While we are on the subject of pre-B mags....

[jaughtman]

Mine is a transitional model - does that mean it will take "B" mags also? And, what are your opinions of the various aftermaket mags (Mecgar, Pro Mag, USA, etc.)? Any ones to steer away from, or any that you reccomend as being superior as far as reliability? Thanks!

Jamie

[bang bang]

this imo in general.  others may agree or disagree.

MecGar makes the best aftermarket for the CZ and many other guns.

I have USA, Pro Mag and others for other guns.  but MecGar still beats them all.  However, since MecGar doesnt make  mags for some guns that i have but the other aftermarket mag mfg do, then i go with them.  Some  times, i have to buy several and cherry pick what fits the best.

also, with regards to your 85.  i dont think its a transitional model.  maybe im missing something, but i have one like yours buts its in blue.  there maybe some guts that maybe transitional but from what i see on the outside, i dont see it.

it appears you maybe new to guns and maybe autoloaders.  when it comes to reliability, its a crap shoot. if you buy much of anything, you should know that you can get a lemon.  people look/blame the gun for issues, but there is also the ammo , mags and the operator.   I had a couple OEM EAA Mag that were bad on one of my EAAs.  i could have blamed the gun, but swapping mags made a world of difference.  if you want reliability, buy and verify by testing with the ammo you plan on using.  however, one never knows when one can get a malfunction due to operator error, ammo/material defect.

[jaughtman]

this imo in general.  others may agree or disagree.

MecGar makes the best aftermarket for the CZ and many other guns.

I have USA, Pro Mag and others for other guns.  but MecGar still beats them all.  However, since MecGar doesnt make  mags for some guns that i have but the other aftermarket mag mfg do, then i go with them.  Some  times, i have to buy several and cherry pick what fits the best.

also, with regards to your 85.  i dont think its a transitional model.  maybe im missing something, but i have one like yours buts its in blue.  there maybe some guts that maybe transitional but from what i see on the outside, i dont see it.

it appears you maybe new to guns and maybe autoloaders.  when it comes to reliability, its a crap shoot. if you buy much of anything, you should know that you can get a lemon.  people look/blame the gun for issues, but there is also the ammo , mags and the operator.   I had a couple OEM EAA Mag that were bad on one of my EAAs.  i could have blamed the gun, but swapping mags made a world of difference.  if you want reliability, buy and verify by testing with the ammo you plan on using.  however, one never knows when one can get a malfunction due to operator error, ammo/material defect.

I was basing it being a transitional model on the facts it has the squared trigger guard, rounded hammer, etc. but just lists "model 85" on the slide. Could be wrong however.

[cz75fan]

FWIW, this has been my experience. CZ's imported by Action Arms and later would more than likely be able to use any newer mags that are available. IIRC, that would be around 1990-91 when AA started bringing them in to the US. I believe the second importer was Magnum Research for a short time, then CZ finally decided to form CZ-USA and just import them themselves. Check the year that is stamped right at the rear of the ejection port on your slide to see your 85's "born on date" As far as mags go, stay with regular factory CZ mags or MecGar which produced the newer mags for CZ now anyway. Never had much luck with anything else.

Rick

[jaughtman]

FWIW, this has been my experience. CZ's imported by Action Arms and later would more than likely be able to use any newer mags that are available. IIRC, that would be around 1990-91 when AA started bringing them in to the US. I believe the second importer was Magnum Research for a short time, then CZ finally decided to form CZ-USA and just import them themselves. Check the year that is stamped right at the rear of the ejection port on your slide to see your 85's "born on date" As far as mags go, stay with regular factory CZ mags or MecGar which produced the newer mags for CZ now anyway. Never had much luck with anything else.

Rick


Well, shoot - I forgot to mention the date even though I knew where it was - 93'.

[cz75fan]

93, you should be good to go with the MecGars then!

Rick