CZ 75

The CZ 75 is a semi-automatic pistol made in the Czech Republic and originally introduced in 1975 by Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod (CZUB) in caliber 9 mm . Starting in the late 80s, all CZ 75s are now made with firing pin blocks, designated by the letter B (as in CZ 75B). Unlike most other semi-auto pistols, the slide rides inside the frame rails rather than outside (similar to the SIG P210). This provides a very tight slide-to-frame fit, very good barrel lock-up and contributes to good accuracy. The CZ-75 was also one of the first high capacity 9mm pistols that had a manual safety. This allows the CZ-75 to be carried with the hammer back, ready for use just by switching the safety off, a configuration known as condition one. It is unusual for 9mm pistols to have a manual safety, most of them having safety-decocker combos.

The pistol is considered very reliable, accurate, and affordable. Many people I’ve talked with never heard of the CZ. Considering its been in the market since 1975, is one of the original wonder nines featuring a high-capacity double-column magazine, and a great addition to one’s collection – I’m quite surprised!

The CZ 75 has been copied and improved by other manufacturers. The most popular copies include: IMI (Jericho-941, Israel), Tanfoglio (TZ-75, TZ-90, T-95, Italy), Sarsilmaz (M2000, Turkey), ITM (AT-88, Swiss), Sphinx (mod.2000, Swiss), Norinco (NZ-75, China), Springfield (P9, USA).

There are many varieants of the 75

CZ 75 - the original CZ 75
CZ 75B - second-generation CZ 75 with internal firing pin safety.
CZ 85 - a completely ambidextrous CZ 75 variant.
CZ 85B - second-generation version of the CZ 75B.
CZ 75 Compact
CZ 75 D PČR (Policie České republiky; The Czech state police) Compact - Very compact - similar to the P-01 in size, but lacks an M3 rail frame and features a smaller muzzle point and snag free sights. A popular choice for a carry weapon, known for its inherent accuracy and weight distribution.
CZ 75B SA - a CZ 75 which has a single action trigger mechanism and a drop free magazine.
CZ 75 P-01 - a CZ 75 Compact variant intended for law enforcement use, with an aluminum alloy frame, decocker and under-barrel accessory rail. It is the new weapon of choice for the Czech National Police. It is one of the few (if not only) NATO classified handguns that is available to the public without modifications. It received NATO certification after undergoing extensive testing.
CZ 75 SP-01/SP-01 Tactical - similar to the P-01 with accessory rail, but with all-steel construction and utilizing the full-size frame and slide as well as incorporating extended-capacity 19 round magazines. It is available with an ambidextrous manual safety (SP-01) or with an ambidextrous decocker (SP-01 Tactical
CZ 75 Standard IPSC - A CZ 75 variant designed specifically for IPSC competition with extended grip, single-action trigger, heavy-duty free-falling magazines, and an enlarged magazine well. Now replaced by the CZ 75 Tactical Sport.
CZ 75 Champion - A competition version designed for Open Class IPSC competition, with three port compensator, adjustable trigger, extended magazine release, ambidextrous safeties, fully adjustable sights and two-tone finish, with blued slide and satin nickel frame.
CZ 2075 RAMI - A subcompact version of the CZ 75 intended for concealed carry.
CZ 75BD - A variant of the now-common CZ 75B with a decocker replacing the traditional manual safety. (D stands for Decocker). This variant is quickly becoming the most common of the CZ 75B models, due to the additional safety the Decocker safety provides.
CZ 75 Kadet - A .22 LR calibre version of the CZ 75, available as a complete gun or as a slide/barrel assembly and magazine kit to fit onto a standard CZ 75B frame.
CZ 75 Automatic - A selective-fire variant introduced in 1992 intended for law enforcement and military use. One distinguishing characteristic of earlier models is its longer compensated barrel although later models may have a standard barrel. An extra magazine can be attached to the front to act as a makeshift foregrip.

Links:
http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/review/cz-75b.htm
http://www.geocities.com/mr_motorhead/cz75b.htm
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/CZ75.htm
http://www.gunweek.com/2006/feature0501.html
http://www.gunsandammomag.com/ga_handguns/cz85combat_071207/
http://www.gunsandammomag.com/ga_handguns/czsp01_053007/
http://www.gunblast.com/RKCampbell_CZ75C.htm