The CZ 2075 RAMI is hard to shoot. Not because it is a powerful sub-compact; but, because people at the range won’t leave you alone when you show up with this much-anticipated new offering from the Czech Republic.
CZ Firearm Family History
The company most often referred to as “CZ” is actually Ceska Zbrojovka a.s. Uhersky Brod. CZ was established in 1936, in what was then Czechoslovakia. Perhaps the most well-known CZ’s are the 75 series, which are used by more military and police units in the world than any other handgun. CZ established a presence in the United States in 1991, forming CZ-USA. CZ employs more than 2,000 employees and is one of the largest firearms manufacturers in the world.
In addition to the full-sized 75 series in both 9 mm and .40, CZ offers several compact versions, including the newer PCR and P-01. These guns are typical compacts with 4-inch barrels and a standard magazine capacity of 14 rounds in 9 mm or 10 rounds in .40. CZ, however, didn’t have a true sub-compact in a serious defensive caliber for the U.S. market until the release of the RAMI this year.
Introducing the CZ RAMI Handgun
The RAMI may be carried safely with the hammer at the half-cocked position.
The CZ 2075 RAMI is a sub-compact, semi-automatic handgun available in 9 mm and .40 S&W. Magazine capacity with the standard flush-fit magazines is 10 rounds in 9 mm and eight rounds in .40. However, one of the great features of the RAMI is magazine compatibility with the rest of the CZ line. That means ready availability of high capacity magazines from a variety of sources.
The RAMI’s dimensions compare favorably to a sub-compact “baby” Glock or Springfield XD Compact. The RAMI measures 6.5 inches long, 4.7 inches high and 1.25 inches wide and sports a 3-inch barrel. The polymer-framed sub-compact guns do weigh somewhat less — approximately 22 ounces empty — as opposed to the RAMI’s slightly more portly 25 ounces empty. The weight difference is largely attributable to the RAMI’s all-metal construction with a steel slide and alloy frame. Fully stoked with 8+1 rounds of JHP ammo, the .40 S&W RAMI tips the scales at a very reasonable 31 ounces.
CZ 2075 RAMI in .40 S&W Specs
This gun is finished entirely in black with a durable polycoat finish common to the CZ line of handguns. The edges are nicely smoothed and melted, with snag-free fixed sights and a flattened slide release and thumb safety. The grip’s panels are checkered soft rubber.
As with all modern CZ’s, the RAMI is nicely equipped from the factory. The gun ships in a blue plastic hard case with two magazines, a magazine loading tool, a cable type gun lock, a cleaning rod, a bore brush and even a few snap caps. Each gun comes with a detailed manual and a computer print-out of the test target fired at the factory.
The RAMI is a double-action gun with the same manual of arms as the traditional CZ-75B. There is a manual safety that can only be engaged when the hammer is fully cocked, which allows for Condition 1 carry. If you don’t want to carry “cocked-and-locked,” you have the option of lowering the hammer manually — to either the half-cocked or fully-decocked position — and shooting the first shot double-action.
The CZ 2075 RAMI is similar in size to an S&W J-frame snub nose revolver.
This type of CZ action is very versatile. Fans of the single-action 1911 or Browning Hi-Power family of guns, will appreciate the ability to safely carry this gun cocked for single action with the thumb safety engaged. For those who prefer a double-action mode, the hammer can be manually lowered for a longer, heavier double-action pull for the first shot. There is no safety to engage with a double-action mode of carry and none is needed. This gun also gives you the option of carrying fully decocked or at a half-cock position. Although this seems strange to many people at first, the CZ’s are actually designed to be carried at half-cock. In fact, the larger CZ models with a decocking lever only drop the hammer to the half-cock position.
Some people may feel uncomfortable manually decocking a gun, but the manual release to half-cock can be done with complete safety with just a bit of practice. In essence, the offhand can help completely control the hammer when the trigger is pulled, then the trigger is immediately released, and the hammer is allowed to come to rest on the half-cock notch. Carrying the gun at half-cock still provides plenty of remaining trigger weight and pull for safe carry, without the need for any other manual safety. I think the system works well, but if you are looking for a gun with a “full” decocker or a double-action-only mechanism, you will have to look elsewhere — this is the only configuration currently available for the RAMI.
