Author Topic: CZ-97BE...Yay or Nay?  (Read 4027 times)

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Offline spyker1982

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CZ-97BE...Yay or Nay?
« on: August 29, 2014, 06:49:56 PM »
Hey folks.  I recently purchased a CZ-97B and I've been looking at Cajun Gun works modification package. 

Here's the question:  What are your thoughts?  Do the modifications enhance the weapon that much more?  What do the upgrades actually enhance?

Thanks

Offline dale59911

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Re: CZ-97BE...Yay or Nay?
« Reply #1 on: August 29, 2014, 08:09:24 PM »
entered in error.......
« Last Edit: August 29, 2014, 08:11:27 PM by dale59911 »

Offline twowheels

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Re: CZ-97BE...Yay or Nay?
« Reply #2 on: August 30, 2014, 01:08:20 PM »
The BE is a wonderful value.  Dave spends a ton of his experienced time making the BE the ultimate 97.  The work substantially improves the trigger, accuracy and sights. 

Offline spyker1982

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Re: CZ-97BE...Yay or Nay?
« Reply #3 on: August 30, 2014, 01:56:39 PM »
So, for $625 the gun is that much better?  Just asking because I'm contemplating about it.

Offline Smitty79

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Re: CZ-97BE...Yay or Nay?
« Reply #4 on: August 30, 2014, 02:05:01 PM »
Let's say you keep the gun for 20 years.   You shoot 2000 rounds a year.   That costs you $6000, even if you reload.   So this is 10% of your ammo budget to make the gun a much better shooter.   If you ever want to compete, it's a no brainer.

I've done this kind of upgrade on both my CZ85 and my SAR K2 45.   I only compete with the CZ.   The SAR was more for the cool factor.
Don't mistake my high post count for knowledge or wisdom.   I just like hearing myself type.

Offline spyker1982

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Re: CZ-97BE...Yay or Nay?
« Reply #5 on: August 30, 2014, 02:19:02 PM »
Thanks Smitty!  Great perspective.  Focusing on the trigger...stock vs the modified...can you tell me the pros of the upgraded trigger from the stock?  Less pull weight?  Smoother?  Thanks!!

Offline Riptide439

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Re: CZ-97BE...Yay or Nay?
« Reply #6 on: August 30, 2014, 04:51:05 PM »
Thanks Smitty!  Great perspective.  Focusing on the trigger...stock vs the modified...can you tell me the pros of the upgraded trigger from the stock?  Less pull weight?  Smoother?  Thanks!!

All of the above spyker!
As an example I will compare to my Cajunized 85C. I did the work on the 85C and it is sweet! I didn't think a trigger could get better until I got my 97BD back from David at CGW. All I can say is WOW!
75B 9mm Duel Tone * SP01 Shadow * SP01 Phantom * SP01 Tactical * 85 Combat * 2075 Rami * P-09 * P07 * 97BD Cajunized * P01
S&W 686-6 * Dan Wesson Valor .45 * SAR K2 .45 * Canick S120 9mm * Sig P226
452 Trainer * 452 Ultra Lux  x 2 * 452 Varmint Thumbhole*527 .223 Carbine*Rem 870 Express

Offline Smitty79

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Re: CZ-97BE...Yay or Nay?
« Reply #7 on: August 30, 2014, 04:55:51 PM »
The lighter trigger gives both tighter groups and faster splits.   Since I shoot production, the better DA trigger on my 85 is really important.   Not only that, but it's just fun to have a gun that's had good stuff done to it.
Don't mistake my high post count for knowledge or wisdom.   I just like hearing myself type.

Offline s0nspark

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Re: CZ-97BE...Yay or Nay?
« Reply #8 on: August 30, 2014, 07:55:58 PM »
So, for $625 the gun is that much better?  Just asking because I'm contemplating about it.

I don't have first hand experience with David's work on a 97 but I will tel you... the work he's done on my 75BDs, Canik and PCR were more than worth the money. CZs are great guns - a terrific value for the money - but they tend to be rough around the edges out of the box, especially in the trigger department. David's work elevates them to a whole other level. In my opinion, you end up with a pistol that stands tall with the best of any other vendor, regardless of price.

"A man's character is his fate."

Offline dale59911

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Re: CZ-97BE...Yay or Nay?
« Reply #9 on: August 31, 2014, 08:51:24 AM »
Here is one suggestion regarding the 97BE done by Cajun Gun Works.  If you plan to shoot IPDA, the modified barrel bushing will disqualify it from IDPA.  After some research and input from members on another thread, that part of the mod knocks it out from shooting as Standard Service Pistol.  That in turn, disqualifies it from the other divisions due to the full length dust cover.  The 97B is only eligible for the other divisions because it is legal in the SSP division. 

As was pointed out to me, local IDPA would probably have not been an issue but if you decide to go further........

A month ago I would have said "so what" as I had no intention of shooting IDPA.  I made the "mistake" of trying it and am hooked on it.  I would have really kicked myself for eliminating that opportunity by doing the full "E" mod. 


Offline Cali Crash

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Re: CZ-97BE...Yay or Nay?
« Reply #10 on: September 03, 2014, 08:19:34 PM »
I don't have experience with the 97e mod, but I can tell you our Cajunized 75bd is a much better gun all around then our stock stainless, and same thing goes for our Cajunized SP-01 and P09 vs the stock versions. If any of his previous work is an indicator as to what I should expect I'll be doing the 97e mod to mine, once I'm


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22LR Kadet kit
9mm CZ75bd (CGW DCP, RRK and E/Z-D sight set)
9mm CZ75b high polish stainless
9mm SP-01 Tactical (CGW DCP, RRK and E/Z-D sight set)
9mm SP-01
9mm P09 (at CGW for PRO-Series "P" package and sights)
9mm P09
45acp 97b

Offline Cali Crash

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Re: CZ-97BE...Yay or Nay?
« Reply #11 on: September 03, 2014, 08:19:59 PM »
I don't have experience with the 97e mod, but I can tell you our Cajunized 75bd is a much better gun all around then our stock stainless, and same thing goes for our Cajunized SP-01 and P09 vs the stock versions. If any of his previous work is an indicator as to what I should expect I'll be doing the 97e mod to mine, once I'm caught back up from this new house purchase.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
22LR Kadet kit
9mm CZ75bd (CGW DCP, RRK and E/Z-D sight set)
9mm CZ75b high polish stainless
9mm SP-01 Tactical (CGW DCP, RRK and E/Z-D sight set)
9mm SP-01
9mm P09 (at CGW for PRO-Series "P" package and sights)
9mm P09
45acp 97b

Offline Lucan

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Re: CZ-97BE...Yay or Nay?
« Reply #12 on: September 06, 2014, 04:14:44 PM »
Hey folks.  I recently purchased a CZ-97B and I've been looking at Cajun Gun works modification package. 

Here's the question:  What are your thoughts?  Do the modifications enhance the weapon that much more?

I think it depends on what you use it for. I've seen only positive posts regarding the "E" conversion, but if you're planning to compete, as dale59911 says the modification will likely disqualify it. In terms of resale, there are probably many who would prefer it stock over modified. However, I believe that you should have the gun that you want, not one that someone else may want in the future. If you like the bushing look and want improved accuracy, I say go for it.

Offline dale59911

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Re: CZ-97BE...Yay or Nay?
« Reply #13 on: September 07, 2014, 05:53:59 AM »
Please don't take my comments to be negative about the barrel bushing.  I think it is a beautifully engineered product.  I plan on having everything other than that done over the winter.  If I decide to do it later or the IDPA rules change again to allow it, then I will probably do that at a later date.