In the short time I've been a CZ pistol owner, I've been surprised to discover there are base pad options I had no idea about. I had seen no mention of such options from reading the CZ-USA literature (maybe I missed them?). I learned about them in this forum.
About a week ago, Birds Away posted that he carried 16+1 in his CZ 75 Compact. My first impression was that he must have made a typo, as my 75 C is 14+1; however, he seems to know what he's writing about, so I asked how he squeezed the two extra rounds into his 75 C. I was amazed to learn that he uses a CZ 75 SP-01 base pad on a CZ 75 B mag, which gives him the two extra rounds and a flush fit. Finding the idea appealing, I searched cz-usa.com to look for the base with no luck (undoubtedly user error).
I recently renewed my search at CZ Custom Shop and found the SP-01 base pad and some interesting extension options. I realize a standard CZ 75 B mag can be inserted into a 75 C if one doesn't mind the ugly protrusion, but one reason I own CZs instead of Glocks is aesthetics, so I want my mags to fit flush.
Because I have not seen a comprehensive discussion of base and extension options for the 75 C, my intent here is to share what I've learned, invite others to correct or expand upon what I present here. In particular, it would be great to hear of others' experiences and see photos of what the various options look like on the gun.
CZ 75 SP-01 Base Padhttp://czcustom.com/cz-sp01-polymer_magazine_base_pad.aspxThis $7 part appears to replace the base plate on a CZ 75 B mag, which gives the 16-round capacity of the 75 B mag and a fit that is flush to the 75 C frame. In addition to this part, a $30 16-round mag is needed:
http://czcustom.com/mgccz7516.aspx.
CZ 75 Short Base Pad Extensionhttp://czcustom.com/cz75-extended_base_pad_short.aspxThis $38 part appears to replace the base plate on the CZ 75 C mag, increasing capacity to 16 while maintaining a flush fit.
CZ 75 Long Base Pad Extension http://czcustom.com/cz75-extended_base_pad_long.aspxThis $38 part appears to replace the base plate on the CZ 75 C mag, increasing capacity to 18 while maintaining a flush fit.
CZ 75/85 Rubber Base Padhttp://czcustom.com/Rubber-Base-Pads-For-CZ-Magazines.aspxThis $9 part replaces the base plate on the CZ 75 C mag. It doesn't alter mag capacity, but does provide an improved grip for those with large hands by giving the pinkie finger a better purchase. It also works on magazines for the CZ 82 and CZ 83.
CZ 75 Aluminum Base Padhttp://czcustom.com/cz75flatalbasepad.aspxThis $17 part replaces the base plate on the CZ 75 C mag. I assume it functions similarly to the rubber base pad, but with a bit more style and no clothing-grabbing rubber.
CZ 75 10-Round Base Padhttp://shop.cz-usa.com/P-0420377001/Magazine-Base-10-Rd-Cz-75-9mm.aspxI couldn't find this $7 part at CZ Custom Shop, but it is used on Kadet mags to provide a fit that is flush with the 75 C frame.
Beretta 92 Plastic Base Padhttp://www.berettausa.com/products/plastic-magazine-bottom-with-steel-insert/c57058/This $6 part replaces the 75 C base plate and fits. It also works on the 82 and 83.
Again, corrections, additions, photographs, experiences, and recommendations are welcomed and encouraged.
I find it interesting that I can modify my CZ 75 C and three mags, with a loadout of 43 rounds, by spending $76 for two long extension pads for my backup mags to increase my loadout to 51 rounds, while maintaining the compact configuration of the pistol, until the shooting starts and a mag change is made.
One question I have is, knowing the rubber base pad and plastic beretta base pad also fit the 82/83, is the same true for the other base pads above?
