CAJUN GUN WORKS
CAJUN GUN WORKS
CZ P-O1 OMEGA
Bob Pilgrim
Custom 1911s aside there is nothing more beautiful in the metal genre of pistols than the CZ line that has been manufactured in Czheckoslovalia since 1919. The CZ 75 was birthed over forty years ago when that country was still under Soviet influence. However, these pieces are far more than safe queens and their sleek looks are backed up by superior performance in military and police operations, personal protection and competition. CZ claims over one million pistols in circulation.
Preferred By Polish Police SF
I was sent to Poland to work with some of their POLICJA SPAP units, which are city SWAT teams under a federal police umbrella during the period when “Grom,” Poland’s equivalent to Delta Force was being formed. In fact, Warsaw’s police chief thinking that I was from the CIA vice FBI lightly complained that I was taking his best men. While in Warsaw, I got a chance to shoot. Initially, I was given a Russian Makarov and shot some bullseye in a makeshift indoor range made out of a huge highway concrete drain pipe buried in the ground. The other end behind me was set up for the ubiquitous Kalashnikov. The MAK, for a small fixed barreled pistol was pretty accurate and quite controllable, but I was disappointed to think that this underpowered single stack pistol was still the countries police service pistol. However, later on I was ushered into an indoor range with a crowded array of paper targets. The local tactical team proceeded to demo a live fire forced entry. Although a few PM 63 submachine guns were present each man carried a CZ 75 in a drop rig. After the demo the officers allowed me to run a few mags through their Czech pistols, which I learned were individually purchased by the men. They were trained by the Israelis in pistol craft and when I ran through some speed and multi target drills out came the video cameras. They were wowed with some pretty mundane stuff and I asked if they were familiar with the “Modern technique?” Unfortunately, my exchange with these highly motivated officers was cut short by impatient team members, but there was no doubt that they prized their excellent full sized CZs.
DA/SA Safety
I prefer to shoot with single action only triggers for competition, but for general applications I like the added safety that double / single action actions offer even though the latter are more difficult to master. In the FBI I carried a Sig P 226 for years and I got to point where the two triggers became one and made little difference in results on target. However, like so many I joined the striker fired revolution and spent most of my gun time carrying and shooting plastic pistols with incrementally improving triggers. However, this preference may have been tempered by a recent training experience.
ACIWB Skepticism
CZ PO-1 Omega
My interest in metal double / single action pistols had been rekindled after attending an appendix carry inside the waistband (ACIWB) class taught by Spencer Keeper of Keeper’s Concealment. Spencer was as fast as and generally more accurate than any of the assorted actions wielded in class with his full sized DA / SA Beretta 92 parked I one of his designed ACIWB holsters. I was skeptical of appendix carry, because it violated rule two (muzzle direction) of firearms safety. During a class break I discussed safety with Spencer. He acknowledged the rule two issues, but considered the risk minimized with the proper holster and gun handling techniques. He also considered his Beretta with exposed hammer and DA / SA action safer than any other action save the 1911 with thumb and grip safeties. Ruminating over our discussion I decided to opt for a DA/SA pistol when carrying ACIWB for concealment. Without hesitation I immediately checked out the CZ catalog, because traditionally their pistols had the smoothest DA / SA actions on the market. For concealed carry I wanted a compact CZ with an alloy frame for a lighter piece. I found the perfect pistol for the mission among CZ’s vast array of handguns and that was its handsome P- O1 Omega 14 +1 round 9×19 mm compact pistol.
Per industry SOP the Omega comes in a reinforced, lockable and padded plastic case with two 14 – round Browning HP like magazines with sturdy base pads. Conversion to single action parts with a small Allan wrench accompanies a padlock, cleaning rod and bore brush. A CZ specific manual and a 25 meter test target round out the contents. The target indicates that a six o’clock hold will produce 1.3” high groups at the above distance with 115 grain ammunition. The target date also gives you an idea when the pistol was processed through the factory
Czech Police Pistol
Similar in size to the Sig Sauer P 229, the CZ P-O1 Omega is a compact, lightweight, forged aluminum framed, Double/Single -action 9×19 mm pistol capable of multiple martial missions. After three trials of aggressive small arms testing the CZ P-O1 replaced previous CZs used by the Czech National Police. During US military evaluations for a new sidearm, the CZ P-01 far exceeded the Means Rounds before Failure (MRBF) rate with an average of 7 per 15,000 rounds for a .05% failure rate. Furthermore, the P-01 was the first NATO – specifications pistol made available to the public.
