Guncrafter Industries Executive CZ 75B 9mm Luger

The Guncrafter Executive is among the most eye-catching, attractive, and well-finished pistols we have tested. Moreover, the piece is smooth in operation. The Guncrafter eliminates the drawbacks of a double-action trigger, we feel. The package is available on compact pistols and rail guns as well.

0

In this day of polymer-frame striker-fired pistols stamped out by the thousands, there is still a place for customized handguns, made with skill and detail. We recently elected to test two such 9mm handguns from custom shops, both being double-action-first-shot pistols with metal frames and hammer-fired mechanisms. For contrast, we also shot a Browning Hi-Power single-action pistol whose starting price alone could buy either of the first two pistols, but which had been customized over time with some important upgrades, including a redone finish and new sights. Are any of these custom guns worth the extra cost? What we found is, a trained marksman will benefit most from such handguns.

Our first gun was a Beretta/Wilson Combat 92G Centurion, $1250. The Wilson Combat gun is manufactured by Beretta under Wilson Combat specifications. The Beretta is admired by Bill Wilson, who has used it in IDPA competition. The primary advantage of the Beretta is its proven reliability. The 92G Centurion Tactical merges the company’s Brigadier Tactical enhanced frame with a 4.25-inch Centurion slide to create an everyday carry 9mm pistol. Many shooters know there are certain drawbacks to the stock Beretta 92 pistol. The sights are smaller than many other modern sights, and the grip frame is larger than some hands may accommodate. These shortcomings have been addressed in the Wilson Combat upgrade. Wilson Combat grips are thinner while maintaining a high level of adhesion and abrasion. Also, the pistol features the Wilson Combat Battlesight and a front sight with tritium insert.

Next was the Guncrafter Industries Executive CZ 75B, $1875. Guncrafter Industries has offered its own high-end 1911 for several years. The base CZ 75 features good fit, finish, and steel and is a good choice for an upgraded 9mm handgun, but the CZ 75 hasn’t received the same customizing attention as 1911 and Hi-Power pistols. Guncrafters offers customizations on the 75B, the SP01, 75 Compact, and Shadow 2. The CZ 75 variants are built on existing CZ 75 pistols. The pistol may be built on a decocker frame if desired, as packages may be built on customer-supplied guns. Others are in stock and ready to ship.

Our third gun was a Browning Hi-Power 1979 9mm Luger, $1860. This 1979 Browning Hi-Power was obtained for $1100 originally and modified several times, to the tune of another $760. That aggregate price could easily be the cost of a used Hi-Power in reasonable shape today, with no mods.

We saw pretty early that Beretta fans were going to purchase the Wilson Combat Beretta, and CZ fans would buy the Guncrafter Executive, although there were compelling differences between them.

How We Tested

As the test progressed and we weighed individual features between platforms, we saw there was another grading scale to consider. While the overall performance of one pistol against the others was most important thing to consider, the validity of each feature’s improvement over what appears on standard handguns had to be gauged as well.

The Guncrafter’s handling was aided with nicely textured panels that supplied good grip tackiness.

We used four types of ammunition during the evaluation. First was the Winchester Active Duty full-metal-jacket (FMJ) load during the combat-firing test. We used Remington UMC FMJs, Hornady 115-grain XTP jacketed hollow points, and Federal 124-grain Punch jacketed hollow points when firing for accuracy.

During preliminary handling, we noted the magazines of all three pistols were more or less the same in handling and loading. The 17-round Beretta magazines were not difficult to load. The 20-round Beretta magazine was another story. It became difficult to load at the 15th round. Only by using a magazine loader were we able to get to 19 rounds, and two of the four raters — men of at least average strength — could not load the 20th round, even with the loader, without great difficulty. We gave up and elected to load the magazine to 19 rounds, sometimes 18. Considering the added bulk and length of the magazine, it isn’t really worth the effort.

Gun Tests Grade: A

$1875

Our GI-75 test gun featured the selective double-action type safety. The safety may not be applied if the pistol’s hammer is lowered. If the safety is applied with the hammer cocked, the safety locks the slide in place. The tactical imperative is to carry the pistol hammer down and fire with a double-action first shot. After the first shot, if you are moving or in a gun battle, the pistol may be placed on Safe if you prefer, rather than having to decock the hammer. It may be noted that the pistol offers both the single-action-cocked-and-locked Hi-Power format and the double-action-first-shot Beretta format.

