February 2002

dope bag data & comment

A M E R I C A N R I F L E M A N

Since discontinuingJohn M. Browning’spioneering recoil-

operated Auto-5 in 1998,Browning has been rapidlyexpanding and refining itsGold Hunter line of gas-operated shotguns. The latestin that series is the GoldFusion. Browning’s GoldFusion models are light-weight guns gearedtoward all-around field andtarget use. Some 8 ozs.lighter than an equivalentGold Hunter in the samegauge, furniture and bar-rel length, the Gold Fusioncomes standard with a 3"chamber and is offered with

synthetic or wood stocks, aswell as a choice of 26" or 28"barrel lengths.

As with the rest of theBrowning Gold line, theFusion has a self-regulating,short-stroke gas system thathandles shells from 1-oz.target loads to the heaviest3" magnums without needfor adjustment. This systemis identical in operation tothat of its parent GoldHunter. Gas is bled through

two ports in the barrel intothe gas cylinder where thepressure forces the alu-minum gas piston and poly-mer operating sleeve rear-ward about 1/2". The sleeveassembly contains theoperating rod, which con-sists of a single steel pin onits right rear. The operatingrod then transfers this rear-ward momentum to the boltthat moves fully rearward,extracting the empty shell,

MANUFACTURER: FabriqueNationale Herstal SA, ParcIndustriel des Hauts Sarts,3e Ave., 4040 Herstal,Belgium

IMPORTER: Browning ArmsCo. (Dept. AR), OneBrowning Place, Morgan,UT 84050, (801) 876-2711,www.browning.com

GAUGE: 12-ga., 3" chamberACTION TYPE: gas-operated

semi-automatic shotgunRECEIVER: matte black

aluminum alloyBARREL: 26" (tested), 28", 30"

back-bored, chrome-linedCHOKES: five Invector Plus

choke tubesMAGAZINE: tubular, accepts

four 23⁄4" shells or three 3"shotshells

TRIGGER: single-stage, 51⁄2 lbs. pull

STOCK: walnut or synthetic:length of pull, 141⁄4"; dropat heel, 13⁄4"; drop atcomb, 11⁄4"

OVERALL LENGTH: 461⁄2"WEIGHT: 7 lbs., 4 ozsACCESSORIES: tube wrench,

hard plastic carrying case.SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $985

GOLD FUSION

The American Rifleman has used the phrase “Dope Bag” at least since1921, when Col. Townsend Whelen first titled his column with it. Even then,it had been in use for years, referring to a sack used by target shootersto hold ammunition and accessories on the firing line. “Sight dope” alsowas a traditional marksman’s term for sight adjustment information, whilejudging wind speed and direction was called “doping the wind.”

WARNING: Technical data and information contained herein are intended to provide informationbased on the limited experience of individuals under specific conditions and circumstances. Theydo not detail the comprehensive training procedures, techniques and safety precautions absolute-ly necessary to properly carry on similar activity. Read the notice and disclaimer on the contentspage. Always consult comprehensive reference manuals and bulletins for details of proper trainingrequirements, procedures, techniques and safety precautions before attempting any similar activity.

68

The bolt is

unchanged from

previous Golds.

The locking lug

at the bolt’s rear

engages a

recess in the

barrel extension.

A hook extractor

is on the bolt’s right.

Pain

ting

by

Ha

rry

Lloy

d J

ae

cks

Browning GoldFusion Shotgun

ejecting it and recockingthe hammer. As the boltassembly moves forwardunder pressure of the recoilspring, it picks up andchambers a new shell.

To handle the variancesin gas volume produced bydifferent field and targetshells, Browning uses a pis-ton within a piston that func-tions much like a pressurerelief valve. Any gas volumegreater than the amountnecessary to cycle theaction forces open a valvethat vents excess gasthrough holes around thepiston’s circumference. Thegas then exits throughrelieved areas between thebarrel and front half of thefore-end. A coil returnspring surrounding themagazine tube pushes thesleeve and piston back intoposition after firing.

