CZ 75 SP-01 Review

CZ has a deservedly solid reputation for producing firearms that are good performers. The CZ-75 family of guns is especially popular among handgunners, and within that family there are some favorites. Specifically, the CZ-75 SP-01 is a handgun favored for its improved design. Full-sized handguns such as this one can do it all from being used for carry to home defense. They also make great truck guns. If you want a good full-size pistol, you might want the CZ-75 SP-01. 

CZ-75 SP-01

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CZ-75 SP-01 Background

The CZ 75 SP-01 is a full-size model that was originally made for military and law enforcement use. Today it’s still used by some militaries around the world. It’s part of the CZ 75 family of gun which is extremely broad and includes a lot of variants. The 75 SP-01 is, as you might have guessed, a duty use handgun that ended up finding popularity among civilians. There are also competitive shooters who favor this model thanks to its accuracy and rugged design.

If you traced the CZ 75 SP-01 all the to its beginning, you’d find the first CZ 75 that was launched in 1975. The 75 SP-01 has been around in one variant or another for decades with certain variants being discontinued and replaced over time. It’s the original model we’re covering here, because it’s the one that predates all over 75 SP-01s, like the Tactical, Shadow, and Competition Red & Blue (there’ve been lots of variants).

CZ-75 SP-01 Features

Because the CZ 75 SP-01 was designed for duty use rather than concealed carry, its features are more geared to its original purpose. That doesn’t mean it isn’t still a great personal defense firearm, because it can be. Features of the gun include:

1 Non-Slip Racking

Serrations at rear and midway up slide for non-slip racking.

2 Lanyard Loop

Lanyard loop at base of grip.

3 Accessory Rail

Accessory rail in front of trigger guard.

4 Enlarged Rrigger Guard

Enlarged trigger guard to better accommodate gloves

5 Textured Grips

Finely textured grips to help shooters keep a tight hold on the gun during live fire.

Other Models and Colors

CZ 75 SP-01 Tactical

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CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow

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CZ 75 SP-01—Our Take

This is a handgun that’s so ruggedly designed it’s likely it could survive being driven over by a tank (maybe not, but it does have a durable design). It’s a full-size gun that’s chambered in what is currently the favored defensive caliber—9mm—and it’s just customizable enough that you can make it whatever you need. It’s large enough you might not want to try concealed carry, but you could technically conceal it with the right belt and holster combo (and possibly a good cover garment, depending on your own body type). But considering its overall size and weight, it’s more ideal for competition, range use, and home defense.

Shootability

It helps to have larger hands to run the CZ 75 SP-01 well. If it’s a good fit for your hands, it’s a matter of getting used to the trigger. Once you have that down, it becomes a shootable handgun capable of fantastic accuracy. The DA/SA trigger isn’t for everyone and because it’s a DA/SA, the trigger reach is a bit further out than on a single-action only firearm.

Accuracy

Out of the box, this is an accurate gun. It’s heavy enough to mitigate felt recoil and muzzle rise, making it a flat-shooting pistol, and the 4.6-inch barrel increases accuracy as well. Shooting slowly offhand at 25 yards you can get five-shot groups that hover around 3.0 inches, but it is admittedly easier to get that done shooting from the bench.  

Ergonomics

The ergonomics of the gun are best suited to shooters with larger hands. The extended beavertail and grip angle encourage the shooter to maintain a firm, high grip and the texturing helps that along. It does fit comfortably in my hands and, thanks to having longer fingers, my reach to the trigger isn’t an issue (but it does take getting used to). 

Value

The CZ 75 SP-01 offers an exceptional value for the quality and performance. The MSRP is right around $800, but you can find these guns used for under $600.

Pros and Cons

Report Card
Shootability	If you have bigger hands, shootability might become an “A” grade, but the gun is large enough to make it tougher for shooters with smaller hands (tougher, not impossible). It’s of slightly above average shootability.	B+
Reliability	The gun cycles consistently and has proven reliable with a variety of ammunition. Some shooters have noticed that if they have a model with a decocker, they can accidentally activate it and cause issues, but the standard CZ 75 SP-01 hasn’t been a problem for me.	A+
Ergonomics	The overall ergonomics are straightforward and no-frills. This is a gun that takes function over form seriously. It’s still well-designed from an ergonomic standpoint.	A-
Accuracy	Shooting the CZ 75 SP-01 as-is straight out of the box, it does deliver for accuracy. It’s capable of five-shot groups between 2.5 inches and 3.0 inches at 25 yards.	A+
Value	The gun offers good value for the price, especially if you locate a good used model. CZ designed this gun according to exacting specifications and follows solid quality control. If you’re in the market for a full-sized, all-steel handgun, the CZ 75 SP-01 is worth considering.	A+

CZ-75 SP-01

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Reviewed by Kat Ainsworth-Stevens

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My Preferred Ammo

Besides the MWLP ammo, I also shot a few boxes of AAC 124 grain ammo. Both of which functioned flawlessly through the Ruger. For carry ammo I would use something predictable like Hornady Critical Duty 124 grain defense ammo.

Remington 9mm 124 grain UMC

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Hornady Critical Duty 9mm Luger

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Upgrade and Accessories Options:

1. Mec-Gar CZ 75 SP-01 Magazine

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