The CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow model does not come from the factory in an optics-ready configuration. Nevertheless, especially if you use it for sport shooting, you may want to install a red dot on it. The solution is a red dot mount, which you simply replace with the rear sight and then attach the red dot to it.
Is there another option that does not require a mount? Yes, you can have an opening milled by a professional into the slide or frame. However, this will void the firearm warranty and, moreover, this modification is irreversible.
Compatibility with the CZ model
With a mount, it works the same way as with other accessories – it primarily has to fit your firearm model. Models differ in slide shape, dovetail type and dimensions, or screw spacing, and mounts correspond to these differences. In this category you will find mounts for these CZ models:
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CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow,
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CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow Orange.
Compatibility with the red dot
Because the mount connects the firearm with the red dot, it must also have parameters that correspond to the footprint of the selected red dot. These are defined by screw spacing, recoil lugs, mounting surface size, etc.
Fortunately, there are several most common footprint types that are used by a larger number of red dots:
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Trijicon RMR footprint standard,
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Shield RMSc footprint
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Leupold DPP footprint
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C-More RTS footprint
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Aimpoint Acro footprint
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Holosun K-series footprint
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Venom / Docter footprint standard
Thanks to the fact that many red dots share the same footprint, you then have more options in choosing which one to install on the mount. Among shooters, the Trijicon RMR footprint is the most popular, followed by Shield RMSc and Vortex Venom.
Classification by red dot compatibility
Universal mounts
You can purchase a universal mount that allows you to attach red dots with different footprints.
However, be careful – if you later decide on a red dot with a smaller mounting surface, the universal mount may be unnecessarily large.
Mounts for a specific red dot
If you already have a red dot and there is a mount available with that specific footprint, we recommend purchasing a mount designed directly for it instead of a universal mount. You still have the option to choose from other red dots with the same footprint.
Does the material the mount is made of matter?
Mounts are made of steel or aluminum. Steel weighs more, so steel optic plates are also heavier. If you are trying not to add any unnecessary extra grams, choose aluminum.
We have excellent personal experience with aluminum mounts and also positive feedback from customers. The only thing to watch out for with aluminum is not to use a higher tightening torque during installation than specified in the instructions. Aluminum, as a softer material, tends to deform, and aiming might not function as it should.
How to install a mount?
The mount is simply replaced with the rear sight on the slide. By doing so, you lose the ability to use standard iron sights until you replace the red dot back with the rear sight.
TIP: At that moment, the front sight also becomes unnecessary. To prevent it from being distracting, cover it with a
front sight filler.
Can I install a red dot mount myself at home?
Yes, if you already have experience installing a rear sight, or if these technical tasks do not pose a problem for you, you can replace it with a mount.
Procedure:
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First, unscrew the retaining screw(s) of your current rear sight and push the sight out.
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Then clean the dovetail and ideally also lubricate the contact surfaces.
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Next, press the red dot mount into the rear sight dovetail and secure it with the retaining screws (if the given mount type has them).
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Once the mount is firmly fixed in place, you can install the red dot on it.
If you do not have sufficient experience, do not hesitate to entrust the replacement to a gunsmith.