Flexible Actions
The end all Omega designation indicates that CZ employs a simplified mechanical system that is common to all CZ 75 Omega pistols and includes a few other models as well. Internals are interchangeable and disassembly can be accomplished without tools. All Omega actions can be changed in the field by the end user to single action with bilateral thumb safeties or to bilateral hammer de-cockers. This might be advantageous for a military or police agency that wants the Omega to be their unit’s general issue sidearm, but issue the gun with bilateral thumb safeties exclusively to the organization’s Special Forces that prefers to carry the gun “cocked and locked?” Regardless, when carried “hot” with hammer down the first round fired will be via double action and subsequently followed by single action fired rounds until the magazine is emptied.
Low Bore Axis
At the outset I must compliment CZ for the superb finishes on their metal pistols. In the past CZs exhibited a deep blue lustrous finish. Many contemporary models like the Omega have a Black Polycoat finish, which is fairly durable, maintenance free, but not indestructible. However, the finish on my sample Omega was perfect and with frequent use remains blemish free. Its steel slide sits low in the frame, which places the barrels bore axis closer to the hand and reduces muzzle rise. This is more difficult to accomplish with hammer fired handguns, but CZ has managed to do this by having the slide ride inside the frames rails. This also makes the slide a little harder to grab with thumb and forefinger, because less slide is exposed, but the advantage provided by a lower bore axis is more important. Its fixed three white dot sights are positioned to maximize sight radius. Negatively, the ramped rear sight, precludes the one handed immediate action drill of cycling the slide by hooking the belt. Ithas a hex screw that can be loosened permitting the sight drifted.On the slides dorsal surface are CZ signature striations that ostensibly cut glare, but mainly looks cool. The ejection port is enlarged, lowered and relieved and is followed by a large and robust external extractor. The fully supported barrel relies on a Browning type camming lug that locks into a recess in the slideto move in it and out of battery. The only part that is plastic is the guide rod that supports a green color coded coiled recoil spring.
Superior Ergonomics
The forged aluminum lower weighs less than the slide making the Omega a bit top heavy, but I hardly noticed that. Interestingly, the frame appears to have a liner, but its contrasting silver color is the aluminum frame without a finish. Internal rails run the full length of the dust cover providing the slide with full support along its entire length. The trigger has a single connector and the speed hammer has a unique wedge shaped look. An ejector shares the same pin with the bilateral de cockers or bilateral safeties if single action is desired. The de cockers are slightly enlarged, but are fairly sharp and sustained use will probably develop a callous on one’s thumb. Its enlarged slide stop / release are very robust and very 1911 / Browning. The magazine release is also enlarged and can be reached without breaking your firing grip. The grip is very ergonomic and with its beavertail and rubber grips with palm swells the Omega is a natural pointer. The front and back straps feature striations instead of checkering and the grip permits a full three finger hold. The base of the front strap is slightly curved upward and forms a partial pinky rest. Reflecting its military intent is a lanyard loop at the gun’s butt and its magazine well is beveled for easier magazine changes. The hooked trigger guard is enlarged and will accommodate gloved digits. The Omega can host a light or laser with it’s under barrel single slot rail.
Disappointing DA Trigger
For years, CZ has been the standard by which DA triggers were judged, so when I first picked up the Omega, immediately its excellent ergonomics and superior “feel” prompted me to expect the usual slick trigger pull. However, I was sadly disappointed with its DA action. Okay, I can handle 12 – 13 pounds of resistance, but after a small degree of take up the trigger beginsto stack and stack as I completed its long arc of travel. However, it breaks crisply with a degree of surprise and no overtravel, but it requires a lot of focus to keep the front sight inside the rear aperture. The trigger’s edges feel sharp and I made a mental note to have them rounded like my favorite wheel guns. Otherwise, its SA lever smacked its firing pin after 4.25 pounds is overcome and that was fine although I prefer and even lighter system. Take up is considerable and reset is relatively long. Beyond those criticisms I could be happy living with this pistol as is, but I never can leave well enough alone, so I contacted David Milam at Cajun Gun Works (CGW) and discussed the Omega with him. Since 2007, David and his crew have specialized in making CZ pistols even better than they are. This is a tall order indeed, but according to satisfied customers its incredible what they can do with these firearms. David’s passion for CZs was evident and he convinced me that his improvements would create a different and better firearm.
