How many use the WIDE CZ Customs safety- on both sides of the pistol?

[bczrx]

Hello,

I am cursed. I like CZs, but have fingers that are about 10% shorter than the norm. I cannot swipe CZ safeties off without pivoting the gun in my hand, then pivoting back- unless I am in a two-handed hold and use the off hand thumb. So, one-handed and there is a bobble factor to overcome.

The extended SP-01 safeties from CZ Custom was an improvement, but still not wide enough, or far enough back, for me to operate smoothly.

I got their widest left side safety, and I think I am in business. I am just wondering if I should get the right side one also.

From a functional point of view, it is a no-brainer: my left hand has the same issue as my right, so I'd need one to operate with my left hand. However, it does look a bit wide already, and I was just wondering if most just use it one-sided, or if getting the ambi-side wide safety was pretty normal.

I don't see many pics of them with BOTH wide safety levers on.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[2morechains]

If we were talking about 1911’s I would agree with you.  Many of mine (1911’s and 2011’s) have moderately wide ambidextrous thumb safeties that I rest my thumb on when shooting (after I take the safety off).  However when it comes to the CZ, the thumb safety is not in the right spot for me to use like I do on a 1911. 

For me, a DA/SA gun such as a Shadow 2 or SP-01 Shadow does not need to have the thumb safety and I never use them.  The gun is either in DA mode with the hammer down or if its in SA mode I am shooting.  I never carry or shoot a CZ in condition 1.  First shot is always DA. 

I recently got a Beretta LTT that is a G-model decocker.  No other safeties other than the firing pin block.  It’s a simplistic design and I quite like it.  Unlike the FS model that decocks and also applies the safety until the lever is flicked back up, the G-model decocks then automatically rotates back up after it puts the gun in DA mode. 

[bczrx]

Thanks TwoMoreChains.

I haven't installed it yet, but have the CGW trigger job package [duty-esque weight, not the lightest possible], with the short reach trigger.

My problem is that the DA trigger pull on the SP01, or the basic CZ75, is so far that it also requires me to shift my grip when transitioning from DA to SA shots.

My CGW kit in the PCR I have makes the first shot very comfortable, but that is decocked- not all the way down. IF I didn't live in California, I'd have bought the SP01 Tactical and not thought twice. Here, I can't get it legally.

IF I do all of this and just never warm up to the SP01 safety, at least I can fall back to the 75b Decocker model. I lose the full length dustcover/light mount- but gain a pistol that may fit/work better for me.


I hear you on the Beretta LLT. I found a 2015 Beretta 92G-SD, and put the LLT trigger kit into it, with the thin grips. A world of difference.
I also have a Ruger P97 Decocker. Works the same as our Berettas- just decock and let the lever go: ready to shoot.


However, I also like SA handguns, and have examples of a few different designs with thumb safeties. None are as awkward for me as the CZ factory version. Were the designers all professional piano players or NBA stars? I mean- they seem to work best with some LONG fingers.

[Skookum]

bczrx,

For what it's worth, I wouldn't bother adding an extended safety on the right side of your SP-01.  Rather, I'd find a way to unsafe and safe your sidearm with your left hand and practice it in case you find yourself with an inoperable right hand.

With regard to your short fingers, have you tried replacing the thick stock rubber grips with thinner options?  On my 75 Compact I replaced the chubby stock plastic grips with VZ Frags to enhance grippiness, but an unanticipated benefit was my digits reach a bit farther.  I can now operate the slide stop without altering my grip.

[no.vale.la.pena]

With regard to your short fingers, have you tried replacing the thick stock rubber grips with thinner options?  On my 75 Compact I replaced the chubby stock plastic grips with VZ Frags to enhance grippiness, but an unanticipated benefit was my digits reach a bit farther.  I can now operate the slide stop without altering my grip.

^I would second this if you haven’t already done it, Lok Grips also offers thin G10 grips. Both them and VZ are great options. You could also use thin aluminum grips, but I much prefer the G10 material for grip, I find they work much better with sweaty or wet hands.

[bczrx]

Thanks All,

I installed the CGW pro package and the wide left side only safety.

Now this is a pistol I can use with confidence. It still doesn't feel as natural to me [safety wise] as any of my 1911s or BHPs, but- it is something I can use without shifting my grip.

I did get thin grips for the pistol. Thanks for the suggestion!

Now, I just need range time to get used to it.

I think I would have preferred the Tactical version, but- I am in California, so that is not something I can ship into the state.

I am NOT anti- safety lever. I have a number of handguns with them- from .22 up to .45.

I just find the CZ safety not as 'natural' to me as any of the others- even with the extended safety lever. And I have the PCR, so I find the decockers comfortable.

Thanks again for helping me make this work for me!