This time, I'll be reviewing the KSC Cz75 2nd HW (Heavyweight), which I bought quite a while ago.

As you all know, the CZ75 is a legendary handgun produced in 1975 in Czechoslovakia (then a communist country).

A famous anecdote tells of Jeff Cooper, a pioneer of combat shooting, who said that "if the Cz75 had been fired in .45 ACP, it would have been the best combat automatic pistol" (personally, I think this was because of its superior accuracy and the fact that its controls were almost identical to those of the M1911).

It seems the North Korean general (General Secretary) is quite fond of the CZ75, as I saw a news report about a model he named the Baekdu Mountain pistol, which has incredible engraving (decoration).

In manga and anime, Gunsmith Cats is probably the most famous example (Cz75 First Model, Short Rail). For my generation, the image of Jed Goshi (the Salvadoran launcher user) using it in an Eastern European escort mission in Pineapple Army (original story by Kazuya Kudo, art by Naoki Urasawa) is very strong (I think it was the 2nd model in the artwork).

I seem to recall Dr. Tenma, the protagonist of the manga MONSTER, also written by Urasawa, using it.

If you're interested, there's an article explaining the actual product using this model, so please take a look.

Putting that aside, I believe I bought the product I'm reviewing shortly after its release (around the end of 2014?).

I was actually planning to buy the legendary first version, but as far as I remember, the CZ75 Heavyweight was first released as the second model, so I bought that instead (the first version was later also released as a Heavyweight).

Now, let's review it as if it were straight out of the box.

Check the outer box and contents.

This is the outer box.

This is the standard blue box from KSC. As a side note, I believe KSC's M9 had a nearly identical design but was brown, STI's was a black mosaic, and HK's was black.

This is the back of the box.

The back of the box features KSC's standard design and serves as a target. However, I highly doubt anyone would actually use the outer box as a target (what a waste!).

This is the side of the box.

The side of the box contains detailed information, including the model name. Therefore, if you are buying a used one and have the original box, it's a good idea to carefully check the side of the box to confirm the specifications (check for System 7, HW specifications, etc. Unfortunately, the specifications for the hop-up packing are not available).

The price tag read 20,460 yen, which seems like a pretty good deal by today's standards (2023) (I remember buying it at Akabane Frontier).

Let's open the box.

The inside of the box is quite simple, unlike the elaborate interiors you'd find from Tokyo Marui. Also, something you wouldn't see with Tokyo Marui, the magazine is already attached to the gun.

Here is a list of included accessories.

The package includes an instruction manual, a campaign postcard, a notice regarding additional part numbers, a small amount of ammunition, and a hop-up adjustment lever.

My own unit seems to have the right amount of contents, so please use this as a reference if you are worried.

What I want to draw attention to here is the KSC instruction manual (the part highlighted in red in the photo).

The content is quite substantial and makes for a very worthwhile read. Furthermore, the final section on real firearms spans two pages and contains some very interesting information (the content is quite in-depth).

Personally, I thought it was similar to how Tamiya's plastic model (scale model) assembly instructions include explanations of the actual aircraft. When I was a child, there was no internet, of course, and since I lived in the countryside, it was quite difficult to get information about military topics, so the explanations in Tamiya's plastic models were a very important source of information.

KSC instruction manuals are designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Next, let's look at the main unit.

Overall review of the exterior

First, let's look at the overall side view.

Other side

KSC's HW models are often criticized for molding imperfections, but this particular unit appears to have been neatly molded (likely from an early production run). Please note that it has been stored for a long time, so it is photographed with dust and other dirt still present.

In the next update, we will be refreshing the exterior.

Next, the hold-open state.

Other side

The frame, a characteristic of the CZ, encases the slide, resulting in an unusually low slide height, giving it a very compact and slim appearance (there are many other factors as well).

Regarding the actual weapon, the CZ75, with its compact double-action design, 15+1 rounds capacity (9mm Parabellum), and compact size, was quite remarkable at the time (1975).

