Should I buy a CZ Clone (TriStar) or a CZ?

Alabamacoastie

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Hi friends! I own a small collection of guns (rifles, shotguns, semi-auto handguns and revolvers), and I am really into collecting semi auto pistols lately. I have a few striker fired, but my FAVORITE pistols are the DA/SA ones. I own and shoot HKs, Berettas, Glocks, 1911s, Springfields, Rugers, etc.

I do not own any CZs but I see so much good stuff about them online that I feel like I need to buy one... Then I learned about Tristar CZ clones. According to the reviews I have read and watched online, they are identical (but with not so great triggers). I have also seen that all of the upgrade parts at Cajun Gun Works drop right into the TriStar guns just like the CZs.

So, should I spend $600 on a CZ75 or $350 on a Tristar T-120? If they are basically identical then why should I pay so much more for a CZ?

Also, if anyone wants to sell one of their extra CZs or Tristars please let me know via PM. I'd rather buy from you than give my money to a store like Academy Outdoors.

I went to Academy in Apex today to hold a TriStar. They sell them, but they don't keep them in stock. You have to order online and then wait for it to come in and pick it up. So, I wasn't even able to touch one yet...

Tell me what you think about CZs/Tristars, please.
 
And for you "I wouldn't bet my life on a cheap knock off gun" guys... It wouldn't be for carry purposes. Just for shooting at the range and taking up space in the safe... My EDC guns are Glocks and HKs. Honestly, I wouldn't want to trust my life to a knock off either. Hahahaha.
 
If you weren't like half a state away I'd let you try a Tristar P120 with some CGW drop in pieces.

I like it ok. I think I have 300 rounds through it so far. Sights are not great. I understand parts are not easy to get. Never even held a CZ. Don't feel I've wasted my money.

T is alloy framed, S is steel frame short dust cover, P is steel frame long dust cover. Same actions.
 
I'v been asking myself the same question. I'm really wanting an SP01 but they seem to be hard to come by at the moment. Started looking at the TriStar as an alternative. These are actually made by Canik and imported by TriStar. I've owned 2 (down to 1 now) of their TP9 series guns and really like them. I would hope they are building their CZ clones as well as the TP series pistols. If so I wouldn't be worried about the quality of it.
 
I was also going through this decision process a while back and read something about the tri star thumb safety working different than the CZ thumb safety...I wish I could find that article...anybody know if this is true? Also, does either have a magazine safety that stops them from firing with magazine removed? Everything I read implied the S120/T120 was a great value. Thanks!
 
No. I would buy a real CZ 75B.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/772179620

$469 + $30 shipping $15 transfer =$514.00 vs $350. The $164 difference is less than a 1,000 rounds of ammo. If you end up not liking the gun you can sell the 75B for $450-$$475 in heartbeat. That Tristar will be lucky to get $250 used IMHO. The real deal 75B is a great gun.
 
JohnnyTyler said:
I'v been asking myself the same question. I'm really wanting an SP01 but they seem to be hard to come by at the moment. Started looking at the TriStar as an alternative. These are actually made by Canik and imported by TriStar. I've owned 2 (down to 1 now) of their TP9 series guns and really like them. I would hope they are building their CZ clones as well as the TP series pistols. If so I wouldn't be worried about the quality of it.
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There is nothing mechanical that gives me pause, everything looks well made. The only part that slightly concerns me is the slide stop/lock as it is a stressed part and if I start really putting rounds downrange it may be an issue. Comes to it machining one shouldn't be too hard.
 
wvsig said:
No. I would buy a real CZ 75B.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/772179620

$469 + $30 shipping $15 transfer =$514.00 vs $350. The $164 difference is less than a 1,000 rounds of ammo. If you end up not liking the gun you can sell the 75B for $450-$$475 in heartbeat. That Tristar will be lucky to get $250 used IMHO. The real deal 75B is a great gun.
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Now that is tempting.
 
James said:
Now that is tempting.
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I remember when CZ75Bs were still under the radar. I could find them for $350-$400 NIB. Those days are long gone. That GB seller is legit. I bought my DW Valkyrie in 9mm from him. When DW discontinued the Valkyrie line they bought everything they had in 9mm and 45 ACP. I got my Valkyrie for $1260 shipped. They are a high volume shop and offer excellent deals

The last 75B I bought I got used off of armslist when I lived in KY. $400 for the gun LNIB. I turned it into this.

ybfyUaM.jpg
 
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If you amortize the money over its lifetime (properly cared for longer than you) invested in buying a real CZ vs a clone it breaks down to pennies a week ... go with a CZ.

