The CZ 75 was introduced in 1975, and it was one of the Czech Republic’s military firearms made in 9mm and based really heavily on the Browning Hi-Power, but this is double action. It’s been used by more militaries than any other firearm in the world, and from that, there have been a number of different CZ 75 variations. We are looking at the SP-01 Tactical – it’s an all-steel frame, double-single action, and this is made really great for competition, but it is a full-size pistol.
One of the big things about the CZ 75 is its internal slide rails. The slide rails actually fit down into the frame, and it gives it a very smooth shooting experience. While the market has been dominated by polymer frame striker-fired pistols, the CZ 75 is just as popular today as it ever has been. And then when you go to the SP-01, it really is one of the smoothest shooting guns. My original review of the SP-01 was a number of years ago, and I just decided to get this one back out, take it to the range, and do an updated review.
But the big thing is, I just wanted to take this to the range.
CZ 75 SP-01 Tactical Specs
- MSRP: $829
- Chambering: 9mm Luger
- Magazine Capacity: 19
- Magazine Type: Double Stack
- Frame: Steel
- Grips: Rubber
- Trigger Mech: DA/SA
- Sights: Fixed Night Sights
- Barrel: Cold Hammer Forged
- Barrel Length: 4.6”
- Weight: 40.5 oz
- Overall Length: 8.15”
- Height: 5.79”
- Width: 1.46”
- Safety: Ambidextrous Decocking Lever, Safety Stop on Hammer, Firing Pin Block Safety
The CZ 75 design is one of the most copied designs in the world. One of the reasons for this is that when the Czech Republic designed the CZ 75, it was still behind the Iron Curtain, and they didn’t want Western countries to know exactly how this firearm was designed. They kept it as an internal patent in the Czech Republic, and some of that was due to pressure from the Soviet Union. Because of that, the CZ 75 was kind of an anomaly with Western countries for a long time. When these firearms first started coming into the country, people were going crazy and haven’t stopped. This is really one of those firearms that is just iconic, and it’s just such a smooth shooter plus, it’s definitely unique more than any other firearm out there with that design. But on the other hand, there are a lot of firearms that actually are very much the same CZ designed. One of the most popular is probably the Baby Eagle from IWI – a really excellent CZ 75 clone that shoots just like the CZ 75.
If you’re taking a gun out to the range or want something as a go-to firearm, the CZ 75 series is excellent, but the SP-01 just takes it up a notch with many features. Plus, you get the tactical rail at the front. There are so many different sites, there are so many different holster options grip options, and there are a lot of upgrades that you can make onto your CZ 75 or SP-01. CZ also has compact versions, plus you have CZ quality – which is just world-renowned. For the past almost 45 years, this has been a favorite with many people. If you ever get one in your hand, you’ll understand why I’m such a big fan of the CZ 75 and especially the SP-01.