The external dimen-sions of the Gold Fusion’saluminum receiver matchthose of the Gold Hunter.The receiver’s side con-tours are stepped down atthe rear to allow for a thinwrist at the stock.

The bolt head travels on acarrier that moves on rails ineither side of the receiver.When fully closed, the toprear of the bolt locks up intoa recess cut into the top ofthe steel barrel extension.There is a single hookextractor on the right side ofthe bolt. A tube in the butt-stock contains the recoilspring that is compressed bya link on the bottom rear ofthe bolt carrier during recoil.The energy of the springcloses the bolt after firing. Abutton-shaped projection onthe left-hand receiver wallserves as an ejector.

Although most of thecomponents of the Fusionare derived from its parent,the Browning Gold Hunter,

some parts in its front endhave been modified toreduce weight. For exam-ple, the outside diameter ofthe Fusion’s operatingsleeve bar is reduced.Additionally, the barrel wallsare thinner and the Fusionmakes use of an aluminummagazine tube in lieu of thesteel unit of the GoldHunter. A black ceramiccoating protects the maga-zine tube from barrel heat.

The bore of the Fusion’slightweight barrel is back-bored, chrome-lined andaccommodates Browning’sInvector-Plus screw-inchoke tube system. Fivetubes are supplied with theGold Fusion. The barrel istopped by a 1/4"-wide ventrib that is 5/8" tall at therear and gently decreasesin height until it reaches themuzzle. In lieu of a bead,the Gold Fusion features aHi-Viz, Pro-Comp, fiber-optic sight popular amongsporting clays shooters.

The sample we receivedfor testing has a reddish-

brown walnut stock with satinfinish. Its cut checkering is adouble-bordered point pat-tern of 20 lines per inch onthe wrist and 22 lines perinch on the fore-end. Thereare a few flat points and over-runs, but the checkering isgenerally well-executed. Thecomb and top of the fore-endare fluted for better pur-chase by the shooter.Additionally, a large pistolgrip with generous right-hand palm swell helps fillthe firing hand. A 1" thickventilated, rubber recoilpad completes the butt-stock. The aluminum receiv-er has a matte-black finishand wood-to-metal fit isexcellent. A stud on themagazine extension allowsfor the attachment of aquick-detachable slingswivel, but the stock has nomatching unit.

Shooters will find themagazine cut-off andspeed-loading features ofthe Gold Fusion helpful. Thecut-off is a small lever on theleft of the receiver that

allows shooters to isolateshells in the magazine. Thislets a shooter remove theshell from the chamber andreplace it with another. Thisfeature is most useful whenduck and goose seasonsoverlap and a hunter has toquickly exchange a duckload for a goose load.

Speed loading is a usefulfeature that automaticallyloads the first round from themagazine into the chamber.The bolt must be open forthis to work, but it eliminatesthe need to press the boltrelease button when loading.

February 2002

The Browning Gold Fusion is the latest addition to the firm’s line of gas-

operated shotguns. The front end is lighter and slimmer than standard

Golds, and the gun proved very responsive in the field.

AVERAGE OF 10 PATTERNS AT 40 YDS.

20 21

19 18

19 24

21 19

Modified Choke=Point of Hold

Winchester Supreme Double-X

Magnum

12-ga., 23⁄4", 11⁄2-oz.,

No. 6 copper plated Lead

Average Pellet count: 280Measured Velocity @3-ft.:

1346 f.p.s.Remaining Energy PerPellet @40 yds.: 1 ft.-lb.

Recoil: 48.5 ft.-lbs.

Total Hits 161 (58%)21" Inner Circle 80 (29%)30" Outer Ring 81 (29%)

SHOOTING RESULTS

A M E R I C A N R I F L E M A N 69

The basic gas system is unchanged. The forward piston (top)

functions like a pressure-relief valve and vents gas unnecessary

to cycle the action. To lighten the front of the gun, the magazine

tube (above) is of aluminum with a heat-resistant black ceramic

coating. The Fusion comes standard with a Hi-Viz, Pro-Comp fiber-

optic front sight (above r.) popular with clays shooters. There is

also a magazine cut-off on the receiver’s left front (r.).