CZ PO 1 Omega Specifications• Action: Short recoil. Tilting barrel• Trigger: DA-12 lbs. SA-4.25 lbs.• Weight: empty w / magazine = 28.2 oz.• GTWW: 35.6 oz. (15 – 147 gr. rounds)• OAL: 7.2”• OAH: 5.03”• OAW: 1.38”• Frame: Forged aluminum • Slide: Forged steel• Barrel: 3.75” Cold Hammer Forged• Sights: Fixed w/ white dots• Grips: Rubber • Safeties: Hammer drop safety. Bilateral de cocker can be removed and replaced with thumb safeties for SA carry• MSRP: $627.00• Warranty: Limited lifetime
Custom work takes eons of time and is expensive, sometimes exceeding the cost of the firearm. I did not want to have that happen and although David kindly trimmed costs here and there I eliminated some very desirable practical and cosmetic modifications to keep the tariff within reason. When the swamp smoke cleared CGW had rendered the following changes to my Omega:• Pro Grade Package• Newly designed trigger• Trigger pull weights, take up and reset reduced• Barrel crowned• Removable barrel bushing installed • Dorsal surface slide cuts• Fiber optic front sight mated with factory rear aperture• Base pads added to factory magazines• Two 18 – round CZ 75 magazines with base pads
Trigger weights was reduced DA = 7.14 pounds. SA = 3.75 pounds. Ignition reliability was assured by David. The newly designed trigger was installed on a customer’s gun for the first time. Accuracy was enhanced by crowning the barrel and a unique barrel bushing was installed into the slide’s muzzle. As you know, CZ’s slides ride low on full length internal rails and are forward serrations are a little hard to grasp if you manipulate the slide that way. Resulting in a 0.6 ounce loss of weight, CGW’s unique and attractive dorsal slide cuts solve that problem and increase the barrels cooling rate during sustained fire. However, these cuts open up a relatively sealed system andin a more debris congested environment these openings couldattract potentially compromising materials. In my opinion, base pads on magazines and subtle, but enlarged magazine wells are almost indispensable for personal combat. Can you live without them? Sure, but they make reloading under stress so much easier.
Pro Package
The CZ 75 Series Pro-Package (PP) and Defensive Carry Package (DCP) are both practical and comprehensive enhancement ensembles that CGW offers. The Pro Package is the “ultimate” upgrade for self-defense, but leans more toward competition while the DCP compliments the EDC (Every Day Carry) defensive shooter. I carry concealed, but I also like to occasionally game with my carry guns, so I choose the PP for the Omega. The PP includes the following:• Race or ring hammer• Hardened friction fit hammer pins• Tool steel floating firing pin• Trigger span reduction kit with “Hybrid” disconnector• Reduced power trigger return spring and short reset system• Hand polished parts and tuned to owners preference• Lifetime warranty original purchaser
Much attention is paid to the weapon’s go pedal and it’s at rest position is pushed rearward an impressive ¼ inch, which reduces single action pre- travel by 5/32.” At reset the trigger is stopped. A single action trigger over–travel screw eliminates excess trigger compression, which augments accuracy potential. Double action lock time is reduced by 15% resulting in faster hammer drop and aids in trigger control. Work is concluded with the installation of a new stainless steel and more comfortable trigger that eliminates trigger pinch.
LOK Grips
Although CGW can supply different grips I obtained a pair ofbeautiful blue CNC made panels with palm swells from LOK grips in Door, MI. They offer a firm non slip grip in a very attractive package that enhances the overall look of the gun.
Scabbards
For IWB appendix carry, Cajun recommended ANR Design, which resides in Sig Sauer country. Employing 0.80” thick Kydex that is smoothly polished internally to provide a glitch free extraction and preserve the firearm’s finish the friction fit,straight drop holster is molded to the gun. Belt and magazine clips can be snapped over a 1.5” belt and firmly held in place. A polymer “claw” pushes against the belt’s interior, which in turn pushes the rig in closer to the body.
For OWB, I selected Clinger Holsters’ molded Kydex “no print wonder” for exceptional strong side concealment. It’s a hugger and adjustable for height, rake and tension. The holster combines a leather tab, plastic and metal belt loops to virtually “cling “to one’s anatomy yet offer good access to the CZ’s grip.
My range was closed for maintenance, so my initial accuracy sortie was conducted at Winding Brook’s, Richmond,, VA newindoor range. This excellent facility permits rifle fire alongside of handgun work with ranges extending out to 25 yards. While the lighting is good, it’s different and the fiber optic font sight doubled on me while I shot five round groups off a hand held rest. The Omega shot high, so a six o’clock hold was necessary to center hits on the target. Round weights varied form 100 grains to 147 grains and the CZ loved the heavier bullets. All shots fired were single action. Windage was spot on.
Heavy Nine Rules
The two FBI combat loads and Sig Sauer’s +P 124 grain NATO were the most accurate with Speer 147 grain producing the tightest cluster. The Bureau fodder is very pleasant to run through the CZ. NATO ammo is usually hotter that American FMJ loads and Sig Sauer’s version lets you know that. I want my combat guns to shoo0t Point of Aim equals Point of Impact. To realize this, the front fiber optic had to be replaced with a higher version, which CGW quickly corrected.
