CZ stands for Česká Zbrojovka, a firearms company native to the Czech Republic. While their weapons are highly regarded, the company was unable to produce patents on their original products because the company originally developed the weapon when they were a client state of the former Soviet Union. The patent laws were only internal, so any non-Soviet company could legally copy them. Many Western countries took advantage of this legal loophole and began manufacturing this quality handgun until it became one of the most replicated in the world. Today, you can find a CZ-75 for sale almost anywhere.
The CZ design is so extraordinary that many competition shooters use them.
What Makes a Good Competition Handgun?
A good competition pistol will have modifications that are impractical for the real world, but great for shooting at targets. For example, competition handguns will have much lighter triggers. Having a light trigger means that the operator can pull the trigger in rapid succession with ease. This light trigger will allow the shooter to fire off multiple rounds quickly and accurately.
The general public generally shuns lighter trigger pulls as it increases the likelihood of accidental discharges.
Optics also allow for a competition handgun to perform at a higher level. Almost all great competition handguns allow for optic upgrades. Combining the light trigger with an accurate optic sight will give the shooter a major advantage.
A good competition handgun should also be heavy. Having weight at the end of the gun will significantly decrease the recoil on your weapon. For women and men with extremely light builds, a heavy weapon is impractical. Most people prefer light-weight self-defense handguns.
Combining a quick release, an accurate optic sight, and reduced recoil will significantly increase performance in a competition.
So, what CZ guns are the best for competitions?
CZ Shadow 2
The first CZ Shadow dominated the handgun competition circuit. The Shadow 2 contains improvements that further added to the CZ’s competition reputation.
The original CZ Shadow had a steel frame, was easily customizable, chambered the 9mm, and is effective at shooting. The new CZ Shadow has a longer barrel, slide, and dust cover that absorb recoil better than the first model does.
The extra length of barrel and slide combined with a slightly heavier overall weight reduce recoil even further.
The new CZ Shadow is also more customizable. There are different styles of safety levers that can be swapped as well as a magazine release that has three different positions the shooter can choose from.
Customization allows for comfort and comfort helps with shooting accuracy, making the CZ Shadow 2 a dominant force at shooting tournaments throughout the world.
CZ Custom A01-LD 9MM
The A01-LD is the newest CZ competition handgun. The frame is hammer-forged, which makes it slightly more expensive to produce but also ensures that it is extremely durable.
This handgun has the classic CZ ergonomics combined with the requirements of a competition pistol. Some of the most notable features include a heavy dusk plate and a heavy trigger. The dusk plate helps reduce recoil.
At 8.8lbs, the pull weight of the CZ Custom A01-LD is well above the normal weight for competition pistols. Most competition pistols try for a pull weight under 5lbs, so 8.8 is drastically different. The best reason for this is safety. The gun is less likely to accidentally discharge with such a heavy weight.
After the initial shot, the hammer is automatically cocked, giving a lighter trigger pull that allows for a rapid succession of rounds. While the initial trigger weight is heavy, after one shot it becomes only 3lbs, so it still allows for rapid shots while having the initial safety.
Concluding Thoughts
CZ pistols have been around since the 70s and have quickly become a favorite among professional competitive shooters. They are well made and reliable.
If you are not looking for a competition pistol, then CZ has home defense handguns as well. Police departments all over the world use the CZ-75B. The CZ p-10 is also a favorite among the concealed carry public.
You can find a CZ-75 or a CZ p-10 for sale wherever you live. No matter what handgun from CZ you purchase, you cannot go wrong.
