One unexpected treasure that followed me home is this new CZ612, attired in a manner that Joe Biden would definitely not approve of.
I bought it for a couple of reasons, despite the fact that I have enough defensive shotguns already. One, it's a CZ, even though the plastics appear identical to those used on other brands. Two, it costs less than a comparable Mossberg.
But Number Three, it was September 11, I was in a foul mood for a number of reasons, and this was my way to stick my finger in a number of eyes simultaneously. This put a smile back on my face.
A future upgrade will be a 1x optic, since the stock design pretty much takes this out of the upland-game game. A magazine extension tube, if I can find one. And a Carlson breecher tube, which also acts as an ultra-open choke, something handy to know for anyone who owns a shotgun with one of those funny "hole saws" on the muzzle.
While I wasn't paying attention, apparently a number of manufacturers are building shotguns in this configuration, making it hard to discern the brand from a few feet away. Probably as part of "lessons learned", high-viz rifle sights, a bit of receiver rail, pistol grip, and breecher tube are now considered standard equipment on defensive shotguns. But none of the features Joe Biden has on his, like two barrels, exquisite engraving, and a custom-fit AAAAAA grade walnut stock.
In other news, I finished installing "drop-free" magazine brakes on all my CZ handguns (it's impossible to own just one, but now at least I know what to remain on the lookout for), although a few now come with them right from the factory. Ordered enough rubber baseplates for CZ75 mags that still had the plain steel ones on. Newer models either have plastic or rubber overmolded onto the basic steel plate, and for good reason. Less chance of damage if one hits the ground during a fast reload, and soooooo much easier on the hand when you firmly slap the magazine into the weapon.
Planned for this week include a comparison between the CZ-97DB and my hand-tweaked S&W M&P-45, and the CZ Custom Shop 75B compact "spook" and my hand-tweaked M&P-9. In each case, I expect the CZs to win, but I'm always interested in seeing how my tuneup efforts work on the S&Ws.
And what I learned working on the guns have made me a better (although still needing a long way to go) shot on the range. Many of my problems that I thought were my fault alone turned out to be a combination of me, the gun, and sometimes a particular brand of ammo. When I knew I built a more accurate weapon, my own problems become more obvious, and easier to improve. I also learned that the instinctive confidence I developed in the weapon in the shop and on the range will help me in a crisis.
I benefited greatly from extensive use of several brands of handguns, all of which have something positive to recommend them. They also taught me how to appreciate what's present in the CZ line, and what could be done with the S&W M&P line with a little money, and a lot of sweat equity.
Even for personal protection, if someone asks me for the best no-brainer choice in a handgun, I would recommend whatever model and caliber of CZ you like the best. It may not look it, but the performance is already built-in to take you to the competition level, if you're ready to put it to use. You can't "outgrow" it until you are serious about taking home trophies.
A lot of people bought weapons "just to get by" in case of troubles. The wise ones will later recognize that developing their skills improves their chances of "just getting by". Sometimes they will buy an upgraded weapon after gaining experience with the first one, which is how most people learn, if they learn anything at all. But the CZ is already waiting for you at the next level, if you're willing to work, which has to be done for anything worthwhile.