About CZ Firearms
Founded in 1936 in the Moravian town of Uherský Brod, Česká zbrojovka — known worldwide as CZ — has grown from a regional manufacturer into one of the world's top ten small arms producers and one of only five companies globally capable of producing automatic firearms at scale. Their firearms are carried by law enforcement officers and military personnel in more than 100 countries, built on a reputation for cold hammer-forged barrels, exceptional trigger quality, and uncompromising durability.
Operating under the Colt CZ Group SE holding company since 2022 — following CZ's landmark 2021 acquisition of Colt's Manufacturing Company — the combined entity now commands one of the broadest defense portfolios in the industry. With subsidiaries including Dan Wesson Firearms (acquired 2005) and Colt (acquired 2021), CZ has evolved from a single-factory operation into a global defense group while maintaining the technical standards that have made its name synonymous with quality.
Product Families
P-10 Series
CZ's flagship polymer striker-fired pistol family in Subcompact (S), Compact (C), and Full-Size (F) configurations. The P-10 C NATO — adopted by the Czech Armed Forces — is one of the most rigorously tested military striker-fired pistols in Europe. All variants feature optics-ready slides, cold hammer-forged barrels, and fully ambidextrous controls.
P-09 Series
CZ's full-size and compact DA/SA hammer-fired duty pistols. The Nocturne editions feature optics-ready nitride slides and user-configurable swappable safety/decocker modules, available in Compact (C) and Full-Size (F) configurations for patrol and plainclothes assignments.
Shadow 2 Carry
The competition-proven Shadow 2 platform adapted for duty and concealed carry. The aluminum-frame DA/SA pistol features an optics-ready slide with integrated decocker and a factory-tuned trigger that delivers match-grade accuracy from a service configuration.
Scorpion 3 Plus
The third generation of CZ's legendary Scorpion platform delivers improved ergonomics, a redesigned trigger, and fully ambidextrous controls across a complete ecosystem of pistol, SBR, carbine, and factory select-fire SMG variants. Available in both semi-automatic MLE and select-fire government configurations.
BREN 2 MS
CZ's modular multi-caliber assault rifle in 5.56×45mm NATO and 7.62×39mm. Engineered for special operations with ambidextrous controls, folding stock, and multiple barrel length options across pistol, SBR, and carbine configurations. STANAG-compatible in 5.56mm.
Dan Wesson 1911
Under the CZ umbrella since 2005, Dan Wesson produces premium American-made 1911-platform duty pistols. GDS offers the Specialist OR, Specialist, and DWX Compact OR — each featuring fixed tritium night sights, Picatinny rail, magwell, ambidextrous safety, and G10 grips.
Company History
1919
Jihočeská zbrojovka founded in Strakonice — the earliest predecessor of what would become CZ.
1936
The Uherský Brod factory is established, which becomes the permanent home of CZ and its primary manufacturing site to this day.
1945
Factory nationalized following World War II. Production continues under state control through the communist era.
1975
The CZ 75 is introduced — arguably the most influential pistol design of the second half of the 20th century. Its locked-breech, all-steel construction and double-action trigger set the standard for service pistols worldwide, and its design has been copied more widely than almost any other pistol in history.
1992
Following the Velvet Revolution, CZ is privatized and begins its transition to a market-oriented company with global export ambitions.
1997
CZ-USA subsidiary established, giving the brand a dedicated American commercial and government sales presence.
2005
Acquisition of Dan Wesson Firearms, expanding CZ's portfolio into the premium American 1911 market.
2018
Česká zbrojovka Group SE holding company formed, consolidating subsidiaries under a unified corporate structure.
2021
CZ acquires Colt's Manufacturing Company, uniting two of the most storied names in firearms manufacturing under one holding company.
2022
Holding company renamed Colt CZ Group SE. The group now represents one of the largest and most diverse firearms manufacturing entities in the Western world.
Current News & Releases
Scorpion 3 Plus Platform
CZ's third-generation Scorpion delivers a full ecosystem of pistol, SBR, carbine, and select-fire SMG variants with improved ergonomics and a redesigned trigger. The select-fire SMG configuration is available to qualifying government and law enforcement agencies through GDS.
BREN 2 MS Expansion
The BREN 2 MS continues to grow its footprint in international military and LE contracts. Available in 5.56×45mm and 7.62×39mm with pistol, SBR, and carbine configurations and multiple barrel length options for CQB through patrol roles.
P-10 NATO Program
The CZ P-10 C NATO remains the standard-issue sidearm of the Czech Armed Forces and continues evaluation by allied NATO nations. Optics-ready slide, cold hammer-forged barrel, and fully ambidextrous controls make it a strong competitor in European military pistol programs.
Colt CZ Group Integration
Following the 2021 acquisition of Colt's Manufacturing, the combined Colt CZ Group SE continues expanding its portfolio and global distribution network, with CZ serving as the primary law enforcement and military products division.
Law Enforcement Program
CZ's Military and Law Enforcement (MLE) program provides eligible purchasers access to the complete CZ government product catalog at MLE pricing — covering individual officers, licensed security professionals, and agency procurement. Guardian Defense Solutions is an authorized CZ MLE dealer with direct access to current stock and factory ordering for both semi-automatic and select-fire product lines.
Agency customers receive dedicated support for evaluation, demonstration, and large-volume procurement. Contact GDS to discuss your department's requirements, request product samples, or obtain agency pricing for any CZ product family.