Why get 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. It adds stability, simplifies, and speeds up reloading.
That sounds great – faster and more convenient reloading is something everyone wants. Or not?
Will you benefit from faster and more convenient reloading?
The answer depends on what you use the firearm for. Most often, sport and competitive shooters install a magwell, as it allows them to achieve better results. A magwell enables reloading the magazine without visual confirmation, so they can keep their eyes on the target. Additionally, reloading takes less time.
Advantages of installing a magwell:
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Improves the stability and balance of the firearm, contributing 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.
However, a magwell also increases the size of the firearm, which may not suit everyone. Especially if you carry the gun concealed, its larger dimensions may not be appealing. Furthermore, if you choose a brass magwell, the firearm becomes heavier, which does not contribute to comfort during all-day carry.
Installing a magwell on a CZ model, if it was not equipped from the factory, requires additional accessory modifications, which we will cover later 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.
For better orientation, you can choose from our magwell categories according to specific models:
Some models have magwells compatible with each other – for example, the CZ SP-01 Shadow and CZ 75B models can 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
With a magwell, you may sometimes need to replace other accessories
Some CZ models intended for sport shooting come factory-equipped with a magwell (e.g., CZ TS 2, CZ TS 2 Racing Green & TS 2 Orange). Most CZ models, however, are not structurally designed for a magwell. Therefore, if you want to install a magwell on your CZ, you also need to 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 area where the magwell needs to be installed. Therefore, get
short grips along with the magwell. Short grips are designed for specific models to allow magwell installation.
Mag pads
Models not equipped with a magwell from the factory do not have base pads compatible with it – the front part obstructs installation. Therefore, order a mag pad together with the magwell, which allows installation. Whether a particular pad is compatible with a magwell is stated in its description.
Main spring plug
If you find a lanyard loop on the bottom of your CZ grip, it will need to be replaced with a plug without a loop. Fortunately, this applies to very few CZ models, but it is better to make sure your CZ has no lanyard loop behind the magazine well.
Can I install a magwell myself?
Yes. If you already have a magwell and are just replacing it with a new one, simply unscrew the old one, slide the new one 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 may need slight modification. This is due to certain tolerances in firearms. In CZ firearms, this occurs minimally, but it should be taken into account. How is such a modification done? Simply remove a small amount of material from the magwell using a file.
