New "older" 97B

[ArizonaSeven]

My 97 came in, and it is sweet! One question... when you got yours, was it a recently dated model or an older model? I ask, because mine is dated "98" on the box label, with a target report dated Aug. 1998. What's up with that?

[gixxer11]

I don't know. Maybe someone sat on it a while. Did your dealer get it through CZ directly, or did they have to find one from someone else? As long as it feeds HPs and the mag doesn't fall out when shooting, be happy.

[ArizonaSeven]

Took it to the range today and am very pleased. Does NOT feed HP's, but I expected that from a '98 model. Groups where extremely consistent, even got some ragged holes at 25 yards. I like it. I like it a lot. I'm not going to screw with the feeding ramp, FMJ's are just fine with me. Over all, for what it was designed for, I give it :thumbsup: :thumbsup:!

[gixxer11]

Cool! Glad you like it. Mine used to be my brother's untill he wanted to trade it for something else. I couldn't let it go. So I made a deal with him. It had some issues with the mag falling out when firing. He had sent it back to CZ to be fixed. They played with the feed ramp and worked on the mag release. It feeds HPs just fine, but the mag kept falling out. So I fixed it. Now I love the thing!

[SonnyD]

My 03 model didn't feed HP's either.......So, is it "naked" in front?......Those are the Sexiest!

Regards Sonny

[ArizonaSeven]

If by naked you mean "serration-less", then yes sir it is:supergrin:.

[SonnyD]

Yes, that's what I meant.......your model is much more sexy then the new ones..

Regards Sonny

[ArizonaSeven]

Gratzi, gratzi.

[Blankwaffe]

My 97B is a 1998 model as well.Bought it NIB in 2004.
A couple tips I found out using mine within the first month of ownership.The factory recoil spring is junk,or at least the one that came in mine was.Its way too soft and gets softer with every round.Very small tiny cute little thing though.I very shortly started getting FTF.When it finally gave up the spring was so weak that it would not fully close the slide on a round all the time.Had to push the slide the last 1/4" or so with a thumb.At about 300 rounds the spring was worthless.Cases ejecting all over.
Contacted CZ-USA's gunsmith Mike,and he confirmed that the spring was junk.Recommended a Wolff 16# recoil spring be installed before attempting to fire again.
From day one I was getting failure to lock back on a empty mag every once in awhile.Thought maybe it was mag springs as they were getting very soft as well.So I replaced with Wolff +10 springs,again recommended by the CZ smith.
No go and the problem got worse.Finally the slide would not stay locked back manually...would just slam shut qwhen the mag was removed.Inspected the slide stop,and behold the slide had chewed the camming surface of the stop away.Contacted CZ-USA's gunsmith Mike again and told him what I had.Had a new stop in my hand in three days.Much improved in looks(does not stick out as far on the side/thick),fit and overall finish (excellent machine work).Its not made of soft pot metal either.
From what Ive been told the older models suffered from poor recoil springs and some bad slide stops.I was just lucky to get both on mine.But is not uncommon,so Im told.
Best to be warned of both.
So to end...my 97B has been 100% every since.Feeds most all HP's too.My favorite round is the 185gr. and 230gr. Golden Sabers.
Overall I'd have to say its one of my favorite pistola's.

post script:
Oh yeah,stay with the factory recoil spring guide rod.I was told installing a aftermarket steel FLGR will void the warranty.Regardless I tried one of the FLGR,and prefer the factory polymer stubby guide rod much more.
When you install a Wolff 16# its way long out of the package and needs to take a set.To do this install the spring and lock the slide back for a few hours.Should not twist and bind after that.Good to go.
If you go with a FLGR you can skip this initial step.
HTH

[ArizonaSeven]

Wow. Glad you got it to 100%. Mine locked up on the 3rd 230gr GS, I decided to stick to FMJ. I actually installed a FLGR and a 16# spring before I took it to the range for the first time. What difference did you notice between the FLGR and the factory guide rod?

[Blankwaffe]

The only real differences I notice in the FLGR was a slight bit of added weight in the front end.
What turned me off with the FLGR was that it started wearing the hole in the spring plug.It did need to be lubed well with a film of TW-25B.
No real issues,the pistol just did not need it.$25.00+ wasted.
I have yet to have a problem with HP ammo.Even the Gold Dots run perfectly.I guess I was lucky and gota 97B that aint picky.

[Berto]

<----------Got newer,ugly one...but very happy with mine..no issues with any ammo and very accurate.:)

[Pecos Bill 1911]

I just looked at my 97B and it was produced in April, 2005. I bought it less than a year ago and it must have been imported within a month or two of being made. My dealer sells a lot of CZs and gets them in all of the time. I own a lot of .45ACPs and the CZ97B is porbably the "best-buy" for the money. Here is a pic of mine. Best Wishes! Pecos Bill out.
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/PecosBill1911/th_IMG_0050.jpg (http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/PecosBill1911/IMG_0050.jpg)

[Glock21Owner]

I'd be much obliged if someone could post pics of their early version sans front serrations