What kind of finish is this on the CZ-75 that makes the lettering look soft and almost "filled in"? Do all of the black ones use this same finish?]
You can order a beautiful BLUED version of most CZs hrough the CZ Custom Shop. They cost about $100 more with that finish. (I don't like the high-gloss blue, as blued guns take more care and protection than I want to provide, but the CZ high-gloss blue is gorgeous.)
The thick finish you describe is called polycoat. Polycoat is a form of polymer plastic that is applied using an electrostatic process, over the top of a manganese phosphate (Parkerized) undercoat.
Over the years the finish has become VERY durable, with continuing changes and improvements to the formula. If you ever chip or scratch it, matte black auto body touch up paint, properly applied, makes an almost invisible repair. In my experience, it holds up better than most of the other finishes, including the Glock finish.
CZ also offers finishes in most models, along with several levels of stainless polish in the full-size models. Finding any of these in a shop can be a challenge, and ordering one -- be patient! -- is the way to go if you don't like polycoat.
I like the satin nickel finish, and have had several with that finish. Others like the Stainless guns, but only the MATTE level appeals to me. There are also various dual-tone models. The only CZ I own at the moment is a satin nickel CZ-85 Combat; great gun.
Warning: the newer CZs have DA triggers that aren't that good when first purchased, but improve greatly with dry-firing or use. I simply take new ones to the gunsmith and tell him to fix it -- as I can't stand shooting guns with so-so triggers. (The cost of shooting a lot of ammo is often MORE than gunsmith work!)
The standard (non-decocker) CZ lets you start from full hammer down, from the half-cock notch, for a shorter, lighter trigger, or from cocked and locked -- a feature not everyone understand.
CZ also makes SA only models, with triggers adjustable for take-up and over-travel; the safety levers on those models are larger (and ambidextrous), and those models have extended beavertails. They're worth a look.
