IWI Jericho 941 Review: CZ 75 Clone or Better?

Quick Answer

The IWI Jericho 941 is a CZ-75–pattern, all-metal DA/SA pistol that feels smooth to shoot and easy to hold. Recoil stays soft. The grip shape also works for a lot of hands. You get the CZ-style "slide-in-frame" design. You also often get CZ-pattern magazine use. Where the CZ 75 still wins is the huge parts and gear scene. You will find more holsters. You will find more upgrades. And you will find clearer info on parts across the many Jericho versions. At the price, the Jericho 941 gives you a lot of guns for the cash.

Key Takeaways

• All-steel weight helps tame recoil and track flatter in rapid fire.
• CZ-style slide-in-frame design supports a lower bore axis feel.
• Model variants change controls - choose frame safety or slide decocker.
• Magazine compatibility exists but needs careful selection.
• Aftermarket support is thinner than CZ 75 options.

In instructor circles, heavy steel DA/SA pistols still get recommended for new shooters. They sit steady in the hands. They tend to reward good grip and trigger control. The Jericho 941 lives in that lane, but with its own quirks and a surprisingly deep "clone of clones" backstory. Let's find out if this Israeli take on the Czech classic stands on its own.

What the Jericho 941 Actually Is (and what it isn't)

The Jericho 941 is not a direct CZ 75 copy. It borrows the feel and the layout, but it’s built from a different path. The Jericho 941 was introduced in the early 1990s and was built around the same CZ-75–style design family that includes Tanfoglio-pattern pistols. Tanfoglio already made respected CZ-75 style guns. That made the launch easier for IMI. Faster path to a finished pistol.

The “941” name traces back to early models tied to 9mm and .41 Action Express. Early Jericho variants were associated with 9mm and .41 Action Express, and the “9” + “41” explanation is commonly used for the model name. .41 AE had hype at the time. It did not last. But the design choice left a bonus. Many 9mm Jerichos feel thick and solid. Like a tool built to take years of use.

IWI (Israel Weapon Industries) became the small-arms maker associated with the Jericho line, and the Jericho has remained in production in multiple versions. It still sits in the lineup today. So you are not looking at a true CZ clone. You are looking at a CZ-style pistol with Italian roots and Israeli finishing.

Quick Spec Snapshot

Current Jericho 941 steel models come in several configurations:

• Caliber options: Caliber options vary by model and market, but the Jericho line has commonly appeared in 9mm and has also been offered in .40 S&W and .45 ACP.
• Barrel lengths: 4.4" (full size) or 3.8" (compact)
• Frame types: Steel or polymer (this review focuses on steel models)
• Safety types: Frame-mounted safety or slide-mounted safety/decocker
• Features: Picatinny rails on current production models
• Capacity: 16+1 in 9mm (full size)

Older pre-rail models lack the Picatinny rail and have different sight configurations. These older models have gained a cult following partly thanks to their clean lines and pop culture appearances.

Jericho 941 vs CZ 75B Comparison

Feature	Jericho 941	CZ 75B
Action	DA / SA	DA / SA
Frame Material	Steel (or polymer)	Steel
Typical 9mm Capacity	16+1	16+1
Rail Configuration	Yes (current models) / No (older)	No (75B) / Yes (SP-01)
Safety Types	Frame safety or slide-mounted decocker	Frame-mounted safety
Aftermarket Support	Medium	High
Typical Price Range	$450–$650	$550–$750+

Controls and Variants That Matter More Than Brand Names

Frame safety vs slide safety/decocker

One of the biggest choices when looking at Jerichos is the safety style:

Frame-mounted safety (F models): This allows for "cocked and locked" carry - hammer back, safety on. You can carry with more ready-to-fire potential with a light single-action trigger pull when needed. Many prefer this for speed and a consistent trigger pull.

Slide-mounted safety/decocker (R models): This setup lets you load the gun, then use the lever to safely drop the hammer for a first double-action pull. Some find this setup safer for carry but it comes with a trade-off - the decocker levers cover part of the rear slide serrations. It gives you less grip area when racking.

F vs R patterns and naming confusion

Jericho has gone through a naming identity crisis over decades. You might see the same basic gun branded as:

• Jericho 941
• Baby Eagle
• Desert Eagle Pistol
• Uzi Eagle

This happened as different importers brought the gun to the US market. Magnum Research (once part of IMI) sold them as "Baby Eagles" and "Desert Eagle Pistols." For a short time, they even appeared as "Uzi Eagles."

If you're shopping, focus on the actual model (F for frame safety or R for slide safety/decocker) rather than the marketing name on the slide.

Ergonomics and Handling: Why People Like the CZ Pattern

Slide-in-frame design, bore axis feel, and grip height

Like CZ pistols, the Jericho's slide rides inside the frame rails rather than outside them. This does two important things:

The CZ-style slide-in-frame layout often feels low in the hand and helps many shooters manage recoil well. This reduces the lever effect during recoil, so the gun flips less when fired. Second, it creates a solid beavertail that lets you get a high, secure grip.