Related: Gun Review: CZ Dan Wesson CCO 1911
Carrying the RAMI for Concealed Carry
Carrying the sub-compact RAMI has all of the pros and cons of the new breed of double-stack sub-compacts. On the plus side, it is a real powerhouse in a small package. You can’t stuff much more firepower into this small package. However, it is somewhat thick and chunky. This gun is small enough to carry in a front pocket, if you have larger pockets and wear the right kind of clothes, like jeans, cargo shorts or similar items. The RAMI’s size, however, does make for a slower draw from a pocket. It’s difficult to get a full firing grip on the gun until it has been partially extracted from the pocket.
The RAMI CZ 2075’s dimensions compare favorably to a sub-compact “baby” Glock or Springfield XD Compact.
Inside the waistband carry will probably be the more preferred method for most people with this gun. The RAMI is short in overall length, which will make it more comfortable for sitting extended periods. The thickness does require a decent cover garment to hide; but again, no more so that a sub-compact Glock or Springfield XD. My only real complaint with IWB carry for the RAMI is that the beavertail on the grip tended to dig into my side. I think that a holster with a high inside panel to act as a cushion between your side and the grip tang would be essential.
Shooting at the Gun Range Impressions
Without a doubt, this .40 S&W RAMI can shoot. Accuracy is more than adequate for a compact gun. Shooting slowly and deliberately, this gun is capable of a 2-inch group or less at seven yards. I didn’t even try to shoot this gun at 25 yards, but I am sure that consistent hits on a man-sized target would be no problem. The only thing holding this gun back at all in the accuracy department (for its size) is a somewhat heavy and gritty trigger pull with a fair amount of take-up and over-travel. The pull was not as good as other larger CZ’s I have handled, but like all CZ’s, will likely improve as it wears in a bit. Nonetheless, it is not a serious handicap for this type of gun.
Most shooters will only get two fingers on this sub-compact grip.
Although very hard to describe, the recoil of this gun is stout. The additional weight of the alloy frame does translate into less kick than a comparable polymer-framed gun. The soft rubber grips are very comfortable under recoil and do not gouge or scrape your palm as they move. I don’t find the recoil to be at all painful, but this gun (or any compact .40 S&W) is not for the recoil-shy shooter. The little gun’s impressive boom and the feel of the blast as you shoot is certainly enough to get your attention.
Reliability and functioning during testing were superb. Even without enough rounds to really break in this new gun, it would feed FMJ and JHP rounds reliably, at least from the factory mags. I did experience some problems trying to use full-size ProMag magazines. It may be best to stick to CZ factory mags for optimum reliability. At the end of a long testing session, I did have a couple of failures to cycle properly. I believe this was due to “limp-wristing,” or failing to keep a tightly locked wrist while shooting. Any small gun like the RAMI can have malfunctions induced if the shooter allows the wrist to break and absorb some of the recoil necessary to cycle the gun reliably. This is primarily a training issue and not a problem with the RAMI design.
Overall Impressions for the CZ RAMI
The RAMI is not ground-breaking in its size or weight. The lack of a decocking lever may not appeal to some fans of traditional double-action guns. All in all, however, CZ has a definite winner with the RAMI. Undoubtedly, legions of confirmed CZ-fans will embrace this first sub-compact. CZ now joins Glock in offering a similar gun with interchangeable magazines in sub-compact, compact and full-size models. For those who don’t like the “safe action” trigger of a Glock or Springfield XD, or don’t like polymer frames, the RAMI offers a new alternative. The decision of what handgun fits you is a personal one that can only be made by you — but the CZ 2075 RAMI is a serious sub-compact well worth your consideration.
Internet Sources for Additional Information
| CZ-USA Official Web site www.cz-usa.com |
CZ Discussion Forum www.czforum.com |
[Duane A. Daiker is a founder of K&D Holsters and Administrator of the Rohrbaugh Forum: www.RohrbaughForum.com. Duane shoots regularly in club IPSC matches and enjoys writing and researching on concealed carry issues. Contact Duane at: [email protected]]
Photography by Teresa Daiker.