Guncrafter Industries Executive CZ 75B

Action TypeShort recoil-operated locked breech, double action to single action
Overall Length8.1 in.
Overall Height5.4 in.
Maximum Width1.4 in.
Weight Unloaded34 oz.
Weight Loaded40 oz.
Slide MaterialForged Steel
Slide Retraction Effort19.0 lbs.
ReceiverBlued steel, case hardened finish
Front Strap Height2.5 in.
Back Strap Height3.4 in.
Barrel Length4.6 in.
Grip Thickness Maximum 1.4 in.
Grip Circumference5.5 in.
Magazines(2) 16 round
Rear SightFixed
Front SightDovetail post
Sight Radius6.1 in.
Trigger Pull Weight4.0 lbs.
Trigger Span2.5 in.
SafetySlide lock safety
WarrantyLimited 5-year
Telephone(479) 665-2466
WebsiteGuncrafterIndustries.com
Made InU.S.A.

Here are some of the upgrades:

  • Color-case-hardened frame with a clear Cerakote application
  • Hot-salt-blued slide with polished flats
  • Flush-cut and crowned barrel
  • DLC-coated barrel and small parts
  • Guncrafter Industries logo on the frame
  • Guncrafter Industries Slim-Tac G10 Grips
  • Action job with custom hammer
The CZ 75 sights are well designed but are the smallest tested.

As noted above, our test gun’s frame was stamped with the Guncrafter logo. The case-hardened frame is gorgeous. A nice touch is a shortened and recrowned flush-fitting muzzle. This aids in accuracy potential, according to Guncrafter, and certainly makes the pistol’s looks distinctive. The 4.6-inch barrel developed slightly greater velocity than the Beretta 92 pistol. At 35 ounces, the GI-75B features modest recoil, even for a 9mm handgun. The sights are standard drift-adjustable CZ 75. While adequate for every chore we put the pistol to, the sights were rated fourth of the four pistols tested.

We fired this group off hand with the Guncrafter in rapid fire at 10 yards. The Guncrafter/CZ75 pistol is brilliantly fast to a center hit at combat ranges.

Beginning with an already-smooth action, Guncrafter improved the smoothness, reset, and crispness of both the double-action and single-action trigger presses. In DA mode, the trigger broke at a clean 9 pounds. Trigger compression was 4 pounds in single action. We have never tested a factory CZ 75 pistol with a comparable trigger action. The trigger action is very well done.

For personal defense involving rapid shooting, the Guncrafter-75 offered excellent results, slightly outpacing both the Beretta and the Hi-Power by a margin and completely outclassing the CZ Omega. The pistol was accurate enough when fired off the bench. The best 25-yard groups were around 2  inches.

Our Team Said: The Guncrafter Executive CZ 75 is a great-handling pistol with a refined muzzle crown and a superb trigger action that improve practical accuracy. After firing the pistol and handling it, we think it is much improved over a stock CZ 75B pistol. Again, we wouldn’t hesitate to buy this handgun.

9mm Luger Range Data

Remington UMC 115-grain FMJBeretta/ Wilson Combat 92G CenturionGuncrafter Industries CZ 75BBrowning Hi-Power CustomizedCZ-USA CZ 75B Omega
Average Velocity1122 fps1131 fps1160 fps 1155 fps
Muzzle Energy321 ft.-lbs.327 ft.-lbs.344 ft.-lbs.341 ft.-lbs.
Smallest Group2.0 in.2.1 in.1.6 in.1.8 in.
Average Group2.5 in.2.5 in.2.2 in.2.4 in.
Hornady 115-grain XTP JHPBeretta/ Wilson Combat 92G CenturionGuncrafter Industries CZ 75BBrowning Hi-Power CustomizedCZ-USA CZ 75B Omega
Average Velocity1140 fps1159 fps1164 fps 1180 fps
Muzzle Energy332 ft.-lbs.343 ft.-lbs.346 ft.-lbs.356 ft.-lbs.
Smallest Group1.9 in.1.7 in.1.6 in.2.25 in.
Average Group2.3 in.2.25 in.2.1 in.2.6 in.
Federal Punch 124-grain JHPBeretta/ Wilson Combat 92G CenturionGuncrafter Industries CZ 75BBrowning Hi-Power CustomizedCZ-USA CZ 75B Omega
Average Velocity1101 fps1153 fps1190 fps 1201 fps
Muzzle Energy334 ft.-lbs.366 ft.-lbs.390 ft.-lbs.397 ft.-lbs.
Smallest Group1.6 in.1.9 in.1.5 in.2.2 in.
Average Group2.0 in.2.4 in.2.0 in.2.5 in.
All groups were fired from a Bullshooters gun rest from a braced bench rest firing position at 25 yards. The groups were fired in strings of three five-shot groups for each load in each handgun. Velocities were collected at 10 yards using an RCBS Ammomaster Chronograph. Note: Shooting for the CZ 75B Omega was conducted at the same time as the custom pistols, but that gun’s results appear separately on page 12.