The tradeoff is that the slide presents less surface area to grab when racking. The Jericho's slide has a somewhat trapezoidal shape without front serrations, but most users report it takes surprisingly little force to rack despite these factors.

Grips and texture: the common complaint

The stock plastic grip panels on Jerichos earn few fans. They lack good texture and can feel slippery. This is one area where most owners make changes quickly.

Aftermarket grip panels (particularly G10 options from companies like LOK Grips) can dramatically improve the feel and control. Some minor fitting might be needed, but this simple upgrade transforms the gun's feel in the hand.

The front and backstrap have vertical serrations, but they're not very aggressive. Despite these texture limitations, the shape of the grip and beavertail help keep your hand locked in during firing.

Trigger and Shootability

What to expect from DA/SA

The Jericho, like most traditional DA/SA pistols, has two distinct trigger modes:

Double-action: The first pull is longer and heavier (around 10 pounds). There's some initial resistance, then a relatively smooth pull through to the break.

Single-action: After the first shot, the hammer stays cocked for subsequent shots. This gives you a shorter, lighter trigger pull (around 5 pounds). There's some take-up to a wall, a tiny bit of creep, then a fairly crisp break.

This dual-mode system gives safety for carry but precision for follow-up shots. For new shooters, the weight of that first DA pull can help prevent accidental discharge while they're learning trigger control.

What shooters commonly report about recoil and accuracy

The all-steel Jericho is a heavy pistol (often listed around 2.3 lbs overall), and that weight helps it shoot softer and track flatter than many polymer guns. Feedback from owners consistently mentions how flat it shoots and how controllable it feels in rapid fire.

Accuracy reports are strongly positive across different ammunition types. The solid lockup between barrel and frame creates a stable platform. Jericho barrels and slide details vary by production era, so confirm your exact model’s barrel specs and parts notes before buying upgrades.

The slide-in-frame design combined with the weight and beavertail allow for a high grip that helps manage recoil. Many describe the shooting experience as "smooth as butter" - a testament to the solid engineering behind the platform.

Magazine Compatibility and the "Will CZ Mags Work?" Question

One of the most common questions about the Jericho is magazine compatibility with CZ pistols. The answer is: yes, with caveats.

Some Jericho variants can run CZ-pattern/Tanfoglio-pattern magazines, but compatibility varies by generation and model, so you should confirm fit and function before stocking up. Mec-Gar CZ/EAA magazines tend to sit more flush but require more force to insert properly. If not firmly seated, they might drop free during firing.

Factory magazines are the safest default choice, and aftermarket/CZ-pattern options should be treated as ‘test before you trust.This subtle difference matters when you're reloading under stress or at speed.

If you plan to use CZ-pattern magazines, test them thoroughly in your specific Jericho to ensure proper feeding and lockup. Don't assume universal fit across all generations and variants.

Jericho 941 vs CZ 75: Where It Can Win (and where it won't)

Where the Jericho can feel "better"

Value proposition: The Jericho often costs less than comparable CZ models while offering similar performance. At $450-650, it's one of the most affordable all-steel pistols on the market.

Build quality: Many users report that the Jericho has excellent fit and finish, with tight tolerances between slide and frame. Some even feel it has better parts fitment than base model CZ 75B pistols.

Aesthetics: The Jericho has a distinctive look, especially the pre-rail models. The slightly angled slide gives it a unique profile that many find appealing.

Where CZ usually keeps the advantage

Aftermarket support: The CZ platform enjoys vastly deeper aftermarket support for competition upgrades, triggers, and parts.

Holster availability: Finding holsters for the Jericho can be challenging, especially for less common variants. CZ models have much broader holster compatibility.

Parts clarity: With the CZ, there's less confusion about parts compatibility across generations. The Jericho's multiple importers and name changes make researching parts more complex.

Competition presence: If you want to shoot competitively, the CZ ecosystem has established pathways and upgraded trees. The Jericho remains more of an enthusiast's choice.

Aftermarket, Holsters, and Parts

Jericho's aftermarket support is limited compared to more popular platforms. Here's what you can typically find:

Readily available:

• Grip panels (LOK Grips and others)
• Basic night sights (Meprolight for newer models)
• Some trigger parts (with compatibility research)
• Basic internal springs

More difficult:

• Holster selection (especially for railed models)
• Competition-grade upgrades
• Custom barrels or slide work

Sight cuts and sight heights vary by Jericho generation and variant, so confirm your exact model before ordering replacement sights.

Parts compatibility can be confusing - some components work with CZ parts, others with Tanfoglio parts, and some are Jericho-specific. This "mutt" status makes upgrades less straightforward than with a CZ.

Which Jericho 941 Should You Buy?

