RH-1-4

There is an arguable advantage to carrying a pistol that feeds from a double stack single feed magazine, but there can also be a bit of a disadvantage.  The advantage is having increased magazine capacity but sacrificing grip comfort, due to the enlarged grip to accommodate the larger magazine. Right now some folks are saying that with a carry gun, magazine capacity is not as big of a deal as the average defensive pistol fight is, and so on and so forth quoting all sorts of statistical data. My reply to that is I have never heard anyone say, “I hate I brought so much ammunition to the gun fight”

RH-3

The CZ 75 B Omega as it ships in a nice box with all the paperwork, trigger lock, extra magazine, and a basic cleaning kit. I thought the cleaning kit was a nice touch.

I have a couple of double stack pistols and I do appreciate the increased magazine capacity but comfort can be sacrificed.  Grip comfort is important and has a direct correlation to accuracy and control. With a handgun, as you all know it is always a compromise between stopping power, concealability, and comfort. How cool would it be to be able to combine those factors in some measure into a single pistol.

RH-23

RH-24

Left and rights sides of the CZ

Well, in my opinion we have a contender. The CZ 75 B Omega. A slick double action pistol chambered in the ever popular 9mm Luger in a very comfortable double stack.

The CZ 75 B is externally reminiscent of the Browning High Power of Fabrique Nationale located in Herstal, Belgium, which is in itself a fine pistol also chambered in 9mm Luger. What strikes me right off on the CZ is the way the slide is machined to ride inside the receiver. That does lower the slide inside the receiver and helps lower the center of pressure deeper into the pistol which in turn gives the pistol less leverage against you during recoil.  That translates into less “muzzle flip” (I don’t love that term for some reason) and more of a push back.

RH-39

You can clearly see how the slide runs inside the receiver.

The 9mm Luger does not generate a tremendous amount of recoil to begin with and with some insightful design features it makes it easy to handle for most anyone.

The initial range trip was actually the 9mm ballistic test, which you can read by clicking this link.

Once we got the Omega lathered up we commenced to really try to break it.

Clinton had brought some 300 rounds of lead truncated cone reloads and we loaded up the magazines and went at it as hard as we could. We started out with the two sixteen round magazines loaded and after a hundred rounds whichever of us that was not shooting would pick up the empty magazine off the deck and load it, handing it off shortly after the gun was run dry. There was very little time in between magazines with that system. Once we got another 200 rounds or so through the pistol it was getting pretty dang hot. We let it cool off a bit and policed brass. After a few minutes we got back at it and finished off the truncated cone reloads. By now the CZ was plenty dirty. I then loaded some of my reloads consisting of a 124gr JHP loaded with four grains of Unique propellent. This load is the bare minimum charge and I wanted to see if such a light load would function and cycle the slide of the CZ once we had it so dirty and fouled. After about fifty of those without any issues I was satisfied the Omega is a reliable pistol.

Second Range Trip

I was asked to introduce a few folks to auto loading handguns and the CZ 75 B Omega, Colt Delta Elite,  and a  Gen 4 Glock 17 were the pistols I brought with me. It was not so much of a reliability test of any of those pistols but to see how folks shot the different types of auto loaders, the double action CZ, the single action Colt Delta Elite, and the striker fired Glock 17. We went through about fifty rounds for each pistol and to tell the truth, most really liked the CZ. Everybody liked all of the pistols but the CZ being the 9mm and the option of single action or double action trigger pull had the greatest appeal to the beginner. Oh, and another fifty rounds through the CZ. That brings the total round count to some 450 flawless rounds.

RH-25

The slide is a bit smaller vertically than your average Government Model but with strong cocking serrations there was no trouble cocking the slide, even with sweaty hands.

RH-26

The trigger, which broke at a very clean four and a half pounds and little take up in single action and at a solid ten pounds through the double action pull. The double action pull is very similar as a Ruger GP 100 revolver.

RH-27

The safety engaged when the hammer was completely back, allowing for safe single action carry. The slide stop was generous and serrated for dropping the slide on a loaded magazine. The magazine release was large enough to easily find and worked as it should.

RH-29

Here you see the rowel style hammer in full cock and the safety engaged. The safety on the 75 B Omega does not serve as a decocker.

RH-30

A large magazine well to accommodate the double stack single feed magazine. It was plenty big enough to easily find during hasty reloads.

RH-31

Excellent three dot sighting system set as twenty five meters from the factory. For the distances I shot out to twenty five yards the sights were dead on.  Also, another angle on the slide to reliever fit.

RH-32

The backstrap was smooth and offered a great deal of comfort during shooting.

RH-34

Here you will notice the ejection port as well as the external extractor. The hammer does have a quarter cock illustrated in the photograph.

RH-35

The ramped barrel, quite dirty but never gave any trouble.

RH-36

The bottom of the slide, here you will notice the firing pin block.

RH-38

Two sixteen round magazines with witness holes ships standard.

RH-40

Muzzle view showing the front sight fit and another angle on the slide to receiver fit.

