I was watching a "Gun Stories" episode detailing the history and design of the CZ-75 pistol. Until seeing that episode I was unaware that this particular gun is considered one of the significant handgun designs of the 20th century, and one of the original so-called "Wonder Nines". Even Jeff Cooper had grudging respect for it (even though it was a 9mm).
Evidently, the designer was called out of retirement and given 100% control of design and manufacture of the new gun. Since it was the Cold War, the design was considered Secret and couldn't be manufactured for export at the time - although everyone else seems to have profited from the design. Guess it goes to show (generally but not always, I guess) that one talented designer with a vision gets it right more often than a committee does.
In terms of historical significance and design innovation, some have put it on par with the 1911 although that seems to be a contentious point. Fair assessment or no?
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