Testing the CZ 75 P-07 Duty Part 2 Part 1
Comparing the .177 caliber and 9x19mm CZ models
By Dennis Adler
The ASG CZ 75 P-07 is the compact version of the full-size CZ 75, both in airguns and real 9x19mm CZ 75 models. The ASG P-07 uses a polymer frame just like the 9x19mm model.
The ASG CZ 75 P-07 has the looks to make it a great CO2 model, an exterior that visually equals (and in a few ways surpasses) the cartridge model for looks, but it all boils down to handling and operation when shooting a CO2 version of a famous model like the CZ P-07. The airgun is an accurate representation of the original CZ 75 P-07 design with the round knurled hammer, (also used on the CZ 75 SP-01) and the deluxe finish with polished slide flats. This version of the cartridge model is sold by specialty retailers in limited editions and makes this CO2 version even more compelling; this is a great looking air pistol! ASG also has the standard matte black version, but the deluxe gun actually looks more real than the 9x19mm model.
The ASG airgun is based on the original CZ P-07 model introduced in 2009 and uses the round knurled hammer design and rear-serrated slide. It also bears the word DUTY stamped on the front of the slide, just like the first 9x19mm version.
This is an original c.2009-2013 version of the CZ 75 P-07. The airgun is virtually identical on the outside except for the oversized magazine base.
Sizing things up
The P-07 in 9x19mm (9mm) has an overall length of 7.2 inches, a height of 5.3 inches, width of 1.46 inches, and carry weight of 27.7 ounces. This puts the P-07 into the compact category along with models like the Glock 19, handguns large enough to serve the needs of both duty gun and concealed carry use. This was the goal of the polymer framed CZ 75-based model when the P-07 was introduced in 2009, a role it has quite adequately fulfilled for 8 years in both the original and slightly improved 2014 versions.
The ASG .177 caliber model specs out with a carry weight of 26.5 ounces empty, an overall length of 7.32 inches with a slightly longer tang (beavertail) grip design, a height of 5.375 inches with the extended CZ 75 SP-01 Phantom-style extended magazine base pad, and a width of 1.44 inches. Thus, it is within fractions of an inch and 1.2 ounces of the cartridge model.
Almost right in so many ways
It is so close, yet there is frustration with the P-07 that stems from a manufacturing decision to make this gun work with a separate CO2 and BB magazine, while its larger counterpart, the CZ 75 CO2 model, also from ASG, uses a self contained CO2 and BB magazine. This is one of two features that keep the P-07 from being an even more extraordinary airgun than it is. It would require a rework of the internal mechanism and a shorter self-contained CO2 BB magazine to use the more accurate design. The question is if that’s really necessary for this to be a good gun. For those who want the closest operation to a cartridge firing model as possible, the answer is yes, but overall, it is a minor point shared with many CO2 air pistols based on cartridge models. The full size CZ 75 was just a better fit for the self contained magazine. Arguably there are guns that are no larger than the P-07 that use self-contained CO2 BB magazines, so the onus falls at ASG’s doorstep. Externally it makes no difference for the CZ’s appearance, only for training use since one cannot properly duplicate reloading the P-07 with a stick magazine. And in that respect the P-07 falls below the mark. The other issue, as previously noted, is the non-functional right side ambidextrous thumb safety.
The only failing on the technical side for the airgun is the use of a separate CO2 chamber in the grip strap and a separate stick magazine. The removable backstrap panel has a press-in release (bottom) which makes removing the panel easy and secure. The full-sized, extended magazine base pad on the stick BB magazine serves to cover the pistol’s integral CO2 seating screw.
Downrange
Trigger pull on the P-07 is a lengthy 0.94 inches, 0.75 inches of which has zero resistance, then stacking for 0.24 inches to release. Trigger reset requires almost a full release of the trigger, but again there is less than 0.25 inches of actual resistance to fire. It is, however, disconcerting to have to release the trigger that far to reset. The sights are quick to align and were placing shots about 1-inch above and slightly left of POA at 21 feet.