Butler Creek 10/22Packer Combo

The Butler Creek Packer Combo

includes not only the Packer stock, but

an Ultra-Lite barrel with a thin chrome-

moly liner surrounded by an injection-

molded carbon fiber “Macro-blend”

sleeve that adds rigidity while still

keeping down weight.

February 2002

dope bag data & comment

A M E R I C A N R I F L E M A N 70

Two pins retain the trig-ger guard assembly, whichcontains the entire fire con-trol system, including thehammer, trigger, sear anddisconnector as well as theshell carrier, which is pow-ered by a coil spring.

The safety is a large tri-angular cross-bolt behindthe trigger. It is reversiblefor left-handed shooters andhas a red annular ring toindicate the “fire” position.Not only does the safetyblock the rearward move-ment of the trigger, it alsohas an extension thatsecures the hammer.

The curved triggerblade is gold-plated and

our example broke at 5-lbs.pull with minimal take-upand almost no overtravel.The Browning Gold Fusionwas pattern tested at 40yds. with the improvedcylinder Invector Pluschoke tube. The results areshown in the accompanyingtable. Function firing waswith a variety of 23⁄4" and 3"target and field loads. TheFusion consistently cycledloads as light as 1 oz., but itproved balky with light 7/8-oz. target loads.

Sometimes, a shotguncan be lightened withoutany significant improvementin its handling qualities. Thelighter front end of the Gold

Fusion, however, definitelytranslates into a moreresponsive gun thatrequires less effort to get infront of fast-moving targets.As befits a gun billed aslightweight, the lines of theGold Fusion are very sleek,save for the tall rib andfiber-optic sights. The lat-ter’s colors can be swappedout to compensate for dif-ferent light conditions,though their value was oftenlost on some. For those wholike the advantages of a light-weight semi-automatic forbusting targets and pursuingupland birds, the Fusion is atarget gun equally at homein the field.

Viewed from

below, the Gold

Fusion’s pistol grip

stock has a gener-

ous right-hand

palm swell. The

walnut wrist has

well-executed

20 line-per-inch

checkering.

Butler Creek’s PackerCombo is a clevertakedown system for

the Ruger 10/22 in which aspecially designed stockallows users to remove andre-install the included barrelquickly and easily. For thosewho canoe, backpack or justsimply need to conserve

every ounce of weight andinch of space possible, thePacker Combo is ideal.

It features not only ButlerCreek’s clever barrel-takedown system Packerstock, but also one of itsUltra-Lite barrels that is 30percent lighter than the fac-tory tube. The entire system

is installed easily withoutthe need for a gunsmith.

Although the PackerCombo works together as asystem, the stock and thebarrel are not mutually exclu-sive and are also sold sepa-rately. The Combo packageis simply intended as a con-venient way to reduce both

the weight and size of aRuger 10/22 .22 LR rifle.

The synthetic Packerstock itself is divided intotwo separate sections—thebuttstock and the fore-end—the latter of which housesButler Creek’s cam-locksystem. The cam-lock has amale dovetail on the end that

engages a slot on thebottom of the barrel. As thefore-end is folded or closed,the cam moves the maledovetail and either pulls outor pushes in the barrel fromthe receiver depending onthe movement of the fore-end, respectively.

The included Ultra-Litebarrel is 161⁄2" and is manu-factured to the factory con-tour with a recessed targetcrown. The light weight isachieved by utilizing a thin,chrome-moly steel linerbetween a machined breechand muzzle of stainless steel.A custom carbon fiber“Macro-blend” sleeve ismolded over the assemblyfor rigidity and light weight.