Comparing it to similar Western models, I couldn't think of any 9mm guns from the 1970s with comparable specifications (the closest was the Browning Hi-Power, a 13-round single-action only rifle).

In the West, similar specifications (15+1 rounds, double action) would be found in the Beretta M92 and Sig P226, which appeared in the 1990s.

Compared to later models like the Beretta M92 and Sig P226, the CZ75 looks more compact (the M9 in the photo is also a KSC).

However, while both the Beretta and Sig have a decocking function, the CZ 75 does not, so a direct comparison is not possible.

KSC M9 Review

Finally, here's the weight without the magazine.

At 563g, it's rather heavy for its size. I think that really shows its heavy-weight nature.

Next, we will look at the details of each part.

Detailed review of the exterior

Let's take a look at the details that I personally found interesting.

slide

Let's take a look at the muzzle.

The rifling is clearly visible.

One of the most distinctive features of the CZ75 is its flat front slide. Many pistols have a guide on the front of the slide to support the recoil spring, or a plug like the one on the M1911, but the CZ75 lacks these parts, allowing for a flat surface.

The reason we can omit the guide and plug is because we use a special spring for the recoil spring and put a lot of effort into machining the slide (I'll explain the details in the disassembly section).

This is one of those things that really makes you think, "Wow, this is made in the Czech Republic, a country known for its industrialization."

Outer barrel

The outer barrel is made of resin, but it has a very nice plating finish.

Front sight

It has grooves (serrations) to prevent light reflection. The front sight of this product is made of resin.

Slide forward

This is one of the major features of the CZ75's second and later models, where the slide's rail section is longer (apparently about 1 inch, or 25.4 mm, longer than the first model).

Opposite side of the front of the slide

The manufacturing number is engraved on the slide and frame.

The lot number is engraved as 21047, and according to the instruction manual, it seems to be a reproduction of the very first production lot of the 2nd model.

Generally speaking, the main differences between the first and second models of the CZ75 are considered to be the following:

The first model features a frame and slide that are entirely machined from a forged block of steel, and its distinguishing feature is the short rail.

The 2nd model features a slide machined from a forged steel block, similar to the 1st model, and a frame made using precision casting and machining. A distinctive external feature is the 1-inch extension of the rail section.

Reading the instruction manual, it seems that lot numbers in the 21000s represent a model from the transition period between the first and second generations, where both the slide and frame are machined from forged steel blocks and the rails have been extended (a legendary lot? It's a model that evokes a sense of romance).

Center of the slide

The slide is engraved with the CZ company logo, Model 75, and 9mm caliber, while the frame is engraved with "Made in Czechoslovakia." The name Czechoslovakia evokes the Cold War era (the Czech Republic and Slovakia gained independence in 1993).

The image of the Czech Republic as an industrial nation and the image of Cz will be described in the breakdown section.

Center of the slide, opposite side (chamber)

The chamber is plated and engraved with a lot number and a nitro-proof mark (also on the slide). To put it simply, the nitro-proof mark indicates that the gun has passed a strength test for smokeless powder. The test procedures are not arbitrary but are likely determined by some kind of standard (like JIS in Japan).

The slide extractor is molded as one piece with the slide, but it's well done and has a considerable three-dimensional feel.

rear end of slide

The narrow slide has serrations to make it easier to flick the slide back. With airsoft guns, the recoil spring load is low, so you don't need much force to pull back the slide, and it's not inconvenient, but with a real gun, the load is much higher, so it would probably be difficult.

The Tokyo Marui airsoft CZ 75 has a very narrow slide, which makes it difficult to pull back the slide (there's a trick to it).

The hammer is a small spur type.

Rear sight

The rear sight is made of metal. However, it does not have any adjustment mechanisms.

Firing pin

When you cock the hammer, you can see a dummy firing pin. The pin moves slightly when you press it.

Finally, let's look at the weight of the slide (details of the disassembly will be in the next installment).