Better Triggers
At typical confrontational ranges the transition from DA or “reactionary mode,” as the US Navy SEALs called the HK Mk23 suppressed pistol when carried with hammer down on loaded chamber was fairly smooth and I ate up the target’s center aslong as I paid attention to the red fiber optic. A strong grip helped minimize the effect of imperfect trigger work and is a must if you pull the DA straight through without staging. The alloy framed pistol handles recoil well and re indexed itself on target with little effort on my part. Its curved steel trigger is very ergonomic and does not beat up your trigger finger. While not an impediment I would like to see the edges of the trigger rounded like the modified revolver triggers many of us preferred over the factory levers. SA stroke or Navy “stalking mode” and reset are very good. However, if you come off the trigger and let it move forward to its rest position there is a modicum of slack to negotiate before you again hit the sear’s wall. If you are a striker fire or 1911 fan you may not like that much play? But be assured, if you spend enough time with the Omega this idiosyncrasy will become insignificant.
PO-1 Omega Compact
Performances
Round Velocity Group
Black Hills
+P 100 gr. 1115 1.23.5
Honey Badger SD 5.1
Hornady
135 gr.+P
Critical Duty 954 1.76.1
Flex-Lok
Current FBI load SD 7.9
Speer 147 gr. JHP 869 1.16.9
Former FBI load SD 7.2
*Sig Sauer
+P 123 gr. 1129 1.52.4
NATO SD 18.4
*Super Vel
115 gr 1122 2.70.6
SD 5.8
Accuracy and velocity tests were shot indoors at Winding Brook indoor range. Five round groups were fired from a hand held rest @ 25 yards and measured in inches. Velocities were obtained from five round strings while employing a Labradarchronograph and expressed in feet per second.
Head Shot Requirement
Ideally, I want to be able to make a head shot at 25 yards with the firearm and its most accurate defensive load. In today’s terrorism environment I want to shut the threat down immediately, so the detonation of a potential body bomb is prevented. However, when speed and accuracy under stress isrequired this DA/SA pistol excels in a 0 to 15 yard battle space. Beyond that range the Omega’s group dispersion produces too many flyers. In an attempt to gain consistent head shot capability CGW’s David Milam replaced my .130” fiber optic with a .165” blade to lower the strike of the bullet. This outfit stands behind its products and performs corrections and repairs quickly and without drama.
Subsequent Shooting
With the new fiber optic front blade my shooting partner former Federal Air Marshal Supervisor Ken Trice ran a magazine of 115 grain FMJ through at 25 yards. The fiber optic offered a very sharp sight picture and the ergonomics lined up the pistol effortlessly in Kens hand. He was impressed with the single action trigger as shot after shot clustered in and around a three inch Shoot N See target. Its primary group printed a tad low, but was easily compensated for with 12 o’ clock hold. This is not the best situation when shooting fast DA/SA pairs at closer ranges. Speed shooting produced a vertical beaten zone, which is primarily a matter of trigger control and a hard grip. Over time I will see improvements here. If you prefer or are required to carry a DA/SA pistol, CZ is the way to go for the best combination of the two.
Velocities from a near four inch barrel were disappointing and nothing including +P loads exceeded 1200 fps. Some of the velocity losses were pretty steep. Speer G2 147 grain JHP usually runs 950 -1000 fps out of four to five inch barrels lost 81 fps when fired from the .25 inch shorter Omega tube. I anticipated a reading in the lower nines. This got me questioning whether I had a “slow barrel?” While most applicable to rifle barrels, which often see velocities increase as hundreds of rounds are fried through them can also be experienced in shorter tubes. Internal imperfections, roughness or tightness increasing friction or a loose chamber, which does not fully seal the round in the chamber and lets propellant gasses escape lowering pressures that reduce bullet velocity, are some of the theories advanced in regard to this phenomenon. Faulty ammunition could also be the culprit?
Conclusions
Heavier than a Glock 19, but lighter than a Sig Sauer P 229, the Omega would be a good compromise for the Secret Service or Federal Ai Marshals. If still a preference in the latter case I am sure the sturdy CZ could be offered in .357 Sig? The ACIWB reminds me of how soldiers during combat cut corners and are willing to compromise safety or procedures to make themselves more lethal , at least perceptively so. In spite of the concealment and presentation speed advantages muzzle direction continues to be my major concern and Murphy’s Law has taught me that if it can happen it will happen. To mitigate Murphy, at least in my mind I will pack my DA/SA CZ PO-1 Omega over my privates and enjoy its great looks as well.
Contacts
CESKA ZBROJOVKA AS
CZ-USA
PO Box 17103
Kansas City, KS 66117
1-800-955-4486
ANR Design, LLC
www.ANR designkydexholsters.com
22 West Auburn St. # 308
BX 815
Manchester, NH 03101
Clinger holsters
www.clinger holsters.com
1316 East Main St.
Van Buren, AZ. 72956
LOK Grips
www.lokgrips.com
Sales @lokgrips.com
616-389-0666