I thought I would take a little bit of time to do a review/ range report of my new Tristar C100. This is an alloy version, Turkish clone of the CZ Compact. It has a frame mounted safety (no decocker) and comes with 2-15rd magazines.
Tristar is an importer of the Canik line of Turkish guns. The Canik line is produced in a NATO qualified facility. They produce a line of CZ clones including both full size and compact versions as well as a full size/ compact versions of the Baby Eagle. All models appear to be available in all steel and light weight alloy versions as well. Because I currently own (and love) the old steel Baby Eagle, I couldn't justify buying a clone of that model and buying a full size real CZ or even a clone didn't make a ton of sense for me, I decided to go with the lightweight alloy compact version.
The 9mm C100 has a 3.9 barrel, 15+1 round capacity and weighs in at 1.53 lbs.
Breakdown is typical of the CZ and variants
Close up view
The main complaint I have so far is the sights (or lack thereof). I will be replacing them w sights for the CZ Compact as most pieces are interchangeable.
Performance wise, the DA trigger was long and gritty. Fortunately, Cajun Gun Works has already made a spring kit and hammer pins that greatly improves the overall feel of the DA. The spring, pins and punch cost about $20 shipped for their website. They also offer a race hammer that improves the SA as well but I haven't decided to do this as of yet. Installing the spring kit and pins is advertised to reduce the DA pull by 40% and it certainly feels much better.
As far as shooting, I really enjoy this little gem. The CZ style frame to slide lock-up is a joy to shoot. It's is a lightweight pistol but still handles the recoil quite well, including 124gr +p Golden Sabres (as shown below). The picture shown is 30rds at 10 yards (I know I am no sharpshooter, I am still learning this gun as we speak.)
Overall I have put around 350 rounds down range so far and I am really happy with this pick up. The total price for this gun was $360 including transfer etc. Add $20 for the kit and $75 for the VZ grips I installed and this was the best $450 I have ever spent on a new gun. Can't beat the value. And due to the similarities to the CZ compact, parts should be no problem for the foreseeable future.
I realize this is no $1200 1911 or high end Hi-Power, but if you're in the market for a nice bargain weapon that you don't mind getting scratched up and having fun with, you can't beat it. I also made this purchase to try to learn a little bit about gunsmithing as well.
Thanks for taking the time to read my first, very amateurish review. Sorry for the cell phone pictures and scattered thought process. Hope you enjoyed it and I shed a little light on this low priced jewel!
Tristar is an importer of the Canik line of Turkish guns. The Canik line is produced in a NATO qualified facility. They produce a line of CZ clones including both full size and compact versions as well as a full size/ compact versions of the Baby Eagle. All models appear to be available in all steel and light weight alloy versions as well. Because I currently own (and love) the old steel Baby Eagle, I couldn't justify buying a clone of that model and buying a full size real CZ or even a clone didn't make a ton of sense for me, I decided to go with the lightweight alloy compact version.
The 9mm C100 has a 3.9 barrel, 15+1 round capacity and weighs in at 1.53 lbs.
Breakdown is typical of the CZ and variants
Close up view
The main complaint I have so far is the sights (or lack thereof). I will be replacing them w sights for the CZ Compact as most pieces are interchangeable.
Performance wise, the DA trigger was long and gritty. Fortunately, Cajun Gun Works has already made a spring kit and hammer pins that greatly improves the overall feel of the DA. The spring, pins and punch cost about $20 shipped for their website. They also offer a race hammer that improves the SA as well but I haven't decided to do this as of yet. Installing the spring kit and pins is advertised to reduce the DA pull by 40% and it certainly feels much better.
As far as shooting, I really enjoy this little gem. The CZ style frame to slide lock-up is a joy to shoot. It's is a lightweight pistol but still handles the recoil quite well, including 124gr +p Golden Sabres (as shown below). The picture shown is 30rds at 10 yards (I know I am no sharpshooter, I am still learning this gun as we speak.)
Overall I have put around 350 rounds down range so far and I am really happy with this pick up. The total price for this gun was $360 including transfer etc. Add $20 for the kit and $75 for the VZ grips I installed and this was the best $450 I have ever spent on a new gun. Can't beat the value. And due to the similarities to the CZ compact, parts should be no problem for the foreseeable future.
I realize this is no $1200 1911 or high end Hi-Power, but if you're in the market for a nice bargain weapon that you don't mind getting scratched up and having fun with, you can't beat it. I also made this purchase to try to learn a little bit about gunsmithing as well.
Thanks for taking the time to read my first, very amateurish review. Sorry for the cell phone pictures and scattered thought process. Hope you enjoyed it and I shed a little light on this low priced jewel!
