Surplus CZ 85B

[1775usmarine]

Just got my CZ 85B in today. It came from Mach 1 arsenal, and the guy told me they imported them from Israel. As soon as I got home I threw in 17 rds of Herters TNJ as I always do with any new 9mm I get as I don't feel like chasing my brass in the woods especially since we have snow on the ground. No issues  though she was a little low and to the right at 13 yds.
She will need a refinish as she has some decent holster wear.  From what I can see she appears to be 2000 vintage. My questions are besides springs, would anyone recommend finding a new barrel, and is there anything else I should do? I field stripped her and found her to be caked with dirt and grime but a true testament to the reliability of these Czech pistols.

[1775usmarine]

Spent a good 3 hrs yesterday and ended up doing a detail strip after watching some youtube vids. I found what appeared to be some cosmo or grease in most places especially the firing pin. It never shot out, and the spring took some time to get out. I was surprised I didn't have any sticking issues when firing yesterday. I had to scrape a lot of the cosmo/grease stuff out with a pick before I could use clp to finish it up. I ordered new recoil springs, hammer springs, and a set of thinner grips. I do need a need hammer spring cup pin as the one on there is for a lanyard ring.

[Bodene]

Were you going to refinish it yourself or send it out?  Any idea what color? Can you post a picture showing before and update after you refinish. I'd be curious to see how your project progresses. -Bodene
















 

[1775usmarine]

I have no experience in refinishing myself besides a few mosins I did, so i will send it out. I was thinking either all graphite black, or od green slide and graphite frame while keeping the trigger and barrel stainless. Here she is right now. i will probably have to take some better pics sometime. I'd probably get her done in probably a few months once I find a good place where I live.

[1775usmarine]

I've got some new springs coming in a factory standard recoil, and a 19lbs and a factory standard hammer spring. I also ordered 2 mec gar 17rd mags from CTD as they happened to be the cheapest with ship at 23 a piece. I was looking at CGW's webpage and saw there firing pin. and other items. If I bought the firing pin and related items about how much would the trigger pull come down?

[painter]

The CGW firing pin won't reduce trigger pull.

You'd want to look at a race hammer and a different hammer spring for a lighter DA. If you want the install to be painless get the CGW adjustable sear too.

The SA will be improved with the race hammer/sear regardless of what hammer spring you use.

The trigger pin and reduced trigger spring are also a worthwhile mod.

[1775usmarine]

Would it be worthwhile to buy the firing pin, fp spring, firing pin retainer pin, and 15 lb hammer spring they suggest at this point while keeping everything else stock. Also would I need a new firing pin block with the extended firing pin?  I'm waiting to get her refinished, so I'd like to keep the wife somewhat happy by staying on a budget while I buy parts on the side.  This will be the first handgun I upgrade since CZ's are still made compared to the S&W 4506-1, 3906, 5906, and 3913 I own. I would have to find a video showing how to remove the trigger and all, but from my initial cleaning seems easy enough to DIY if not I'm sure I could go in it blind and figure it out.

[painter]

All of CGW's parts are worthwhile. I think I have everything available for my 85 Combat except for the extended firing pin. If you're trying to reduce trigger pull the hammer spring will get you the most bang for the buck.

There are videos on youtube and write ups here on the forum on how to do the work.

Call David and talk to him about your goals for the pistol. He'll tell you exactly the best way to go.

[1775usmarine]

Yeah I've read some things, though it seems this forum isn't all that active as compared to some others I belong to. I will have to get in contact with him. I can kinda figure out what i want and need but some of the items could use some extra explaining to me.

[1775usmarine]

Painter what would you recommend for adjustable rear sights. Mine was made in 2000 if that makes any difference.

[cntrydawwwg]

1775, I know LPA makes some for the current models but as I don't have any adjustable sights yet, I can't really make a recommendation. But, as your looking around, keep in mind that CGW is looking into some of their own design and may have some in the near future with any luck. http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=66948
 

[1775usmarine]

1775, I know LPA makes some for the current models but as I don't have any adjustable sights yet, I can't really make a recommendation. But, as your looking around, keep in mind that CGW is looking into some of their own design and may have some in the near future with any luck. http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=66948

I appreciate the info and link. Will have to see what they look like in pics. I've read a little about the lpa, but haven't seen too many 85B's being talked about, more the combats which I believe have a different sized dovetail.

[cntrydawwwg]

Here's some. http://www.fusionfirearms.com/parts/slide-parts/sights/cz
  You'll have to scroll down a little. Just make sure your looking at 75/85 "new model".
   And here http://www.lpasights.com/en/products?category_id=0&page=shop.browse&manufacturer_id=18&limit=20&limitstart=0
    Too see a better description and compare the part numbers. (Note, some are listed "old model", some 75/85, and some as "new model".) I'm not sure what, if any difference between 75/85 and 75/85 new model.
   I'm sure someone else will chime in. 

[1775usmarine]

Here's some. http://www.fusionfirearms.com/parts/slide-parts/sights/cz
  You'll have to scroll down a little. Just make sure your looking at 75/85 "new model".
   And here http://www.lpasights.com/en/products?category_id=0&page=shop.browse&manufacturer_id=18&limit=20&limitstart=0
    Too see a better description and compare the part numbers. (Note, some are listed "old model", some 75/85, and some as "new model".) I'm not sure what, if any difference between 75/85 and 75/85 new model.
   I'm sure someone else will chime in.

Yeah I would hope so too. I don't want to spend 90 bucks on the wrong sights.  I've seen some of these sites in passing while looking for sights for my 3rd gen smiths but decided since they no longer are being produced to keep them as is.

[painter]

The slide on the 85B is milled just like the 75B for rear sights. I've never researched adjustable sights for those models.

The Combat models have the area behind the dovetail milled flat to allow for the LPA sight to work.

Edit...

Did a quick search...google is my friend...and LPA offers sights for the standard slide also.

http://www.lpasights.com/en/products?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=60&category_id=29
http://www.lpasights.com/en/products?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=59&category_id=29
http://www.lpasights.com/en/products?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=61&category_id=29

All the same style with different markings.

They also list a TTF F/O set... http://www.lpasights.com/en/products?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=128&category_id=42 but don't make any mention about not milling the slide.

David at CGW is also developing his own adjustable rear... http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=66948.msg457682#msg457682 That would be worth waiting for if you don't need instant gratification.