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CZ just scored a massive win on the global military stage.
Colt CZ Group SE announced this week that Česká zbrojovka has been selected by the German Bundeswehr as its new standard service pistol. The decision follows an open international tender and represents one of the most significant contracts in CZ’s modern history.
According to the company, the pistol adopted by the Bundeswehr—designated P13—is based on the CZ P-10 C OR (Optics-Ready) platform and will be delivered in a Flat Dark Earth (FDE) finish. It’s a striker-fired, duty-focused handgun designed specifically for professional military use, emphasizing reliability, durability, and intuitive handling.
“We are honored that the German Bundeswehr has chosen CZ as its partner,” said CZ CEO and Chairman Jan Zajíc. “Our success in this rearmament tender is one of the most significant achievements in CZ’s modern history. It clearly confirms the outstanding reputation our firearms have earned through active deployment in real combat conditions.”
That last point matters. This wasn’t a political hand-me-down or a legacy pick. CZ beat out multiple global competitors in a competitive process, reinforcing the company’s growing reputation as a serious military supplier. Not just a commercial or competition favorite.
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The P-10 C OR platform brings a lot to the table for service use. Known for its excellent ergonomics and natural pointability, the pistol features a robust striker-fired system, high magazine capacity, and optics-ready capability right out of the gate. It’s built to survive hard use, adverse conditions, and high round counts. Exactly what modern military forces demand.
CZ will fulfill the contract in cooperation with its authorized German partner POL-TEC GmbH & Co., which will assist with delivery and long-term logistical and technical support for the Bundeswehr. That local partnership is a key piece of major European defense contracts and helps ensure ongoing sustainment over the life of the pistol.
For CZ, this contract is more than just a single win. It’s a statement.
Founded in 1936, CZ has steadily expanded from a respected European manufacturer into a global firearms powerhouse, exporting to nearly 100 countries and supplying military and law-enforcement agencies worldwide. The Bundeswehr selection puts CZ firmly in elite company and reinforces its place among top-tier duty pistol manufacturers.
From a civilian shooter’s perspective, wins like this tend to trickle down. Military contracts often drive further refinement, durability upgrades, and long-term platform support. Benefits that eventually show up in commercial offerings.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
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looks like a glock to me.