Landing Net Frame

This is the entire frame.

Other side

All the controls are located on the right side and are not at all ambidextrous. The left side is completely flat, typical of communist-era designs.

While many devices now have ambient sound, this was the norm in 1975.

Let's take a closer look.

This is the trigger and trigger guard.

The trigger has a beautiful plated finish. The trigger guard is larger than that of the first model. It is generally said that this enlargement was done to make it easier to operate while wearing gloves.

Let's take a look at the trigger guard from below.

The JASG logo and lot mark for the airsoft gun are engraved on the front of the trigger guard.

Grip

This grip has a unique design. It's thin, easy to hold, and very user-friendly. The fact that the grip is secured with just one screw demonstrates excellent design sense and practicality.

The front and back of the grip also have a complex curved shape, making it very comfortable to hold.

Front of the grip

Back of the grip

The grip width is quite thin considering it's a double-column design.

Magazine slot

You can clearly see how thin the frame and grip are through the magazine slot. I think this thinness is one of the main reasons why the CZ75 is so easy to grip.

Finally, let's look at the frame control system.

The controls are perfectly positioned, and when you actually grip the controller and try to operate it, you can access each lever with just your thumb.

However, the slide stop feels a little far away for my hand (I can reach it with my thumb if I change my grip).

The controls in this area feel similar to those of the M1911, which I think is why it was well-received by Americans, including Jeff Cooper.

This is the weight of the frame.

Next, let's look at the movement of each part.

Movement of movable parts

Let's look at the movement of the movable parts.

Hop adjustment

This is hop adjustment.

Pull the slide back to the hold-open position, then look into the chamber and you'll see the hop-up adjustment dial.

Use the included wrench to adjust the serrations on the hop-up chamber.

Adjust by aligning the jagged edges of the main body and the hop-up.

This dial has a satisfying click and is quite easy to adjust.

Basically, you use the included wrench, but if you try hard enough, you can also adjust it by hooking your fingernail into it, so you can manage without the wrench (it's even easier to adjust if you remove the outer barrel).

Safety movements

Next is the safety maneuver.

Safety on.

The hammer will only move when it is cocked.

Next, release the safety.

It's what you might call a "cock and cock" style. I think this concept was a major factor in its acceptance by Americans at the time.

The safety mechanism on this product operates quite smoothly, which is great.

Trigger and hammer movement

Next, let's look at the hammer's movement and the trigger's position.

Normal state

Half-cocked state

Full cocking state

Trigger position when the hammer moves

The trigger feel of this product is quite smooth, and personally, I think it's the best feel I've ever experienced. I'll go into detail about the mechanism in the disassembly section, but I think this is due to the sophisticated trigger mechanism and the thick plate of the trigger bar.

However, some people might find it too smooth, making it difficult to discern where the sheer finish ends, and therefore not to their liking.

Magazine

This is what the magazine looks like.

It is a zinc casting.

The real thing has about three holes on the side, which apparently serve as an indicator of the number of rounds loaded (in this product, these are molded in; those who are bothered by them might want to paint them gold).

The magazine's end plate is made of sheet metal and secured with pins.

Rear view

The back of the CZ75 magazine is completely flat.

Many recent automatic pistols, such as Glocks, have a hole on the back to indicate the number of rounds loaded.

The airsoft version holds 23 rounds (compared to 15 rounds in the real thing).

Pushing down on a follower will lock it in place (a unique mechanic of KSC).

Personally, I find this feature quite convenient and useful when loading. However, be careful not to forget to unlock it before inserting the ammunition into the gun, as this will prevent feeding. Also, be careful not to unlock it when there is no ammunition loaded, as this may break the follower (it can be shattered by the force of the spring).

Next are the magazine lip, gas route packing, and valve.

The magazine lip was smooth and not too narrow for the BBs during feeding, which is a common issue with KSC magazines. The molding of the magazine's gas route packing is also quite nice (some manufacturers do a terrible job).

Overall, I think each component is of high quality.

