The CZ 75 was presented to the public for the first time in 1975. Five decades later, it is one of the best-known pistol models, not only in Czechoslovakia at the time, but in general. It is not only a gun of its time, but has since been further developed in many variants and used in various areas of application, from law enforcement to sporting use. Even today, further developments and descendants of the CZ 75 are still regarded as the top models for many disciplines. We take its anniversary as an opportunity to take a closer look at the history, technology and current significance of this legendary pistol.
Origin and development: the CZ 75 as an export model
The original CZ 75 was created at the then state-owned armaments factory Česká Zbrojovka (CZ) in Uherský Brod and was designed by František Koucký (1907-1994). Its technical platform is based on proven systems such as that of the FN High Power (HP 35) by John Moses Browning: it is characterised by the Browning locking system with a tilting barrel, two locking lugs and a closed cam track. Combined with a double-stack magazine and a DA/SA trigger system that allows the pistol to be safely carried ready to fire.
Although it was developed in the former Eastern Bloc, the CZ 75 was primarily aimed at Western export markets. As it was not protected by patents in the early years, it was soon produced in numerous variants and replicas worldwide – including by manufacturers in Israel, Switzerland, UK and the USA. These early clones show that the design inspired many manufacturers to develop it further. Some of these models are no longer on the market today, while others have contributed to the spread of the basic platform.
Technical features of the CZ 75: success through universal applicability
The original CZ 75 was designed as an all-steel pistol with an ergonomically designed grip frame. A steel frame led to a higher weight but had a positive effect on shooting performance. The DA/SA trigger allows the gun to be used in either double-action or single-action mode. This makes it suitable for both safe carrying and sporting applications.
These technical features meant that the CZ 75 was soon able to make a name for itself in shooting sports, especially in the IPSC sector, where it was and still is used in various divisions. The platform is also modularly expandable, for example with .22 LR conversion kits (CZ Kadet), which also makes it economically attractive for training purposes.
Further development of the CZ 75 in the sports sector: current CZ Shadow series and TS models
With the increasing importance of dynamic shooting sports, the manufacturer has cooperated intensively with renowned sport shooters to drive forward targeted further developments in the large-caliber sport pistol sector based on the CZ 75. One example is the CZ Shadow 2, introduced in 2016, which features numerous functional changes: a revised grip, optimised controls, as well as adjustments to the slide and weight balance. It is primarily aimed at users in the IPSC Production and Production Optics Division.
The TS 2 series has complemented the portfolio for the Standard Division since 2020 and is based on a pure single-action trigger. Both the TS 2 and the aforementioned Shadow 2 series are available in several configurations – for example with different trigger options or different options for optics mounting or even alternatives for the material of the grips.
There are also variants such as the Shadow 2 Orange, in which central components are fitted together manually. This increases manufacturing precision without fundamentally changing the basic concept. The new Shadow 2 Target was also designed for sporting disciplines with increased demands on sight picture and trigger characteristics.
Conclusion CZ 75: technically proven for 50 years, still relevant today
The CZ 75 is still part of Česká Zbrojovka's product range 50 years after its market launch. Models such as the CZ 75 P-01 represent the original design in modern production, while current variants such as the Shadow 2 or TS 2 are specifically designed for the sports sector. Their popularity in a wide variety of markets and applications shows that they remain extremely relevant as a platform. The CZ 75 is an example of a gun platform that was born from a clear idea, has been continuously developed and is still used today in many different ways, whether in law enforcement or in the civilian sector.
