Hubbry Logo
Zastava CZ99Zastava CZ99Main
Open search
Zastava CZ99
Community hub
Zastava CZ99
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Zastava CZ99
Zastava CZ99
Zastava CZ99
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

The Zastava CZ99 is a semi-automatic pistol produced by Zastava Arms.[3] It was developed in 1989 to replace the M57 in the Yugoslav military and police. The CZ99 is primarily chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum with a 15-round magazine, although .40 Smith & Wesson variants also exist, with ten-round magazines.

Key Information

Design

[edit]

The pistol was designed in 1989 by Božidar Blagojević. The CZ99 should not be confused with the Czech firearm manufacturer Česká Zbrojovka, because the CZ in the CZ99's name stands for "Crvena Zastava". The CZ99 replaced the outdated Zastava M57 in Yugoslavian military service because of its many new features, such as a fully chromed barrel, tritium night sights, an indicator for the last three rounds remaining in the magazine and a loaded chamber indicator. The CZ99 is still used in military and police service throughout the Balkans. The CZ99 is no longer produced, however, smaller variants with some modern improvements, the CZ999 and the EZ9, are still being produced. The CZ999 and the EZ9 are almost identical to the CZ99, however they are redesigned to be more ergonomic. Most parts will interchange between the newer and older designs, but some parts, like the grip panels, will not.

Visually, the pistol resembles a SIG-Sauer P226 and, as such, it is often compared to the SIG.[4][5] However, the overall design of the pistol took far more inspiration from the Walther P88 than the P226. Some of the P88 features that were used on the CZ99 include similar slide serrations, magazine, magazine release, and, of course, the ambidextrous combined safety-decocker. Also unlike the P226, the CZ99 also has a machined steel slide. The P226 (at the time of this pistol's design) had a stamped and welded sheet steel slide. The external appearance of the gun and lack of an external extractor were design ideas taken from the P226.

Variants

[edit]
CZ999 Skorpion with custom made grips
  • CZ999 Scorpion (ЦЗ999): An updated variant of the CZ99 with some improvements, such as a slimmer grip and redesigned grip panels, wider slide serrations, a serrated backstrap, standard 3-dot sights, a curved trigger, a square trigger guard and a longer hammer spur. While initially intended for the 9×19mm, there is a variant of the CZ99 chambered in .40 S&W, primarily for foreign importers, with many of these handguns imported by the US in 1990. Over time though, newer versions of this firearm have been developed: The Zastava CZ999, with DAO and DA/SA selector, as well as the CZ999 Scorpion without this selector. Also features a loaded chamber indicator. Comes in compact model as well.[6]
  • Zastava EZ is the fourth generation CZ99. It is exactly the same as the CZ999, however it has an under-barrel picatinny rail for mounting lights and accessories and a larger ring hammer. Service- and personal defence gun, single/double action, ambidextrous. The CZ999 and EZ9 do accept standard CZ99 magazines, but they will not accept all CZ99 parts, such as grip panels. Also like the CZ999, the EZ9 exists in two calibers.[7] There are compact versions of both calibers.[8]
  • KSN Golan is an Israeli clone of the CZ99, with rights being purchased after Zastava halted production. Though the Golan lacks the CZ99's loaded chamber indicator and has a shorter slide and barrel, different grips, and other minor cosmetic variations from the CZ99, it is virtually identical in internal design, and some parts are interchangeable between the two.[9]
  • Tressitu TZ99 is a South African clone of the CZ99. In the early 1990s South African company Tressitu entered into a licensing agreement with Crvena Zastava to produce a licensed copy named the TZ99, offered in both 9×19mm and .40 S&W. It was only produced for a short period before the company went out of business in the mid-1990s. A number of TZ99s stored from the dissolution were imported to the US in the mid-2000s.[10]

