Skip to main content
CZ 75

Ceska · Pistol

CZ 75

Short recoil (semi-automatic) · 9x19mm Parabellum · introduced 1975

Also known as vz. 75, CZ 75B, CZ 85

About the CZ 75

The CZ 75 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, produced by Česká zbrojovka a.s. since 1975. This Czech-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace. Featuring a 16-round magazine capacity, this pistol offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense. The 4.7-inch barrel provides an excellent balance between sight radius and portability, making it equally suitable for duty carry and recreational shooting. At 1000g (35.3 oz), this is a substantial firearm whose weight contributes to reduced felt recoil and enhanced stability during precision shooting. The steel frame provides a solid, premium feel with the durability to withstand decades of regular use and thousands of rounds. This firearm represents its manufacturer's commitment to delivering a well-engineered, reliable product that serves the needs of discerning shooters seeking quality, accuracy, and dependable performance from a proven platform.

The CZ 75 was designed by brothers Frantisek and Josef Koucky but was never patented under Czechoslovakia's communist government, leading to it becoming the most copied pistol design in history. Manufacturers from Israel (Jericho 941), Italy (Tanfoglio), Turkey (Sarsilmaz), and others all produced derivatives, ironically making it more influential than designs that were more strictly protected.

CZ 75 specifications

General

Type
Pistol
Action
Short recoil (semi-automatic)
Firing mechanism
Hammer-fired
Trigger
Double action single action
Calibres
9x19mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, .40 S&W, 9x21mm IMI
Magazine capacity
16 rounds
Magazine
Detachable box magazine

Dimensions

Barrel length
120 mm (4.7 in)
Overall length
206 mm (8.1 in)
Height
137 mm (5.4 in)
Width
36 mm (1.4 in)
Weight (empty)
1.00 kg (2.20 lb)
Weight (loaded)
1.12 kg (2.47 lb)

Barrel

Rifling twist
1:10 in (254 mm)
Rifling
Right hand
Grooves
6

Materials

Barrel
Steel
Receiver / frame
Steel
Slide
Steel
Finish
blued

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical)
360 m/s (1181 fps)
Muzzle energy (typical)
481 J (355 ft·lb)
Effective range
50 m

History

Introduced
1975
Production status
In production
Country of origin
CZ
Designer
Frantisek Koucky

Available calibres

9x19mm Parabellum.40 S&W.40 S&W9x21mm IMI

Features

  • Tilting barrel lock
  • Internal slide rails
  • Staggered column magazine
  • Hammer forged barrel
  • Three dot sights
  • Squared trigger guard
  • Steel construction

Safety

  • Manual safety
  • Firing pin safety
  • Half cock notch

The CZ 75 was designed by brothers Josef and František Koucký in the early 1970s at Česká zbrojovka in Uherský Brod, Czechoslovakia. Production began in 1976, initially for export markets, as the Czechoslovak military already had the vz. 82 in service. The design was not initially patented, leading to numerous licensed and unlicensed copies worldwide by manufacturers including IMI (Jericho 941), Tanfoglio (Force series), Springfield (P9), Sarsilmaz (K2), and others. The CZ 75B variant, introduced in the late 1980s, added an internal firing pin safety and became the standard model. Over 1,000,000 units have been produced. The pistol achieved NATO certification through the P-01 variant. The full-size model features all-steel construction, while compact variants like the P-01 use aluminum frames. The CZ 75 Automatic is a rare selective-fire variant capable of approximately 1,000 rounds per minute.

CZ 75 variants

Similar models

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience, analyse traffic and serve relevant ads. By continuing to use GunBuy, you consent to our use of cookies. See our Privacy Policy for details.