CZ-75 Legend Gun Review

The CZ 75 Legend, let’s check it out. (Available Here)

 

The CZ 75, it’s been a classic, and it was a red herring for many years, designed in the early 70s, finalized in 1975, but it was produced in Czechoslovakia, which was one of the Eastern Bloc countries. And so these were not being able to be imported into the U.S. In 1989, after the Czech Revolution, these were allowed to be imported, and there was a lot of lore around the CZ 75.

One of the reasons is the ergonomics. It just really fits well in your hand. But just as important is the inverted slide rails.

And so the slide actually fits down into the frame. It gives you a really low bore axis, and then the reciprocating mass is less coming back, and it’s really soft to shoot. And really with those slide rails running all the way down the frame, there’s great frame-to-slide fit.

But today we’re going to take a look at the Legend. Now this is from the very original design of the CZ 75, and it’s different than the current models that are made today. We’re going to take a look at those differences.

We’re going to compare it to a standard CZ 75. And also, we’re going to take it to the range, and we’re going to shoot it. Now again, these are limited runs, and this is really for those who really love the CZ 75 design.

When I was at SHOT Show this past year, I got a sneak peek at the Legend, and guys, I was super excited to get a hold of one. With it being that classic, I can’t wait to get this out to the range. Now I want to give a big thank you to CZ for sending the CZ 75 Legend for this review.

The CZ 75 Legend. This is taken from the original CZ 75 that was designed in the early 70s. It became official in 1975 and joined the Czechoslovakian military and became its side arm.

And it replaced the CZ 70. And we’re talking about a major advancement. This is in .32 ACP, has an 8-round magazine, it is double action, and this is very similar in design to your Walther PPK.

But for a military side arm, this was a really big leap. But while the Soviet bloc was going with 9mm Makarov, Czechoslovakia went with 9mm. And Czechs have always been a little different when it comes to their arms manufacturing.

Now there are a number of things, though, other than just mag capacity. So first we have a 16 plus 1 magazine, chamber’s empty. One thing that’s really unique about the CZ 75 design is its inverted slide rails.

And that means the rails of the slide fit into the frame. So it gives it a very low bore axis. And what does that mean? It means less mass coming over your hand, it means you can get your hand higher up on the handgun, and it just helps effectively reduce recoil.

And that’s one of the big things about the CZ 75. But also, with the Legend, we have a standard frame safety. It’s not a decocker.

So we can go cocked and locked, and of course, drop it, and we can fire that first round. Now this is a double single action handgun, which means that when you pull the trigger with the hammer down, it’ll actuate the hammer, and you fire a round. It’s heavier, and we’ll take a look at the trigger pull in a minute.

But it’s quick, and honestly, it’s pretty safe. But then you can go with single action, and that’s with the hammer in the rear position, and it’s a very short, quick trigger pull. Now honestly, with the double action, you’re not going to shoot at double action that often because you actually rack the slide, and there’s a round in the chamber, put your safety on, and now you’re going to go single action.

But you do have that second strike capability with double action. But one thing that stands out with the Legend is these deep slide cuts, these slabs. These are referred to as the high power cuts because the Browning High Power has those same cuts on the front of its slide.

But you can see that it is a lot more abbreviated with the Browning. Now the CZ75 has always reminded me of the Browning High Power, and a lot of cues were taken for the CZ75. But the Browning High Power is a single action only, and it has 13 plus 1, which was way ahead of its time.

And these were designed in 1935 and served in military and police all over the world, and probably still do. But one of the things about the CZ75 is it is the second most copied handgun in the world next to the 1911. And one of the big reasons is because these were Eastern Bloc or Soviet Bloc country, they were not allowed to export these to Western nations.

And because of that, the CZ75 was always one of those guns that people couldn’t get, but really wanted to get. But here we have a current CZ75B model. And there have been some changes made, and the first you’ll notice is the shorter, more high power extension, or high power cut.

With the original, it was much more deeper, it was farther back. There is a scallop in the frame on this new CZ75B models, and the B model denotes that it does have a firing pin block. But as far as the overall design, they are the same.

In fact, they’ll still take the same magazines either way. Here we have one, and this has a polymer base pad. And it will fit very easily into the CZ75 Legend.

In fact, when we were doing our range shooting, we used a number of different standard CZ magazines. So that makes it really nice not to have to go after proprietary magazines. But also, we have those original polymer type synthetic grips.

These are actually VZ grips, and it does come with a rubberized grip, but I took that off because I wanted this to look good. Now you’ll notice that the B model has more of a cut off at the front with the trigger guard. It is nice and ample, but with the original Legend, it really sweeps down.

The slide serrations on the B model, they’re short and they’re easy. But with the Legend, they’re actually concave into the slide. And so it just kind of gives it a little bit of some relief and able to grab it.

And one of the reasons is because the CZ75 has inverted slide rails, so it’s a very short slide. Also, the beaver tail has been changed. It kind of sweeps up with the B model.

