We tested a factory gun, a CZ-USA CZ 75B Urban Grey Suppressor-Ready Omega 91235 pistol, alongside the custom units to give us a reminder of what a well-appointed factory handgun felt and shot like — and which cost one half, one third, or one quarter of what the custom units might command today. The primary differences in this pistol and a stock CZ 75 are the urban-gray Cerakote finish, a threaded barrel, and suppressor-ready sights. The pistol comes off well as an improvement over the standard CZ 75, while keeping the pistol’s well-designed grip.
The pistol was supplied with one 16-round and one 18-round magazine. The CZ 75 Omega’s grip is well shaped for a high-capacity gun and gets higher marks than the Beretta. A surprise was that the majority of the raters felt the CZ 75 grip was superior to the Browning Hi-Power. The grips are fine, if not as nicely checkered and treated, as the Guncrafter grips. We would have liked some checkering on the front strap, but for the price, this isn’t going to happen. The high-profile sights are necessary for suppressor use. Despite the increased height, the sights were well regulated for the ammunition tested. The sight has no ledge for emergency use, so we rated the Beretta sights superior. During firing, the barrel thread covering cap worked loose every 40 rounds or so, until we took the effort to take a padded tool and lock it down.
The pistol features the Omega trigger. This is a simpler version of the CZ 75 trigger assembly. The pistol was delivered with the decocker in place. The parts to change the pistol to a standard safety are supplied with the CZ 75 Omega. The changeover isn’t difficult for the average shooter. The pistol’s double-action trigger is longer and heavier than a CZ 75B and CZ 75 D Police we had on hand for comparison. The double-action trigger was heavy at 14 pounds, while the single-action trigger broke at 6.0 pounds. The pistol also featured a slight beavertail tang in comparison to the standard CZ pistol and a slightly different magazine release.
The pistol handled well. We like the magazine release and the beavertail. When loading the magazines, we found the 18-round magazine was not difficult to load to full capacity. The pistol was fired with the same ammunition as the other pistols.
Firing double action, our shooters noticed limitations in the trigger action. It was the most difficult to use of the four test pistols. The double-action trigger was a limiting factor.
The single-action trigger was the heaviest tested, but it was crisp and tight. The pistol weighed about 0.7 pounds more than a standard CZ, which isn’t significant. The CZ 75 Omega performed well in single-action fire, but it was at the bottom of the list in the double-action department. The sights were fine as issued, and we liked the three-dot tritium inserts. The magazines were smooth and easy to load well. Ammunition fired in this pistol exhibited the greatest velocity of any of the pistols tested, edging the WC Beretta out by 35 to 100 fps.
Our Team Said: In a match up with other factory pistols, the CZ 75 Omega could be either an Our Pick or a Best Buy. Here, as an orange among three apples, it suffers in comparison. So, if a custom gun isn’t your thing, you could do a lot worse than the CZ Omega.
Gun Tests Grade: B
$631
The CZ 75B Omega has good features, not the least of which is reliability and good accuracy. The pistol features an ambidextrous safety, an 18-round magazine, good sights, and is suppressor ready. The pistol’s price is attractive. The drawback that rated the pistol down was a heavy double-action trigger not found on the others.
Action Type | Short recoil-operated locked breech, double action to single action |
Overall Length | 8.2 in. |
Ovevrall Height | 5.4 in. |
Maximum Width | 1.4 in. |
Weight Unloaded | 35.0 oz. |
Weight Loaded | 42.0 oz. |
Slide Material | Forged Steel |
Slide Retraction Effort | 20.0 lbs. |
Receiver | Blued steel |
Front Strap Height | 2.5 in. |
Back Strap Height | 3.4 in. |
Barrel Length | 4.6 in. |
Grip Thickness Maximum | 1.4 in. |
Grip Circumference | 5.5 in. |
Magazine | (1) 16 round, (1) 18 round |
Rear Sight | Fixed, two tritium dots |
Front Sight | Post in dovetail, tritium dot |