To install the system, first

ensure that the 10/22 isunloaded. Follow the stan-dard 10/22 disassemblyinstructions. Once the gun isdisassembled, use a 5/32"Allen wrench to remove thetwo retainer screws fromthe factory-barrel retainerV-block under the barrel onthe front face of the receiver,allowing the barrel to beremoved. Carefully removethe barrel by pulling it for-ward while giving it one-quarter twist in both clock-wise and counter-clockwisedirections.

To install the two-sectioned Packer stock,begin with the fore-end halfthat houses the cam-lock.This attaches to the face ofthe receiver by means of a

replacement V-block (partof the cam-lock) thatattaches in place of thefactory V-block. Next, installthe remaining rear sectionof the Packer stock as youwould the factory stock.

Now that the receiver andthe stock are assembled,place the Ultra-Lite barrelpartially in the receiver, butnot completely. Make surethat the dovetail slot in thebottom of the barrel isengaged by the cam-lockand slowly close the fore-end. This system ensures thatthe barrel is properly alignedas the fore-end is closed.

To remove the barrel,grasp it firmly forward of thefore-end. Depress therelease button at the for-ward tip of the fore-end andfold the fore-end back com-pletely. Next, twist the barrelabout 90 degrees (to clearthe male dovetail that is onthe end of the cam-lock)and pull it straight out.

The Packer Combo-equipped 10/22 almost floatsout of your hands at 4 lbs.,51⁄2 oz. and folds down to aminuscule 21". As forhandling, length of pull isincreased 1/4" over theRuger factory stock to 133⁄4",drop at heel goes from theRuger’s 23⁄4" to 21⁄2", anddrop at comb changes from

111⁄16" to 11⁄2". The stock restswell on the shoulder andhas a noticeable curve tothe lower part of the pistolgrip. The stock also featuresdouble palm swells and hasa checkered fore-end andpistol grip.

In regards to fit and finish,only a small seam from themolding process shows. Thecam-lock system functionswell, locking positively anddisassembling with littletrouble, although it doestake a few tries to get theparts “broken-in.” Functionfiring resulted in no mal-functions and the PackerCombo 10/22 proved to bemore accurate—especiallywith Federal ammunition—than the original, which isimpressive considering it isa takedown system.

For those who want asmall, light .22 for the out-doors, the Packer Comboinstalled on a 10/22 fills thebill. Butler Creek also offers acarrying case that has sepa-rate pockets for the barreland folded action/stock.

Available from:Butler Creek (Dept. AR),P.O. Box 1690, Oregon City,OR 97045; (800) 948-1356;www.butlercreek.com.Suggested retail price:$279.95.

Assembly is easy

and requires no

tools or gun-

smithing. After it is

put together, dis-

assembly is by

depressing the

release button in

fore-end (above l.)

and folding it back

(above). Then twist

the barrel 90

degrees and pull it

straight out (l.).

..2222 LLRR VVeell.. @@ 1155'' EEnneerrggyy GGrroouupp SSiizzee iinn IInncchheess

CCaarrttrriiddggee ((ff..pp..ss..)) ((fftt..--llbbss..)) SSmmaalllleesstt LLaarrggeesstt AAvveerraaggee

CCI 0030 1167 Avg. 121 1.14 2.50 1.7540-gr. Mini-Mag 22 Sd

Winchester X22LR 1163 Avg. 115 1.70 2.91 2.1040-gr. Super-X 26 Sd

Federal UM1 1099 Avg. 107 0.96 2.36 1.1740-gr. Gold Medal UM 16 Sd

Average Extreme Spread: 1.67

Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 161⁄2" barrel. Range temperature: 75° F.Humidity: 21%. Accuracy for five consecutive, 10-shot groups at 50 yds. from a sand-bag. Abbreviations: Sd (standard deviation), UM (UltraMatch).

SHOOTING RESULTS

Butler Creek’s lightweight stock has a 131⁄4" length of pull and double

palm swells at the pistol grip. Both the wrist and fore-end are check-

ered. The overall length for the folded Packer combo is a mere 21".

