When you start the process of looking for a new handgun, there are two distinct dilemmas, at least for some of us. Do you pick from a growing line of new, modern-day models, or from the established, proven classic lineup? There are pros and cons to both, and the answer varies depending on the gun. For today’s discussion, we are looking at the CZ 75D, a compact version of the original CZ 75 pistol.
I have always found it interesting that people like to see old classic things just as much as the new. Take cars for example. A new car with all the bells and whistles of today’s technology is very impressive. But stop at a classic car show and see how many people flock around them.
At guns shows, I get excited to see what new models are being released. But I also find myself gravitating to the tables that have some of the original classics. I’ve seen them all before, but I never get tired of looking at them.
So, let’s take a look at one of those classic guns that, like the 1911, has held it’s own over the years.
The Legendary CZ 75 Handgun
Introduced in 1975 by Czech firearms designers Josef and František Koucký, the CZ 75 quickly gained a global reputation. It is one of the original “wonder nine” pistols and is often used today by competition shooters. Of course, the competition versions are modified, but they are still based on the original design.
Speaking of designs, you can hardly talk about the CZ 75 without mentioning that it was inspired by Browning’s High-Power pistol.
Various militaries and police forces worldwide have used the CZ 75 extensively. Notably, it saw adoption by Czech and Slovak armed forces, Turkish police, and several African and Middle Eastern military units. Its reliability in harsh environments helped elevate it to its legendary status.
Over the years, CZ produced numerous variants tailored to different needs, including the CZ 75B, CZ 75 SP-01, and the CZ 75D Compact. The CZ 75D Compact specifically caught my attention because of its size and weight.
A Close Look at the CZ 75D
The CZ 75D Compact, often called the “PCR” (Police Czech Republic), launched in the late 1990s. While it looks almost identical to the CZ 75 Compact, the 75D is made with a forged aluminum frame. This makes it about a ¼ pound lighter than the standard compact version.
For the time period it was in, this made it an exceptionally light gun. But even compared to modern guns, the 75D is not what I would call a heavy gun by any means. For example, a Glock 19 weighs 23.63 ounces compared to 27.5 for the CZD.
Like many other handguns from years past, the CZ 75D is a single action/double action pistol. It’s a hammer-fired gun with a decocker, which sets the trigger in the perfect spot for carrying.
When a gun is single action/double action, you often have to choose which position to carry it in. With a decocker that places the hammer in the middle, the trigger has less distance to travel than double action mode. I prefer this when carrying it for self-defense. This also doubles as a safety for the gun because the hammer does not rest on the firing pin.
What makes it shoot so well?
One of the most noticeable things about the CZ 75 line of handguns is the trigger. When the gun is in a single action (hammer cocked), it has one of the best triggers I’ve seen on a gun. There is some light take-up in the trigger and then a clean break.
When you combine this with the natural-feeling grip, this gun is among the most comfortable and easy-to-shoot guns I own. For me, the curve on the top, back side of the grip is what makes it feel so comfortable to shoot. This also gives it excellent balance in your hands.
It has a fixed square front sight and notched rear sight with a half circle cutout behind the notch. For whatever reason, I shoot better with this style of sight. AmmoToGo.com provided some 9mm Federal 115gr FMJ ammo so we could put a lot of ammo through the CZ and some more modern guns. Even when we shot them side by side, the CZ stands out as a smooth shooter.
The slide release is large enough that you can easily hit it with your thumb even when moving around during drills. While the mag release isn’t oversized, it also sticks out just enough that you can push it without really changing your grip on the gun.
CZ 75D Compact Specifications:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 3.75 inches
- Overall Length: 7.24 inches
- Weight: 27.5 ounces
- Magazine Capacity: 15+1 rounds
- Frame Material: Aluminum alloy
- Trigger: Double-action/Single-action (DA/SA)
- Sights: Fixed three-dot
- Safety: Decocking lever
How Does It Stack Up Against Modern-Day Guns?
Most manufacturers these days prioritize lightweight, compact designs with ample magazine capacity, at least for defensive guns made to conceal carry. Striker-fired pistols have dominated the market because of their simplicity and consistent trigger pulls.
These types of guns include Glock, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson’s M&P series and more. In general, they use fewer moving parts, which can increase reliability.
With weight and magazine capacity, I feel like it’s just as relevant as most other guns of this size. A Glock 19 holds the same amount of ammo (15+1), and the weight isn’t bad either. I know, some will say a few ounces make a big difference. To be honest, I can’t tell any difference in weight when carrying this one compared to my Glock 19.
Where most people will notice a difference is in the trigger. Because there is no hammer-locking safety, the gun must be carried in double action (hammer down) or in decock mode (hammer in the middle).
When the hammer is decocked, it is still a longer and heavier trigger pull than striker-fired guns. This is a deal-breaker for some as well.
For me, however, the natural grip and point of aim are better than many striker-fired pistols. This is, of course, a personal preference, but I shoot better with this gun than many others.
Two common features the CZ 75 doesn’t have
Since the invention of the striker-fired system, one of the most common features you find on new handguns is an optics plate and Picatinny rail.
Some of my guns have optics on them, and some do not. A light is a little more important to me than an optic, and this is where some could argue about why modern guns are better for self-defense.
I’ll admit, a light is a good accessory to have on a concealed carry gun, or any defensive gun, really. You never know when you will find yourself in the dark.
Even though it’s not a good alternative, I carry a light in my pocket as part of my EDC gear. These two features will also depend on a person’s own preferences.
And the answer is…
When you get beyond personal preferences, it’s hard to say the CZ 75D is not a practical gun to carry for self-defense. Selecting one will depend on your experience with hammer-fired handguns, but that alone doesn’t make it inferior.
As I mentioned above, one of the biggest disadvantages of the CZ 75D is the lack of a light rail and optics plate. Even though these are disadvantages compared to modern handguns, it doesn’t rule the gun out for me.
This is a gun that will remain in my arsenal of defensive carry guns. I tend to carry this one the most in the wintertime with a shoulder holster. There are not as many options for accessories with the CZ 75D compared to other modern guns, like a Glock. But that’s not to say there are no options at all. You can still find accessories like grips, upgraded sights, IWB and OWB holsters, etc., for the CZ 75D.
It may not be every shooter’s cup of tea, but the CZ 75D is still a relevant choice in today’s lineup of defensive handguns.
