In the role of combat sidearm, the CZ 75 SP-01 will excel. For me it stands out in the CZ lineup due to its light carry weight of 28.5 ounces (empty with magazine). For a full size service pistol with a 4.7″ barrel and 18+1 rounds standard, that is a solid achievement. It opens up lots of POUs with this gun. Some may prefer the P-07 Duty model for its weight as well but it does not offer the longer sight radius and extra velocity of the Phantom. The Phantom as of mid-2010 is my top pick out of the line for use in the sidearm role. It will also make an excellent home defense, officers primary, WROL, or even competition handgun (steel SP-01 may be better in that POU). It inherits and benefits from the CZ lineage that established such a foothold in the 1980s (discussed). Back then the CZ 75 won over thousands of fans for its excellent grip, higher magazine capacity, great durability and reliability, and high accuracy. It established a mystique as well that for many still continues to this day. Those attributes are all found in the SP-01 Phantom. I however cannot say that it is better than the competing polymer designs of Springfield XD/XDM, Glock, Sig 250 series, S&W M&P series, FNP/FNX series, Ruger SR9, H&K USP/P series, etc. It simply achieves their same high levels of performance in a handsome form factor that appeals to DA/SA lockwork aficionados like myself. The transition in this lockwork from double action fire to single action fire may throw off some proponents of the strker fire design.
But the system is fast, reliable, and safe in trained hands and I learned long ago with the Sig pistols to use it effectively. The ergonomics on the Phantom are excellent overall (some small handed shooters may find the long grip a bit much however). The sights are fast and precise for a combat pistol. The grip angle and comfort are all CZ and reach near perfection for many shooters (interchangeable backstrap provided). The accessory rail is perfect and the bevel polymer frame in the front aids holster use. The mag release, squared trigger guard, outstanding grip stippling, and even the decock lever are weil-designed and make the Phantom fast and fun to shoot. Bring lots of ammo.
The trigger out of the box does suck however. Unlike its steel counterparts, it is stagey and heavy. Getting a trigger job helped by about 20% and further work may even still improve it. For me this was a necessary addition to the Phantom. The smoothed and lightened trigger helped turn in more impressive accuracy and tesing runs in testing. Accuracy achieved 2 to 3 inch groups in indoor 21 yd conditions. Drill shooting showed the Phantom to be an impressive combat handgun: rapid fire comes quickly and small area targets fell consistenly. The low bore placement is made possible by the reversed frame rails and helps minimize muzzle flip (very low for polymer pistol). The decocker worked surprisingly well in use despite its rearward placement.
Take down is somewhat more complex than Glock/Sig/XDM standards but is easy enough. Quality throughout is excellent and the barrel is hammer forged. No reliability issues of any kind were noted. Downsides might be its elevated cost for a polymer pistol, the high cost of genuine CZ accessories as well (I did find the CZ customer service to be excellent on all accounts however when I ordered a part), and limited accessory availablity. MecGar magazines for this design are recommended. In terms of firepower, lightweight, ergos, accuracy, durability, and reliability then, the CZ 75 SP-01 Phantom upholds the heralded CZ reputation it seems. With a trigger job it enters into a select line of Nutnfancy favorites. /////////////// Nutnfancy Likability Scale: 8.5 out of 10 (with trigger job); without trigger job: 7 out of 10 /////////////// Music: Produced and licensed to TNP from TNRr “THEL1ZARDKING” (youtube.com/user/ thel1zardking)…great tunes from his band Bodewell. His songs are available for purchase at: OR
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