I love all my CZs and although it is a different animal altogether than a 1911 clone, I would not hesitate to put it head to head with any of the pistols you mentioned as far as accuracy and ergonomics.

 

I would take it over either the Rock island or the kimber any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

 

The CZ 85 Combat is a continuation of the original CZ-75 guns -- it doesn't have the firing pin block found in all of the "B" model CZs. In fact, that's what the B means: firing pin Block. The lack of a firing pin block is also why it has an adjustable sight: CZ needed something to offset the lack of FPB, to get into the US by meeting the import "points" requirements, and adjustable sights did it. You'll find them on some other guns when adjustables don't really seem needed -- as with some small imported .32 and .380 guns.

The 85 Combat is very similar to the 85B. The 85B is simply a 75B with ambidextrous safety and slide release. (The mag release is not ambi, on any of these three models and can't be reversed; it can be reverse on the PCR, the P-01s and some of the other newer models, like the stainless steel guns.)

The 85 Combat can be tuned to have great trigger a bit more easily than any of the 75B or 85B models, simply because there are slightly fewer moving parts to lift or move or polish. If the one you handled had a smooth action, and it wasn't new, it may already be broken in. New, they sometimes still seem to feel better than the similar B models.

The 85 Combat comes with a slightly extended mag release, ambidextrous safeties and slide release, a mag brake that allows the mags to drop free (common on many of the newer CZ models), a trigger over-travel adjustment, and adjustable sights. The sights are OK, but nothing to get excited about. You can't buy one new without adjustables.

Re: sights. To fit the sights, CZ mills away an area behind the dovetail so that the adjustable sight can be lowered completely. If you take them off, you have an unsightly area, and if you go to different sights, you'll have to find something that looks right.

I've had a bunch of CZs over the years, (25+) and am a big CZ fan. The only CZs I have at the moment are an 85 Combat (with a Kadet Kit), and a P-07 (and two other CZ pattern guns.) If the price isn't a lot more than the standard 75B or 85B, it's certainly worth consideration.

The Kadet Kit is a stellar addition to the gun. It's a.22 top end that can be a tack-driver (as the top end barrel and sights are always aligned; the slide -- a small section in the larger upper assembly, which looks like a slide but isn't -- is the only part that moves to feed and remove cases. Like most .22s, its got a fixed barrel -- and they're always a bit more accurate! Pull the slide stop, slide off the 9mm top end, slide on the .22 top end, reinsert the slide stop pin, change mags, and you're ready to do .22!)

When I got my Kadet Kit I also had a gorgeous stainless Ruger MKii Government model with the long slab-sided barrel; I eventually traded for a nice .45, because the Kadet Kit was just as accurate. CZs are known for their outstanding ergonomics -- like Browning HPs and 1911s. They have a good reputation for accuracy and durability.

The Kadet Kits are expensive. ($300+ used, almost $400 new.)

​

 

good report
I wonder what are used 85 combat price range SS Model

 

Not really an apples to apples comparison. But as far as quality and reliability CZ's are very well made firearms and I would take it over a Kimber, SA or RIA everytime.

 

I'm a recent CZ convert and absolutely love them. I would say go for the 85. I haven't personally shot one, but I do own an SP-01, a P-01 and a 75B-SA. All of them have been great guns and I shoot them much better than my 1911's. I would take it any day over the other options mentioned.

 

I wonder what are used 85 combat price range SS Model

They don't make a stainless steel 85 Combat. If you've seen a silver one, its satin nickel, like mine:

 

Love my 75B.
Wouldn't trade it for any of the guns you mentioned.

 

I swear, every time I read Walt's CZ love stories, I always end up wanting one really bad!

 

satin nickle : correct
my mistake

 

Mine has been solid over the years. It has never malfunctioned in any way and it is extremely accurate. Can't say I like it more than my Kimber Raptor but I don't like it less. The are both well made guns and both tops in accuracy. I have the satin nickel

 

As I noted in another message chain on this site, I had my first non-user-induced problem with a CZ the other day -- when the right-side safety on my 85 Combat disappeared. Don't even know when it happened, as the gun works fine in single-action, and that's the way I use it. (In DA mode, pulling the trigger shifts things internally, if the right-side safety lever isn't there to keep things properly aligned -- and DA doesn't work.)

Never heard of this happening with anyone else (and I was a long-time moderator on the original CZ Forum [5-6 years] and we talked about everything, back then.)

It was an easy fix. All I can figure is that either the spring leg that holds things in place lost a little metal, or the shaft of the safety itself failed. I never found the lever so I can't tell. It took a minute or two to install the replacement part from CZ ($35+$7.50 shipping). Since I bought the gun in 2000 I don't think a warranty repair was in order, and I didn't ask.

Had I been sure that the lever was the only issue, I would have ordered both SA safeties (from the 75B SA) to replace the left side, too. I just wasn't sure until the new part arrived, and while $40 x 2 (or a bit more -- I didn't price those levers) isn't a horrible amount to spend for what I think would be a greatly improved safety interface, I don't really throw money around that much or that easily. (Maybe for Christmas?)

 

Great...another gun to add to the list

 

My CZ75 came with a terrible Trigger pull. 1) Trigger job. 2) new grips. 3) mag. springs changed. Otherwise they just keep running like the Energizer Bunny.

 

check out the CZ Shadows at oakhillguns.com. They are tasty.

