Why equip your CZ 75B with a magwell?
The CZ 75B model comes from the factory without a magwell. It is often used by sport and tactical shooters, and has also proven itself for service use and home defense. Given its larger dimensions and higher weight, it is not often carried concealed.
Whether you engage in sport shooting or carry your CZ 75B as a service pistol, you may have considered installing a magwell. Why?
Advantages of a magwell:
A magwell is a device that you mount on the bottom edge of the grip, and thanks to its funnel shape it enlarges the opening for inserting the magazine.
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Improves the stability and balance of the firearm and thus contributes to a more confident shot.
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Helps to dampen recoil.
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Speeds up and simplifies reloading even in stressful situations.
Everyone wants to reload faster, right — or maybe not?
A magwell further increases the dimensions of the firearm. If you feel that your CZ 75B is already large enough, a magwell is probably not for you.
Installing a magwell requires additional accessory modifications that you cannot avoid, and which we will look at further in the article.
How to choose a magwell
If you decide to equip your CZ with a magwell, consider the following criteria:
Compatibility with the model
The magwell must primarily fit your model. Only then will it sit correctly, not block the catch, and everything will function as it should.
In this category you will find compatible magwells for these models:
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CZ 75B,
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CZ 75B Ω, and other CZ 75B models.
The CZ SP-01 Shadow and CZ 75B models may share the same magwells. Always make sure your model is listed as compatible in the description.
Material
The magwell is an accessory where the chosen material plays an important role.
Brass
Advantages: higher weight better dampens perceived recoil and helps maintain stability during shooting, durable material
Disadvantages: higher weight may interfere with all-day carry
Recommended for: competitive and sport shooters
Aluminum
Advantages: durable and strong material with lower weight, wide range of colors and surface finishes
Disadvantages: more prone to wear, less “solid” feel in hand, does not dampen recoil as well.
Recommended for: anyone who does not want to add too much weight.
Summary: If you choose a brass magwell, the firearm will become even heavier. This is suitable for taming recoil and for better balance, but if you do not want to add grams, choose an aluminum magwell instead.
With a magwell you must also replace other accessories
If you wish to install a magwell on a CZ 75B, you must also replace other parts. Which ones and what to watch for?
Grips
Without a magwell, the firearm is equipped with standard
long grips. These extend to the bottom area where you need to install the magwell.
Therefore, get short grips designed to allow its installation along with the magwell.
Mag pads
The CZ 75B magazine base pad in the front obstructs magwell installation. Therefore, order a
mag pad together with it that enables installation. Whether a particular pad is usable with a magwell is stated in its description.
Main spring plug
If you find a lanyard loop on the bottom of your CZ 75B grip, it will need to be replaced with a plug without a loop. The CZ 75B does not include this loop in its standard equipment, but this part can be replaced, so always verify it just in case.
Can I install a magwell myself?
Yes. If you already have a magwell and are only replacing it with a new one, simply unscrew the original, slide the new one in from the back (first clean and oil the contact surfaces), and screw it in.
If your CZ did not have a magwell before, first replace the grips and install a suitable mag pad. Then you can slide in the magwell and screw it in.
Check the screw tightness regularly.
Note: In some cases the magwell needs slight modification. This is due to certain tolerances in firearms. In CZ firearms this occurs minimally, but it must be taken into account. How is such a modification done? Simply remove a small amount of material from the magwell using a file.