With the Legend, it actually comes more straight out. And we have a tang hammer, which was very popular at the time. In fact, the Browning Hi-Power had that tang hammer, and then they switched to this more commander style, which the CZ75 has done the same.

One of the problems with the Browning Hi-Power is what they call their hammer bite. And because this hammer comes back so far, if you’ve got really meaty hands, you can get a nice little bump here on the web of your hand. In fact, I have a lot of friends that just will not shoot the Browning Hi-Power because it’ll bite them.

And so this goes back to the original design, but it has a little more of a beaver tail. And so as you bring that hammer back, you have a little more space. But if you have really meaty hands, it could be an issue.

Now the CZ75s typically have a chrome-plated barrel. It’s 4.6 inches in length, and the CZ75 is very reliable. Also, the sights are a little different.

We have luminescent sights on the rear. We have a luminescent sight with the CZ75B, but we have a milled in sight with the Legend, and that was the original design. It is serrated.

Also, you’ll notice that the top of the slide is smooth, and with the B model, we have serrations that go all the way down. And you have a sight insert. And actually, CZ75s, you actually put the sight in from the front, and there’s a pin.

So a little bit different, but actually very easy to change that front sight out. Both have smooth back strap, smooth front strap. It does come out a little bit here at the bottom, and that just allows it to fit into your hand.

One of the things that the CZ75 is known for is to be very ergonomic, and it’s a very naturally pointing handgun. Now when it comes to the mag release, it’s extended a little bit. You hit it, but the mag does not come all the way.

It doesn’t drop free. And so with the CZ75B model, it drops free. One thing, too, with the B, is you can switch it over to the other side.

With the Legend, again, with the original design, you can’t switch it to the other side. We have a chrome-plated trigger that is curved. With the CZ75B model, it moves up a little bit.

And of course, it’s just in blue steel. And these are both in all-steel configuration. One of the things about the B model is it’s more of a baked-on finish.

Holds up very well. I’ve had this one for a number of years, but with the Legend, I think this gets back to a more blue finish, and it’s just really nice. It almost has that vintage look to it, which suits this handgun.

There are no markings that say Legend on here. It’s just Model 75 9mm Parabellum. And these are made in the Czech Republic, but they are imported by CZ USA in Kansas City, Kansas.

And what’s cool is they do have different proof marks, and they have the frame and the slide serial marked. Now, the barrel does protrude just a touch out of the slide. It is crowned, and it is chrome-plated.

You can see it has a little chamfering here just to make it more rounded off, and almost melted. But yet, you have the bigger difference with the longer slab side. But really, overall, these are both CZ75s.

It’s just that this one has had improvements made, or just changes made. With the original model, again, it’s a limited edition, and CZ just wanted to reintroduce it, mainly because there’s so many people that love the CZ75, and having that original model is honestly something worth having. Now, we’re going to look at the trigger action, and guys, this is a very smooth double-action trigger.

It’s going to be a little heavier, but as we bring it back, it’s just smooth. And honestly, it’s very predictable. But typically, you’re going to shoot it in single action.

So we bring it back, and hit a wall, and then a nice break. Guys, honestly, this is an exceptional double-action trigger. And then we’re going to try a reset, right there.

Pretty quick reset. Now, with the Lyman trigger gauge from Brownells, we’re going to check out the trigger pull in double-action. 8 pounds, 14.9 ounces.

I’m going to tell you guys, I have tried to get that double-action, but it always pulls through, and we’re going to try it one more time. 9 pounds, 4.9 ounces. But obviously, single action is what you’re typically going to be firing this handgun.

3 pounds, 2.3 ounces. 3 pounds, 3.8 ounces. Guys, it is a really nice trigger.

Weight on the CZ75 Legend, 34.8 ounces. Alright guys, a big thank you to Fiocchi for sponsoring our ammo. All made right here in the USA.

One of the biggest suppliers of ammunition in the country. And also, a big thanks to Lula Loaders for making range day smooth. And also being able to use compatible CZ75 mags.

Alright guys, the CZ75 Legend, the 16-round magazine, of course it will take any of your CZ75 pattern mags. Very smooth. Slide to frame fit is great, and those rails are all the way down the frame, and they’re inverted.

They’re on the inside. So this really makes this shoot extremely flat, and it just has less mass coming back. So it’s definitely telling at the range, and it’s one of the reasons why I’ve been a big fan of the CZ75 for a long time.

Now this one has the frame safety instead of the decocker. A little bit different, and the slab cuts, it just makes a different aesthetic. Sights are fine, I mean they’re two dot, and then we just have a ramp at the front.

But again, we’re going for that standard, original CZ. Of course that hammer just stays in the rear position. So you’re going cocked and locked.

The grip is that ergonomic grip, and of course you have these polymer grips instead of the traditional CZ grips, but you can change these out for any of your regular CZ grips, or if you want something a little fancy. But again, it takes away from the legendary feel of the handgun. And then the beaver tail is cut back just a little bit.

