Buying a used CZ online, what to look out for

[SlvrDragon50]

I'm thinking about picking up a CZ75 (maybe 85 if I can find a cheap one) online, but I'm not really sure what to look out for as a first time gun buyer.

All I really can see is that tthey're pretty worn on the surface, but I imagine that's not necessarily reflective of the firing condition. They're also around 325-350 so it's not too much cheaper than a new CZ75 if I have to replace parts.

So tldr:
What should I look out for when buying a CZ75 used?

[AZ_CZ]

Unless you don't mind a beater finish or can refinish it yourself buy a newer gun. Used 75Bs' can be found for $450 in my area if you are patient. A new Canik for about 300 - 350. Plus you don't have to worry about mags fitting.

Buying anything online can be a gamble. Not sure how to tell you what look at if you are buying online. If you have it in hand there are a number of things you can check. Reminds me of the forest Gump line,"life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get". I don't like surprises as a rule and rarely buy anything that someone has "worked" on or has not take well care of.

[Grendel]

I would not recommend buying online as a 'first time gun buyer'. It can be very hit and miss. Any 'savings' can quickly vanish in FFL fees, shipping costs, and (god forbid) repairs. Far better to buy from a brick and mortar dealer until you are confident in your abilities to sort the wheat from the chaff.

In this case, the price you quote is not much less than a good quality used 75b, and not far distant from a NIB pistol from CZ.

[SPO1SHADOW]

I typically buy an old beat up CZ "something" about once a month. Most of them have muzzle damage, about 8 out of 10 of the Military/Police turn-ins from over seas will have a badly damaged muzzle. Some of the worst looking guns on the outside have hardly been fired so the insides look close to new. They all need some work and a part or 2 replaced and some need everything replaced. Unless you have a good parts supply or plan on replacing all the stock parts with CGW's or CZ Custom parts don't spend more than $250.00 and make sure you get at least a 3 day examination warranty before buying. If you are not familiar with or not handy at working on CZ's do yourself a favor and don't buy a trade-in. You can make a really nice gun out of a dog but it takes a lot of elbow grease.

[bang bang]

I would not recommend buying online as a 'first time gun buyer'. It can be very hit and miss. Any 'savings' can quickly vanish in FFL fees, shipping costs, and (god forbid) repairs. Far better to buy from a brick and mortar dealer until you are confident in your abilities to sort the wheat from the chaff.

In this case, the price you quote is not much less than a good quality used 75b, and not far distant from a NIB pistol from CZ.

yupper.

Many people dont have the $$$ to buy it right the first time, but have the $$ to do it over many times.

[SlvrDragon50]

Hmm, okay.

All the $300 CZs I see from gunbroker are like for the 90s and were trade ins I believe.

I guess the only problem with brick and mortar is that I only have a like a couple hours to look around (going home during a trip and leaving pretty quickly + 3 day hold in FL), and I don't know if they'll have CZs in store. I was really hoping to pick one up online and then just drop by to sign the paper work + pick up.

I was looking at old posts and saw used CZs going for like 350. Have the used prices just gone up over time?

Are the Caniks comparable to the CZ? Seems like they are quite decent and actually have good aftermarket support as well. I'm only wanting a range gun so an issue isn't going to be a huge problem for me. Also, where in the world can I even find Caniks? I can't find them online other than Gander Mountain which is way too expensive.

[cntrydawwwg]

Welcome to the forum.
    I think the Caniks are nice. The couple I've seen in person were very good fit and finish.
   On a lot of the online retailers you'll find them listed under Tristar (The importer of the Caniks)
    I know Buds Gunshop has a few.

[bang bang]

Hmm, okay.

All the $300 CZs I see from gunbroker are like for the 90s and were trade ins I believe.

I guess the only problem with brick and mortar is that I only have a like a couple hours to look around (going home during a trip and leaving pretty quickly + 3 day hold in FL), and I don't know if they'll have CZs in store. I was really hoping to pick one up online and then just drop by to sign the paper work + pick up.

