75B Compact Safety

[El Perdido]

I have a hypothetical question generated from reading basically the entire gunsmithing forum posts here about the 75B series safeties. As is posted/written in most threads, the 75B safety is designed to only activate when the hammer is at full cock. It is not supposed to activate at half cock and hammer down. The reason I am asking, currently looking for a used 75B. My only reasonable source for said pistol is gunbroker or another vendor online. My FFL is 100 miles away and the closest cities with more than one gunshop are 150 to 250 miles away.

I am wondering if I acquire a used pistol without having the benefit of putting hands on before the money goes down, what would be the course of action if the safety activates in half cock but not hammer down? Check the condition of the safety lever? Or the safety detent/detent spring? Check the condition of the sear? Something else?

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

Well I'm not sure why you have fixated on the operation of the safety since there are many more factors to consider when buying used. Maybe you could elaborate more on that. I own a couple 75B models and since they have been upgraded with CGW parts the safeties can be engaged in ANY position. CGW clearly states this will happen when these mods are done and if it's an issue for the user then one should not do the upgrades. They further state you should never attempt to engage the safety in any position other than fully cocked.
Guns that have had hammer upgrades from other sources may also exhibit a safety that will engage in any position since the safety leg of the sear generally has to be re-fit with the new hammer geometry. Once again you never engage the safety unless in fully cocked position. The detent and it's spring have no bearing on what position the safety will engage and it's all in the hammer, sear, and safety lever geometry. There is the possibility of a used gun that is well worn and needs service. If you're set on buying used you better be sure the seller will accept a return and that the FFL you're dealing with is ok with sending back a gun you are not happy with. Keep in mind also both the seller and your FFL may charge you additional fees to exact a return.
If this is really a big issue for you then you'd be better served to travel to a shop where you can buy a new gun with a full factory warranty.

[tdogg]

Honestly, if the safety activates at all positions, it is probably a good sign that it has CGW parts in it and that is a good thing.  If it doesn't have CGW parts, then a new sear/safety may be in order but that isn't that difficult to fit.  I'd ask the seller to check the safety function and describe if it is possible at all hammer positions.  Also have them confirm the safety when actuated properly with the hammer at full cock, does in-fact prevent the hammer from falling when squeezing the trigger.

If you are really worried about this, have the seller take some detail photo's of the action, barrel, and hammer areas and post them up here.  We can help identify if there is anything abnormal/gunsmithed already.  Ideally field stripped pictures at minimum.

The part that would cause this is the sear leg to safety lug fit.  The CGW adjustable sear has a setscrew that is used to ensure the safety is 100% reliable without removing metal.  The set screw is smaller than the stock sear leg and thus allows the safety to be engaged at other positions than originally intended.  This is not an issue as you shouldn't be applying the safety with the hammer down, it is a fully safe condition to carry/operate the firearm with the hammer down and no safety.

Cheers,
Toby

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

My only reasonable source for said pistol is gunbroker or another vendor online.

There are quite alot of new 75B's listed on Gun Broker at fair prices when compared to some of the nicer used items listed. If you want an unaltered gun that's your best bet. Personally I'd buy new and then mod it to my liking. ymmv.

[Born2vette]

If you are at all concerned, just get a new one.  I don’t think you can save more than $100 buying used unless you fall into a great deal. Use gun.deals and find a new one.  75 compacts can be had for less than $550 ish + shipping, tax and transfer fee. Found this for $528 in about 10 seconds.

https://battlehawkarmory.com/product/cz-91190-cz-75-compact-9mm-luger-singledouble-3.80-141-black-polymer-grip-black-slide

[Stanseven]

Some good advice in the above two posts about buying new in my opinion.  You might also ask the not so local dealer to you if they can get the CZ.  That will save you money as well.