New production vs surplus / police trade-ins

New production Jerichos offer the full warranty and modern features like rails, but Israeli police trade-ins have become popular for their character and lower prices.

What to know about surplus models:

• Some surplus guns may have been modified (including trigger or safety changes), so confirm the exact action type and parts condition before buying.
• They may have special triggers not designed for full reset
• Converting back to DA/SA requires specific parts
• Expect holster wear and finish imperfections
• They often have the older, taller sights

Before buying surplus, research the exact model and inspect for modifications. Parts replacement can be tricky on converted guns.

Pre-rail vs railed models

Pre-rail models have cleaner lines and a classic look that many prefer aesthetically. They're also featured in pop culture, which drives collector interest.

Railed models offer the practical advantage of mounting lights or lasers - useful for home defense. Current production guns all come with rails standard.

Your choice depends on intended use: display piece, range gun, home defense tool, or carry pistol.

Maintenance and Field Strip Overview

Field stripping the Jericho 941 is straightforward:

1. Remove the magazine and check the chamber is empty
2. Align the takedown marks on the slide and frame
3. Push the slide stop from right to left
4. Remove the slide stop completely
5. Slide the slide assembly forward off the frame
6. Remove the recoil spring and guide rod
7. Remove the barrel from the slide

During cleaning, pay attention to the frame rails, barrel lockup surfaces, and feed ramp. The slide-in-frame design means more contact surfaces than some other pistols.

Reassembly is the reverse process - align the slide, insert the barrel and recoil spring, line up the marks, and replace the slide stop.

Safety note: Always follow proper safety procedures when handling firearms. Consult your owner's manual for model-specific instructions.

Final Verdict: CZ Clone or Better?

So, is Jericho a CZ clone or something better? The answer sits in the middle. It is not a direct clone. It is a close cousin with its own strengths.

The Jericho 941 gives you most of the CZ 75 feel for less money. It fits your hand well. It shoots softly. And it can group shots well for the price. If you want fun range time and strong value, it is hard to beat.

But the support around it is smaller. You get fewer upgrade paths. You also get fewer holster choices. And parts can take more work to track down. If you want a wide aftermarket or you plan to compete, the CZ still has the edge.

The Jericho excels for:

• Budget buyers who want an all-steel pistol
• Casual range shooters who want smooth handling
• New shooters who want a forgiving platform
• Collectors who like its look and its backstory

It's less ideal for:

• Competition shooters who need lots of mods
• People who want the biggest aftermarket support
• Ultra-light carry gun seekers

The Jericho 941 is not just a CZ clone. It is its own pistol. And it earns a spot on your list.

The Jericho 9mm is a strong choice for shooters who want a blend of heritage design and modern performance. As we head into 2026, you can compare it with other top performers in our year-end roundup of the Best 9mm Pistols for 2025: Top 9 Picks to see where it stands among our top picks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the IWI Jericho 941 a true CZ 75 clone?

No. It is closer to a cousin. It uses a CZ-75 pattern and it also uses parts from Tanfoglio, an Italian CZ clone maker. Some parts swap with CZ. Others swap with Tanfoglio. And some parts only fit Jericho.

Which is better: frame safety or slide decocker?

It comes down to what you like. Frame safety lets you carry cocked-and-locked and keep the same trigger feel. Slide decocker gives you a safer first pull. But it can cover part of the slide serrations.

Will CZ 75 magazines work in the Jericho 941?

Many CZ 75 and Mec-Gar magazines work in Jericho. But they may need more force to lock in. Factory IWI magazines usually give the smoothest and most steady function.

Is the steel Jericho too heavy for concealed carry?

At about 2.3 pounds loaded, it is heavy for all-day carry. A good belt and a good holster help a lot. Still, it will not feel as easy as a lighter pistol.

What should I check when buying a surplus Jericho?

Check the SA/DA function. Check the safety. Check how the mag fits. Check the barrel. Also check if the original sights are still there. Many surplus guns were changed to single-action only.

Do newer Jerichos use the same sights as older ones?

No. Older IMI models use CZ-pattern sights. Newer IWI models changed to Novak-style dovetails. That can limit easy swaps with some aftermarket parts.

Can you upgrade the trigger without reliability issues?

Yes, if you do your homework. Some upgrades use Tanfoglio parts. Others use modified CZ parts. Companies like Cajun Gun Works also make Jericho-specific trigger parts that work well.

Is the Jericho 941 still made by IWI today?

Yes. IWI still makes the Jericho 941 in steel and polymer frame versions. You can also find different barrel lengths and caliber options.

About the Author

This article was written by the Pro Armory writing team based on current research, including studies from reputable sources like the Journal of Military Science, Firearms News, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. We also referenced trusted information from official defense publications and respected firearm authorities such as the ATF, NRA, and manufacturer manuals.

Disclaimer: This review is for education only. Laws vary by state and city and can change. Follow safe handling at all times. Read your owner's manual. Verify local rules before you buy or train.