Interest in a CZ97 - Questions

[TexanFX2]

Fairly new to CZs after trying a friend's SP-01 and loved it. As many are already aware, the SP-01 fits like a glove to many, and I was not the exception, except that I also happen to shoot it extremely well. This lead me to get an SP-01 and a Cajunized P-01.
During one of my outings to the range, another friend allowed me to shoot his 1911 double stack. To his surprise, I shot it even better he does.

I don't have any .45 ACP in my collection, and have been reading some about 1911s (Double stack) and came across the CZ97 being built to "compete" with 1911s. This being stated, I have a few questions I hope some may help clear out:

1) Would you choose a 1911 over a CZ97 or the other way around? Why?
2) Is it a true statement that a CZ97 (Stock or Upgraded) is as accurate or maybe even better than a stock or custom 1911?
3) Is the grip of a CZ97 wider/larger than an SP-01? (I ask because the SP-01 is absolutely perfect for me)
4) Anyone with both an SP-01 ac 97 that can take a photo of how both grips looks like side by side from rear?
5) Are there any recommended upgrade path for CZ97s? Is SAO worth it in a 97?
6) In the event I decide to get one, should I get the B or BD version? Is there any advantage of the decocker version over the safety?

FWIW - This will not be competition gun. It will be a range, home defense gun. I am still debating wether to get a Shadow2 and P10C as well, and if the 97 is worth adding to my set?

[Tok36]

I will refrain from comparing the design of the CZ 97 to the 1911, i have limited experience with the 1911 platform. On the subject of comparing the grip dimensions of the CZ97 and SP-01 i feel more well versed.

Here is a picture comparing the two pistols from the side. In my mind the width/depth difference of the CZ97 in comparison to the SP-01 is most significant. The width of both pistols can be modified with different grips. In my case the CZ97 with the factory aluminum thin grips felt like a 2x4. It was too thin for its depth and left a gap at my upper palm. Installing the factory rubber grips fixed this for me. An added upside of the rubber gips is their low cost. Bare in mind every one is different i have seen plenty of folks who like the 97 with the aluminum grips. I believe hand size and finger length figure into the equation.

<---------CZ97 / SP-01---------->


CZ75 vs 97 Grip Depth
CZ 97 - 2.285 (grip scerw) 2.305 (bottem of grip)
CZ 75/SP-01 - 2.155 (grip scerw) 2.155 (bottem of grip)

Aprox. Grip width dimensions.
CZ 97: CZ Rubber grips - Width 1.270
           Factory Aluminum thin grips -  Width 1.132

CZ 75/SP-01: Factory rubber grips - 1.440
                     Factory plastic grips- 1.430

From all that i have seen i believe that the answer to your second question is yes. In terms of mechanical accuracy i think they are comparable. I am also interested to hear other forum members input on your questions.

Edit: Here is another comparison picture.
<---------CZ97 / SP-01---------->

[Earl Keese]

Tok, I think you have your grip width measurements backwards.

[Earl Keese]

Fairly new to CZs after trying a friend's SP-01 and loved it. As many are already aware, the SP-01 fits like a glove to many, and I was not the exception, except that I also happen to shoot it extremely well. This lead me to get an SP-01 and a Cajunized P-01.
During one of my outings to the range, another friend allowed me to shoot his 1911 double stack. To his surprise, I shot it even better he does.

I don't have any .45 ACP in my collection, and have been reading some about 1911s (Double stack) and came across the CZ97 being built to "compete" with 1911s. This being stated, I have a few questions I hope some may help clear out:

1) Would you choose a 1911 over a CZ97 or the other way around? Why?
I have and like both.
2) Is it a true statement that a CZ97 (Stock or Upgraded) is as accurate or maybe even better than a stock or custom 1911?
With the Cajun Gun Works bushing modification, good as or better than some custom 1911's. As it comes from CZ, accuracy is comparable to mid range 1911's.
3) Is the grip of a CZ97 wider/larger than an SP-01? (I ask because the SP-01 is absolutely perfect for me)
Wider, and the available grips don't have that magical palm swell.
4) Anyone with both an SP-01 ac 97 that can take a photo of how both grips looks like side by side from rear?
See Tok's reply.
5) Are there any recommended upgrade path for CZ97s? Is SAO worth it in a 97?
Mine is polished, with a CGW race hammer and flat sao trigger. 2lb pull with a 1mm reset. I'd say it's worth it. CGW bushing mod is a must have, figure it into purchase price. From the CGW website -"Our best 25 yard, sand  bag rested 5 shot group with match grade hand loaded ammo is 9/16? center-to-center with the CGW bushing modification".
6) In the event I decide to get one, should I get the B or BD version? Is there any advantage of the decocker version over the safety?
I'd go with safety so you have the option to convert to sao.

FWIW - This will not be competition gun. It will be a range, home defense gun. I am still debating wether to get a Shadow2 and P10C as well, and if the 97 is worth adding to my set?
I love mine, but you should at least hold one before buying. It is not a "slightly larger Sp-01" grip. It will feel familiar but not that "omg I just heard the angels sing" moment that some of us have when we pick up a P-01 or SP-01.

[Tok36]

Tok, I think you have your grip width measurements backwards.

Which ones Earl?

[Earl Keese]

Tok, I think you have your grip width measurements backwards.

Which ones Earl?

I didn't go into my safe to measure, but these stuck out to me. Did your Sp-01 actually measure thicker?
"Aprox. Grip width dimensions.
CZ 97: CZ Rubber grips - Width 1.270
           Factory Aluminum thin grips -  Width 1.132

CZ 75/SP-01: Factory rubber grips - 1.440
                     Factory plastic grips- 1.430"

[Tok36]

Tok, I think you have your grip width measurements backwards.