Users

[edit]
Map with Zastava CZ99 users in blue

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Zastava CZ99

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Zastava CZ 99 is a manufactured by , a Serbian firearms company with origins dating to 1853, and originally developed in 1989 in the former as a modern replacement for the earlier service pistol. It operates on the principle of short barrel recoil with a tilting barrel locking system and is primarily chambered in , though variants support 9×21mm and .40 S&W calibers. Designed by engineer Božidar Blagojević, the CZ 99 entered production in 1991 and was officially adopted by the Yugoslav military in 1995, seeing use during the and subsequent conflicts in the region. Approximately 200,000 units were produced between 1991 and 2005, with the featuring a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger mechanism, ambidextrous safety/decocker levers, a chamber-loaded indicator, and fixed tritium night sights for low-light operation. Its ergonomic frame draws inspiration from the but incorporates Yugoslav-specific modifications, such as a double-stack 15-round magazine (for 9mm) and a chrome-plated barrel for enhanced durability. Key technical specifications include an overall length of 190 , barrel length of 108 , height of 140 , and an unloaded weight of 860 g (without magazine), making it a full-size service weapon suitable for military, police, and civilian applications. The pistol's trigger pull is 5.5 daN in and 2.0 daN in single action, with multiple safety features like a block, trigger bar disconnect, and drop safety to prevent accidental discharge. Production ceased around 2005 following the upgrade to the related CZ 999 model, but surplus CZ 99 pistols remain available on international markets and are noted for their reliability and robust construction using high-quality and components.

Development and history

Origins and design process

The development of the Zastava CZ99 was initiated in 1989 by designer Božidar Blagojević at in Kragujevac, Yugoslavia, with the primary goal of modernizing the nation's sidearms by replacing the aging , a 7.62x25mm Tokarev-based that had been in service since the 1960s. This effort was driven by the need to transition to the more widely available 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, which offered improved , reliability, and compatibility with international ammunition standards for and police use. Blagojević's team aimed to create a double-action/single-action with enhanced handling features to better suit Yugoslav service requirements during the late period. The project was partially commissioned by arms dealer for the market, leading to prototypes completed in under six months and showcased at the SHOT Show in 1990. The CZ99's design drew significant inspiration from established Western models, incorporating the frame ergonomics of the for its balanced weight distribution and ambidextrous controls, while the slide profile and decocking mechanism were influenced by the to achieve a compact yet robust form factor. Initial prototypes emphasized an aluminum alloy frame to reduce overall weight without compromising durability, undergoing testing in the late to validate these elements. Following successful evaluations, the CZ99 was adopted as the standard sidearm for the (JNA) and police forces in 1995, paving the way for subsequent production scaling.

Production timeline

Production of the Zastava CZ99 commenced in 1991 at the factory in , following its development in the late 1980s, with initial batches allocated to the and limited exports, including civilian imports to the . The outbreak of the in 1991, coupled with international UN sanctions, severely disrupted manufacturing, effectively halting new production and restricting to distributing pre-war stockpiles through the 1990s. The 1999 bombing campaign further exacerbated the situation by targeting industrial facilities, including the Zastava complex, which sustained significant damage and prolonged the production stoppage. Following the resolution of the conflict and the lifting of sanctions, production resumed in the early under the restructured , now operating solely under Serbian control with upgraded facilities to meet domestic military needs. Overall output reached approximately 200,000 units by 2005, when the model was discontinued in favor of the improved CZ999 variant. Serbia exported CZ99 pistols to countries including in the 2000s. As of 2025, no new CZ99 production is underway due to the model's and Serbia's ongoing export restrictions on arms, but surplus units remain available for domestic use by Serbian forces and international markets.

Design

Key features

The Zastava CZ99 features a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger mechanism, allowing the first shot to be fired with a heavier double-action pull of approximately 12 pounds for enhanced safety, followed by lighter single-action pulls of about 4.5 pounds for improved accuracy in subsequent shots. This system is paired with an ambidextrous decocker that also serves as a slide release , enabling safe lowering of the without disengaging the trigger and facilitating quick slide manipulation from either hand. The pistol's construction includes a lightweight aluminum frame weighing approximately 860 grams unloaded without the , combined with a durable slide to balance weight reduction and structural integrity. It employs a tilting barrel with short , where the barrel and slide recoil together initially before the barrel tilts to unlock, allowing the slide to continue rearward and eject the spent casing, minimizing muzzle flip for better control during rapid fire. The ergonomic grip features checkered texturing for secure handling, though the original design lacks an accessory rail, which was incorporated in some later refurbishments. Fixed three-dot combat sights, with the rear adjustable for , provide reliable , while the ambidextrous controls extend to the magazine release for intuitive operation. Safety elements include a block to prevent accidental discharge if dropped, an inertia-driven for drop safety, and a loaded chamber indicator visible on the slide's right side. The chrome-plated barrel, measuring 4.25 inches, enhances resistance for reliability in harsh environments. The CZ99 uses a staggered 15-round double-stack magazine made of construction, with a baseplate that extends the grip for improved control during firing.

