The CZ 85 is a

double-action Double action (or double-action) refers to one of two systems in firearms where the trigger both cocks and releases the hammer. * Double-action only (DAO) firearms trigger: The trigger both cocks and releases the hammer. There is no single-action ...

semi-automatic pistol A semi-automatic pistol (also called a self-loading pistol, autopistol, or autoloading pistol) is a repeating firearm, repeating handgun that automatically ejects and loads cartridge (firearms), cartridges in its chamber (firearms), chamber afte ...

based on the

CZ 75 The CZ 75 is a semi-automatic pistol made by Czech Republic, Czech firearm manufacturer Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod, ČZUB. First introduced in 1975, it is one of the original "Wonder Nine, wonder nines" and features a staggered-column magaz ...

The Complete Encyclopedia of Pistols and Revolvers, A.E. Hartink, page 108 formerly manufactured in

Czechoslovakia Czechoslovakia ( ; Czech language, Czech and , ''Česko-Slovensko'') was a landlocked country in Central Europe, created in 1918, when it declared its independence from Austria-Hungary. In 1938, after the Munich Agreement, the Sudetenland beca ...

(now the

Czech Republic The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, and historically known as Bohemia, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Austria to the south, Germany to the west, Poland to the northeast, and Slovakia to the south ...

) by Česká Zbrojovka.

Description

The CZ 85 is an updated version of the

, with slight changes made to internal parts to increase reliability. It has an

ambidextrous Ambidexterity is the ability to use both the right and left hand equally well. When referring to objects, the term indicates that the object is equally suitable for right-handed and left-handed people. When referring to humans, it indicates that ...

safety switch and slide stop, making the pistol suitable for both right- and left-handed shooters. CZ weapons are known for their long service life and high reliability while using various types of cartridges. The CZ 85 was developed because the CZ 75 had no patents protecting the design, and the CZ 75 was copied in other countries with unlicensed versions.

Variants

CZ 85B

The CZ 85B is an up-to-date version with a firing pin block safety, squared off trigger guard, a ring hammer, and tri-dot sights. It is available in 9×19mm and .40 S&W calibers. The 9mm magazines hold 16 rounds and the .40 magazines hold 10.

CZ 85BD

CZ 85 B with a decocking lever, instead of a safety

CZ 85 Compact

Limited production, compact version of the CZ 85 with under-barrel accessory rail and chambered in .40 S&W. Identical to the current CZ 75 compact in .40 S&W.

CZ 85 Combat

CZ 85 equipped with an adjustable rear sight, extended magazine release, drop-free magazine and overtravel adjustment on the trigger. Lacks a firing pin safety so that firing pins can be replaced without special fitting.

NZ 85B

Chinese Norinco copy.

References

External links

Ceska Zbrojovka official websiteCZ-USA official website
Semi-automatic pistols of Czechoslovakia 9mm Parabellum semi-automatic pistols .40 S&W semi-automatic pistols {{Czechoslovakia-mil-stub