
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
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
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