Value Guide: 9mm Luger Handgun Rankings

GUN NAMEISSUEGRADECOMMENTS
Ruger SR1911 6722 9mm Luger, $775Jun. 2021AOur Pick. The most expensive gun tested. We liked the fit, finish, handling and accuracy.
Tisas Regent BR9 9mm Luger, $558Jun. 2021A-We like this Tisas rendition. Downside: The cocking effort is severe, which may disqualify it for some.
Citadel M1911A1-CS CIT9MMCSP 9mm Luger, $479Jun. 2021BBest Buy. The pistol is reliable and handles well. Less accuracy than the other pistols. Front sight is too gray.
Zenith Tisas ZIG PCS9 9mm Luger, $549Jun. 2021DDownsides: Extractor problems and the slide-lock safety wasn’t properly fitted.
Shadow Systems MR920 9mm Luger, $799Apr. 2021AOur Pick. The Shadow Systems Multi Role (MR) pistol is basically an improved Glock 19. Excellent buy.
Sarsilmaz SAR9 9mm Luger, $400Apr. 2021A-Best Buy. Many good features. We would have liked a lighter trigger action.
Tisas Zigana PX-9 9mm Luger, $330Apr. 2021BReliable. Will appeal to those who like the Springfield XD-9. The primary drawback is a heavy trigger.
Ruger American Pro Duty 10 08607 9mm Luger, $579Feb. 2021AOur Pick. $100 more than the others, but it was the most accurate pistol and had surprisingly light recoil.
Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ 12437 9mm Luger, $479Feb. 2021A-The Shield EZ9 was easy to manipulate and soft to shoot, but the sights needed to be calibrated better.
KelTec PF9 Blued-Black 9mm Luger, $358Feb. 2021B+An inexpensive pistol that functioned flawlessly. It reminded us of a good 38 Special snubbie.
Taurus G3C 1-G3C931 9mm Luger, $306Feb. 2021B+Best Buy. The Taurus G3C pistol is an inexpensive offering that functioned flawlessly and shot well.
Walther P38 9mm Luger, $800 to $1200Dec. 2020AHeavy trigger and heel-type magazine release. Still an outstanding combat handgun.
Radom (Polish) VIZ 35 9mm Luger, $995Dec. 2020B-Well-made handgun. A hardy, robust, and reliable handgun that never failed to function.
FN Browning Hi-Power 9mm Luger, $1200Dec. 2020B-In its original form, it wasn’t the best of the dufflebag guns in a personal-defense role.
German Luger P-08 9mm Luger, $995Dec. 2020DWe had problems with our test gun. It’s undoubtedly interesting, but its cost and 11 misfires soured us.
Ruger SR1911 LW Commander 06722 9mm Luger, $775May 2020AOur Pick. Relative newcomers to the 1911 world, Ruger has learned its craft in a hurry.
Springfield RO LW Compact PI9125L 9mm Luger, $730May 2020B+Best Buy. Good accuracy, most concealable profile. Sights were very visible but poorly calibrated.
Taurus 1911 Commander 9mm Luger, $470May 2020B-Impressive list of features for the price. The grade comes from poorer-than-expected accuracy.
Colt Lightweight Commander 04842XE 9mm Luger, $895May 2020CMost expensive pistol in our test. Disappointing poor performance and malfunctions.
Springfield Armory Hellcat HC9319BOSP 9mm Luger, $550Mar. 2020AOur Pick. An 11+1 pistol, this small Springfield might be the most versatile pistol in the group.
Smith & Wesson PC Shield 2.0 11786 9mm Luger, $735Mar. 2020AThe longest in this group, the Shield was the softest-shooting handgun and just missed being a Best Buy.
