new production SHORT RAIL 75s, for the 75th anniv. of CZ

[Grendel]

Thanks.

[pivoproseem]

I would bet the new gun would be made to tighter tolerances and be as good, if not better, in construction than the original production model. I've handled a short rail gun before, felt like it was put together just like any other pre-B...

[jman2311]

This thread caught my attention because I would like a short rail version.  But I went on the UB website and didn't find anything about this.  Anyone post a link for me or post a picture?

[lazyengineer]

This thread caught my attention because I would like a short rail version.  But I went on the UB website and didn't find anything about this.  Anyone post a link for me or post a picture?

http://www.czub.cz/en/Default.aspx
Where it says 75th anniversary.

[Grendel]

Partial image from the site:



From the link:

At the 75th anniversary of the company?s establishment ?esk? zbrojovka will in 2011 commemorate this event with a special anniversary edition of the CZ 75 pistol. These pistols will be copies of the legendary CZ 75 model designed in 1970s. The upcoming retro version of the CZ 75 pistol will not be presented only as an worldwide legend ?dust-off?, but also as a symbol of ?esk? zbrojovka successful production that has been carried throughout the entire history of the company.

[parabellum]

I'll give you 2000 bucks for an Excellent+ condition original short rail 75 and consider my lucky at that.

I'll give you 500 bucks for the re-issue. Wait, no I won't. Not interested. Wouldn't be the same, wouldn't be the same at all.

But the offer on the original stands.

[Grendel]

This is a very similar situation to the 'original' Sig 210 and it's various iterations, and the re-issued (or re-imagined) 210 Legend. Purists are not interested in the new one, and it's not really aimed at them anyway. It's aimed at those who could never afford a 'real' one, but like the style or cachet of being able to say they own one, even if it's not an original.

[parabellum]

And let's not forget- the reason the rails were lengthened was because, IIRC, the pistol was not holding up to the nice, warm 9mm ammo they have in Europe. The rails were lengthened to increase the durability of the pistol.

So, we take a good, strong CZ75 and reduce the length of the rails. Does that sound like a shooter to you? So the purpose of the reissue is...what? Just as the ad blurb says, it's a "symbol". So it's a copy of an original. Listen, it's just like Smith&Wesson- we can never go back to the former glory, the mystique of those earlier handguns. It's not a shooter, it's a half-ass "symbol". I've no doubt there are others who will snap them up. However, I'll pass, and wait for the day I don't have to compromise. If I can't have the original, I don't want one calculated from the get-go to be a "collector's item".

Again, this is simply my opinion, with which you may not agree, but that does not change my opinion.

[lazyengineer]

If they make a stainless for less than $550, I'll take one and retire my 1979.  As it is, my short rail is my shooter, and I put maybe 1000 rounds a year on it.  Had it for years now, and it was well fired before me - still going strong.  I do wonder about the redesign to longer rails.  Any pictures, documents, or postings that discuss broken guns with high P ammo?  I've shot boxes of police +P+ ammo through mine, no problems other than notable stronger recoil.

[parabellum]

 Any pictures, documents, or postings that discuss broken guns with high P ammo?

I'd be interested in some specifics as well, but IIRC, the pistols weren't breaking so much as they were shooting loose after a time.

[Southern Forester]

There were precious few purchasers of the short-rail pistols.  The Czech's didn't use them, nor did the Comblock or NATO.  The bulk of these went to Africa, particularly Rhodesia and later South Africa.  Demand for them did not actually increase until after the redesign.

[ermac]

There were precious few purchasers of the short-rail pistols.  The Czech's didn't use them, nor did the Comblock or NATO.  The bulk of these went to Africa, particularly Rhodesia and later South Africa.  Demand for them did not actually increase until after the redesign.

I wonder why the demand went up?

[jman2311]

If I had to guess about the demand is because people like me want one for historical reasons but can't find one. And if I could I couldn't afford one.  I got a shadow but have been itching to get a police trade in with the spur hammer and original trigger guard. I just like the old style for nostalgic reasons. I sure hope these find their way to America. I'd surly buy one.

[Southern Forester]

The demand went up relatively recently.  They have always been expensive, but there was a time not long ago when they were half what some would pay for them today.  Perceived scarcity coupled with a growing respect for CZ products in general are the cause.  There are rarer 75's out there, but the short-rail is the best known of the rare pistols.  There are those who also prefer its unique lines.

[Steve B]

Any pictures, documents, or postings that discuss broken guns with high P ammo?

I recall reading that early (earliest?) CZ 75s had frames cast in Spain and those were subject to cracking.
Parabellum is probably correct regarding the later Czechoslovak cast short frames shooting loose vs. actually breaking.