Technical specifications

The Zastava CZ99 is chambered in caliber, with an of approximately 50 meters and a of around 355 m/s when using standard (FMJ) ammunition. Key dimensions include an overall length of 190 mm, height of 140 mm, width of 37 mm, and barrel length of 108 mm (4.25 inches). The pistol weighs 860 grams unloaded (without magazine), approximately 965 grams with an empty magazine, and about 1,145 grams when loaded with a full 15-round magazine (plus one in the chamber). It features a standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds for , with the option for one additional round in the chamber. The frame is constructed from high-quality aluminum alloy, while the slide and other steel components receive a blued finish for corrosion resistance; aluminum parts may also feature a phosphate and enamel coating. Ballistic performance includes a muzzle energy of roughly 500 Joules with standard 9mm loads.
SpecificationDetails
Caliber9×19mm Parabellum
Effective Range~50 meters
Muzzle Velocity~355 m/s (standard FMJ)
Muzzle Energy~500 Joules
Overall Length190 mm
Height140 mm
Width37 mm
Barrel Length108 mm (4.25 in)
Weight (Unloaded)860 g (without magazine)
Weight (Loaded)~1,145 g (15+1 rounds)
Magazine Capacity15 rounds (standard)
MaterialsAluminum alloy frame; blued slide

Variants

Standard models

The standard models of the Zastava CZ99 represent the foundational versions produced by , emphasizing evolutionary refinements to the original design while primarily chambered in 9mm Parabellum, with variants in and . The primary civilian and export variant, designated the CZ99, features a blued finish, double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger mechanism, and a standard 15-round double-stack magazine (10 rounds for .40 S&W), making it suitable for international markets such as the where it was introduced in 1990. This model incorporates an aluminum alloy frame for reduced weight and a slide, with early production examples including chrome-lined bores to enhance anti-corrosion properties and longevity in adverse conditions. A compact variant with a shortened barrel and slide was also produced. A military-oriented adaptation, adopted by the Yugoslav National Army in 1995 and later used by the , utilizes the same core specifications as the CZ99 but employs a finish for superior durability in field environments, resulting in a matte black appearance without civilian import markings. The CZ99S variant introduces a manual safety lever on the slide for added security, catering to users preferring explicit safety features while retaining the DA/SA operation and polymer grips standard across models. Production of these standard models spanned the through the early , with approximately 200,000 units manufactured, the majority allocated to military and needs following the pistol's development in 1989 as a replacement for the Zastava M57. Later iterations incorporated minor handling improvements, such as refined grips for better , though all shared the fixed sights, ambidextrous decocker/slide release, and short-recoil operation central to the design.