SIG Sauer P365XL 365XL9BXR3 9mm Luger, $579Mar. 2020ALacks a rear sight when the optic is installed but has a great trigger and overall performance.
Walther PPS M2 2805961 9mm Luger, $649Mar. 2020ABest Buy. A smaller pistol with grips that will not abrade tender hands.
Arex Rex Delta REXDELTA-01 9mm Luger, $425Feb. 2020ABest Buy. Reliability and practical accuracy are good, and the pistol is the right size for concealed carry.
Stoeger Industries STR-9 31721 9mm Luger, $350Feb. 2020BIf you like the Glock 17, you will like the STR-9. Worth the money, but it is not our favorite.
Ruger Security-9 Compact Model 3818 9mm Luger, $309Feb. 2020BThe pistol is adequate for the task and will not break the bank.
SIG P365 Nitron Micro-Compact 9mm Luger, $465Feb. 2020BThe SIG costs more than the Ruger Security-9 without overwhelming advantages.
S&W M2.0 PC Shield 11787 9mm Luger, $430Jan. 2020ABest Buy. Smooth and accurate, great sights and trigger. Costs a lot less than the SIG.
SIG Sauer P365XL P365XL-9-BXR3 9mm Luger, $580Jan. 2020AOur Pick. The SIG P365XL was the most accurate of the four pistols tested.
Springfield Armory XDE9 XDE9389B 9mm Luger, $460Jan. 2020ASlide is easier to retract, hammer-fired, DA/SA trigger set the XDE apart in this test.
Springfield Hellcat Micro-Compact 9mm Luger, $500Jan. 2020F/AHellcat #1 failed when the trigger wouldn’t reset (F). Hellcat #2 worked perfectly (A). Best accuracy.
Glock 43X Ameriglo Night Sights PX435SL301AB 9mm Luger, $542Jul. 2019AOur Pick. Firing grip is superior to the G43 and allows better shooting with little compromise.
Glock 48 PA485SL301AB 9mm Luger, $488Jul. 2019ABest-shooting pistol in the test and the most powerful. Minimally more difficult to conceal.
Mossberg MC1sc 89001 9mm Luger, $365Jul. 2019A-Best Buy. The Mossberg 9mm gave up little to the Glock designs. Reliability was never a question.
Springfield XD(M) 4.5 9mm Luger XDMT9459FDEHCE TB, $505Apr. 2019AOur Pick as a personal-defense, home-defense, and tactical pistol.
Glock G34 Gen5 MOS PA3430103MOS 9mm Luger, $710Apr. 2019AThe Gen5 guns are the best yet, with superior accuracy and features over earlier Glocks.
CZ-USA CZ P0-9 91620 9mm Luger, $402Apr. 2019BBest Buy. CZ has managed to pack a lot of value into the P0-9. 19-round magazine.
FNH FNS-9L Longslide 66725 9mm Luger, $570Apr. 2019BHeavier trigger than the other pistols. Accuracy wasn’t as good.
Glock 45 9mm Luger, $546Jan. 2019AFast from concealed carry. The action allows a trained shooter to make fast hits. Reliable.
Beretta APX Compact JAXC921 9mm Luger, $449Jan. 2019BMagazines were difficult to load. Slide was difficult to rack. Takedown button too tight.
SIG P320-M17 320F-9-M17-MS 9mm Luger, $770Jan. 2019BThe grip fits most hands well and the sights are excellent. The DAO trigger was too heavy.
Beretta 92 FS JS92F300M 9mm Luger, $562Jan. 2019BShows the age of its design with a slide-mounted decocker and long DA trigger pull.
Taurus G2S 1-G2S931 9mm Luger, $204Nov. 2018ABest Buy. The Taurus pistol was reliable and controllable in rapid fire.
Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield SW180021BW 9mm Luger, $400Nov. 2018AThe Battleworn Shield is reliable, accurate enough, and compact enough for EDC.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here