It’s not quite as curved up, and you have the tang hammer. So if you have really large hands, that may be an issue, you want to check that. There’s no serrations on the top, it’s just smooth.

And the front and back strap are smooth, but yet it holds in your hand pretty well. I’ll tell you guys, if you’ve never shot a CZ75, it is an experience. It’s different than your standard handguns because of the internal slide rails.

That super low bore axis gives you just less felt recoil. Of course, it’s just CZ, which is really good quality. So really an icon come to life, and the legendary is definitely up to the task.

All right, for disassembly, we’re going to drop our magazine, check the chamber, gun’s empty. Again, here on the back, we have to line up those notches. And that is going to find the right place for you to release your slide stop.

Here on the other side, it can be kind of tight, so we’re going to use the butt of our magazine to push that out. There we go. You have to really give it a little push.

Then we’re going to pull out our slide stop. There we go. Now we’re going to drop the hammer, and then we’re going to let the slide go forward.

Here is our recoil spring and guide rod, and we have our barrel. Man, this thing is beautiful, and we shot about 400 rounds through it the other day, but because of that chrome plating, it really holds up extremely well. Shows very little wear.

The guide rod is metal, and of course, we have our spring. Fit and finish is excellent, which is on par with CZ, but you’ll also notice that we have slide rails that come on the outside of the slide, and again, those inverted slide rails really make a difference. And you’ll notice that the rails on the frame are complete all the way down, so it’s a really good slide-to-frame fit, which leads to really smooth cycling, which to me is very evident at the range.

Then of course, the frame, a very simple design in a way, but yet there’s a lot of craftsmanship. Now for reassembly, we’re going to drop in our barrel. You’ll notice there is a little dot right here on the locking lug, and we’re going to put in our recoil spring, and there is a little dot, or a little raised area on our guide rod, and you just kind of fit them together, and that just holds it into place.

And then we bring our slide over, and again, it goes into the frame, which to me is so funny. Now we get it lined up, and we can go ahead and put in our slide stop, and we see it open up with the barrel, and you’ll notice there is a little cut in the slide that allows you just to line that up, and you want to raise up your slide stop so you don’t scratch your frame. Well guys, I’ve been trying to get my slide stop in, and you’ll notice there is a little flat cut right here on the slide stop, and so it just didn’t seem to want to go in, and here it fits right in this spot, and it’s just very tight.

It has a lot to do with the tolerances. So we’re going to do this a little differently than I typically do. Go ahead and put our slide back over.

I had to take the slide off to see what was going on. Then once I find the hole again, I’m going to go ahead and put my slide stop in. Then I’m going to line up those two notches, bring it up, and then I’m just going to take the nylon tip of a hammer, and I’m going to put it in very gently.

It is a very tight fit. This took a little bit of pressure to get out, but putting this back in, I needed a little help. But typically, it’ll go right in.

Let’s go ahead and enter our magazine. Let’s test for function, and we’re back in business. Well, guys, I always recommend Otis technology for my cleaning supplies.

I’ve been using Otis for many years. They are suppliers to the US military. They have the Ripcord and a whole system around it.

There’s a lot of tools that they use and complete kits. You name it, Otis has it, and you can get 20% off using Suits20. We want to thank Otis for being a channel sponsor.

Guys, you get a soft case that is firm. It does have the CZ75 logo with a little grab handle, and we have the handgun. It is in close foam padding.

You do get two magazines with the pistol, and you get a small little cleaning kit. And here at the top, you get your instructions. This is just a really nice case.

It’s one of those semi-rigid cases that make it easy to take this to the range. Now, the MSRP is $13.99, which is somewhat higher than your standard CZ75. But this is, again, a limited run.

It’s more toward the collector value or those who just love the CZ75 design, and they want that original. I love the extended slide cuts or the high-power cuts. The trigger is incredibly smooth.

The inverted slide rails just make this a real pleasure to shoot, and those deepened slide serrations, the original grips, abbreviated beaver tail, and the tamed hammer just give this more of that classic look. But guys, if you’re really looking for something to get that CZ experience, the B model is excellent, and any of the CZ75 handguns. But when it comes to a classic, the Legend really stands on its own.

But guys, as a testament to the CZ75 design, one of the most sought-after handguns is the Shadow II Carry. And this is a phenomenal handgun, and optics-ready, has the front and rear slide serrations, has the checkering on the front. But these are incredible firearms, and they come in a number of different configurations.

Or you can go back to the classic. And of course, don’t forget their P10C series. I mean, CZ’s been around for a long time, but for good reason.

Guys, a classic reborn with the CZ75 Legend. I mean, this gets back to its original roots. And yet, while it has some changes, it still retains that CZ75 design.

And again, this is a limited run, so there’s only going to be so many available. But this, for those who love the CZ, this is going to be one that you’re really going to want to have. And again, a big thank you to CZUSA for sending the CZ75 Legend for this review.

Be strong, be of good courage. God bless America. Long live the Republic.

 

-Don