Is it safe to use a dove tail mount on my 97bd ?

[topjack]

Im in a dilemma regarding the dove tail mount I just installed on my 97bd. Tonight after installing my mount and red dot I found an email reply from the mount manufacture basically saying the mount was for CZ75 but would work but not recommended for any caliber other than 9mm. I never seem that
stated any where on the manufactures website.
Can someone please give me some feedback, since if this could be a problem I will remove the mount and sight. I had no idea that putting an optic on this
pistol would turn into such a pain in the butt.

[Tok36]

I have seen a number of CZ owners run dovertail mounts on their CZ 97s without issue, some of which are active members of these forums. Let us see if they chime in on the matter.

[topjack]

Tok36, The mount I used came from CZCustom. I purchased the CZ75 cut which many websites said was the same as my 97bd. As my subject states I had sent an email to CZC asking if this was the correct mount and figured since they sent the mount it must be right. It wasn't until tonight after getting everything installed I noticed a reply from the manufacture saying that the mount would work but may need some fitting. Then they said the mount was for 9mm and not recommended for 45cal.
So now I hope others have used this mount with no problems. Crossing my fingers others have used this mount with no trouble.

[Joe L]

I've used a Springer Precision aluminum mount on a 97 for maybe 6 years with no problem.  I don't think you have anything to worry about. 

The recoil on a light 9mm pistol feels more violent to me than the 820 fps 185 gr .45 ammo in the heavy steel 97, and I don't know why the manufacturer would say their mount works fine on a 9 and not on a heavy steel .45.   

The CZ dovetails do vary slightly from one pistol to another, and I have had to shim the aluminum mounts when moving them from one pistol to another.  But, once installed correctly, the mount will not move.  I think there is a 0.005" shim under the dovetail mount on my 97, come to think of it. 

Anytime I buy a dovetail mount, I expect to have to file or add shims to get it to fit or to be tight in a dovetail.  The problem is with the dovetail variations, I think.  I think I have 6 dovetail mounts that have been on 5 different pistols.

Joe

[topjack]

Thanks Joe for your input . I have seen other forum threads where people said they used Springer precision with no issues. The main reason I chose CZC was their mount is steel which I figured should be stronger over time. I did have a hard time getting the mount started and needed to wet stone the bottom and a little on the side to get it started.
For me the big issue was not wanting to damage the slide and holding it to tap into place. I had hoped my sight pusher would have helped installing but just no way of doing it. I hope to get more feed back on this since I'm still a little iffy as to try it ,or just reinstall my fixed sight.

[Joe L]

Remove the slide and put it in a soft jawed vise or place a thick rag in the vise and then the slide.  Then use a brass or aluminum rod and a hammer to tap the adapter in to the dovetail.  You can't hurt the slide unless you hit the finish with the rod.  You may have to hit it with about as much force as driving a small nail in to a new pine board, maybe a little more for the steel adapter.  If it goes in too easily, it isn't tight enough.  Finger push or nylon hammer to just get it started, to say 1/4 of the way in, and then hammer and rod/soft punch rest of the way. 

If you don't have a vise, remove the slide and lay it down on a piece of wood.  I usually put the adapters in from the left side of the slide.  You can check the fit of your sight on the adapter before you install it on the gun, but don't mount the sight until the adapter is centered in the dove tail.  Use blue loctite on all the screws. 

The steel CZC adapter should be about the best you can buy.  But I've been fine even with the aluminum ones.  There is no reason this shouldn't work fine on your 97. 

Joe

[lewmed]

 I've had a Springer Precision dove tail mount on my 97 BD for a couple years with no issues except I needed a 1 1/2 degree shim under my Venom.

[Fuzzy Sights]

Loose to a guy who shoots one at a local ASI match routinely.  His sure works.

JW

[DJK11]

I’m contemplating fabricating a frame mount for my 97.  Bend some aluminum and drill holes.

[topjack]

Guys, what is it about Springer Precision that you chose that brand over another? Just wondering since there are a few other brands out. Im glad you
have all had good luck.I was reading where someone used I think Springer Precision and had a problem sighting in... his YouTube video said his mistake was not leveling the mount to the pistol. After correction he said it took care of the issue.
From what I see with my CZCustom there is no adjustment and hope the mount is level as is.

[AZ_CZ]

I think you’re worrying about nothing. The email sounds like a CYA remark they added because they never tested the unit on a 97. Doesn’t mean it won’t work. Personally I feel the 97 45acp makes a better platform for a mount. The recoil impulse is just not as snappy as a 75 9mm. Shoot and enjoy.

Currently using a Springer and an EGW (?) mount. Both are getting the job done. One is on a 75 the other on the 97. Not sure offhand which is where. The Springer “level” screw is just a threaded screw at the front of the mount that, IMO, it is there to provide support during recoil for the extended mount, not leveling it out. Been awhile since I read the instructions but that’s my take on it.

[recoilguy]

I agree 100% with AZ CZ. sounds like a CYA letter.
I wonder what makes you think Steel would be stronger over time VS Aluminum?

There are some very soft steels and some very strong aluminums using the correct grade for the job is the key.

Good Luck I have a friend I shoot with that has the Springer Precision model on his 97.
I have EGW model on a different brand. If the 97 will have difficulty it will take more then 2 years for it to effect your (at least his) shooting because he is both fast and accurate with it now and has been using it for 2 years.

RCG

[topjack]

recoil guy, thanks for sharing your thoughts, and you bring up a very good point about what a mount is made of. My thought on why I figured
steel might be the better choice comes from way back in my younger day as a machinist and working with many different material. Back then
when say aluminum would be in contact with steel after time is would take on a corrosion effect. This wasn't always the case but it did happen.
Being my CZ slide is made of steel, that old thought played a part along. Maybe today with different grades of steel and aluminum my memory is no longer warranted. On a side note I know that say in Fords new trucks with aluminum beds, they use a spacer to keep steel parts from contacting the area
where aluminum would otherwise have direct contact. Anyway I'm sorry to ramble on.....

[Dan Wesson]

Whatever you do, only remove or install/adjust sights with your slide in a vise. The slide will move too much if you simply lay it on a board.
I second the opinions to go ahead with the dovetail mount. It should be just fine on your CZ97.


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[SEAKPhotog]

I've got a Springer dovetail mount on my 2 year old 97BD.  A few thousand rounds later, no issues.