Written by Phillip

CZ P-10 F Review

The CZ p-10 F is not the company’s first foray into the realm of plastic striker-fired pistols. CZ for a long time were manufacturers of old-school steel auto pistols and had carved out a reputation for classic workhorse reliability and accuracy.

I suppose it was inevitable that CZ would eventually get into the polymer game and it was always going to be interesting to see what their take on a quality striker-fired gun would look like.

If you like the general approach and design philosophy of CZ but also like the lightweight practicality of polymer designs, then the CZ is worth exploring further. Times change and eventually there are now some direct comparisons that can be drawn between the established polymers and the new kid CZs.

In general, the CZ is comparable to most competitors' standard-sized pistols. One thing that is not taken into account in the specifications is the length of the CZ grip. Ergonomically, it’s great but the trade-off is a long grip which may be a little bit of an issue for regular concealed carry.

Origins Of The CZ P-10 F

The P-10 C, which is the compact version, was the first pistol in the series to be offered to the gun world. The P-10 C did not last long and was replaced with the 91531(Gen 2) in 2018, which is the 2nd generation with improvements.

Towards the end of 2018, the standard size P-10 was introduced. All pistols in the P-10 range have optics-ready versions that come standard with a blank plate. Specific plates for the Trijicon and Leupold DeltaPoint Pro are also offered.

The P-10 F was originally chambered in 9x19 but a 45 ACP model is now available on the market. Standard magazine capacity is 19m +1 and 13+1 for the 9mm and 45 respectively.

CZ has introduced a variety of new patented elements to their striker-fired options together with the DiFEND ergonomic technique for the grip and frame.

The series and specifically the standard size P-10 F has been designed for use by the military, sportsmen, and self-defense shooters.

The P-10 F is also manufactured locally in the US, which allows the CZ Company to avoid import duties and to compete for Federal, state, and local contracts.

Choosing A P-10 F

You may be looking at the CZ P-10 F because you are a convert to striker-fired polymers. Maybe you are an old-school CZ fan of steel SA/DA platforms, but are prepared to give the new guy a shot.

One thing that immediately counts in the CZs favor is its intended use for the military and police. If CZ sees themselves making strong bids for government contracts, then you know that this gun is designed to meet the general service standard of long-term reliability, accuracy, and practical functionality.

Starting with the sights, the CZ comes standard with front tritium night sights and the rear sights are adjustable. Three dot tritium sights are also offered as a standard option.
The CZ has a firing pin block but relies on the trigger safety like many polymers. It also has an ambidextrous slide release.

In terms of ergonomics, the CZ has a fairly long, rounded grip which leads into the “tang” area of the frame very well. It allows you to have a high grip for control and the grip in general, retains some inspiration from the CZ 75.

The CZ has three backstrap inserts that enable you to further tailor the feel of the grip for your own preference. Finally, there is a rounded groove where the grip meets the trigger guard which also assists with a more comfortable and high grip on the pistol.

In general, the controls are conveniently placed. The magazine release is reversible to accommodate southpaws, this combined with the ambidextrous slide release makes it a lefty-friendly gun.

If you are looking at the CZ as a competition pistol, then you will almost certainly upgrade the trigger. Compared to other striker-fired guns though, the factory trigger is very good with 4.5 to 5-pound draw strength.

The average selling price of the gun is around 550 dollars with the optics-ready version being marginally more expensive. Given the price, production quality, and features; the CZ is a value-for-money option. Virgins to striker-fired polymers may just come around.

CZ P-10 Variants

CZ P-10 M ( the “micro” version, 3,36 in. barrel)
CZ P-10 S ( Sub Compact, 3.6 in. barrel)
CZ P-10 C ( Gen 2, 4.03 in. barrel)
CZ p-10 SC ( Semi-compact, 4.5 in. barrel)

All variants are also available in the “optics ready” version and can be fitted with threaded barrels for suppressors and compensators.

Competitor Pistols

The standard P-10 F will compete with all of the full-size polymers out there like the Glock 17, Sig P320, and the Springfield XD (m).

The optics-ready version will compete directly with the Glock 17 MOS and the Sig P320-M17.

Weight-wise, the Glock 17 is still about half a pound lighter than the CZ, if weight is your thing. The Sig is only slightly heavier than the CZ. In terms of overall size, the three guns are comparable with the exception of height. The CZ grip makes it the tallest of the three options.