Sight Radius | 6.1 in. |
Trigger Pull Weight | 6.0 lbs. |
Trigger Span | 2.5 in. |
Safety | Decocker Omega system |
Warranty | Limited 5 year |
Telephone | (800) 955-4486 |
Website | CZ-USA.com |
Made In | Czech Republic |
9mm Luger Range Data
Remington UMC 115-grain FMJ | Beretta/ Wilson Combat 92G Centurion | Guncrafter Industries CZ 75B | Browning Hi-Power Customized | CZ-USA CZ 75B Omega |
Average Velocity | 1122 fps | 1131 fps | 1160 fps | 1155 fps |
Muzzle Energy | 321 ft.-lbs. | 327 ft.-lbs. | 344 ft.-lbs. | 341 ft.-lbs. |
Smallest Group | 2.0 in. | 2.1 in. | 1.6 in. | 1.8 in. |
Average Group | 2.5 in. | 2.5 in. | 2.2 in. | 2.4 in. |
Hornady 115-grain XTP JHP | Beretta/ Wilson Combat 92G Centurion | Guncrafter Industries CZ 75B | Browning Hi-Power Customized | CZ-USA CZ 75B Omega |
Average Velocity | 1140 fps | 1159 fps | 1164 fps | 1180 fps |
Muzzle Energy | 332 ft.-lbs. | 343 ft.-lbs. | 346 ft.-lbs. | 356 ft.-lbs. |
Smallest Group | 1.9 in. | 1.7 in. | 1.6 in. | 2.25 in. |
Average Group | 2.3 in. | 2.25 in. | 2.1 in. | 2.6 in. |
Federal Punch 124-grain JHP | Beretta/ Wilson Combat 92G Centurion | Guncrafter Industries CZ 75B | Browning Hi-Power Customized | CZ-USA CZ 75B Omega |
Average Velocity | 1101 fps | 1153 fps | 1190 fps | 1201 fps |
Muzzle Energy | 334 ft.-lbs. | 366 ft.-lbs. | 390 ft.-lbs. | 397 ft.-lbs. |
Smallest Group | 1.6 in. | 1.9 in. | 1.5 in. | 2.2 in. |
Average Group | 2.0 in. | 2.4 in. | 2.0 in. | 2.5 in. |
Value Guide: 9mm Luger Handgun Rankings
GUN NAME | ISSUE | GRADE | COMMENTS |
---|---|---|---|
Ruger SR1911 6722 9mm Luger, $775 | Jun. 2021 | A | Our Pick. The most expensive gun tested. We liked the fit, finish, handling and accuracy. |
Tisas Regent BR9 9mm Luger, $558 | Jun. 2021 | A- | We like this Tisas rendition. Downside: The cocking effort is severe, which may disqualify it for some. |
Citadel M1911A1-CS CIT9MMCSP 9mm Luger, $479 | Jun. 2021 | B | Best Buy. The pistol is reliable and handles well. Less accuracy than the other pistols. Front sight is too gray. |
Zenith Tisas ZIG PCS9 9mm Luger, $549 | Jun. 2021 | D | Downsides: Extractor problems and the slide-lock safety wasn’t properly fitted. |
Shadow Systems MR920 9mm Luger, $799 | Apr. 2021 | A | Our Pick. The Shadow Systems Multi Role (MR) pistol is basically an improved Glock 19. Excellent buy. |
Sarsilmaz SAR9 9mm Luger, $400 | Apr. 2021 | A- | Best Buy. Many good features. We would have liked a lighter trigger action. |
Tisas Zigana PX-9 9mm Luger, $330 | Apr. 2021 | B | Reliable. Will appeal to those who like the Springfield XD-9. The primary drawback is a heavy trigger. |
Ruger American Pro Duty 10 08607 9mm Luger, $579 | Feb. 2021 | A | Our Pick. $100 more than the others, but it was the most accurate pistol and had surprisingly light recoil. |
Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ 12437 9mm Luger, $479 | Feb. 2021 | A- | The Shield EZ9 was easy to manipulate and soft to shoot, but the sights needed to be calibrated better. |
KelTec PF9 Blued-Black 9mm Luger, $358 | Feb. 2021 | B+ | An inexpensive pistol that functioned flawlessly. It reminded us of a good 38 Special snubbie. |
Taurus G3C 1-G3C931 9mm Luger, $306 | Feb. 2021 | B+ | Best Buy. The Taurus G3C pistol is an inexpensive offering that functioned flawlessly and shot well. |
Walther P38 9mm Luger, $800 to $1200 | Dec. 2020 | A | Heavy trigger and heel-type magazine release. Still an outstanding combat handgun. |
Radom (Polish) VIZ 35 9mm Luger, $995 | Dec. 2020 | B- | Well-made handgun. A hardy, robust, and reliable handgun that never failed to function. |
FN Browning Hi-Power 9mm Luger, $1200 | Dec. 2020 | B- | In its original form, it wasn’t the best of the dufflebag guns in a personal-defense role. |
German Luger P-08 9mm Luger, $995 | Dec. 2020 | D | We had problems with our test gun. It’s undoubtedly interesting, but its cost and 11 misfires soured us. |
Ruger SR1911 LW Commander 06722 9mm Luger, $775 | May 2020 | A | Our Pick. Relative newcomers to the 1911 world, Ruger has learned its craft in a hurry. |
Springfield RO LW Compact PI9125L 9mm Luger, $730 | May 2020 | B+ | Best Buy. Good accuracy, most concealable profile. Sights were very visible but poorly calibrated. |