Which ones Earl?

I didn't go into my safe to measure, but these stuck out to me. Did your Sp-01 actually measure thicker?
"Aprox. Grip width dimensions.
CZ 97: CZ Rubber grips - Width 1.270
           Factory Aluminum thin grips -  Width 1.132

CZ 75/SP-01: Factory rubber grips - 1.440
                     Factory plastic grips- 1.430"

Ill go double check.

Edit: With grips installed the listed measurements are correct. Without grips the the two models are just about the same width at the front and rear of the grip frame. The factory SP-01 rubber and plastic grips have a palm swell. The factory CZ97 aluminum thin grips and CZ USA rubber grips are flat. So this is where the width difference come from. Good looking out though it dose seam strange.

[Earl Keese]

Sorry to put you to the trouble of measuring again. I started to doubt myself after you went to re-measure.

[Tok36]

Sorry to put you to the trouble of measuring again. I started to doubt myself after you went to re-measure.

Naw, it gave me a reason to go play with my CZs, so really, you did me a service. I took those measurements a long time ago as well, good time to check them, now i am 100%.

[olfarhors]

Heck I am a long time 1911 addict, likely got 14-15 of the beast, including one Dan Wesson stacked mag.
 If I knew what I know now and was going to get one 45 acp for home defense/ range play then I would go with my CZ 97 BD again.
now for carry then I would opt for one of my defender, officers or alloy framed commanders as they are smaller and lighter.
if comparing a stock below 1500 dollar 1911 to a stock CZ 97 then I would say that it depends on the particular weapon as to accuracy, my 97 BD will shoot pretty much right with any of my 1911's,
 likely not with a pure custom 1911, it will also not shoot with my Tanfoglio Elite Match but the 97 is a really accurate weapon.
I like mentioned above  put the CZ rubber grips on mine as I like the feel/fit better, the thin aluminum grips that came on it were fine with me but the rubber has a better feel to me.
MY 97 BD is pretty much stock except for a  lighter mainspring and extended firing pin.
I will say that my 1911's just don't get out to the range near as much since I bought the 97BD.

[Chino Hills]

FWIW, I compared, sort of, the basic 1911 to the 97B.  These are tape measure by old guy eyes, so...  Because it's a double stack, the 97 b frame width is 1", the 1911 is 3/4" - that's without grips.  The 97b magwell dimension front to back is only a 1/16 longer but fatter of course and looks more rectangular.  I didn't measure outside dimensions as the 97 has a bit of a forward swell at the base and there are a variety of available grips, especially for the 1911.  My 1911 has the early flat housing and Pachmayr rubber grips which have a checkered front wrap.  My 97b is the California wood grip model.  The 1911s can also have grip shape/feel altered with differing mainspring housings and grip safety beavertail shapes.

I haven't fired it for a while so a little hard to compare but I liked the feel of the 97 b in hand and shooting.  I have fairly large hands so the size wasn't a problem.  I can see how it might be for some though.  I really liked the 97b.  Advantage?  I think the feel in shooting is more comfortable with the 97B.  The 97b goes to 10 rounds in a mag.  Apparently similar clones might take more.  In Ca., so not an issue for me.  Even the single stackers can be fed with longer magazines.  So you trade bulk for capacity.  My impression from reading is that out of the box it's very accurate but I haven't got lots of experience to make the comparisons.

Advantages to the 1911s?  A wider variety of accessories are out there, many years of trigger and sight development and customization to draw on.  The 1911 safety has a more distinct and positive feel both going on and coming off, and more available shapes and ambidextrous options.  The 1911 has different frame and barrel/slide length options.  That's a plus. 

You don't have many double action approaches available to the 1911 family. 

I'm going to slowly approach any changes to my 97.  I do think about looking into sight options, the standard sights are a bit tough for my older eyes.  OTOH, my 1911 was a 1911 and those sights were really, really rudimentary so it has adjustable S&W sights applied.

[Pilot1]

I am a 1911 fan, and have a few Colts (my favorites), and a Springfield.  I also have a Browning Hi Power MKIII which I also really like, and it was one of my first center fire pistols I bought for myself many years ago.  That all being said, and I can't believe I am saying this is I like my 97B more than my 1911's, and my CZ-75 variants more than my Hi Power.  The grip angle, ergos, and feel do it for me, and they are accurate, and reliable as heck, (not that the 1911's, and BHP aren't). 

[jt57]

I have small hands so a 1911 fits me better and is easier to shoot, but with rubber grips and a short reach trigger the 97B is still manageable and yields good results.

[watchfan1]

MY 97 BD is pretty much stock except for a  lighter mainspring and extended firing pin.
I will say that my 1911's just don't get out to the range near as much since I bought the 97BD.

What is the commonly accepted lighter mainspring value by this group of enthusiasts, if I may ask?
I

[Tok36]

MY 97 BD is pretty much stock except for a  lighter mainspring and extended firing pin.
I will say that my 1911's just don't get out to the range near as much since I bought the 97BD.

What is the commonly accepted lighter mainspring value by this group of enthusiasts, if I may ask?
I

It depends on the set up/parts installed. With the factory Firing Pin you can go as low as 15#. With an extended FP installed you can go lower 15# - 8.5#(w/ federal primers). These are general rules every CZ is a little different.

The right spring depends on the specific pistol and shooter. I run 13# & 11.5# w/ extended FPs in most of my CZs, i prefer an SA around 3LB.