February 2002A M E R I C A N R I F L E M A N 71

T ikka’s new Model 595Continental Varmint is abolt-action, light varmint

rifle for hunting to ranges of200 yds. The ContinentalVarmint is neither a slim-barrelsporter nor a bull-barrelheavy varmint rifle. Rather, ithas a medium weight, alloyedsteel barrel tapering to adiameter of 0.790" at the muz-zle. This results in barrelmass sufficient to resist heatbuildup for sustained varmintshooting while keeping totalweight low enough for porta-bility. Tikka complements thegun with a checkered walnutstock having a high comb forscope use and a beavertailfore-end with a flat bottomthat provides stability forshooting from a rest.Yet, fore-end width remains narrowenough for positional fieldshooting without a rest.Surprisingly, these designcompromises do not result ina “jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none” rifle. Instead, theContinental Varmint doeseverything well, combining

accuracy with portability andflexibility.

Tikka is a well-establishedFinnish brand that, along withSako, is now part of BerettaHoldings. A few years back,independent manufacturerTikka was absorbed by Sako.However, Sako wisely contin-ued the Tikka brand anddesigns as a separate prod-uct line from its own. Thatcontinues today, with Tikkarifles being distinctly differentfrom those of Sako or Beretta.

The Continental Varmintrifle uses Tikka’s Model 595short action that has five flatouter surfaces (six countingthe flat bottom), an outsidediameter of 1.290" at the frontreceiver ring and an overalllength of 9" (approximately2.870" between the receiverfront ring and rear bridge).These dimensions make itsuitable for short-case cal-ibers such as the .17 Rem.,.223 Rem., .22-250 Rem. or.308 Win., all of which arechambered in this model.Additional design features

February 2002

dope bag data & comment

Tikka Model 595Continental Varmint Rifle

A M E R I C A N R I F L E M A N

A key part of Tikka’s light varmint rifle concept is the beavertail

fore-end with a flat bottom for shooting from a rest. However,

the fore-end remains narrow enough for comfortable position

shooting in the field. The result is a fully capable, portable rifle.

72

include a rotating externalextractor, an internal ejec-tor, a 90 degree bolt lift anda detachable, single-columnbox magazine molded offiberglass-reinforced syn-thetic material.

Locking is by means oftwo opposed lugs on thefront of the 0.684"-diameterbolt body that lock intorecesses in the receiver.The bolt body itself has twogas relief holes to vent high-pressure gases in the eventof a case head failure—oneon the lower front betweenthe locking lugs and oneunder the root of the bolthandle. The rear bolt shroudfully encloses the bolt body,preventing gases from hit-

ting the shooter’s face. Thereis a two-position safety, acocking indicator tab onthe bolt tang and a two-stage trigger adjustable forlet-off weight.

The Continental Varmintdoes not come with metalsights, but the tops of thereceiver ring and bridge aredrilled and tapped for con-ventional scope bases aswell as dovetailed for Tikkabase/ring combo units.Totest the rifle, we mounted aPentax 3-9X 42 mm Light-seeker scope. We experi-enced no problems mount-ing the scope on the rifle.

In line with current cus-tomer preferences, barrellength is 26" to wring maxi-

mum velocity fromthe .223 Rem.chambering of ourtest gun. Ourexample had con-ventional, six-

groove rifling with 1:12" RHtwist, which is standard forthat caliber. The barrel isfree-floated and tapers to amuzzle diameter of 0.790"with a target crown.

Workmanship, fit andfinish of the Tikka areabove average. Wood-to-metal fit is very good, andall metal parts, save thebrightly polished bolt, areblued—the barrel having amedium-polish blue thatcontrasts nicely with thematte finish on the receiver.The stock is dark walnutwith a semi-gloss finish and18 lines-per-inch, diamond-pattern cut checkering onthe pistol grip and fore-end. Quick detach slingswivel studs and aradiused, brown rubberbuttpad are standard. Thefull pistol grip has a com-fortable Wundhammerswell on the right side (but not the left).