Oh yeah Cajun Gunworks stuff for CZs down the road ... they have a couple nice little surprises in the works that are going to make those who already like Cajun stuff LOVE it when it hits.
 
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wvsig said:
I remember when CZ75Bs were still under the radar. I could find them for $350-$400 NIB. Those days are long gone. That GB seller is legit. I bought my DW Valkyrie in 9mm from him. When DW discontinued the Valkyrie line they bought everything they had in 9mm and 45 ACP. I got my Valkyrie for $1260 shipped. They are a high volume shop and offer excellent deals

The last 75B I bought I got used off of armslist when I lived in KY. $400 for the gun LNIB. I turned it into this.
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I remember that too. I also remember when I could find nice Hi Powers equally cheap. I messed up by letting a few nice ones get away.

Great looking gun!

I really appreciate the info!
 
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James said:
I remember that too. I also remember when I could find nice Hi Powers equally cheap. I messed up by letting a few nice ones get away.

Great looking gun!

I really appreciate the info!
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Yeah I remember when CDNN was selling the last of the FN rollmarked BHPs for $400-$500. I wish I had one because they have the serial number on the upper part of the frame vs the grip so I could have Mr. Yost checker my custom BHP vs stippling or sacrificing a hard chromed pistol. I could not bring myself to sacrifice this gun so I sent a forged framed MKIII.

8LLh3WK.gif
 
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James said:
I was also going through this decision process a while back and read something about the tri star thumb safety working different than the CZ thumb safety...I wish I could find that article...anybody know if this is true? Also, does either have a magazine safety that stops them from firing with magazine removed? Everything I read implied the S120/T120 was a great value. Thanks!
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You can put the Tristar on safe with the hammer down is the difference. There are no aftermarket safety or slide lock levers for the Tristars either.

No mag safety.
 
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Go real deal. I had a Tri Star/Canik C100 and liked it. The CZ is just a little better.


Family photo
20180212_193334.jpg
Clockwise from left: P01 w/Cajun Gun Works Pro Package, CZ Custom Shadow, P01 w/Cajun Gun Works Pro Package, PCR, PCR.
Middle left/right: CZ75 BD, CZ75 BD Police w/Cajun Gun Works 3 spring Kit.

Newest one not pictured with the family CZ Shadow 2
20180517_114738.jpg


Turned one of the P01's into this
20180503_142300.jpg
 
draco88 said:
Go real deal. I had a Tri Star/Canik C100 and liked it. The CZ is just a little better.


Family photo
View attachment 57316
Clockwise from left: P01 w/Cajun Gun Works Pro Package, CZ Custom Shadow, P01 w/Cajun Gun Works Pro Package, PCR, PCR.
Middle left/right: CZ75 BD, CZ75 BD Police w/Cajun Gun Works 3 spring Kit.

Newest one not pictured with the family CZ Shadow 2
View attachment 57317


Turned one of the P01's into this
View attachment 57318
Click to expand...
Ok. So... Just say you have talked me into it and I am ready to spend the big money on a CZ. Which one should I buy? Shadow 2 or a Phantom? I'm leaning toward the shadow 2 because the frame is not polymer.
 
Does CZ make any .45s or are they all 9mm? I think I'm partial to .45 handguns.
 
Alabamacoastie said:
Ok. So... Just say you have talked me into it and I am ready to spend the big money on a CZ. Which one should I buy? Shadow 2 or a Phantom? I'm leaning toward the shadow 2 because the frame is not polymer.
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Hold up bud lol. Theres some questions to be answered first:
What the philosophy of use for it
And
Whats your budget
Probably the two biggest ones.



FWIW, I hate the P07/P07 polymers, but love that Phantom. Dont know why, but it feels more solid than the 07 or 09. Fantastic shooter, too.
 
draco88 said:
97B or 97BD.
Theres a used 97B in the classifieds now and Backwoids has a new one in the handgun inventory for sale thread.
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I'm looking everywhere for the thread showing all of the Backwoods handguns for sale. I can't find it on my phone. Can anyone link it here? Thank you!
 
