PER ARDUA AD ASTRA

"Flying for freedom is more than just fighting – it is an honor."

This is how Josef Frantisek (1914 – 1940), a Czechoslovak flying ace in the British Royal Air Force (RAF) with seventeen confirmed kills, described his fight against the Nazis.

It is an honor for us to remember the heroes of the Czechoslovak RAF squadrons, who fought against Hitler’s Germany to free their occupied homeland.

If there is one symbol

that characterizes the RAF during the second world war, it is the Supermarine Spitfire fighter aircraft, in addition to the Czechoslovak pilots who stood out. In its day, it was among the best piston-engine fighters. This aircraft, with its distinctive elliptical wings, remained in service with the RAF throughout the war and continued to serve in the years that followed.

The Spitfire earned its legendary status thanks to a combination of elegance, steadfast performance, and superb handling.

And because these qualities also apply to our equally legendary CZ 75 pistol, we chose it as the firearm to honor the memory of RAF pilots and their favorite aircraft.

If there is one symbol

The Spitfire earned its legendary status thanks to a combination of elegance, steadfast performance, and superb handling.

And because these qualities also apply to our equally legendary CZ 75 pistol, we chose it as the firearm to honor the memory of RAF pilots and their favorite aircraft.

Let's take a closer look at the unique CZ 75 RAF special edition.

Title

"PER ARDUA AD ASTRA"

– THROUGH ADVERSITY TO THE STARS. A slogan that will surely catch your eye. This motto has accompanied the British RAF since its founding in 1918.

Cocking serrations

The eye-catching cocking serrations on the slide resemble the circlet in the Royal Air Force roundel.

The badge of the Czechoslovak Air Force was also a must to include.

Squadron number

On the front of the slide, on the barrel, and below the number on the slide, is the squadron number to which the pistol belongs.

CZ 75 RAF

Ports

The most dominant feature of the slide, however, is undoubtedly the ports, which are inspired by the exhaust stacks of the Rolls Royce Merlin engine that was the heart of the Spitfire. But watch out! Just like with the Spitfire’s stacks, caution is recommended, as hot gases are also ejected from these ports and the pistol’s barrel.

Grips

If your attention has been drawn to the pistol’s grips, you will see they are inspired by the "humps" found on the wings of the Spitfire. In the middle of the left grip, the humps are complemented by a Czechoslovak aviation badge.

Magazine base plate

The magazine base plate features an engraving of an RAF pilot's badge.

Serial numbers

The serial numbers of these limited editions refer to the four Czechoslovak squadrons in the Royal Air Force, where not only pilots served, but also ground crew during combat operations. Specifically, these are the 310 fighter, 311 bomber, 312 fighter, and 313 fighter squadrons, with a total of 14 CZ 75 RAF pistols being produced to honor each one.

CZ 75 RAF

The surface of the pistol resembles the riveted body panels on the fighter plane. The extraordinary look this provides to the gun is further complemented by Rainbow Blue controls.

CZ 75 RAF

Packaging

The uniqueness of the CZ 75 RAF limited edition, however, also extends to the aluminum case that houses it.

Aviation enthusiasts, especially fans of historic British RAF aircraft, will probably recognize it. The shape of the box resembles the oil tank of this aircraft, which is one of the most crucial components of its engine. In addition, the box is made of aluminum alloy, which was, and still is, widely used in the aviation industry, among others. Of course, this also includes the Spitfire!

Each CZ 75 RAF pistol is paired with a beautiful embroidered patch that features the squadron badge to which the pistol is dedicated.

But wait! The similarities to the legendary fighter plane don’t end there. The window on the case resembles the cockpit windscreen of the legendary fighter plane.

The surface of the case is inspired by the ribs on the plane’s wings. The "gauges" engraved on the inside of the case are based on the Spitfire's instrument panel. With a little imagination, you can visualize how many the pilot had to monitor on board, while also intensely peering through the plane’s tiny cockpit windows to see if any "bandits" emerge...

Replica of the Distinguished Flying Cross

Another surprise is hidden inside the paper box that comes together with the aluminum case that houses the pistol. The CZ 75 RAF edition includes a replica of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), a renowned military decoration awarded to RAF pilots since 1918.

Key in the shape of a Spitfire

Under this decoration, you will find a key to the aluminum case that holds the pistol. Its shape is inspired by the unmistakable silhouette of the wings of a Supermarine Spitfire fighter plane.

The paper box also contains a certificate of authenticity, a brochure with information about Czechoslovak pilots in the RAF,

and a hand-painted and signed illustration of the legendary Supermarine Spitfire aircraft by the well-known Czech painter and illustrator Jaroslav Velc.

Replica of the Distinguished Flying Cross

Key in the shape of a Spitfire

Under this decoration, you will find a key to the aluminum case that holds the pistol. Its shape is inspired by the unmistakable silhouette of the wings of a Supermarine Spitfire fighter plane.

The paper box also contains a certificate of authenticity, a brochure with information about Czechoslovak pilots in the RAF,

and a hand-painted and signed illustration of the legendary Supermarine Spitfire aircraft by the well-known Czech painter and illustrator Jaroslav Velc.

The box comes with a handwritten signature by the well-known Czech artist David Cerny, co-designer of some of the components featured in this limited edition.

CZ 75 RAF

Where to buy?

Limited edition CZ 75 RAF will be offered at online auction. Collectors interested in this unique pieces will be able to take part – the exact date will be announced soon.

CZ 75 RAF

2,500. That is approximately how many Czechoslovaks served in the British RAF during World War II.

Many of them became flying aces, while nearly 500 of them laid down their lives in the fight for freedom. For this, they deserve our admiration and gratitude.

CZ newsletter

Newsletter updates to your email

Dealer Locator

Find your nearest CZ dealer

Lifetime Barrel Warranty

Activate your warranty today!

Activate

CZ Catalogs

Browse the CZ General and MLE Catalogs

Explore

CZ ambassadors

Meet Eric Grauffel, Matthew Emmons, and Jiří Procházka

CZ DNA

Instinctive Fit