In test firing theContinental, we found thebolt glided with exceptionalsmoothness and no binding.Trigger pull was crisp andconsistent with a let-offweight of 31⁄2 lbs. Accuracyproved very good with allbrands of ammunition, andfunctioning was flawless.

We liked the generalhandling and balance ofthe Continental Varmint. Itis truly portable yet capa-ble of excellent accuracyas we found out on a TejonRanch ground squirrelsafari in California. The

Continental consistentlydispatched the smallrodents at ranges up to 200 yds. and proved asteady rifle from solid restsand impromptu field posi-tions. Our only real com-plaint was that some of ourmore avid varmint hunterswould prefer a five-round-capacity magazine insteadof the three-round unit.

Tikka must be com-mended for its addition tothe new light varmint riflemarket. Not a sporter andnot a full-house heavyvarmint rifle, the ContinentalVarmint nonetheless provesthat niche markets still existfor high-quality firearms.

MANUFACTURER: Tikka Rifles,P.O. Box 149, 11101Riihimaki, Finland

IMPORTER: Beretta USA Corp.(Dept AR), 17601 BerettaDrive, Accokeek, MD20607, (301) 283-2191,www.beretta.com

CALIBER: .17 Rem., .223 Rem.(tested), .22-250 Rem.,.308 Win.

ACTION TYPE: bolt-actioncenter-fire rifle

RECEIVER: blued alloy steelBARREL: 26"RIFLING: conventional, six-

groove, 1:12" RH twistMAGAZINE: three rounds,

detachable boxSIGHTS: none, receiver

drilled and tapped forscope mounts andgrooved for Tikka bases

TRIGGER: single-stage,adjustable, 31⁄2-lb. pull

STOCK: semi-matte-finishedwalnut: length of pull,143⁄8"; drop at heel, 13⁄4";drop at comb, 11⁄4"

OVERALL LENGTH: 46"WEIGHT: 81⁄8 lbs.ACCESSORIES: quick-

detach sling swivel studsSUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $720

TIKKA MODEL 595

A M E R I C A N R I F L E M A N February 2002

73

..222233 RReemm.. VVeell.. @@ 1155'' EEnneerrggyy RReeccooiill SSmmaalllleesstt LLaarrggeesstt AAvveerraaggee

CCaarrttrriiddggee ((ff..pp..ss..)) ((fftt..--llbbss..)) ((fftt..--llbbss..)) ((iinncchheess)) ((iinncchheess)) ((iinncchheess))

PMC 223SMA 3114 Avg. 1,120 4.6 0.46 0.98 0.6852-gr. HPBT 40 Sd

Federal P223E 3185 Avg. 1,240 4.8 0.75 1.75 1.3255-gr. HPBT 25 Sd

Winchester X223R 3041 Avg. 1,130 4.7 0.61 1.42 0.9855-gr. PSP 22 Sd

Average Extreme Spread: 0.99

Measured average velocity for 20 rounds from a 26” barrel. Range temperature: 79°F.Humidity: 49 %. Accuracy for five consecutive, five-shot groups at 100 yds. from asandbag. Abbreviations: HPBT (hollow-point boattail), PSP (pointed soft-point), Sd(standard deviation).

SHOOTING RESULTS

The Model 595’s receiver

(below) is a stressed, two-bridge

design of heat-treated, alloy

steel with five upper flat surfaces

and a flat bottom. The trigger

guard is of molded synthetic

material. The Tikka’s bolt (r.)

features dual opposed front

locking lugs with a rotating

external extractor and an

internal plunger ejector.

Tikka’s new Model 595 Continental Varmint rifle

appeals to a new market niche—the light varmint rifle.

Not a sporter and not a heavy varmint rifle, at just

over 8 lbs. the Continental Varmint is an accurate,

all-around light varminter.