This is the magazine weight (without ammunition or gas).

It weighs a considerable 271.5g.

Finally, here is the weight of the unit with the magazine attached.

A fully loaded real gun reportedly weighs nearly 1kg, but unfortunately, this one falls short at 834g. However, as expected from an HW (heavyweight) model, it has a nice weight to it.

Live-fire performance verification

Next, we will check the actual firing performance.

The conditions were: a full magazine of HFC-134a, a magazine surface temperature of 26.2°C, a room temperature of 24°C, and 23 rounds loaded (G&G bio BBs 0.2g).

The initial velocity is measured with the hop-up adjustment set to 0.

I'll try shooting a few more times.

At the start of firing, the muzzle velocity was approximately 76 m/s, and it gradually decreased with each subsequent shot, reaching about 72 m/s by the time the magazine was empty.

In terms of performance, I'd say it's slightly above average for a handgun.

I haven't checked the trajectory of this particular unit, but since switching to KSC's bifurcated packing, the ballistic performance has been significantly improved (confirmed with their M9).

Introduction article on chronographs

Fuel efficiency

Next is fuel efficiency.

This is the weight with the magazine fully filled with gas.

This is the weight of a magazine after firing all 23 rounds.

With 4.5g of BBs consumed for 23 shots, that's about 0.2g per shot, which I think is pretty good fuel efficiency (surprisingly good for a heavyweight gun).

When calculating how many shots can be fired with a full tank of gas, the empty magazine weighs 271.5g and a full magazine weighs 279.5g, so the amount of gas is 8g. Since the gas consumption per shot is 0.2g, theoretically it should be possible to fire 40 shots, which is a little less than two magazines (46 shots).

It varies greatly depending on usage conditions, so calculations won't always be accurate, but based on my own experience, two magazines' worth is just barely enough.

Finally, here's a video of it in operation (after emptying one magazine).

KSC Cz75 2nd HW Normal Operation Video

It moves quite sharply for a heavy-weight (HW) gun. Naturally, being HW, the recoil shock is also quite pronounced.

G&G Bio-Bullets 0.2g
It's inexpensive and accurate, so I use it for a wide range of purposes, from performance testing to airsoft games. It's been my favorite since it first came to Japan (around 2008). It lasts a long time for a biodegradable product.

G&G Bio-Bullets 0.25g
It's 0.25g. I generally use 0.25g BBs when playing airsoft.

Summary

I think the KSC Cz75 HW is a really good product, both to look at and to shoot.

As expected from KSC, which has a solid reputation for its appearance, the operating performance is also high-performance, thanks to the now-standard System 7 and bifurcated packing.

For a blowback CZ 75, Maruzen's cartridge-type model is about the only option, so if you're going to play airsoft, I think KSC is the way to go. Carbonate also makes a CO2 model, but I personally didn't like the thick magazine end plate, so I didn't buy it (although I think it's a great product).

I think this is the definitive gas blowback CZ75.

I can't think of any particular drawbacks, but apparently the slide is prone to cracking, so I might consider countermeasures in the future (it might be fine with hardware).

As for future plans, since my unit is old and the grease has dried out, I plan to regrease it and rub the parts together.

Also, while the genuine CZ75 is made of steel with a blue finish, this product has a matte black-like color, so I'm going to try blueing it (this will be my first time blueing).

Next time, we'll cover the disassembly process.

That concludes my lengthy review of the KSC Cz75 2nd HW.

KSC Cz75 2nd HW (Heavyweight) System 7
This is the product featured on this page. Apparently, some batches have noticeable wrinkles from the hot water treatment. As of 2026, distribution has stabilized, and both stock and price are stable.

KSC Cz75 1st HW (Heavyweight) System 7
This is the legendary first model. I'll buy it if my bluing attempt fails.

KSC CZ 75 Series 23-Round Original Magazine
Previously, KSC magazines were hard to find on the market, which was quite a problem. Is that not the case anymore?