RH-44

The top of the slide is deeply serrated which cuts any glare off of the top of the pistol. This is especially useful on bright days and careful target work.

RH-41

The CZ 75 B Omega detail strips easily by lining up two small marks on the slide and receiver and pushing out the slide stop.

RH-42

How about the barrel lugs and slide lugs, looks like the John Browning design made it’s way into the pistol.

CZ75B Omega accuracy

Accuracy chart for the CZ 75 B Omega. Please click on the chart for a larger version. Reload one was a Montana gold 115grain JHP over 4 grains of Unique propellent. Reload two was a 120 grain lead truncated cone but I propellent charge is unknown.

Conclusions

All in all we are around 400 rounds through the CZ 75B Omega without any failures. Most of which were run through the gun when it was dry, dirty, and hot. The pistol performed very well, being ergonomic and comfortable which aided in controlability and accuracy. If I had to describe the Omega in one word it would be robust. It feels like it is somewhat overbuilt but still very comfortable to shoot and carry. I have decided to purchase the test sample as I believe it would be an ideal training pistol for someone trying to learn the manual of arms on a double action auto-loader. It is plenty accurate, comfortable, and low recoil so new shooters could easily learn the fundamentals. OK, that is what i told myself but truthfully I am going to buy it because I liked it a lot (though my reasoning holds water).  I also would like to put it in rotation for local pistol matches and lawful carry. After this test I have all the confidence in the world in this model.

Acknowledgments

CZ USA

Hornady

Winchester Ammunition

Clinton Jamieson of rangehot.com and Hills Inc.

Update, after four months and about a few thousand rounds more through the CZ 75B Omega is still purring along without issues. I try to bring it to the range when I go, especially with a new shooter as shown in the video below. David Elliott with some of my reloads.

Specifications

The CZ 75 B Ω (Omega) features a simpler, more robust version of the 75’s trigger system. The interlocking design of the trigger mechanism’s parts allows for easy disassemble and reassembly without the need for tools, so taking the pistol down beyond a basic field strip is much easier than on a standard 75. Not only does this simplify maintenance, the trigger parts themselves are made of different materials, enhancing durability, operation life and reliability.

By Hunter Elliott

I spent much of my youth involved with firearms and felt the call early on to the United States Marine Corps, following in my father's and his brother's footsteps. Just after high school I enlisted and felt most at home on the rifle range, where I qualified expert with several firearms and spent some time as a rifle coach to my fellow Marines. After being honorably discharged I continued teaching firearm safety, rifle and pistol marksmanship, and began teaching metallic cartridge reloading. In the late 1990s I became a life member to the National Rifle Association and worked with the Friends of the NRA. Around that time my father and I became involved with IDPA and competed together up until he passed away. I began reviewing firearms for publications in the mid 2000s and have been fortunate to make many friends in the industry. Continuing to improve my firearms skills and knowledge is a never ending journey in which we should all be committed. I am also credited as weapons master on a few independent films.

29 thoughts on “The CZ 75B, a comfortable double stack. This is madness.”
  1. Well done Hunter I knew you would fall in love with the CZ line. The grip on these pistols is about as comfortable as a handgun grip can be.

    Get your hands on a CZ 75 D Compact and let us know how you make out.

    Take Care

    Bob

    1. Thank you very much sir. I have already been in contact with CZ about the next test pistol.
      I always believe what you tell me but some times I like to give you a hard time.

  2. Hunter, check out the Ruger SR9/40 and SR45 if you are interested in double-stacks that feel like single stacks.

  3. It’s an interesting thing, the CZ75B Omega, I see it all over and they are saying it’s new? I bought a CZ75B Omega in September of 2009, it has the Omega symbol on the slide. Great gun, fell in love with it immediately, very accurate, easy to shoot. I liked CZ’s so much after that, I went out and bought a CZ75 Compact 40; another excellent firearm (since June 2010) and another flawless CZ product. Today I am once again considering a CZ for everyday conceal carry, either a C75B compact 9. or a RAMI 2075 in 9 or maybe 40. The RAMI is smaller, but the CZ75B Compact really feels nice in the hand and still packs 14 rounds!

    1. I agree 100%^. The Omega was my first real experience with CZ pistols, other than shooting a few rounds through a friends and I am very pleased on how it ran. I intend to add a few more CZs to the collection myself.
      Please keep me posted on what you decide for everyday carry.

  4. Very nicely written review! I have a CZ 75B and it has become one of my favorite hand guns. I have since purchased a P-01 and am seriously considering acquiring an SP-01. CZ’s really fit my hands very well, and I shoot accurately with them. I also like all metal pistols more than the sea of polymer pistols. My CZ 75B with coco bolo grips is a work of engineering mastery and art.

    1. Thank you very much. I have become a huge fan of the CZ line after spending some time with their firearms.
      As you say, in a sea of polymer, it is nice to see a traditional pistol holding it’s own.