February 2002

dope bag data & comment

F or Americans, CeskáZbrojovka UherskyBrod’s CZ 75 had

been the most desiredhandgun produced behindthe Iron Curtain (Sept. 1981,p. 48). It had earned thepraise of none other thanM1911 devotee Jeff Cooper,who declared it the bestdouble-action pistol designin the world, owing, per-haps, to the fact that it couldbe carried “cocked andlocked.” Numerous CZ 75copies were manufacturedin Western Europe and mar-keted in the United Statesbefore the genuine articlebecame available here—through CZ-USA—a fewyears ago.

CZ has since expandedthe line to include modelswith ambidextrous controls,shortened slides and frames,decockers and double-action-only (DAO) triggers.

The latest incarnation ofthe design, the CZ P-01, dif-fers markedly in a numberof ways from the original,yet should be equallyappealing to Americanshooters. The CZ P-01 is ashort recoil-operated,aluminum alloy-framed,double-action (DA) pistolequipped with a decocker.It was created at the behestof the Czech NationalPolice, which presented CZwith a daunting protocol forthe pistol’s performance.

The test included suchrequirements as firing with-out failure following 4,000dry firings and 3,000decockings. Moreover, ithad to endure 1,350 fieldstrippings and 150 detailstrippings. Further, todemonstrate the inter-changeability of parts, anynumber of P-01 pistolscould be randomly selected,

disassembled, their partsmixed and the gunsreassembled with no fail-ures permitted.

Safety was evinced bythe guns being droppedfrom a variety of anglesonto concrete from a heightof 1.5 meters (54 times) and3 meters (five times) with nofailures (a failure being adischarge). The guns werethen required to fire withoutbeing serviced.

The necessary durabilitywas proven by having thepistols fire after beingfrozen for 24 hours at -36º F,and again after being heat-ed for 24 hours at 126º F.The guns also had to toler-ate immersion in mud, sandand combinations thereof—even after being strippedof oil. Finally, the pistols hadto have a service life of15,000 rounds.

Obviously, a pistol ofreasonable size and com-petitive price that couldmeet such standards wouldbe highly attractive to theU.S. market. The people atCZ-USA thought so, too. Acompany official declaredthe P-01 “the most reliableand accurate pistol thecompany has ever made.”

At first glance, the P-01simply resembles a chopped(shortened barrel/slide andframe) CZ 75, but there aresubtle and significant dif-ferences. The new gun hasboth rear and forward ser-rations on the slide for bet-ter purchase. The triggerguard is recurved andhorizontally grooved forthose who place their off-hand forefingers there. Thesights are of a low-profile,snag-free contour similar tothe popular Novak design.The hammer rowel isround, like that of a ColtCommander, which

CZ P-01Pistol

MANUFACTURER: CeskáZbrojovka, a.s. 688 27Uhersky Brod, CzechRepublic

IMPORTER: CZ-USA (Dept. AR), P.O. Box171073, Kansas City, KS66117-0073; (800) 955-4486; www.cz-usa.com

CALIBER: 9 mm LugerACTION TYPE: locked

breech, short-recoil semi-automatic pistol

FRAME: blue-finished,anodized aluminum alloy receiver, carbonsteel slide

BARREL: 4"RIFLING: 1:16" RH twistMAGAZINE: detachable box,

10-round capacitySIGHTS: pinned front post;

square-notch, low-profiledovetailed rear; three dots

TRIGGER: double-action: 9 lbs. double-action pull;5 lbs. single-action pull

OVERALL LENGTH: 71⁄4"WIDTH: 17⁄16"HEIGHT: 53⁄8" WEIGHT: 1 lb., 9 ozs.ACCESSORIES: hard plastic

case, gun lock, cleaningkit, test target

SUGGESTED RETAIL

PRICE: $550

CZ P-01

The CZ P-01

features serra-

tions on the

front and rear

of the slide.

The frame’s

dust cover has

an accessory

rail on its front.

A M E R I C A N R I F L E M A N

The CZ P-01 is based on the proven Model

75. The pistol passed extensive trials con-

ducted by the Czech National Police,

which has ordered 46,000 P-01s.