I guess I’ll toss my opinion in:

If you want a CZ, get a CZ. Don’t settle. Even if the clone is awesome you may always have a little voice in the back of your head reminding you it’s not exactly what you wanted.

If you just want a fun pistol that’s good to shoot and you don’t really care about the roll marks or anything then the clones all appear to be pretty good to go.

And like the feller above said, the CZs are almost always in high demand, so if you want you can at least get your money back out of it. Probably not so with a clone.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
B00ger said:
I guess I’ll toss my opinion in:

If you want a CZ, get a CZ. Don’t settle. Even if the clone is awesome you may always have a little voice in the back of your head reminding you it’s not exactly what you wanted.

If you just want a fun pistol that’s good to shoot and you don’t really care about the roll marks or anything then the clones all appear to be pretty good to go.

And like the feller above said, the CZs are almost always in high demand, so if you want you can at least get your money back out of it. Probably not so with a clone.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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I agree with you on all points. I'm definitely leaning toward buying the real deal now. Probably not gonna go with the clone.
 
draco88 said:
Go real deal. I had a Tri Star/Canik C100 and liked it. The CZ is just a little better.


Family photo
View attachment 57316
Clockwise from left: P01 w/Cajun Gun Works Pro Package, CZ Custom Shadow, P01 w/Cajun Gun Works Pro Package, PCR, PCR.
Middle left/right: CZ75 BD, CZ75 BD Police w/Cajun Gun Works 3 spring Kit.

Newest one not pictured with the family CZ Shadow 2
View attachment 57317


Turned one of the P01's into this
View attachment 57318
Click to expand...
So it really is a sickness isn't it? CZ 'S are like drugs.
 
Starkherz199 said:
So it really is a sickness isn't it? CZ 'S are like drugs.
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I think you're right. After all this CZ talk and @draco88 posting blatant pornography in an open forum I got high on all the CZ and ordered an SP01 Tactical last night. Had been wanting one for some time but couldn't find one to buy. After this thread I checked a few of my go to online sites and one of my new favorites, Whittaker Guns, finally had one in stock. They only had the one so I took it as some kind of sign that it was meant to be. Did you see that, rationalization. Isn't that one of the first signs of addiction?
 
JohnnyTyler said:
I think you're right. After all this CZ talk and @draco88 posting blatant pornography in an open forum I got high on all the CZ and ordered an SP01 Tactical last night. Had been wanting one for some time but couldn't find one to buy. After this thread I checked a few of my go to online sites and one of my new favorites, Whittaker Guns, finally had one in stock. They only had the one so I took it as some kind of sign that it was meant to be. Did you see that, rationalization. Isn't that one of the first signs of addiction?
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No worries...you can share my refigerator box with me...







You got a great one to start out with. Duty sized weapon, great for home defense, great for fun on the range, soft shooting, night sights, great capacity. Speaking of capacity, those 18 rnd mags they come with actually hold 19. Cant beat a 19 + 1 tackdriver in the nightstand :cool:
Get you a TLR-7 from @hlpressley and you'll never need another gun.
You'll buy more, but you won't need them lmao


Edited to add: shoot the heck out of it, dry fire the snot out of it...about 800-1000 trigger pulls in, the trigger gets very smooth. Obviously, theres aftermarket stuff for it, but bone stock it is more than adequate at about 1k.
 
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draco88 said:
No worries...you can share my refigerator box with me...







You got a great one to start out with. Duty sized weapon, great for home defense, great for fun on the range, soft shooting, night sights, great capacity. Speaking of capacity, those 18 rnd mags they come with actually hold 19. Cant beat a 19 + 1 tackdriver in the nightstand :cool:
Get you a TLR-7 from @hlpressley and you'll never need another gun.
You'll buy more, but you won't need them lmao


Edited to add: shoot the heck out of it, dry fire the snot out of it...about 800-1000 trigger pulls in, the trigger gets very smooth. Obviously, theres aftermarket stuff for it, but bone stock it is more than adequate at about 1k.
Click to expand...

It's not my first CZ and that's what worries me. I already have a 75B buy I felt it was lonely being the only CZ in the safe. The plastic striker fired gang were picking on him so he needed back up. I thought I was a plastic striker fired guy but I find myself leaning more and more to steel frame hammer fired guns lately. I do still fall of the wagon occasionally. I recently finished a P80 "Glock 19" and bought a PPQ but I still come back to the heavier guns eventually.
 
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