Thinking about chopping my P-07 Duty

[CZ_FANATIC]

No way would I do that to mine. Good Luck...

[z0mbi3]

Evening all,

I just finished a “P-07 SC.” I did it in two stages.

Stage 1: Adjusted the hammer spring/strut/plug pin.
First I drilled a new hole, cut the strut down and then cut the hammer spring. I did this first and left the grip full length so I could test it. If it didn’t work, all I had to do was put on a new backstrap and it’s like it never happened. I also bought a rami spring just to compare against. I wanted to ensure I wasn’t going shorter. This P-07 hammer spring is longer than a rami hammer spring.

Once all work moving the hammer spring plug pin was finished, I took it out and shot over 100 rounds. Not a single hiccup. Ran just as it did before the spring was cut. Success for the moment.

Stage 2: Actually perform the grip chop.
This was the easy/tedious part. Just cut the grip initially with a dremel tool. Once the main cuts were made, used a 1” 80 grit belt sander to get the rough fit. Lastly, hand sand to make it look nice.

I have yet to actually take it out to fire as I just finished it a few hours ago. But I’m very happy with it and I’m glad I took the chance. The base plate of P-10S mags are taller than the stock P-07 mags, and I can get most of my pinky on the thick base plate. That’s a plus. Except for the P-10 mag base plates stick out on the P-07 in general, it looks great too.

I want to post pics but I need to find a photo hosting service.

If anyone has questions, ask. I’ll be happy to share.

Bdubbs, this is definitely doable. You got this.

Thank you!

z0mbi3

Edited to add picture. Thank you, Duke Nukem!

[Duke Nukem]

I want to post pics but I need to find a photo hosting service.


Thank you!

z0mbi3

Check out Imgur, it's free and I think they're good:  https://imgur.com

[DP509]

I would leave it factory. CZ and other makers make plenty of subcompact handguns. It’s a excuse to purchase another handgun.

[Bdubbs]

I would leave it factory. CZ and other makers make plenty of subcompact handguns. It’s a excuse to purchase another handgun.

I already own the factory subcompacts that I've ever had any interest in. What I don't have is a subcompact P-07.

z0mbi3, outstanding work! Hopefully I can get mine finished this week.

[M1A4ME]

It really looks good, too.

Only clue is the lack of border in the grip area at the bottom, but if you didn't know what it looked like to start with you wouldn't notice it not being there now.

That was a great job.

While it may not be "factory" it is still an unusual and seldom seen variant of the pistol.

[z0mbi3]

M1A4ME,

Thanks for the compliment. I was hoping it didn’t look terrible when it was finished. It’s amazing what 1000 grit can do.

Bdubbs,

Let me know if you need any measurements. I remember most of them. Maybe I should write them down if I need to chop another one later…

[CCWLearner]

Nice job.  People talk about this here every so often and it looks like you pulled it off successfully.

The main issue I see with it now is how the P10 base pad juts out in front of the P-07 grip, which is also true on an un-chopped P-07.  If it were me I'd probably knock that edge off the front of the base pad with a file and clean it up with some sandpaper.

[z0mbi3]

If it were me I'd probably knock that edge off the front of the base pad with a file and clean it up with some sandpaper.

Thanks for the suggestion, CCWLearner. I have considered it. But the problem is the baseplate is hollow behind that initial plastic. If you look close enough in the pic posted, you can see the gap between the lip of the baseplate and the grip. So there’s no real way to sand it down to look nice. I could consider aftermarket baseplates but that’ll be a decision for a different day. I need to buy more ammo.

Thanks again!

z0mbi3

[M1A4ME]

Depending on the fingers/hand gripping it and the grip, some people like something sticking out a little bit to help the hand/fingers grip the same spot the same way every time.

We've all seen those little base plates for the compacts and micro compacts that stick out/down to give your lowest finger a place to meet up with/hold on to.

On my P07s I notice my little finger fits right up against the top/front of the base plate on the magazine.  Just right - but it might not be for someone else.

So, what fits/feels good in your hands is what your want.  No one is going to see the pistol grip/magazine unless you pull it from the holster to use it, and then you won't be worried about what it looks like while you're being forced to use it.

[CCWLearner]

I need the factory flush-fitting +0 base pad that originally came on P-07 magazines to feel like I have a proper grip on my P-07, or else some aftermarket base pad, whether it be extended or +0.  I have the aluminum UTG Leapers +0 base pads on my range mags, which are advertised as both P-07 and P10 compatible, and they fit my hand alright.  That sharp edge jutting out on those factory P10 +0 base pads doesn't work for my hand. 

[coach]

This is pretty cool. Didn't even notice until I looked at the handle.

[z0mbi3]

Update.

I went to the range on Saturday and was only able to shoot 60 rounds. Every shot went off and didn’t have any ejection/extraction issues. It ran perfect that way. Only problem I had was the slide wouldn’t lock back after the last round for a few mags. It didn’t matter which mag I had out there, which I had 3 (19 rd., 15 rd., and 12 rd.). So it wasn’t the mag… I cut the hammer spring to 42 mm + 1 complete coil. Maybe the hammer spring is still too heavy and I should shave it down a half coil? Opinions welcome.

Also, as far as concealing, it’s great. Perfect size for light clothes. It carrie’s better than I expected. With exception of the last round hold open issue, this thing great.

Bdubbs, let me know what you think after you finish yours.

M1A4ME, thanks for the positive support!

If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask.

Z0mbi3

[M1A4ME]

Before cutting the hammer spring, could you try a slightly lighter recoil spring?

It's a balance of force required to cock the hammer spring and force required to compress the recoil spring.

If the hammer spring is doing more to absorb the slide rearward movement force a lighter recoil spring might work without possibly affecting the ignition of primers.  Some people don't mind only using the softer Federal primers but if they ever needed to use ammo with a different primer they'd have issues.

I also see suggestions sometimes to run hotter ammo if a gun seems to be unreliable with run of the mill "target" ammo.  Why can't a gun run all ammo?  My P07/P09, etc. run that rinky dink 115 grain FMJ paper punching ammo and +P ammo with recoil being the only thing I notice.  All factory recoil springs.

Not saying you should continue to run factory recoil springs (because you have changed the hammer spring and the hammer spring/hammer set up.)  Just saying that some guns do run everything and I prefer that over a gun that needs specialized ammo just for that gun. 

Hope you get your "new" model of P07 set up and running like a top.

[z0mbi3]

M1A4ME,

Good suggestion. I didn’t want to buy any extra parts to keep it a simple conversion, but the truth is a recoil spring is cheap. Also, cajun gun works has some great info on recoil springs.

I would also consider bumping up from using critical defense rounds to critical duty for carry ammo.

Again, thanks for the suggestion. I have more homework to do.

z0mbi3