74

´

´

February 200275

reduces hammer bite onthe web of the shootinghand. Further, the magazinerelease button has beenenlarged for faster, surerengagement. Additionally,there is an accessory railbuilt into the frame ahead ofthe trigger guard. The grippanels, previously made ofhard plastic, are now madeof soft, checkered rubber.The compact gun also has alanyard loop, a retentiondevice useful for uniformedpersonnel but of little valueto civilians. The last, butlikely most important, obvi-ous difference between the

P-01 and the original CZ 75is the absence of the safetylever and the presence ofthe decocker.

As with traditional DApistols, the P-01 has a long,relatively heavy first triggerpull that both cocks thehammer and releases it. Allsubsequent shots are singleaction with the energy fromthe fired round cycling theaction and cocking thehammer. The transition fromthe DA to the SA triggerpull is problematic forsome, but can be overcomewith practice. The triggeron the new CZ is on par

with other triggers of thistype on other brands ofguns. The decocker is anice feature that allows theshooter to safely lower thehammer of a cocked pistolwithout having to touch thehammer or trigger. It is asimple system that appealsto consumers who seek anadded margin of safety aswell as to law enforcementagencies looking to avoidboth complicated trainingand liability risks. A loaded-chamber indicator is anoth-er positive safety feature ofthe P-01.

CZ 75s, with their deeplysculpted backstraps and slimgrip panels, have always fitwell into the hands of mostshooters, and the P-01 is noexception. This is particu-larly impressive given thefact that CZ 75s have a dou-ble-stack magazine design,their civilian units holdingthe legally mandated 10rounds. There is nothingabout the feel of this smallgun’s grip frame to indicateit is a compact model. Theonly complaint as toergonomics was that theextreme forward position ofthe trigger in the double-action mode made reachdifficult for those with medi-um to small hands.Otherwise, the controls—including the frame-mount-ed safety—are quite good;

well-located and easy tomanipulate. The aluminumalloy frame is a big plus forthe P-01. It makes littlesense to make a gun that iscompact but heavy. Theframe is mated to a steelslide and both are coatedwith a thick layer of adurable polymer finish.

We were quiteimpressed with the CZ P-01. Despite beingdesigned specifically forCzech law enforcement, ithas practically all the fea-tures anyone would want ina double-action carry gun:reliability, accuracy, a reason-ably powerful chambering,firepower, light weight, com-pactness, durability andgood ergonomics.

99 mmmm LLuuggeerr VVeell.. @@1155'' EEnneerrggyy RReeccooiill GGrroouupp SSiizzee IInn IInncchheess

CCaarrttrriiddggee ((ff..pp..ss..)) ((fftt..--llbbss..)) ((fftt..--llbbss..)) SSmmaalllleesstt LLaarrggeesstt AAvveerraaggee

Federal 1039 Avg. 297 4.7 2.32 2.87 2.55124-gr. FMJ 13 Sd

Winchester 1126 Avg. 324 4.7 2.52 3.54 3.16115-gr. JHP 12 Sd

,

Black Hills 1184 Avg. 386 5.9 2.88 4.14 3.46124-gr. JHP 18 Sd

Average Extreme Spread 3.06

Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 4" barrel. Range temperature: 62°F.Humidity: 85%. Accuracy for five consecutive, five-shot groups at 25 yds. from sand-bags. Abbreviations: FMJ (full metal jacket), JHP (jacketed hollow point), Sd (standarddeviation).

SHOOTING RESULTS

At first glance, this pre-produc-

tion P-01 resembles a shortened

CZ 75. Both inside and externally

there are changes that set it apart

from its parent design.

The new double-

action P-01 has a

decocking lever on

the frame’s left rear.

The frame is of alu-

minum alloy, and the

lanyard ring on its

bottom reflects its

origin as a Czech

National Police arm.

The CZ P-01 has low-profile,

three-dot sights. The front is

pinned in place, while the rear

is drift-adjustable for windage.

A M E R I C A N R I F L E M A N