Factory magazine capacity for the Glock is 17 rounds and 21 rounds for the Sig Sauer. The Springfield brings up the rear with 13 rounds. The CZ takes second place with a 19 round capacity.

The standard version of the CZ, Springfield, Sig, and Glock, retail from 550 to a little over 600 dollars on average. There is not much room to compete as far as price is concerned.

CZ P-10 Accuracy

CZ typically makes it their business to be known for great factory standard accuracy. How does their polymer option measure up for practical accuracy for service use and competition?

Using a good spread of factory ammunition and shooting from a fixed rest at 25 yards, the CZ can average 5 round groups of about 2 inches.

Going up to reflex sights on the optics-ready version, 1.75-inch groups at 25 yards are reliably achievable. Again, this is from a fixed rest.

For practical shooting, this kind of accuracy is certainly comparable to the classic all-steel CZ models such as the 75 series. From this standpoint, the polymer CZ more than measures up to service and self-defense standards.

The ergonomics of the grip also assist with faster and more accurate follow shots. All in all, there isn’t anything to complain about in this department.

Who Uses The CZ P-10?

The CZ P-10 F is still fairly new to the market and so its popularity with different sections of the gun world remains to be proven.

It is a versatile gun though and will be suitable for production class shooting, home defense, and concealed carry if you can manage a full-size gun. Its under-slide rail and optics upgrades also make it ideal for service and recreational playing.

It will be interesting to see as time goes by if the CZ P-10 can earn itself some support from the services such as police and other law enforcement agencies in the US. It certainly would be a strong contender.

To date, the CZ company has won a contract to deliver 39 000 guns to the Czech army. Included in that are 21 000 P10 pistols. Then again, they would buy their own guns, wouldn’t they?

I am personally amused by these online attacks against CZ owners. I have never owned a MacBook and I do not drink artisan coffee. I do, however; out-shoot cowboys with my left hand.

Accessories And Modifications

Both fixed and adjustable fiber optic sight sets are available from CZ and Cajun Gun Works. There are a few tactical light options for the guns under slide rail, compact and full-size systems.

The standard trigger on the P-10 is good but there are short reset triggers available that are still USPSA legal for production class shooting. These triggers will reduce take-up by about 4mm and lower trigger pull by about 10 to 15%.

Due to the size of the P-10 F grip, not many will want to carry the gun IWB style. When carrying OWB, there are quite a few holster options that will make concealed carry more manageable. The CZ will fit most full-size holster options.

Threaded barrels can be bought fairly cheaply for compensators and silencers. The P-10 can be fully kitted out with optics, under slide light, and a silencer if you really want to mod the gun to the max.

CZ offers an extended magazine for the 9mm of 21 rounds. Strike Industries and Shield Arms sell magazine plate conversions that provide an extra five rounds for the CZ 9mm magazine. This adds up to 24 + 1 capacity.

The P-10 F is also fully compatible with all of the CZ P-07 magazines. The ergonomics of the CZ grip are predictably good; however, if you have King Kong hands, there are fat rubber beavertail grips. Grip tape for the P-10 is now available from Talon in three different textures.

PROs

  • Superior ergonomics
  • Accuracy
  • Rugged reliability
  • Great magazine capacity
  • Very good factory trigger( For Striker-fired polymers)

CONs

  • The grip is a little on the long side( subjective criticism)
  • Factory sights could be higher for suppressors ( Optic ready version)

Overall Review

CZ has given some serious thought as to how to improve upon the traditional striker-fired polymer platform.

Is the P-10 F a good gun? Definitely.

It’s a lefty friendly and accessory friendly weapon. It’s also versatile and is as good as a factory production pistol can be in its price range. Compared to other polymers, it is very competitive. If you were to choose another striker-fired gun it would boil down to issues of small preference.

The CZ has the magazine capacity, accuracy, and toughness to measure up to all of the standard requirements for a gun of its type.

It remains to be seen if the P-10 F can live up to the legendary status of the CZ 75 platform but it’s a different gun with its own benefits.

If you have been toying with the idea of going plastic for a service-size pistol, the CZ would be a good starting point. There are no big issues with the gun design-wise. Give it a spin; you just may join the plastic generation.

Overall Review 4.5/5

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