Would you like to equip your CZ 75B, CZ 85B, or CZ 97B with a red dot and are you wondering how to do it? None of these models normally comes from the factory with optics-ready preparation. The mounting solution is provided by an aftermarket component – a red dot mount.
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
Selecting a mount works the same way as selecting any accessory part – 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 the following CZ models:
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CZ 75B,
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CZ 75B Ω,
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CZ 97B,
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CZ 97BD,
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CZ 85B and other models
Compatibility with the red dot
First you choose a red dot, perhaps you already have one at home, and then you need to find a matching mount. Red dots have different footprints 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 have relatively wide options when deciding. 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, 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.