As accurate in looks as in fit, the ASG CZ 75 P-07 fits the same holsters such as this concealed carry Galco Quick Slide. This keeps the pistol high and close to the body for better concealment and quick access.
The author is wearing the ASG CZ 75 P-07 in the Galco Quick Slide holster at the 4 o’clock position. This provides quick access, keeps the gun’s grips close to the body, and can be easily covered by a shirt or jacket to practice concealed carry and drawing techniques.
The CZ 75 P-07 chronographed at 323 fps, 326 fps, 324 fps, a duplicate, and 328 fps, for an average of 325 fps velocity with Umarex .177 caliber steel BBs. Average factory velocity rating is 325 fps with a high of 361 fps. Recoil is moderate for a blowback action CO2 pistol and there were zero issues with feeding, slide release, or lock back after the last round was discharged.
The P-07 airgun delivered good results at 21 feet fired from a Weaver stance using a two-handed hold. Average 5-shot groups measured 1.25 inches. The trigger pull is long with the SAO design but the take up has zero resistance until the last 0.24 inches of travel to a clean, crisp release.
The stick magazine holds 20 rounds; I loaded 15 for the tests and fired using a Weaver stance and two-handed hold. My best target had 15 rounds fired in 5-shot groups measuring a total of 2.27 inches, with 5-shot groups averaging 1.25 inches.
Total of 15 shots on this Shoot-N-C target spread a little over 2.25 inches, with a best 5-shot group at 1.25 inches. The white outline rear and white rectangle front sight aligned the gun about 1-inch above and slightly left of POA at 21 feet.
This airgun has quality looks, excellent fit and finish, decent accuracy, and were it not for the CO2 being loaded into the grip strap and the BBs into a separate stick magazine, it would be the equal of the CZ 75 air pistol for practical training use. It’s a darn close second.
A Word About Safety
Blowback action models like the CZ 75 P-07 provide the look, feel and operation of their cartridge-firing counterparts. All arguns, in general, look like guns, but those based on real cartridge-firing models even more so. It is important to remember that the vast majority of people can’t tell an airgun from a cartridge gun. Never brandish an airgun in public. Always, and I can never stress this enough, always treat an airgun as you would a cartridge gun. The same manual of operation and safety should always apply.
I see this gun as a polymer framed barbecue gun. The flashy slide and texturing adornments say look at me, not really something I would think of in a gun designed for duty use. And that trigger pull length, reminds me of a saying, I could stretch a mile if I didn’t have to walk back.
You made me laugh with the stretch a mile comment, and I needed that! Yep, it is a long trigger pull. By the way, I forgot to mention in the review the P-07 trigger has an average pull of 5 pounds, 12 ounces. Not too bad but all compressed into that last 0.24 inches before firing. The polished slide flats may be fancy but you haven’t seen barbecue guns until you’ve been around Texas Rangers! Look back at the hand engraved Umarex Colt Peacemakers, and then imagine that on a 1911 or other steel framed semi-auto. And don’t forget the carved steer head grips. Personally, I like barbecuing!
Polymer barbecue gun! My shaving brush and toothbrush have stag handles. Steel , ivory or stag make a barbecue gun gun . Anything else is fast food.
I do think ASG did a fabulous job replicating this world renown pistol, even though us south paws might feel “left out”.
Whenever a manufacturer forgets the left hand market, I usually look elswhere. It is not just left handers who suffer , but all shooters who know that you need to practice skills with both hands. A none functioning ambi safety shows poor design and in my opinion ,laziness. The stick magazine makes the pistol a novelty rather than an understudy . Depends on the market ASG is targeting .
That faux right hand ambi safety is a disappointment. Even us right handers like to shoot left-handed now and then, good practice and the non-functional safety is a big negative for the design. Just as soon it wasn’t there at all.
Right I feel there are two markets for these types of guns. The person who wants to train with an exact copy of their specific firearm, and the person who wants a copy of a particular fire arm that they for whatever reason can’t possess. Both consumers want exact copy’s and more likely than not, are willing to pony up for the realism.
