97 grip size compared to 75

[Pequod]

I have a CZ75 BD and PCR, love them both. Thinking about picking up a CZ 97 but cannot find one locally to hold. I have medium hands, but some double stack .45 pistols are like brick. My 75BD  with factory grips feels fine in my hand. Can anyone who has 75 and 97 pistols comment on how much larger/thicker the 97 ?  Thanks.

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

Without actually measuring exactly the 97 is similar in thickness but has more front to back length than the standard 75 and PCR. Ergonomically the 97 shares the inherent "CZ FEEL" in the hand but it's best to hold one if you can first. For reference the 97 is larger in the grip frame than a standard 1911. I can definitely feel the difference in the 97 compared to my standard 75 variants. Here's a link with some comparison for you.
https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/cz-75-b-vs-cz-97-b

[Earl Keese]

It helps to use LOK palm swell grips on the 97. Otherwise, the available factory grips are flat and ruin the ergonomics.

[Tok36]

It is the CZ 97s grip depth in contrast to its width that can be uncomfortable. I wear a XL size glove. With the factory aluminum grips my 97 felt too narrow and left a gap at my palm. With factory rubber grips, while it dose not feel like a 75 it is comfortable.

CZ97 BD

Depth - 2.280

Width 1.270, (Rubber grips)

Width 1.132 (Aluminum thin grips)

75 BD dimensions for reference. (Width measured at the grip screw hole parallel with the bore)

-Depth 2.264

-Factory Plastic CZ grips, Width 1.430

-Factory Rubber CZ grips, Width 1.440

-LOK Palmswell Bogies, Width 1.460

-Nill grips (wood), Width 1.410

[Sulpgnir]

FWIW, some measurements.

OEM grips:  CZ 75 B and CZ 75 B SA 5 5/8”
Rubber grips:  CZ 97 B 5 7/8”

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

My hands are just medium in size and my preference is the factory rubber grips on the 97. I tried the aluminum grips and hated them and I tried LOK palm swells on other 75's and hated those so I decided not to try them on the 97 and have another set of grips in my orphaned grip box. My preference for all things CZ is the factory rubbers.

[Pequod]

Thanks for all the info, looks like the 97 may be fine for me. Still want to try and find a new or used one to handle before buying one, I will look around locally. I noticed they are pricey on gunbroker used, especially the Decocker BD which would be my preference, though I would probably take a B with safety.

I really like to shoot .45 auto, have a SIG P220 and a couple of old Ruger P97s, and a S&W shield in .45, but a CZ would probably be the best shooter from what I've seen of the 75s. CZ makes a great SA/DA semi automatic!

[newageroman]

https://rumble.com/v20r3k2-sar-vs-cz-pistol-comparison-p8l-k12se-and-k2-45.html
FF to around 4 mins where I talk about the grips.
For all its worth I love the 97 with rubber grips. I have flat LOKS for now but looking for palmswells for it.
Also note that while the reach to the slide lock can't really be changed that much, you can have an S2 mag catch fitted that will help with the long grip.
I prefer the safety version but either way if you like 45s a 97 would be a great choice. Pics and review when it happens please. I love used pawn shop finds(stories/hunts).