Explain the CZ lineup please

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pavmentsurfer

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Im considering another CZ pistol... but I just cant get a good feel for what the difference is between some of their models.

Theres the 75, the 75B, the 75 Shadow and Shadowline... then theres the SP-01, SP-01 shadow and SP-01 shadowline. Then you have your tactical and other models.

What IS the difference? I see the 75 shadowline models in stock and i can find an SP-01 shadow but the descriptions of these guns on their site seems to be nearly identical.

Can anyone school me?
 
shadowlines have a few parts changed to things that 90% of all IPSC shooters change automatically. AL grips, thin safteys ect. it is a very good value and would highly recommend it over a stock shadow
 
I recently purchased a Shadow Canadian Version which is quite similar to the Shadow Line. I wanted a Shadow Line, but couldn't find one.

Essentially depending what you want to do, they have a wide variety of models to suit your specific need.

For example. The 75 B doesn't have the rail that the SP-01 has. Many people prefer the model with the rail because it keeps the muzzle end heavier thus reducing muzzle flip-up. It's certainly not necessary. There are some other changes as well, like heavenIsAlie said (grips, safety, sights) but you get the general idea. The descriptions are not overly helpful, but you can see the pics are different and identify what they have done. It's handy to buy a model that comes from the factory as close to the way you would want it as possible. That may not be possible but from my research so long as it has the model you buy comes with the frame you want, you can modify nearly anything else to match your specific preferences.

When I was shopping recently, I couldn't find a SP-01 Shadow line, but a guy told me he had one only to realize it was a 75 B after asking him to check 3 times because he didn't know there was more than one Shadow Line, and he works at a CZ distributor.
 
Good question, I too have been a little baffled at specifics between models. I'm leaning towards a CZ75B stainless but could be persuaded to choose a different model if I knew a more detailed list of differences. Someone in the know speak up, we're listening.
 
The main difference are in 1) frame, 2) slide and FPB or no FPB, 3) safeties vs decocker. There are a few others of cause.

I'll just mention main differences here:

1) frames can be full length (like SP-01 with picatinny rail) or 75/75B/85 style; SP-01 and 75B SA frames have higher beavertail cut and longer beavertail;
2) slides can have or not have a cut out for FPB (look for a cross pin below rear sight) and thus FPB or lack of; quite older slides have fixed non-replaceable front sight; different profiles with or without serrations or flat top;
3) decocking frames (different holes sizes and location on frame) all were fitted with FPB extra hardware. They allow for FPB parts being eliminated thou.
Manual safeties can be single sided or ambi. Slide stop can also be ambi (85 Combat and a few others).

Also, SP-01 guns have thicker barrel that is greater in diameter. I'm talking 9mm guns here only now.

Also, worth mentioning - SP-01 Shadow is going to be SSP and ESP legal, as weight is going to be upped to 43oz as opposed to prior 39oz limit.

Personally, having and shooting a few CZs I'd prefer SP-01 variant full length frame to shorter frames; for balance and recoil management.

Cheers.
 
This is all very helpful info... but it still doesnt explain exactly what the difference is between say, an SP-01 Shadow and an SP-01 Shadowline or an SP-01 Shadow and a regular 75 Shadowline.

These are the ones im most confused by.
 
SP-01 Shadow is your regular shadow.. Circular hammer spur etc. The SP-01 Shadow line has the CZ Zub upgraded hammer, thin aluminum grips, and I think the recoil guide rod isn't the regular plastic setup. The CZ75B Shadow Line has the same upgraded hammer, grips, recoil guide rod, etc as the SP-01 Shadow Line but with the CZ75 frame (non-extended dust cover) and the milled slide that narrows towards the muzzle. Any of the guns in the 'Shadow' series will have a fibre optic front sight and enlarged rear sight. I don't know if it was sold in Canada but there is a model of SP-01 Shadow with an adjustable rear sight as well.
The Shadow Line series also has the CZ85 shaped nickle plated trigger.

Original CZ75 Spur Hammer:
1091-1323.png


SP-01 Shadow Hammer:
ShadowHammer_2.jpg


SP-01 Accu-Shadow / CZ Custom upgraded hammer:
sadahammer.jpg


SP-01 Shadow Line / CZ75B Shadow Line hammer:
a75ShadowLine018.jpg
 
Now THAT was the info I was looking for. Fully explains what the differences are. Sounds like a 75 SP-01 shadow line OR 75B shadow line are the ones id want. I dont really care about the extra material on the front of the frame. But I like the other upgrades.

Thanks
 
Syphen said:
SP-01 Shadow is your regular shadow.. Circular hammer spur etc. The SP-01 Shadow line has the CZ Zub upgraded hammer, thin aluminum grips, and I think the recoil guide rod isn't the regular plastic setup. The CZ75B Shadow Line has the same upgraded hammer, grips, recoil guide rod, etc as the SP-01 Shadow Line but with the CZ75 frame (non-extended dust cover) and the milled slide that narrows towards the muzzle. Any of the guns in the 'Shadow' series will have a fibre optic front sight and enlarged rear sight. I don't know if it was sold in Canada but there is a model of SP-01 Shadow with an adjustable rear sight as well.
The Shadow Line series also has the CZ85 shaped nickle plated trigger.

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Click to expand...


Excellent post!

Thanks.
 
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