legality of my CZ-40b in production class...

[burningsquirrels]

I would like to shoot USPSA production if possible, with my CZ-40b.

In the USPSA handbook, "2008handgunrulesindexed.pdf" on their website, appendix D4, I read the rules for production handguns:

Concern #1:

#21 - Authorized modifications:  
  Grips: 'Internal beveling'  
 
  #22 - Specifically prohibited:  
  Lateral width of the well may not be more than 1/4" wider than the lateral width of the magazine

I believe this covers the beveling job I did to the bottom of my grip. I believe I was able to get the bottom opening a total of 1/4" wider than the magazine. I think I'm safe with that. But my problem is this:

Concern #2:

#21 - Authorized modifications:  
  Exchange of minor components (springs, safeties, slide stops, guide rods.)  
 
  #Special conditions:  
  Unless specifically authorized above, modifications are prohibited.

I installed the competition hammer off of an SP-01. I'm guessing that kicks me out of production class. Am I correct? Would it be legal to modify the standard hammer to closer match the profile of the SP-01 competition hammer? I would assume that would be legal, since it could fall under "#21 - Internal throating and polishing to improve accuracy, reliability, and function." I believe this should be fine since people go out and pay for action/trigger jobs that remove positive camming from hammers and shorten trigger pulls, and still be legal for production class, correct?

Concern #3:

#22 - Specifically prohibited:  
  Grips - Any addition or removal of material which changes the factory profile or adds function such as beavertail or thumb rest.

The grips on my CZ-40b are quite large. I was thinking of possibly adding my own grips, or making some of my own. I recall seeing on cz-custom.com that the aluminum grips were "legal for production class". This leads me to think that only the stock grips, or aftermarket grips that follow stock size, or wraparounds (like hogue rubber) are legal. Is this the case?

To be honest, I have smaller hands. I began thinking about grip reduction, but I knew I cannot modify the frame. I looked at the grips and saw that they were rubber molded on top of a metal plate. I attempted to discover how the rubber was bonded, and what the shape of the metal plate was underneath. I honestly thought about seperating the rubber from metal, clean that which felt like a flat metal plate, and apply skate tape to the surface of that metal plate. Would this be illegal?


last but not least, my primary concern for posting this thread:

Concern #4:

Special conditions:  
  A handgun may be approved and added to the USPSA Approved Production Handgun List after the NROI Manufacturer's Declaration form stating that a minimum   of 2000 complete handguns have been manufactured and available to the general public has been submitted and NROI has inspected the handgun for compliance.

I didn't see the CZ-40b on the approved handguns list. It sounds like I may not even be able to get to use this gun at all. Any input on this? I would think that CZ made more than 2000 of these...

I know this must be a painfully long and annoying thread to read, but I appreciate your time. Thanks guys!

[Stuart]

Hello

first question..USPSA or IPSC production??
from the rules you are asking..I am guessing inside the US and USPSA.

1st rule..as long as your bevel isn't breaking outside of the frame you should be OK..but that is enough to measure if you are within the restriction.

2nd rule. the CZ comp hammer is good to go..it is a factory option, and a part that is legal on one production legal gun is legal in another production legal gun..exp.. G34 has ext. mag release, ext. slide lock lever..it is legal to install those factory parts on a G17 or G19.

3rd rule: needs to match the factory profile. you cannot remove any material from the grips that make it thinner or easier to reach the mag release.

4th rule: it is up to the factory to file the paperwork with USPSA or IPSC to get the gun on the list. it probably hasn't been done for the 40B, even though it meets the criteria..best is to contact John Amidon with USPSA to see if has been done or what needs to be done..then follow up with Angus or CZ-USA.

if shooting only at the club level..talk with the match director, and see what can be done..maybe shoot in Limited 10 if you have too.

[burningsquirrels]

Thank you eerw, this is excellent information! I already sent an email to CZ-USA. Once I (hopefully) get a reply, I'll send more info to USPSA as you suggested and see what I can do.

I would like to be shooting USPSA Production.

[burningsquirrels]

eerw, if i decided to just shoot limited-10:

1. Would I still need paperwork to certify that at least 500 were made?

2. Would I be able to modify the removeable grip panels and replace them with a thin, bare aluminum plate by peeling the rubber moulding off?

Thanks!

[Stuart]

IMO..
the CZ40b..you personally would not need the paperwork..especially at a club level match. the gun is a production item of CZ. so you should be fine for Limited 10.

2. in L10..you would be able to modify your grips..

[Bigdog]

It depends on how far your local club is checking the rules.  Mine said NO because it is NOT on the production class listing of accepted production guns.  On the USPSA web site, click the link to match rules, and then the link to USPSA Approved Production Gun List.  That is the list my club uses.  My CZ85 COMPACT didn't qualify either.  Limited, yes..production, no.

[Stuart]

The PCR and the SP01 Shadow are not on the list either...supposedly the Shadow was reviewed and awaiting some final paperwork though

[jbsullivan524]

The PCR is listed on both the USPSA and IPSC production lists as the CZ75D Compact which is the way it's identified by the slide rollstamp.

[burningsquirrels]

forgot to update the thread. i'm just shooting limited-10 now. lets me do whatever to my holsters and such, and i've got thin grips that are pretty close to done, i just can't find grip screws. doh!

[elsolo75]

I have about 50 extra stainless steel, "cheese head" screws that are the correct size for CZ grip screws.
They are a slim head, slotted for a flat bladed screwdriver.
I'll sell you a pair for $1 plus your self addressed stamped envelope for return.

[burningsquirrels]

http://www.cz-usa.com/data/downloads/support_manuals/CZ_40.pdf

i think you're offering me part #28. however, note that part 28 screws into part 67. i need to eliminate both 67 and 28 with a single screw. the reason being, is that 67 is to long in length. i can screw it in so that the top is flush with the grips, but it will stick too far into the magazine well. i can flush it to the magazine well, but then it would be taller than the grip and the screw will not hold the grip down.

[elsolo75]

You are correct, I brain farted and was thing 40P not 40B.

I would just grind down #67 so it is the right length, and if necessary, part 28 as well.

Any chance those are the same as regular 1911 grip bushings and screws?

[burningsquirrels]

no idea, i've never had a 1911.

i'd grind them down too, but i want to be able to return my gun to stock. the tabs on the bushings lock into the stock rubber grips to keep them from turning, so i'd rather not cut them off - but find new screws instead. shoot, i'm close to just putting washers. i mean, as per uspsa rules, they're not functionally thumb rests or anything, lol...