The Original CZ Forum

CZ PISTOL CLUBS => CZ CLONE CLUB => Topic started by: tomsp8 on March 24, 2013, 09:42:17 AM

Title: tristar c100 vs t100
Post by: tomsp8 on March 24, 2013, 09:42:17 AM
To anyone who has had the luxury of handling both these models: I see the safefty and slide stop levers differ in appearance. The t100 version safety makes me think it is a decocker rather than a safety? Is there any significant differences between the safety functions between these two? Is the safety inherently stiffer on one model over the other? How about trigger pull. Wondering if the t100 has any benefits over the c100 as it is a newer model? I like the smaller appearance of the c100 slide stop and safety over the t100. Are they interchangeable perhaps?  So what are the actual differences between the c100 and the t100?   Actual comparison between these two models has been hard to find........Not sure why the t100 is needed when the c100 seems to be getting very good reviews......
Thanks
Trying to narrow down my purchase between these two particular models, for concealed carry option. Currently carrying a cz82........Any comparisons between the two models mentioned and the cz82 would also be appreciated....

Tom / Va Beach, VA
Title: Re: tristar c100 vs t100
Post by: Creek on March 24, 2013, 05:08:25 PM
I recently acquired a Canik Shark C which is the same gun as the TriStar T100, but while I've had my hands on several CZ 75 compacts, I can't say I have any actual experience with the C100 so I probably won't be able to answer your questions fully but I'll throw my $0.02 at it in hopes of helping.

First off, both the C100 and T100 are produced by the same company (in the same factory) and are based off the same platform, so they're going to be very similar.

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The t100 version safety makes me think it is a decocker rather than a safety? Is there any significant differences between the safety functions between these two?
Nope, no decocker. Safety should be about identical to a C100. Only difference from a standard CZ 75 is that it can be placed on safe with the hammer down (I'm 98% sure this applies to the C100 as well).

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Is the safety inherently stiffer on one model over the other? How about trigger pull.
The safety on my Shark C was pretty stiff out of the box but has loosened up nicely after a single trip to the range and about a week of fiddling with it on the couch. It is still a little stiffer than a CZ safety, but it's functional. The trigger actually felt a little better out of the box than a CZ IMO, barely detectable creep which is only noticeable if you're looking for it.

Again, I have not gotten my hands on a C100, but as they are made by the same company and are derived from the same platform, I'm going to guess that there is not a significant difference in the safety or trigger pull between the two.

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I like the smaller appearance of the c100 slide stop and safety over the t100. Are they interchangeable perhaps?
Perhaps, I honestly wouldn't be surprised either way.

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So what are the actual differences between the c100 and the t100?
Given that they're manufactured by the same company and are both based off the CZ 75, they're going to be very similar and the aesthetics are probably the biggest difference. Both have alloy frames and a stainless slide, presumably an identical or nearly-identical DA/SA trigger as well as safety, they even take the same mags. The T100 has a slightly shorter barrel (reported at 3.7" for the T100 and 3.9" for the C100, although I could have sworn that another reference listed the T100 at 3.9", I can check on this when I get home) The T100 MAY have a slightly shorter barrel, see EDIT at the bottom, the C100 is offered in .40S&W as well as 9mm while the T100 is currently available in 9mm only. That's about all I've got.

I wouldn't be surprised if someone posts some gigantic glaring difference that I've missed and makes me feel silly, but I really do think that they're different iterations of the same gun with the C100 having a more "classic" look and the T100 being a little more modern. While you may see more C100's in circulation currently, this is probably due to numbers imported more than anything else; I'm pretty sure the C100 has been available longer in the US than the T100.

I'm very pleased with my Canik Shark C. It feels great in the hand and has so far shown itself to be as reliable and accurate as any semi-compact handgun I've handled. The slide catch, safety and mag release were all a bit stiff initially but they've improved a lot with just a bit of tinkering. My only complaint as far as craftsmanship is that the grips and sights are made of chintzy plastic.

I don't think you could go wrong either way and, ideally, I'd say shoot 'em both and see if one feels better, but obviously I recognize that this is often not possible. If you've narrowed it down to one or the other and can't choose, I hate to say it but I'd probably base the decision on looks (and price difference if applicable).

Hopefully someone who actually owns both will be able to chime in and give you a little more detail.