  5. Bought a CZ 75 P-07. Absolutely enjoy shooting and owning that handgun. Has the Omega trigger and I have installed the decocker. Smooth as silk. Have run over 3500 rounds of Freedom Munitions 9mm 115 and 124 gr without one burp of any kind. This is a solid gun to own.

    My next investment will be a CZ 75B SPO1 Tactical. Can’t waite.

    1. Thank you very much John. This was my first real experience with the CZ line and I did not know how it was going to shake out. I fell in love with the Omega pretty quick.
      How do you like the decocker?
      I am hoping for a SP01 test sample after SHOT. Please keep me posted on what you think of it.

  6. Hunter you should check out the CZ 97B in your favourite cartridge…45acp!

    It is one great shooter. If you decide to compare accuracy betgween it and another .45acp you better bring the best 1911 you got because the 97B is one heck of a shooter.

    While I am on the suggestion page why not look into a CZ 75D Compact aka PCR. It is, without a doubt one of the best compacts made…bar none. It has a twin with a rail called the CZ P-01. Both are excellent from a firm that knows how to build pistils.

    1. I really like my 75B Omega and was interested in the 97B for a long time. Finally found one a couple years back, but it didn’t fit my hand as nicely as the 75 did. The specs say the grip is the same, but it must have a larger circumference, as I could not comfortably and easily reach the magazine release. without repositioning my hand on the grip. Due to that, I decided against it. I do have a 75 Compact 40 S&W though and just recently looked at a 2075 Rami, haven’t decided if I want that or the 75B Compact. I like the Rami because it is a little smaller, but I don’t know if I like the feel as mush as the 75 Compact in 9mm. Decisions, decisions . .. .

      1. Get the Compact over the Rami. Sadly the Rami has had major issues with the double recoil spring and CZ insists changing it more often than not to ‘solve’ reliability issues. Or try the Canik/Tri-Star c-100. Identical gun in every way except the price.
        Magzines fit etc. They have on in .40 S&W if you are so inclined.
        Price is about $330-60 ish.

        1. RAMI is a great choice for CCW. It is a very reliable firearm. Every batch can have a few bad ones… Don’t let a few examples become the rule. I own two of them and wouldn’t mind a third (and fourth…). I also have the 75 B Ω which is a great gun only knocked by wannabe mavens. A Shadow 2 shares real estate with them as well. All quality tools (yes, that is what firearms are).

  7. Thanks for the review. You covered well all the attributes of the CZ75B platform. One tip that some my find useful is that CZ Custom makes some excellent thin aluminum grips. For those with short fingers and/or small to mid size hands, these grips transform the CZ75B into a completely different (better!) firearm. Despite the note on CZ Custom’s website, the thin aluminum grips do fit on the newer CZ75B Omega. Apparently earlier Omegas had a more ‘square’ front and backstrap, but the newer ones are more rounded like all CZ75Bs.

  8. I love the cz! I have two a 9 and a 40. I compared them to my glockenspiel 34 sig 226 and 229. The czs out shot them all! I used federal and my reloads. The cz 75s just performed a lot better! I also compared the cz 22 kit to sig. CZ just would not stop! The sig would not stop jamming!! I plan on getting the omega or a retro next week. Can’t wait!

    1. Jimi,
      thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. I agree, CZ makes a fine pistol and I Omega test sample purchased and have had it out several times since the review was published and it keeps on keeping on.
      Thank you again, very much.

  9. Great article on a pistol I like very much. Though I am not very familiar with the Omega trigger system I have learned a bit and am interested. I can appreciate you being unbiased and informative on these reviews, I do like to read the articles on rangehot.com. .

  10. Just purchased a CZ 75B in part to this review. Great review and can back that up as a satisfied owner of this firearm.

    1. That is awesome! Thank you for the kind words. I have had the CZ out several times since the review and she has still not given any trouble. If you want, head over to the rangehot.com facebook and post some photos.

  11. I agree with many other comments by others. Great open and unbiased review covering key points and good comparison. I also am a very happy owner of this handgun. Bought it almost on a whim in a fine gun shop. Had read great reviews in the past and had been keeping my eye out for a CZ75 but the SP-01. When in this shop they not only the SP-01 but a number of other models by CZ often mentioned. The SP-01 just turned out to be beyond my price range at this time and a little bigger than I was looking for. I saw this next to it and just had to check it out. The person assisting me just raved about it and had every gun imaginable in this shop he could have directed me too. Put it in my hand checked it over and just said ‘I’ll take it’! Very unlike me, I typically research endlessly before making a decision. I have a number of fine handguns, Walthers, HK, and some less expensive utility guns. This has quickly become my easy favorite. Easy targeting, smooth shooting and dead on and not a hiccup on anything even when breaking in like some others from the first round through it. Never regretted my decision. I had at the range and invited the retired law enforcement range officer to try it out. He asked where I got it, what I paid for it and immediately was calculating what his employee discount would be. Needless to say, he was very impressed. It is just one sweet shooter and finely constructed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *