97B frame question from a newb

[ZardozCZ]

I just got a 75B stainless and am very curious about the relative size with the 97B. Mostly, are they similar enough in configuration that training on the 75B will be effective for shooting the 97B more accurately? It would be nice if the frames were identical for muscle memory.

Thanks in advance...
considering a 97B

[TSOL]

The 97 is bigger, wider and heavier than the 75 however with that said the controls are almost identical the only this that I have found is that even with the custom slim aluminum grips I still have to rotate my hand a little to hit the mag release.  My 97 is one of my better shooting .45's the weight to me is a big plus when shooting .45's. I liked mine so much I bought a couple 97 DB's to keep it company but I like the non DB better.

Hope that helps.

[noorked]

In addition ,The 97 frame is closer in size & weight  to the sp01 than a 75.   

[jjdurso]

If you like the feel of the 75b and want a 45, I suggest the Tanfoglio Witness, it's much closer to the dimensions of the 75.  The magazine is actually the same between the 97b and the Witness, but the grip is much smaller on the Witness because the 97b runs the hammer spring down the back strap just like the 75b, the Witness on the other hand uses a transversely mounted spring to keep the grip closer to the 75b.  The slide also has a similar profile to the 75b, whereas the 97b slide is taller like a 1911.

I have owned both and shot them side by side; Witness hands down!  Plus for the price of a 97b, you can get an upgraded model like the Match.

[Guitarguy]

I have owned 75b's, 75b SA's, 85 Combats and lots of different 1911's plus a couple Witness 45's.
Currently I have several CZ's including an SP-01 Shadow and a new 97B, stuffed with CGW parts.
As other members have indicated, the 97B is larger than the 75B but very close in size and weight to a 1911. Just a wider grip that can be cured with slimmer grips.
I prefer the 97B over the Witness 45 because of the fire control (Hammer, sear trigger) parts interchangeability with the 75b series. This gives me the same trigger feel on all my CZ's. The Witness is a good pistol but the simplicity of making the trigger really great on the 97, makes the 97 a better choice for me.
The Witness 45 is definitely closer to the 75B frame size and a very good all around pistol..

[schmeky]

ZardozCZ,

Handle a Glock 21, while not the same as a CZ, it will give you a general idea of how the CZ grip feels.  I like the Witness series 45's, but the internal parts are not up to snuff in some areas.  The sears are very soft and will not hold a trigger job for long. 

[ZardozCZ]

I got to hold both last night at a LGS. There didn't seem to be much difference grabbing one and the other back and forth. The triggers both felt alike but the reach on the97 was a bit greater. The similarity I think would help in accuracy, practicing with the cheaper 9mm would likely help improve shooting the 45 as well. The similarity of operation would help in an adrenalin surge where there isn't much time to remember where the safety etc is. 

I also held a few 1911s and the differences were significant to the point where it could be a problem in an emergency.

They didn't have a 97 to rent at their range, but I will try to shoot one after I get proficient with the 75 and see how skills with the 75 cross over to the 97.

Thanks for the feedback, it gives me better perspective on this.

[larryflew]

Several 97B owners on MNguntalk that would probably meet you to shoot.