CZ’s flagship semi-automatic pistol, the 75B, is a Czech-made firearm that has become number one for military, police, and security agencies worldwide. In fact, it’s one of the most trusted home/self-defense pistols out there. But why? Keep reading to find out.

Accuracy

Trusted by professionals across the world, the 75B offers fantastic accuracy at personal protection distances of five to twenty yards. A unique feature of this pistol is that the slide is actually in the frame, which allows for a tighter fit and lock-up, contributing to the accuracy. The heavy weight, long barrel, and higher beavertail grip all do their part to increase the accuracy, as well. Short-distance accuracy is impeccable, and long-distance accuracy is also very good! From twenty-five meters, I was able to keep my five-shots in an average group of about 3”. Accuracy is important for a personal defense handgun, and the 75B certainly passes the test.

Reliability

This pistol is trusted by law enforcement and military forces across the globe, so it’s no wonder average citizens trust it completely, as well! CZ really took their time to create a superior, quality-detailed build, using materials that will last for years and years. I’ve had my 75B for years, and never had any malfunctions of any kind with countless different types of ammo. It’s a tough gun that works perfectly in all conditions, standing up to snow, mud, sand, and any other environmental force you can imagine. If this isn’t enough to convince you, CZ offers a lifetime warranty on this pistol to ensure complete peace of mind.

Handling

The 75B comes in an all-steel construction with a black polycoat finish. It’s rounded with no rough edges, and these factors combined with the weight make it very comfortable to grip and angle. I’d even go as far as to say it’s one of the most comfortable grips out there! The beavertail is upswept, which allows for a higher grip and helps mitigate felt recoil. It comes standard with fixed 3 dot sights, but you also have the option of a front fiber optic sight or Tritium night sights. While the standard sights are acceptable, the optional sights are better for those of us with bad vision. The controls are all within easy reach, although shooters with smaller hands might find the slide release a stretch, and those with larger hands might find it difficult to turn off the safety in firing position! The manual safety is great for making new shooters feel more comfortable and prevents the slide from moving when it’s in the “up” position. Disassembly is a breeze, and no tools are needed to completely break down the pistol. The slide release acts as the takedown lever, so you just line-up the two takedown lines, push out the slide release, and push the slide forward and off! This handgun offers smooth double-action and crisp single-action, and overall, handles very well.

Trigger

The trigger on this pistol, like many semi-autos, has some high points and some low points. The single-action trigger is a crisp and smooth 4.5 lbs with a short, quick, and audible reset. There is some slack in the trigger, but there’s also very little wall before the break, which increases trigger control. The double-action trigger is long and heavy, around 12 lbs, but is relatively smooth and comparable to similar pistols. The 75B is equipped with a firing pin block safety (that’s the “B” in 75B), and while some say this worsens the pull, I honestly haven’t noticed a difference. The 75B offers a low-bore axis, which aids in trigger reach, and the trigger is adjustable to account for any overtravel. The trigger blade itself is straight and flat, making it very comfortable to hold. Overall, the trigger is okay. Not great, but not terrible, and comparable to other similar models.

Magazine & Reloading

The 75B comes with two 16+1 capacity, double column, drop-free magazines. While these are already pretty high-capacity mags, 20 round capacity is also available if that appeals to you more. Also, CZ mags are fantastic because they are durable and easy to clean. In fact, they are some of my favorite mags I’ve ever used. As previously mentioned, the mag release button is extended to allow easy use for any shooter, and you can expect a very long lifetime for the standard magazines.

Length & Weight

This is a bigger pistol, weighing in around 35 oz. It’s just over 8” long, with the barrel accounting for 4.6” of that. It’s heavy, not optimal for regular carry, but it is suitable for concealed carry once you get used to the weight of it.

Recoil Management

The weight of the gun, the all-metal construction, and the inherent design are all responsible for the 75B’s low recoil and low muzzle rise. The slide-in-frame design also offers better recoil control, since the slide rides inside the frame rails rather than outside. The recoil is soft and short when shooting standard 9mm rounds, and the pistol’s recoil management system is one of its best features.

Price

The CZ 75B is priced around $650. This is a mid-range price, and quite a reasonable one for what you get. Other similar pistols, such as the Sig Sauer Legion P226, can run you $1,000 or more, so this is a great, reliable option if you’re on a budget.

My Verdict?

While its main purpose is home defense, the CZ 75B is a solid, well-built pistol that’s acceptable for a variety of uses, including range and competition shooting. It’s a great handgun for anyone, even newbie shooters! Here’s a recap of some of its best features:

• Lifetime warranty and complete reliability
• Soft-shooting and minimal recoil
• Complete high-quality pistol, right out of the box

If you’re looking for a first-class handgun at a very affordable price with tons of aftermarket support, the CZ 75B could be perfect for you.

Richard Douglas is a firearms expert and educator. His work has appeared in large publications like The Armory Life, Daily Caller, American Shooting Journal, and more. In his free time, he reviews optics on his Scopes Field blog.

Image: CZ-USA.