 

well did shoot the gun again and it is a no go on the combat 85 : reason the trigger reset for double action it too far forward for my hands.I have a STI SHORT SHOE on my 1911 frames.I hate to pass on it but it is what it is.
I think I may look at a few different model on CZ and see if they all have the same set-up on the trigger.
I may have to go with plan B Rock Island or Ruger sr9 the Ruger really feel great when I shot one last week

 

The Shadow reset is super short, highly recommend trying one out should the opportunity arise (I'm too far away)

 

http://czcustom.com/CZ75SHADOWSABLACK.aspx
This is what you need.

 

well did shoot the gun again and it is a no go on the combat 85 : reason the trigger reset for double action it too far forward for my hands.

(I thought I replied to this earlier, but I don't see it -- I must never have hit the "Post Reply" control...)

Did you shoot it the second time out, or just try the trigger by dry-firing?

[LATER ADJUSTMENT!! -- SEE THE FOLLOWING (NEXT) RESPONSE BEFORE REPLYING! If you actually live-fired, this (my original) response isn't to the point. My apologies.]

After the first trigger pull, when the gun is fired, because the slide cocks the hammer, the hammer resets to the SA position, which gives a shorter trigger pull. If you were dry-firing, the slide doesn't move and reset the hammer -- so you got a warped view of how the trigger works.

Try cocking the hammer first. The DA trigger IS quite long on all of the metal-framed CZ DA/SA guns, but with the safety-equipped models (like the 85B or 85 Combat, or the 75B and 75 Compact) you can start from Cocked & Locked, which shortens the trigger pull and lightens it. That's WHY they designed the trigger the way they did: to allow SA function if wanted, but allowing DA function when needed.

For other CZ models (with firing pin blocks, you can also start from the half-cock position; the decocker models decock to and start from the half-cocked position. You can do it with the 85 Combat, too, but it might be less safe -- without the firing pin block. (That part of the design is the same for those guns -- and is a characteristic of the guns based on the basic 75 design; nearly all of them are nearly identical internally. (A newer trigger system is now available in some of the metal-framed models called the Omega system; some like it better, some don't. (The polymer P-07 and P-09 have the Omega system and they can be changed by the user from safety to decocker, or vice versa, with parts in the box.) I have a P-07 and really like it.

There is a trigger upgrade available from the CZ Custom Shop or Cajun Gun Works, for the (non-Omega) metal-framed 75-based guns that shortens the trigger pull. That's great, but it would add almost $100 to the cost, if you did your own work...

 

I think I found what had me confused about my earlier response. A very similar discussion is taking place on another forum -- and the shooter there had the same issue, but also spoke of problems with double-taps (which I missed when I first read it.)

You either posted there or you have a twin!! If you had problem with double-taps, my comments above aren't helpful.

If you're comfortable with S/A 1911s, converting the 85 Combat to SAO is easy, and allows you to use the CZ two-way adjustable trigger, which can be adjusted to remove take-up and over-travel. Then it's Cocked & Locked, and no double-strike or DA first shot. (You remove the dis-connector and install the trigger. You probably don't need the short trigger kit if you can do SA. I'd probably try to do a trigger/action job at the same time (or depending on my finances at the time, have it done.) Instructions with photos can be found on the CZ Forum.

 

well I stop in at the LGS yesterday handle a few different 9MM
CZ optima few things turned me off fix rear sight long long trigger pull priced around 575.00
Sig another no go
SA Range Officer nice sweet gun over priced 899.00
H@K model not bad
Well went with a SR9 Ruger ,the ruger always fit my hand 430.00 out the door decent trigger this will be my first striker fire system.

 

Re: "ADJUSTABLE" Sights.
When the pistol becomes an extension of your Arm (Angle of Grip) and the Sights just line up sweet.
Instinctive shooting - Flash sight picture - Retention position ... What ever the terminology ???

A BETTER SIGHT PICTURE IS ALWAYS PARAMOUNT

Out of CZ Manual:

PISTOL DESCRIPTION AND TERMINOLOGY
- Comfortable grip and balance in either hand
- Good results at instinctive shooting (without aim
ing)
- Low trigger pull weight

I do understand this type of shooting comes with practice. If not just buying a defensive gun, how much use is "ADJUSTABLE" sights for close quarter contact.
Those fine quality sights for 25yd. Bullseye shooting and target practice up to 50yds. GREAT ... Quality comes with a price. Better gun or better Adjustable sights.

Question to All:
Shooting IDPA/USPSA how much time do you take lining up your sight picture. "ADJUSTABLE" sights that much of a help where time factor is essential. Double taps in same general area scores better than "ADJUSTING" your sights. And we all know why we practice IDPA.

Commercial Ammo all shoot flat at 25 yards. Depending on grain bullet used will shoot 1" to 3" low at 50 yards. / ???

OK guys - Give me both barrels

 

Not sure what you are asking, but I changed out my adjustable LPA sights to Dawson fixed sights for action type shooting.

 

The LPA sights that come standard on the 85 Combat (and the Kadet Kit) are NOT the best adjustable sights out there. CZ may have upgraded to a newer version of the adjustable LPA; the version that came with my gun seem crude -- seen in my photo, above [green background].

If you're going to play the "combat" games, like IDPA or some levels of USPSA (or just shooting pins or plates as a range), you'll find that some of the other sights are more PRACTICAL (i.e., let you acquire a proper sight picture more quickly...) Dawsons and a fibre optic front sight are a good option for everything but the places where night sights are required.

 

The LPA's on mine were aftermarket and can be seen in photo above. Very robust and high quality sights.

They may make a cheaper version for OEM stuff.