CZ introduces the CZ 75 LEGEND

The return of a legend in its original form

Ceska zbrojovka (CZ) presents the CZ 75 LEGEND at the SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas, a new pistol inspired by one of the most important designs in the history of handguns. The iconic CZ 75 returns exactly as it left the production line in the 1970s – an authentic, technically accurate original that fundamentally influenced the development of modern pistols.

The CZ 75 pistol was developed in the early 1970s in then-Czechoslovakia as a modern firearm intended primarily for export to Western markets. Its creator, Frantisek Koucky, widely regarded as one of the most important firearm designers of his time, relied exclusively on his personal experience, technical intuition, and deep understanding of how firearms should operate in its design. The CZ 75 was developed without the use of modern computational tools and simulations, yet its concept was ahead of its time by an entire generation.

At the time, it offered an unparalleled blend of features: exceptional shooting comfort, low recoil, smooth SA/DA trigger operation, and an above-average loading capacity in its double-stack magazine – all integrated within a compact, all-metal design. It was this combination that gave rise to the term "Wonder Nine" and laid the foundations for the modern category of 9 mm Luger service pistols.

One of the key design features of the CZ 75 is its ergonomics. The shape of the grip allows for a natural and secure grip for shooters with different sized hands and has become a reference for a wide range of subsequent designs. The internal slide rail in the frame also plays an important role, as it allows for a higher grip, reduces the weight of the slide, and contributes to less recoil and better control during firing.

The distinctiveness of the CZ 75 is also underlined by its SA/DA trigger mechanism. The patented single-arm lever solution has made it possible to achieve a light, smooth, and consistent trigger pull in both SA and DA mode, which was quite extraordinary for pistols in this category at the time of its development.

Thanks to its progressive design, the CZ 75 has become one of the most copied pistols in the world, second only to the legendary Colt 1911. Paradoxically, this was aided by the fact that patents for this design were kept secret, due to its potential for service use, and were not publicly available. The CZ 75 thus became an inspiration for dozens of manufacturers and laid the foundations for an entire design family that is still actively developed today.

After 1989, CZ was able to further develop the CZ 75 platform in an extensive line of service, civilian, and sport pistols. Its technical legacy continues today, for example, in the CZ SHADOW series of pistols, which dominate IPSC competitions worldwide. Nevertheless, the original CZ 75 has an exceptional place in the history of short firearms as a pistol that defined an entire segment.

The CZ 75 LEGEND pays tribute to this legacy. It offers the opportunity to own a newly manufactured pistol in an authentic design that corresponds to the original model from the 1970s and reminds us that true legends never grow old.

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