Taurus 1911 Commander 9mm Luger, $470 | May 2020 | B- | Impressive list of features for the price. The grade comes from poorer-than-expected accuracy. |
Colt Lightweight Commander 04842XE 9mm Luger, $895 | May 2020 | C | Most expensive pistol in our test. Disappointing poor performance and malfunctions. |
Springfield Armory Hellcat HC9319BOSP 9mm Luger, $550 | Mar. 2020 | A | Our Pick. An 11+1 pistol, this small Springfield might be the most versatile pistol in the group. |
Smith & Wesson PC Shield 2.0 11786 9mm Luger, $735 | Mar. 2020 | A | The longest in this group, the Shield was the softest-shooting handgun and just missed being a Best Buy. |
SIG Sauer P365XL 365XL9BXR3 9mm Luger, $579 | Mar. 2020 | A | Lacks a rear sight when the optic is installed but has a great trigger and overall performance. |
Walther PPS M2 2805961 9mm Luger, $649 | Mar. 2020 | A | Best Buy. A smaller pistol with grips that will not abrade tender hands. |
Arex Rex Delta REXDELTA-01 9mm Luger, $425 | Feb. 2020 | A | Best Buy. Reliability and practical accuracy are good, and the pistol is the right size for concealed carry. |
Stoeger Industries STR-9 31721 9mm Luger, $350 | Feb. 2020 | B | If you like the Glock 17, you will like the STR-9. Worth the money, but it is not our favorite. |
Ruger Security-9 Compact Model 3818 9mm Luger, $309 | Feb. 2020 | B | The pistol is adequate for the task and will not break the bank. |
SIG P365 Nitron Micro-Compact 9mm Luger, $465 | Feb. 2020 | B | The SIG costs more than the Ruger Security-9 without overwhelming advantages. |
S&W M2.0 PC Shield 11787 9mm Luger, $430 | Jan. 2020 | A | Best Buy. Smooth and accurate, great sights and trigger. Costs a lot less than the SIG. |
SIG Sauer P365XL P365XL-9-BXR3 9mm Luger, $580 | Jan. 2020 | A | Our Pick. The SIG P365XL was the most accurate of the four pistols tested. |
Springfield Armory XDE9 XDE9389B 9mm Luger, $460 | Jan. 2020 | A | Slide is easier to retract, hammer-fired, DA/SA trigger set the XDE apart in this test. |
Springfield Hellcat Micro-Compact 9mm Luger, $500 | Jan. 2020 | F/A | Hellcat #1 failed when the trigger wouldn’t reset (F). Hellcat #2 worked perfectly (A). Best accuracy. |
Glock 43X Ameriglo Night Sights PX435SL301AB 9mm Luger, $542 | Jul. 2019 | A | Our Pick. Firing grip is superior to the G43 and allows better shooting with little compromise. |
Glock 48 PA485SL301AB 9mm Luger, $488 | Jul. 2019 | A | Best-shooting pistol in the test and the most powerful. Minimally more difficult to conceal. |
Mossberg MC1sc 89001 9mm Luger, $365 | Jul. 2019 | A- | Best Buy. The Mossberg 9mm gave up little to the Glock designs. Reliability was never a question. |
Springfield XD(M) 4.5 9mm Luger XDMT9459FDEHCE TB, $505 | Apr. 2019 | A | Our Pick as a personal-defense, home-defense, and tactical pistol. |
Glock G34 Gen5 MOS PA3430103MOS 9mm Luger, $710 | Apr. 2019 | A | The Gen5 guns are the best yet, with superior accuracy and features over earlier Glocks. |
CZ-USA CZ P0-9 91620 9mm Luger, $402 | Apr. 2019 | B | Best Buy. CZ has managed to pack a lot of value into the P0-9. 19-round magazine. |
FNH FNS-9L Longslide 66725 9mm Luger, $570 | Apr. 2019 | B | Heavier trigger than the other pistols. Accuracy wasn’t as good. |
Glock 45 9mm Luger, $546 | Jan. 2019 | A | Fast from concealed carry. The action allows a trained shooter to make fast hits. Reliable. |
Beretta APX Compact JAXC921 9mm Luger, $449 | Jan. 2019 | B | Magazines were difficult to load. Slide was difficult to rack. Takedown button too tight. |
SIG P320-M17 320F-9-M17-MS 9mm Luger, $770 | Jan. 2019 | B | The grip fits most hands well and the sights are excellent. The DAO trigger was too heavy. |
Beretta 92 FS JS92F300M 9mm Luger, $562 | Jan. 2019 | B | Shows the age of its design with a slide-mounted decocker and long DA trigger pull. |
Taurus G2S 1-G2S931 9mm Luger, $204 | Nov. 2018 | A | Best Buy. The Taurus pistol was reliable and controllable in rapid fire. |
Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield SW180021BW 9mm Luger, $400 | Nov. 2018 | A | The Battleworn Shield is reliable, accurate enough, and compact enough for EDC. |
Send me hard copies in the mail.
have you checked out any of the recent small Bersa 9mm firearms? thanks for all you are doing.
Best, mlj