New CZ97b

[Iker]

I have a CZ97b blue coming next week, and I'd like to know how to identify the date or year of manufacture. Is there a way to do this based on the serial number?

The CZ parts website states for the barrel:
*PLEASE NOTE - IF YOUR 97 B OR 97 BD WAS PRODUCED BEFORE 2012,
PLEASE CALL OUR PARTS DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-955-4486 EXT. 335
BEFORE ORDERING AS OTHER PARTS WILL BE REQUIRED.

What barrel or other changes were made for 2012?

Thanks!

[JimThornTX]

The year of manufacture should be clearly marked on the frame or slide near the serial number. It will be the last two digits of the year -- 12, 11, etc. Your CZ should also come with a test-fire function test sheet with a date saying when the pistol was test-fired at the factory before being boxed up and shipped out.

[coolbox]

I think I missed this too, and was considering a 97B myself. Can any one share what changes were made?

[DaveShooter]

You lucky man. Mine is still in lay-away at my friends gun shop. I hold it ever chance I get when I go to his shop....

[Iker]

Is there anything in particular I should check before accepting the transfer on this blued CZ97? Does the pistol come enclosed in plastic bag and covered in an oil?

[Iker]

The CZ97 blued arrived today, and I'm not very impressed. The pistol was not in a plastic bag and the lock was sitting on top of the frame leaving a few scratches in the finish. I ordered it online and considered not accepting transfer.

The interior finish was also rather coarse with rough grinding marks where the trigger bar contacts the slide and about an inch on either side. The bluing here was ground away. Is this typical, or does this indicate that the factory made a repair here to correct a functional problem? The rear sight notch is also significantly off of center.

The test target indicated a 75mm group; how does this compare the test target in most CZ97s? I hope my range time this Friday turns out better than my initial impression.

On a positive note I was concerned that the grip would be too large, but it fits me perfectly.

[Iker]

I don't see it addressed in the manual, but is it safe to dry fire without a snap cap? I didn't think about a snap cap until after dry firing five times.

[miataeric1]

I know the experts and those with a lot more knowledge about these things will give all sorts of varied opinions about dry firing, but I'm pretty sure that doing it a handful of times isn't going to harm anything. Having said that, I'd still go out and pick some up. I like to stay safe rather than be sorry, but just my $.02.
BTW, sorry to hear about the finish and shipping arrangement of your new baby. I'm in the process of buying a blued 97 because I find the finish so beautiful and it sounds like yours has been mistreated in her time sitting around.

[JimThornTX]

The test target indicated a 75mm group; how does this compare the test target in most CZ97s? I hope my range time this Friday turns out better than my initial impression.

The factory test-fire is just a test for function, not a test for accuracy.

[RIGHTWING CZ]

The test target indicated a 75mm group; how does this compare the test target in most CZ97s? I hope my range time this Friday turns out better than my initial impression.

The factory test-fire is just a test for function, not a test for accuracy.

I agree the test target is function only. The one that came with my 97bd looks like a buckshot pattern but I would put this gun up against anything as far as accuracy goes. It is an absolute tack driver.

[DDeslaur]

I feel for you Iker. Nothing more disapointing than waiting and anticipating the arrival of something and recieving it in the condition you described.
Mine was in perfect condition when I got it. I don't remember if it was in a plastic bag in the case or not though. There was no trigger lock to scratch it either.
On the other hand if it's new and just sloppy handeling then cheer up. It shoots extremly well, low felt recoil with all types of ammo. I reload and tried 200 Gr LSWC with a reduced charge and the first clip made a single ragged hole at 15 meters. I was afraid that it wouldn't cycle the reduced load but it did. I had one stovepipe jam in the box of 50 rounds, probably the powder charge was off for that round but its been digesting everything I've tried so far.

I hope it works as well fro you.

Dave