I was looking at old posts and saw used CZs going for like 350. Have the used prices just gone up over time?

Are the Caniks comparable to the CZ? Seems like they are quite decent and actually have good aftermarket support as well. I'm only wanting a range gun so an issue isn't going to be a huge problem for me. Also, where in the world can I even find Caniks? I can't find them online other than Gander Mountain which is way too expensive.

In the end, you will have to go into town to do the paperwork - used or new.

If you dont know if they have a CZ or Canik, call or if they have email, try that.  Once you find out, then go from there.  While youre on the line or emailing them, ask what they will charge you for a CZ or Canik to bring in.

again, i would buy new.  once you get some range and gun time, then hopefully you will have a better idea on whats what. 

one thing.  if you buy USED, its your headache. 

[SlvrDragon50]

Welcome to the forum.
    I think the Caniks are nice. The couple I've seen in person were very good fit and finish.
   On a lot of the online retailers you'll find them listed under Tristar (The importer of the Caniks)
    I know Buds Gunshop has a few.

Ahh okay. Tristar is showing up now. 384 is an awful lot though, very close to CZ price range.

Unfortunately I can't even rent a CZ here to try out, but everyone talks so highly of them I figure I can't go wrong.

[AZ_CZ]

Here is a 85 NIB for $550 + $10 shipping. You could easily spend the extra $200 on parts and refinishing even if you do the work yourself.

http://tooeleshootingsupply.com/shop/cz-85-combat-9mm-pistol-4-7-bbl-sada-black-finish-101-cz-01210/

I have 2 Caniks, L-120 and an S-120, and they are great deal.

[SlvrDragon50]

Here is a 85 NIB for $550 + $10 shipping. You could easily spend the extra $200 on parts and refinishing even if you do the work yourself.

http://tooeleshootingsupply.com/shop/cz-85-combat-9mm-pistol-4-7-bbl-sada-black-finish-101-cz-01210/

I have 2 Caniks, L-120 and an S-120, and they are great deal.

Hmm, yup. That is exactly what I was afraid of. While I realize a gun with a worn finish doesn't really affect its performance, I'd like to have it last since it's a big investment. The L120 is quite a bit cheaper than the S120, is there that much a difference in terms of recoil in the steel? Of course I still have to find a Canik for ~300-350 otherwise I'd just cough up the extra to get the CZ.

[SnowyCZ]

Grab a phone book or do an Internet search for gun stores and call. Ask them if they have CZ's and how much or can they get any trade-ins. Bud'sGunShop.com has loads of CZ's from the .380's all the way up to the 97b. Just got a 75b SA from there. Paid the layaway off , the gun was at the FFL in 2 days. They have 85 combats in stock.

[AR]

I look at LOTS of stuff used on Gunbroker daily, including CZ, then check Kentucky Gun Company, and can often get new in the box for 2% over used with warranty, free shipping, $25 local FFL, not tax (out of state).

Armslist may also be useful if you are in a big enough state (don't try to buy a pistol from someone in another state without an FFL dealer involved at BOTH ends of the transaction, because under Federal Law, pistols are EVIL; rifles and shotguns not so much). 

[cntrydawwwg]

(don't try to buy a pistol from someone in another state without an FFL dealer involved at BOTH ends of the transaction,

    You don't have to use an FFL to ship a handgun. You can ship it yourself, it just has to be shipped to an FFL. (Of course some states may have stricter laws)

[eastman]

(don't try to buy a pistol from someone in another state without an FFL dealer involved at BOTH ends of the transaction,

    You don't have to use an FFL to ship a handgun. You can ship it yourself, it just has to be shipped to an FFL. (Of course some states may have stricter laws)

Some FFLs don't accept incoming shipments from non-FFL holders, but that is a question of the dealer's policy and not of law.