CZ 75 RAF, a limited edition pistol dedicated to the Battle of Britain
CZ announces a limited special edition of the CZ 75 pistol dedicated to the memory of the Czechoslovak pilots who flew with the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain and all through World War II
CZ 75 RAF, a limited edition pistol dedicated to the Battle of Britain
On May 8, 2025 – the 80th anniversary of the end of World War 2 in Europe – Česká Zbrojovka (CZ) announced a new limited edition of the legendary CZ-75 9mm Luger double-action semi-automatic pistol, the world's first truly successful Wondernine that launched what would become a revolution in service and defensive sidearms all through the world in the final quarter of the 20th Century.
Dubbed the CZ 75 RAF, CZ's new limited edition pistol is a tribute to the almost 2,500 Czechoslovakian pilots who escaped the nazi German conquest of their Country in 1939 and enlisted in the Royal Air Force, fighting on Britain's side during World War II. Over 500 of them would give their lives in the fight against the German Luftwaffe, particularly during the Battle of Britain.
The slide and frame of the CZ 75 RAF are both manufactured out of chrome-moly steel, with a beautiful Nickel finish featuring a set of decorations reminiscent to details – such as the rivets and the wing humps – of the Supermarine Spitfire single-seat fighter that was the backbone of the Royal Air Force all through World War II.
CZ 75 RAF limited edition pistol – right side
CZ 75 RAF limited edition pistol – left side
The standard rear slide serrations are replaced by a set of concentric circles that represent the RAF roundel; at the front of the slide are a set of venting holes representing the Spitfire's engine exhausts, while all controls (hammer, trigger, magazine catch, slide stop, and frame-mounted safety) are finished in a shiny rainbow blue color to sharply accent against the overall Nickel finish.
Other features of the CZ 75 RAF pistol include the Czechoslovak Air Force roundel engraved on the left side of the frame and the RAF motto "Per Ardua Ad Astra" on the right side of the frame; the RAF emblem engraved on the magazine floorplate; and a Czechoslovak Air Force pilot badge relief on the left grip panel.
Each pistol is uniquely serialized. Four series of fourteen CZ 75 RAF pistols will be produced – 310, 311, 312, and 313, named after the RAF fighter and bomber squadrons where the Czechoslovak pilots served during WW2 – for an overall amount of fifty-six pistols. The "squadron" number for each pistol will also be engraved at the front of the slide, just under the muzzle.
Each CZ 75 RAF pistol will be issued in a dedicated aluminum box, replicating the design of the oil tank of the Spitfire fighter; the technical drawing of the Supermarine Spitfire wings is etched on the lid; drawings of the gauges found on the Spitfire fighter cockpit are etched just underneath.
The motifs are signed by Czech artists Jaroslav Velc and David Cerny, who were instrumental in the design and concept of this limited edition pistol.
The pistol is seated in black velvet inside the box, accompanied by an embroidered patch of the RAF squadron each pistol is serialized after; in each box are also a certificate of authenticity; a brochure with information about Czechoslovak pilots in the RAF; a hand-painted and signed illustration of the legendary Supermarine Spitfire aircraft by Czech painter and illustrator Jaroslav Velc; a replica of the Distinguished Flying Cross medal, awarded to British pilots for "exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy in the air"; and a locking key for the box, in the shape of a Spitfire fighter.
The CZ 75 RAF limited edition pistol will not be sold through the normal CZ distribution channels; all 56 samples will be be auctioned off on-line in an event open to individual collectors worldwide; the exact auction date will be announced soon. For further information, visit the official CZ website.
