POTD: Bundeswehr’s New Pistol - The CZ P13
Where better to see the CZ P13, the new standard sidearm selected by the German Army, than in Germany? Here at TFB, we have images from Enforce Tac 2026 for our Photo Of The Day. The designation “P13” applies to a military variant of the CZ P-10 C OR, a compact, striker-fired 9×19mm handgun.
The P13 is set to replace the long-serving Heckler & Koch P8, which has been in use since the 1990s.
The decision followed an international procurement process, with CZ ultimately securing the contract to supply tens of thousands of pistols, with total numbers potentially exceeding 200,000 units.
Technically, the pistol remains close to the commercial P-10 C OR configuration. It uses a polymer frame, striker-fired action, and a 15-round magazine, with an optics-ready slide reflecting current trends toward red-dot integration on service pistols.
What stands out is not the design itself, but the shift it represents. For the first time in decades, the German military is adopting a standard-issue sidearm not produced domestically, marking a notable break from previous procurement patterns.
Here’s the training version (red) compared to the real one.
What do you think about Germany selecting CZ over a domestic option?
Before you leave, check out the “ CZ Unveils the P-10 C Ported COA with Factory Aimpoint Optic” article.
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
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My Shield 9mm hasn't caught up to the wear on my 642, but they were chosen out of practicality. In colder weather it's my M&P9c and sometimes my CZ 82 which is sorta cool in the "slighty unusual" way, but also a good size with decent capacity. Practical wins. Cool guns are for range days and maybe home defense.
Objectively, the P10 is a very good pistol line.
I’m surprised they went with the compact model instead of the full sized one.