CZ 97: a .45 to consider

[American1776]

This is my CZ 97BD .45 acp.

It is a 10 shot .45 that acts and feels like a single stack. It’s no bigger than a 1911, and weighs 41 ounces. It fits perfectly inside a DeSantis leather thumb break holster for a SIG P220.

The grip with the thin aluminum panels feels thinner than a 1911.

This is a BD model so it decocks. Trigger reach is a little long, but with the decocker putting it at a half cock position, the trigger has plenty of slack in DA.

If you’re looking for a metal .45 that carries more than the standard 7or 8, this is a great ergonomic option.

 

[delcrossv]

I've been considering a 97BD for a while. I like the slim profile. I believe CGW makes a kit for it that reduces the reach.

Another CZ "esque" option is a Sarsilmaz K2 45. 14+1 DA/SA but no decocker , unfortunately. (Old school decocking )

 

[ISCS Yoda]

If I was considering a full size pistol in .45 ACP I'd definitely look at one of those before a 1911. The double action alone puts it galaxies ahead of a 1911, Colt, Kimber, Springfield, whomever. No single action beats a double action pistol. But I have said that before. Nicely done!

 

[colt_saa]

Ergonimcally the CZ75 and all of it's children, cousins and brethern have a Huge following when it comes to how they feel in the hand

I have always especially liked the large frame CZ pattern firearms.

The CZ97 BDs just have a serious look to them. I like the clean look of the full length dust cover. My CZ97BD did not come with aluminium grips, I think it came with rubber (I am ashamed to say I have not shot it in a while and my mind is sketchy). I have had mine for many years so perhaps they changed the OEM grip. Your newer CZ97BD might be thinner overall with those aluminium grips than the one I bought so long ago.

The CZ97BD was not my first large frame CZ pattern firearm.

The Good Folks at EAA used to be located in Opa Locka FL and used to shoot IPSC at Uncle Hal's range once a month. They built me a pair of SAO pistols, one in 45ACP and one in 38SUPER back in the 1990s. These were my first two large frame CZ pattern firearms. I think that they are quire attractive

When it comes to looks, I still think the EAA Witness pistols are quite attractive. The Elite Limited (pictured below) is probably my favorite, However the long lean look of the Witness Hunter is pretty appealing as well

The Swiss manufactured One Pro that was imported by Magnum Research is probably my favorite from a trigger standpoint, it is so smooth and light that I thought it was broken before I bought it. I think that the One Pro is about the worst looking of the CZ pattern auto-loaders, but the trigger sold me

The great thing is that most of the large frame CZ pattern auto-loaders share the same magazines

 

[Echo40]

I prefer the EAA/Tanfoglio Witness 45.

It's based on the CZ75 but with some upgraded features, more options, and a potentially lower price.

 

[Jebus35745]

Found a Cajunized 97 that someone set up as a bullseye gun. Lots of extras came with it. Comparable to higher end 1911’s at a cheaper price. It’s still double action, fits the hand nicely.

Coltsaa, what is the bottom gun. Has a nice look to it, Larry

 

[colt_saa]

Coltsaa,
what is the bottom gun. Has a nice look to it, Larry

I inserted my pictures wrong. It is corrected now

That is the EAA Witness Elite Limited. It feels great, shoots great and I think it looks great as well

 

[Ashlander]

In 9mm I have a nice CZ75 BD (Police), but in 45 ACP, I went with the Sar K2-45. That's 14 + 1 rounds! What a gun. It's 40 ounces unloaded, so it must be a ton with a full mag. So I'll never carry it, but for home defense in close quarters.....

I got it for less that $600 new in 2012 (with 2 mags). Also bought a bunch of extra mags at 30 bucks each.