EDIT: I'm trying to sort out this discrepancy in barrel length... I didn't even think about it before but the 100 in both names refers to a 100mm barrel (3.94"), but TriStar's website lists the C100 as having a 3.9" and the T100 as having a 3.7". Canik 55's website says both guns have a 100mm barrel and several other sources I've come across indicate a 3.94" barrel for the T100. I get off at 8pm EST and will measure tonight to sort out this silliness.

UPDATE: My barrel is 93-94mm, or 3.7 inches, so it may be a little shorter.
Title: Re: tristar c100 vs t100
Post by: tekarra on March 24, 2013, 06:41:37 PM
Hello Tom and Creek and welcome to the forum.
Title: Re: tristar c100 vs t100
Post by: fuhnetic on May 15, 2013, 10:53:22 PM
One moderate difference not mentioned anywhere is that the barrel sits lower in the frame on the T-100.  This difference will make the T-100 kick more straight back into your hand rather than bouncing up.

The drop is quite noticeable as soon as you see it, where the C-100 barrel sits in the center of the slide, riding just above the frame, and the T-100 is nestled about halfway into the frame.

The rest of the differences are mostly cosmetic. And, as mentioned, based on the CZ75 Compact, aftermarket parts are easier to find.  The T-100 has no rail, and I haven't seen many light or sight options  for my T-100.  If you want to spend the coin, the Crimson Trace lasergrip for CZ compact pops right on (I have read that it takes a very slight trim with a dremel, but no details)

I contacted Tri-Star and they informed me that the 100 series all share the same magazines... and you can order direct from them for $30 each.  However, as they come with two... I consider that a $75 discount on a second pistol after factoring in shipping and tax if you need help with justifying it  ;)

Title: Re: tristar c100 vs t100
Post by: chuckles on May 16, 2013, 12:56:53 PM
Good information from all. I handled both and bought the T100, no huge difference, frame grip grooves on the T100 and a more streamlined profile were my reasons. I just shot my T100 yesterday for the first time. My first 10 rounds had a group spread of almost 18". Yes that's 18". After those first 10 shots the groups tightened up to a very respectable 2" at 25M. I had cleaned it well and the only thing I can figure is that there may have been some ragged edges at the muzzle that got smoothed out with rounds 11 through 90. I fired 60 rounds of WWB 115 gr and 40 rds of RWS Geco 124gr.
By the first 10 rounds I was ready to send it back to a tristar. Now I'm happy. I put some CZ coco bolo grips with hex screws and cleaned and lubed it up so I'll give it a go again next week. No issues with feeding or functions. I have 7 magazines, (canik, Mecgar. 15 rd) and tried some rounds in all of them, no issues there either. Overall It's looking like a great buy.  I would say whichever strikes your fancy would be a good bet.
ETA, not only did the groups tighten up to 2" at 25m, the sights are right on dead center at that range. Ate the center out of a 2" bullseye target.
Title: Re: tristar c100 vs t100
Post by: fijiken on May 16, 2013, 05:04:46 PM
Tom, where do you shoot? I live in Portsmouth and shoot mostly at Superior on the boulevard.  I've had my Shark since Christmas and love it.  Only downside I see is that the T100 or Shark is a little harder to find holsters for.  I have an IWB that's actually for a Glock and a Kydex that is for a Baby Eagle.
Title: Re: tristar c100 vs t100
Post by: Flibuoy1 on May 16, 2013, 07:45:36 PM
My Frontline Kydex is for the Jerico Compact, 941FS or what Indians call the Baby Eagle. It also fits fine in my Witness Compact el cheapo ballistic type nylon ... The Witness does not fit the Kydex, not even close
Title: Re: tristar c100 vs t100
Post by: fuhnetic on October 05, 2013, 10:43:52 PM
Took the T-100 to the range today for it's 7th outing, of 100 rounds each.  So far, not a single issue.  No FTF, FTE or anything.  Canik should go into the sewing machine or watch business.

I did wind up swapping out the grips for some CZ factory rubbers.  It really made a difference.  The plastic plates on the sides made it feel like a toy, the rubber makes it feel like a serviceable weapon.

I guess, there was one issue.  The glow dots fell out of the sights after a couple hundred rounds.  I contacted TriStar and they had a new set of sights to me in the mail within days, however, I wound up just cleaning the originals up and painting the dots white with Citadel model paint. 

After 700 rounds and no hiccups, I dare say these are one of the better deals out there today.