Looking over the new catalog from CZ-USA, it doesn't take much to figure out why this company's handguns are so popular. Based on the trusted CZ 75 design, presently CZ lists more than two dozen variations chambered for the 9mm, 40 S&W and the .45 ACP.

With a history that dates back to around 1919, this Czech company started out with a modest undertaking called the Fox pistol. In 1923, it hit it big by supplying the Czech Army with not only pistols and rifles but also motorcycles, bicycles and even artillery pieces. The firm is also credited with designing the ZB-26 machine gun, the Bren gun and the Model 58 rifle. But it was the CZ-75, introduced in 1975, that gave the company a higher profile and increased sales in the United States.

CZ now has a Custom Shop that produces guns complete with all the sight, trim and trigger options. Combat guns are a big part of the line as is a Tactical gun made from the ground up for IPSC competitions. New this year are select models available with the Crimson Trace grips, and one that caught my eye was the CZ P-01, chambered only for the 9mm cartridge.

The P-01 has a Commander-type hammer spur and tritium three-dot sights. The rear sight is drift-adjustable for windage.

With a footprint that will just cover a 5x7 photographic print, this gun has a steel slide with a forged aircraft grade aluminum alloy frame. With this combination, the gun balances just right in the hand, particularly when the pistol is fully loaded.

The CZ P-01 features a light rail with a single crosscut on the bottom of the frame.

The slide has front and back serrations for easy cocking or checking for a loaded chamber. (For those looking for extra security or confirmation of a loaded gun, a loaded chamber indicator is available at extra cost.)

CZ-USA P-01
Manufacturer	CZ-USA, www.cz-usa.com, 800-955-4486
Type	recoil-operated semiauto
Caliber	9mm
Capacity	14
Barrel Length	3.8 in.
Overall Length	17.2 inches
Weight	1.7 lbs.
Sights	three dot tritium
Trigger	single action/double action with decocker
Grips	checkered polymer
Frame	optional Crimson Trace Lasergrips, loaded-chamber indicator. Comes with extra magazine plactic hard case and five snap caps.
Overall Height	5.3 in.
Price	$825

I'm an average guy with average hands, and what I really like about this compact gun is that it fits perfectly in my hand. The P-01 has an arched rear mainspring housing and is available with Crimson Trace LaserGrips, a combination that suits my shooting style, especially if I need to get into a defensive mode quickly.

All the more prominent features of the gun are rounded off for concealed carry, and the squared-off trigger guard is oversized for gloved hands.

Even if you don't purchase the gun with the Crimson Trace option, you'll find the front and rear strap of the pistol grip are serrated vertically for extra holding power. There is a rakish beavertail extension for keeping the gun at bay when firing and an extension on the magazine to keep all your fingers on the gun for control. The butt features a lanyard loop.

The P-01's light alloy frame is well detailed and finished in CZ's proprietary black polycoat. All the gun's corners are rounded, and the trigger guard is somewhat oversized to accommodate shooting with gloves. The front of the guard is squared and checkered. The rest of the guard is smooth and contoured for a more comfortable hold, especially at the grip frame and guard juncture.