Licensed and export variants

The Zastava CZ99 design has been adapted through and technology transfers in several countries, primarily in the post-Yugoslav era, allowing local manufacturers to produce variants tailored to regional needs. In , TRB Bratunac, a defense firm established in 1955 and privatized after the , developed the RS-9 Vampir pistol as a derivative of the CZ99. This model features an aluminum frame, steel slide, and a double-action/single-action trigger system, retaining the CZ99's distinctive slide stop/decocker mechanism while incorporating an 18-round capacity. Available in standard and LUX versions with threaded barrels, the RS-9 Vampir represents a localized evolution suited for military and security applications in the region. In , Tressitu entered a licensing agreement with Crvena Zastava in the early to produce the TZ99, initially assembling kits supplied from before transitioning to full local manufacturing. Chambered in and , the TZ99 features ambidextrous controls, a fully machined slide, and enhanced finishes including blued, chromed, or gold-plated options, distinguishing it from the original through superior surface treatments and a loaded chamber indicator. Approximately 5,000 units were produced between 1994 and the mid-, with 3,500 exported and 1,500 retained for domestic use, though production halted due to the destruction of Zastava's facilities in 1999 and stricter South African firearms regulations. Israel's K.S.N. Industries acquired rights to manufacture a near-exact copy known as the following the discontinuation of CZ99 production at Zastava. The , often less refined with visible tool marks compared to the original, maintains the CZ99's core short-recoil operation and 15-round capacity in 9×19mm, but lacks some finishing details while proving reliable in field use. Limited imports of the reached the U.S. market in the early , highlighting its role as an accessible clone for international export. In , d.o.o. produced the Arex Zero as a modern derivative of the CZ99 design, incorporating ergonomic updates and compatibility with CZ99 parts. This variant features a hard-anodized aluminum frame, mounting for accessories, and availability in 9×19mm with extended barrel lengths up to 120mm for specialized roles such as border security. Production began in the mid-2000s and continues as a commercially successful line, emphasizing precision machining and modular enhancements not present in the base CZ99. Export models of the CZ99 have included modifications for specific markets, such as the addition of a thumb safety on the slide for U.S. compliance during imports by TD Arms in the early 1990s, where pistols retailed around $275 and garnered interest from over 50 police departments. Serbian exports to , notably a 2008 contract delivering 18,000 CZ99 pistols to —including 3,000 luxury versions with manual engravings for high-ranking officials—featured standard 9×19mm chambering and occasional conversions for . Similar custom-engraved exports have supported African and security forces, with regional adaptations like rail mounts on related EZ-series variants adding tactical versatility. Overall, licensed and derivative production across at least five countries has focused on flexibility and accessory integration to meet diverse operational demands.

Operational use

Military and law enforcement

The Zastava CZ99 entered production in 1991 and was officially adopted by the Yugoslav military in 1995, seeing use during the and subsequent conflicts in the region. Following the breakup of Yugoslavia, the pistol transitioned into service with successor forces, including the established in 2006, where it remains in use as of 2025, particularly in reserve and specialized roles. In successor states, the CZ99 equipped law enforcement agencies during the turbulent 1990s, including the police of in , where it continued in active use into the early as part of post-conflict security structures. The pistol also saw adoption by Montenegrin military and police units, serving as a standard service weapon in border security and operational roles. Similarly, it was integrated into North Macedonian police equipment for border patrols and general duties, reflecting its widespread retention across Balkan successor entities due to existing stockpiles and familiarity. It has also been used by Palestinian security forces. The CZ99's double-action/single-action trigger mechanism proved advantageous for police during the 1990s ethnic conflicts, enabling safe carry in double-action mode for rapid response in close-quarters urban scenarios while allowing trained operators to transition to single-action for precision. In Serbian units like the Detachment "Cobras," the pistol's ergonomic design and ambidextrous controls facilitate specialized training for high-risk urban environments. Throughout its service, the CZ99 has demonstrated robust performance in adverse conditions, including the mud, cold, and dust encountered in Balkan conflicts, with users reporting low malfunction rates attributable to its chrome-lined barrel and sturdy aluminum frame construction. Although some units began supplementing it with modern alternatives like the Glock 17 in the for enhanced , the CZ99 persists in active Serbian . Logistically, the CZ99 relies on domestically produced ammunition from , ensuring self-sufficiency for Serbian forces even under . Maintenance protocols, detailed in Zastava's official manuals, emphasize routine cleaning and lubrication to prevent issues in field conditions, with adaptations developed during wartime shortages to prioritize minimal tooling and parts availability.

