Which CZ 97 would you choose?

[Lux]

Okay, looking to get a CZ 97, which one should I get? 

[Otto N Sure]

I'm a bit "old fashioned" in that I like a safety on my pistols. Yes, I know the decocker is useful, but I know how to let the hammer down myself!  I prefer to keep one in the chamber and have the first shot be completely DA. I have no worry what-so-ever about having the hammer down on a loaded chamber. And I always do have the option of fully cocked and locked.

Otto.

[Radom]

I have only owned one pistol with a decocker in my entire life: the CZ P-01.  The damn thing drove me crazy, and I traded it plus $100 for a gunsafe worth about $700.  I still have the gunsafe, and all of my CZs with manual safeties...

The decocker does nothing that I cannot more easily do for myself: decock the weapon.  OTOH, the manual safety renders the pistol instantly safe, something I cannot do for myself as easily.  In my mind, decockers are an "answer" to a question that no reasonably skilled person ever asked.  If you think I am full of it, ask yourself this question: what would I do with a cocked revolver or any other older design with an exposed hammer?  Manually decocking was considered a BASIC gunhandling skill in my days.  

EDIT:  It just occurred to me that some people still may not "get" it.  No revolver or older repeater with an exposed hammer can return/remove from battery while the hammer is at full-cock.  You have to manually decock the weapon to remove the cartridge from the breech or open the gate/cylinder. 

[dusty10]

Good answers so far but this really depends on whether the poster feels comfortable manually lowering the hammer on a live round.  If not, then the poster should buy a decocker model.  I seem to remember one of the older, experienced forum members here having an accidental discharge recently while performing that manual lowering operation. 
Now more than likely the poster will not be carrying the 97B due to size and weight considerations.  So more than likely, the weapon will be used for range and home defense.  I'd say get the manual safety version.  My .02, Dusty

[CZ75BRocks]

I prefer a BD over a B.  Mainly because I bought a DA/SA gun to begin with.  If I want to carry cocked and locked it will always be my 1911s or my Browning HP.  The 97B or BD is a superbly accurate weapon.  It is BIG.  If your 6'2"+ or have very large hands it's great, but if it doesn't feel right out of the holster or you have to "hustle" it into a comfortable grip then thing again.  My fingers haven't grown an bit.
  I gave it to my Son.  He gave it back. He believes in carry one gun....the gun you carry at work.  So, he carries his SIG.  My CZ97B is the non-decocker.

  I'm the exact opposite of Radom on my CZs, they're all de-cockers except for my Rhodesian issue, my Kadet and my 97B.

[Canuck44]

I prefer teh safety version but would not turn down a decocker version either.  My only problem with the 97B is it is too heavy for IDPA in it's present form.  Why CZ put a full length dustcover on the gun is beyond me.  The gun is large in hand but weighs no more than a 1911, in fact less. 

Take Care

Bob

[kimberkid]

Those who think the decocker is a bad idea should find and handle a Daewoo DH40. That bad little booger has the best, the handiest, the spiffiest decocker I know about. If CZ built a decocker like THAT on a 97B, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I confess, however, that I've not yet tried CZ's own decocker. If it's as good as the Daewoo, I'll have to get one.

For those who haven't seen a Daewoo, I'll describe the action as best I can:

Start with the action cocked. Say you want to decock it. All you do is push the hammer forward with your thumb. That's it. Don't touch the trigger, don't press any buttons or thumb an levers, because there aren't any. Just push the hammer forward with your thumb. In that position, the weapon is absolutely safe. You can drop the weapon on the hammer. It won't go off.

Now say you've changed your mind. You want to recock your Daewoo. Just pull gently on the trigger -- SNAP! -- the hammer springs back to full-cock and you're ready to shoot single action from a nice, 3-or-4 lb trigger pull.

If you want to shoot that first shot double-action, just pull the trigger normally. Bang! The gun goes off.

I tell ya: It's really neat! So how does the CZ decocker function?

[Gary1911A1]

With my style grip the decockers just get in the way. I like to ride the thumb safety on 1911s' and CZs'.