Glad I could return the favor! I’m going through some stuff, and Airgun Experience has been a greatly welcomed diversion.
Some problems may be a result to jump too soon. The soon to be released Sig 320 may get a cold splash of reality and an oops. The mini belt 30 round mags sound cool but , you may barely make it through one mag before the blowback action starts lobbing spitballs . Oops now you have to open the backstrsp and pop in a new co2 cartridge . Maybe a different feed system combined with a co2 mag and less shots would have been better, like maybe a single stack 15 round mag attached to a co2 containing mag as a single unit. Time will tell For now ,integral bb /co2 mags like the 1911 platforms rule for realistic training . The Prom Queen is now a grandmother , but I would like to see a metal blowback bb Browning High Power with ambi safety. Old handgunners are pretty set in their ways. For a reason
I would be the first to line up for a Browing Hi-Power, but it would have to have a proper finish and proper markings. Done right it could be the best selling semi-auto blowback action airgun ever.
there was a non blowback metal version , I believe by Umarex in the past. I could see a Mark 3 matte finish version ,with proper markings and a functional ambi safety to start, and maybe a John Inglis WW2 version down the line. It seem a shame that this classic pistol has been ignored by the replica market
What, should I reconsider preordering the 320? I thought that being the same mag as the MPX/MPC they were proven commodity. May be I should wait till you put it through its paces.
The Sig designs are pretty well tested and they are committed to this design both from the rifle’s magazine design. I’d keep the pre-order. It is going to be a good gun from what I have learned from Sig’s people. Maybe not the gun some would want for absolute authenticity, but as a shooter, it will be a good design.
Remember the Sig Mpx is running off a big 88/90 gm co2 . Unless velocity is low or Sig found a way to have blowback and very efficient use of co2 , Icannot see how you will get 2 full 30 round mags from a 12 gm cartridge . Awaiting the review from Dennis
Would that hi-power replica still use the mag disconnect safety.
Since it is all theory, why not? The Hi-Power is one of my personal favorites and I would love to see it done in .177 caliber and done right. I personally know of no such plans for the gun but there is certainly a market for it.
I prefer the pellet pistols, less concern about ricochet and more accurate. I was so excited about the mpx when they first came out PA showed a .22 option which is my preference. I really think that with a suppressor/barrel extension you could do the pistol in .22 as well. That would be a nice combo. I’ve never shot a hi-power but I know they have a very loyal following, what is the reason for the magazine disconnect ?
It is a safety feature. Many manufacturers still use it today. It is mandatory in some states like California.
That’s further proof J.M. Browning was well ahead of his time. I guess a better question would be why so many people bash that safety function?
It is a matter of preference. Safety aside, in some situations a gun with a loaded chamber could be involved in a struggle and as a consequence the magazine could be inadvertently released and fall out. This would render the gun inoperative. In other under duress situations, a magazine could be lost, and one round left in the chamber, the one round you need to survive an attack, but with a magazine safety disconnect the gun will not fire. Thus, many prefer not to have a safety disconnect so the gun can still discharge a chambered round without the magazine. This has been the preference for many, so fewer guns are made today with the magazine disconnect. Most that are made with that feature are to accommodate sales in states that demand a magazine disconnect in order to qualify for sale within that state.
You can always fire a revolver, so I would recommend one as backup just for that reason. I don’t have my High Power handy , but some pistols with a magazine safety can still be fired with the magazine removed, and a round in the chamber, by depressing the magazine release and pulling the trigger.
I had mine handy and that doesn’t work on a Browning Hi-Power. It is the only semi-auto I have with a magazine disconnect, so I can’t test that theory any further.
Ok
I should have reviewed that review. I totally forgot that, it’s gonna be an awesome combo in .177 I’m just hung up on .22.
Thanks for that explanation. That’s why I like studying guns. So many different ways to do things, always something to learn and think about. Very similar to photography in that regard.
Especially digital photography! I grew up in the age of film & processing. Different world behind the camera back then.