tune either exactly the same (if keeping DA/SA).  Most if not all the parts you would change on a the 97 are the same when tuning (between the B and BD).

Most of my CZ guns are decockers.  I find it more practical for my situation.  Others hate decocker guns.  Pick what you are comfortable with or what you first find!

Cheers,
Toby

[GeneticallySwiss]

The thing that caused me to sell my BD, (it was a fine gun) was the highly irritating loaded chamber indicator (LCI).  Now, it probably doesn’t bother most, but I’m kind of OCD with stuff like screws backing out and parts falling off after as few as 100 rounds.  And yes, I realize Locktite can mitigate the problem.  But mitigate is not permanent repair.  It’s a craptastic design on a beautiful pistol that caused me to sell it.  That’s my two cents on the 97B/BD.
For the OP, I would go with the BD, if available.  Notwithstanding the LCI (again, just my opinion), it is an excellent firearm.  It’s a big girl, that’s for certain.


GS

[DJK11]

I have no use for the BD.  All it does is drop the hammer to half cock.  Still need to finger it to fully drop the hammer.  If a range toy most if not all shots will be SA.  B is way easier to take apart and reassemble.  My 97B is a joy to shoot, big and heavy with very minimal muzzle flip.  This time of year it’s the EDC with a steel core belt.  My alloy P-01 is the useless decocker, but it’s a CZ and shoots great.

If the loaded indicator bothers you just remove the pin and spring.  The chunk of steel that many refer to as the LCI is the barrel hood and locks the barrel.  It’s necessary, just make certain it’s lock tite and all will be fine.

[bullet45acp]

Thanks for the thoughts - I did see someone sells a LCI delete plate, and I certainly have loctite - and trust me if you use the wrong loctite, it can be a permanent fix...

Both forms exist on GB right now - not sure if the prices are good or bad - but given the political situation we are about to enter, might be best to buy now, even if the prices are high.
With one stroke a pen - someone could ban the importation...

Of course that just might force CZ to build them here...

JAG

[DJK11]

Blue lock tite and all is good.

[Tok36]

For a range/comp psitol, safety model makes more sense to me. If you are right handed that is, the CZ 97 is only offered with left side controls.

[rdcinhou]

I'm probably not a lot of help...I have BOTH you see?

[eastman]

I'm probably not a lot of help...I have BOTH you see?

that's the best answer so far - GET BOTH  

[Tok36]

I'm probably not a lot of help...I have BOTH you see?

that's the best answer so far - GET BOTH  

I support this idea, because it may involve dual wielding. 

[Fuzzy Sights]

Those of us on a budget or have a spouse that is agitated by duplicate firearms must make choices.  Mine is a BD.  DA pull is smooth easy to control, SA is more than adequate.  Like the BD for a safe single handed and controlled re-holster.  Better in my mind for hunting and action shooting.  Only issues is that other of my pistols that have standard safeties I have a habit of placing my thumb on the safety to hold it down.  Sadly a great way to de-cock you gun in the middle of the string.  As the DA pull is great it is not that big a deal for me.

JW

[bullet45acp]

Thank you all for your input...

a 97b is less money....

So here is another question...
If i get a 97B - does someone make a good set of adjustable sights for it?

I know i can google, but more of - if you changed the sights - what did you use?

Thanks,
JAG

[Fuzzy Sights]

Cajun Gun Works has an adjustable sight that is based off a BoMar pattern.  It is a good solid sight but will require having the slide milled.  There are some cheaper sights out but my experience is that they do not last long.  CZ Custom probably has Kensight for it as well. 

Good luck.

JW

[Lock-n-load]

Range use get the safety if you are going to carry , decocker

[Fuzzy Sights]

JAG,

Sorry I ignored your second question.  I put a fixed plane black rear sight and a gold tritium front on my BD.  The choice was based that the load I use shoots a little low (185gr HP load) and this combination gave a nice 6 o'clock hold for target work and would be still usable as a home defense pistol.

What you choose should reflect how you want to use the pistol.

JW