Civilian applications

The Zastava CZ99 entered the civilian market through imports by TD Arms in the early , where it was retailed for around $275, making it accessible to enthusiasts before production halted due to the 1991 embargo on . Post-embargo scarcity has elevated its status among collectors, with examples prized for their Yugoslav-era craftsmanship and historical ties to the region's . In the secondary market as of , used CZ99 pistols typically command prices between $400 and $800, reflecting steady demand despite limited availability. Surplus CZ99 pistols have been sold to civilians in , particularly in , where owners with appropriate hunting licenses utilize them for sporting purposes under local regulations. Limited imports reached , though strict pistol ownership laws have confined their presence to a small number of licensed collectors and competitors. The pistol's double-action/single-action trigger mechanism contributes to its appeal in (IPSC) competitions, where it is approved for Production Division use, allowing participants to leverage its accuracy in dynamic shooting events. The CZ99's collectibility stems from its representation of pre-dissolution Yugoslav engineering, with well-preserved examples fetching premiums among firearm enthusiasts interested in Cold War-era surplus. Refurbished surplus models, often sourced from Balkan stockpiles, are readily available through online auction sites and dealers, typically in good condition with original markings intact. Its legal status varies internationally; in the US, pre-embargo imports comply with federal requirements including import marks, while in countries like Canada, military-origin handguns face heightened restrictions under broader prohibited firearms regulations. In modern civilian contexts within the , the CZ99 serves as a reliable option for home defense among licensed owners, benefiting from its durable construction and ambidextrous controls that enhance user accessibility. An aftermarket for accessories exists, including custom grips and replacement sights available from specialized vendors, though it remains narrower than options for more common platforms like the series.

References

  1. https://zastavaarmsusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CZ-99-Manual-ZA-USA.pdf
  2. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/cz-99-a-good-pistol-developed-in-a-bad-time-44814817
  3. https://blade-city.com/blogs/gun-knife-blog/zastava-cz-99-a-durable-pistol-with-a-hard-forged-chrome-plated-barrel
  4. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/cz99-a-good-pistol-developed-in-a-bad-time-part-2-44814967
  5. https://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Zastava_CZ99
  6. https://www.guns.com/news/review/serbian-sig-for-under-400-cz999-scorpion-video
  7. https://www.theguardian.com/world/1999/jul/02/balkans.internationalcrime
  8. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-13731608
  9. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1999/07/16/nato-bombs-deal-fatal-blow-to-once-proud-automaker/
  10. https://balkaninsight.com/2008/06/03/first-serbian-weapons-head-to-iraq/
  11. https://www.guns.com/news/2025/10/13/ban-on-gun-ammo-imports-from-serbia-heads-into-4th-month
  12. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/cz-99-a-good-pistol-developed-in-a-bad-time-44814817/
  13. https://czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=9528.0
  14. https://gunmagwarehouse.com/zastava-cz-999-9mm-15-round-magazine.html
  15. https://www.opticsplanet.com/zastava-arms-usa-cz99-pistol-9mm-luger-4-25in-barrel-frrmpg.html
  16. https://zastavaarmsusa.com/product/pistol-cz999/
  17. https://modernfirearms.net/en/handguns/handguns-en/serbia-semi-automatic-pistols/cz-99-eng/
  18. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2023/12/13/trb-bratunac-rs-9-vampir-gen2-pistol/
  19. http://www.cruffler.com/Features/JUL-01/review-July-01.html
  20. https://dewildefirearms.co.za/Home.aspx?ID=4&Region=SouthAfricanWeapons
  21. https://fimegroup.com/rex-zero-1-standard/
  22. https://me.ekapija.com/en/news/153073/zastava-arms-signed-contract-worth-3m-eur-with-us-company-remington
  23. https://www.walterdorn.net/pdf/Unprecedented-Experiment-Bosnia-Herzegovina-SSR_King-Dorn_BICC_2002.pdf
  24. https://specijalne-jedinice.com/srbija/kobre-english.php
  25. https://combatoperators.com/units/tier-2/kobre-serbia-military-police/
  26. https://truegunvalue.com/pistol/zastava/cz99/price-historical-value-245
  27. https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/prohibited-goods/firearms
  28. https://www.ipsc.org/production-division-list/
  29. https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/pistols/zastava-arms-pistols.c1975_p1_o6.cfm
  30. https://www.ebay.com/itm/406255260803
  31. https://www.amazon.com/Omega-Grips-Compatible-Svechnikov-Workshop/dp/B0FM8GDWB6
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.