CZ 97B Review: A Classic .45 ACP with a Modern Edge

Updated on March 19, 2025

If you’re a fan of .45 ACP pistols but want something other than the usual 1911 or Glock, the CZ 97B might just be the underdog you’ve been looking for. I had the chance to put this steel-framed beast through its paces, and after extensive testing, checking, and aiming, I can confidently say this is one of the most overlooked full-size home-defense and range pistols available today. Let’s dive deep into the CZ 97B review, covering its features, real-world performance, and potential drawbacks.

Big, Bold, & Beautiful

Right out of the box, the CZ 97B has that unmistakable CZ look—a compact version of its big brother, the CZ 75B, but chambered in .45 ACP. It has an all-steel frame, giving it a solid heft that absorbs much of the recoil. The design feels familiar yet distinct, with a deep blue finish that gives it a nice aesthetic touch. The fit and finish scream quality, which is expected from Springfield’s European manufacturing roots.

What Stands Out:

• Smooth, accurate, and reliable – Feels like a match-grade firearm straight out of the box.
• Light, crisp trigger – Single-action pull is exceptional for precise shots.
• Absorbs recoil well – Thanks to its weight and well-balanced frame.
• Nice factory sights – Not match-grade, but more than adequate for a defensive pistol.

Performance

At the range, the CZ 97B really shines. The combination of the full-length barrel and excellent ergonomics makes this pistol feel smooth and natural when aiming. The trigger has a slight take-up but breaks crisp and clean, allowing for impressive accuracy.

Accuracy & Handling

Using various ammo brands, I tested the CZ 97B against targets at 15, 25, and 50 yards. Compared to my Smith & Wesson 1911, the CZ 97B held tighter groupings, especially during rapid-fire strings. The front sight alignment is intuitive, and the gun feels incredibly balanced.

• Barrel & Accuracy: The barrel length (4.8 inches) provides excellent stability and better accuracy than most compact .45s.
• Magazine & Reloading: Comes with a 10-round magazine, which is better than a standard 1911 but still less than a Glock 21.
• Grips & Ergonomics: The grips are thick, and shooters with smaller hands might struggle.
• Safety Features: Includes a manual thumb safety, which is great for those who prefer an external safety mechanism.

Common Problems & Workarounds

Despite being a phenomenal shooter, the CZ 97B isn’t without flaws. Here are some potential problems and how to work around them:

1. Thick Grip Frame – The CZ 97B’s frame is large to accommodate the double-stack .45 cartridge, making it less comfortable for smaller hands.
   • Hack: Swapping out the factory grips for thinner aluminum or G10 options helps immensely.
2. Magazine Fitment Issues – Some users report tight magazines that require extra force to seat properly.
   • Hack: Break in your mags by loading them fully and leaving them overnight to ease spring tension.
3. Holster Availability – Finding the right holsters for the CZ 97B can be tricky compared to a 1911 or Glock.
   • Hack: Custom kydex holsters are your best bet. Companies like Vedder Holsters offer good options.
4. Dust Cover Fitment – Some aftermarket accessories don’t align perfectly due to the dust cover’s unique dimensions.
   • Hack: Stick to CZ-approved upgrades or test-fit parts before purchasing.

CZ 97B vs. Competitors

How does the CZ 97B stack up against its big brother (CZ 75B) and other popular models like the Smith & Wesson 1911?

Feature	CZ 97B	Smith & Wesson 1911	CZ 75B
Caliber	.45 ACP	.45 ACP	9mm
Capacity	10+1	8+1	16+1
Frame	Steel	Steel	Steel
Weight	41 oz	39 oz	35 oz
Trigger	Light, crisp	Classic 1911 pull	Smooth, but heavier
Recoil	Absorbs well	Moderate	Low
Ergonomics	Slightly thick grip	Slim 1911 profile	Slimmer than CZ 97B

For home defense, the CZ 97B outperforms the Smith & Wesson 1911 in terms of magazine capacity and recoil management. However, for daily carry, the 1911 wins due to its slimmer profile. If you prefer 9mm, the CZ 75B offers better capacity and lighter recoil at the cost of stopping power.

Pricing & Availability

The CZ 97B is priced competitively compared to high-end 1911 models. On sale, you can often find it for $700–$900 depending on the retailer. Given its match-grade accuracy and design, it’s a better value than some premium 1911s that cost twice as much.

Find the CZ 97B for sale here.

Should You Buy the CZ 97B?

After extensive testing, I can confidently say the CZ 97B is an accurate, reliable, and smooth-shooting pistol that bridges the gap between classic 1911 lovers and those who prefer modern DA/SA firearms. While it’s not the best choice for concealed carry, it excels in home defense, range shooting, and competition.

Who Should Buy It?

• Shooters who love .45 ACP but want a non-1911 option.
• Those looking for a steel-framed pistol with light recoil.
• Anyone who values accuracy, reliability, and match-grade performance.

Who Should Skip It?

• Shooters with smaller hands may struggle with the thick grips.
• If you want something compact for concealed carry, look elsewhere.
• Those who prefer striker-fired pistols over DA/SA actions.

In the end, the CZ 97B is a gem for those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship blended with modern innovations. If you’re on the fence, give it a shot—literally. It might just be the big brother you never knew you needed in your firearm collection.

What do you think of the CZ 97B? Drop a comment below with your experience!

FAQs

Why Was the CZ 97B Discontinued?

The CZ 97B was discontinued primarily due to declining sales and changing market preferences. While it was a well-built, accurate .45 ACP pistol, its large frame, thick grip, and limited magazine capacity (10 rounds) made it less appealing compared to modern alternatives like Glock 21 or 1911 variants. Additionally, the rising popularity of polymer-framed pistols with higher capacity contributed to its discontinuation. CZ likely saw more demand in their compact and striker-fired models, leading to the CZ 97B’s retirement.

Are CZ Pistols Better Than Glock?

It depends on personal preference and intended use. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Feature	CZ Pistols	Glock Pistols
Frame	Steel/Aluminum (mostly)	Polymer
Trigger	Smooth DA/SA	Consistent striker-fired
Accuracy	Excellent (Match-grade barrels)	Good, but CZ edges ahead
Durability	Extremely rugged	Ultra-reliable
Capacity	Generally lower than Glock	Higher magazine capacity
Ergonomics	Feels natural, great grip angle	Some find the grip bulky

• CZ Pistols (like the CZ 75B) offer superior ergonomics, accuracy, and a crisp trigger, making them a favorite for competitive shooters and enthusiasts.
• Glocks, on the other hand, are known for their simplicity, lightweight frame, and extreme reliability, making them the preferred choice for law enforcement and military.

If you want a traditional metal-framed, precise pistol, CZ is better. If you want a lightweight, high-capacity, ultra-reliable firearm, Glock is the way to go.

What Does CZ Stand for in Guns?

CZ stands for Česká Zbrojovka, which translates to “Czech Armory” in English. The company, Česká Zbrojovka Uherský Brod (CZUB), is a well-known firearms manufacturer from the Czech Republic, famous for producing high-quality handguns, rifles, and military weapons.

What Is the Capacity of the CZ 97B?

The CZ 97B has a 10+1 capacity in .45 ACP. This is higher than a standard 1911 (8+1) but lower than some modern .45 ACP polymer pistols like the Glock 21 (13+1).