IWI Jericho 941 Pistol | Israeli Steel-Frame 9mm & .45 ACP

IWI Jericho

The IWI Jericho 941 is one of the most iconic pistols to emerge from Israeli military service—a steel-frame, DA/SA semi-automatic based on the CZ 75 action that earned its reputation through decades of use by Israeli Defense Forces, law enforcement, and security services. First produced in the early 1990s through a collaboration between Israel Weapon Industries and Tanfoglio, the Jericho 941 combines the proven CZ 75 lockup with a full-steel frame that delivers exceptional felt recoil control and durability. Its appearance in countless films and its genuine service pedigree have made it a sought-after collector and shooter’s pistol.

Read our full IWI Jericho 941 Buying Guide ↓

Jericho 941 Models: F, FS, and Enhanced

The Jericho 941 is available in several configurations. The full-size F model features a 4.4″ barrel and a standard-capacity magazine. The FS is the compact variant with a shorter barrel and grip frame. The Jericho 941 Enhanced is the current production version, adding a Picatinny accessory rail under the dust cover for weapon light mounting and updated ergonomics while retaining the original all-steel frame and DA/SA action. The Enhanced is the most practical choice for shooters who want the Jericho platform for defensive use; the standard F and FS are preferred by collectors who want the classic configuration.

CZ 75 Action: What Makes the Jericho Shoot So Well

The Jericho 941 uses the CZ 75-pattern action, where the slide rides inside the frame rails rather than outside them as in most other pistol designs. This inverted rail geometry lowers the bore axis closer to the shooter’s hand, reducing muzzle rise and producing a notably flat-shooting pistol. Combined with the full-steel frame absorbing recoil through mass rather than recoil springs alone, the Jericho delivers exceptionally smooth shooting characteristics that DA/SA aficionados consistently praise. The DA/SA trigger system offers a longer, heavier first-shot double-action pull followed by a short, light single-action pull for subsequent shots.

Jericho 941 Calibers: 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP

The Jericho 941 is chambered in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. The 9mm version is the most common in current production and offers the highest magazine capacity with the most affordable ammunition. The .41 AE chambering of the original Israeli service pistols has been discontinued for commercial import—current U.S. production focuses on 9mm and .45 ACP. The .45 ACP version uses a single-stack magazine producing a slimmer grip profile. For most buyers, the 9mm Enhanced is the most practical choice offering the best balance of capacity, cost of ownership, and parts availability.

IWI Jericho vs. CZ 75: How Do They Compare?

The Jericho 941 and CZ 75 share the same fundamental action design but differ in execution. The Jericho uses a full-steel frame throughout, while some CZ 75 variants use alloy frames. The Jericho’s safety location and ergonomics differ slightly from the CZ 75. Both are excellent DA/SA pistols with similar shooting characteristics; the CZ 75 has a significantly larger aftermarket for parts and accessories, while the Jericho carries the cachet of Israeli military service. Shooters who are drawn to the CZ 75 platform and want a steel-frame alternative with a distinctive history should strongly consider the Jericho. See: CZ-USA Firearms.

Jericho 941 in Popular Culture and Collector Value

The Jericho 941 gained significant recognition through its prominent role in action films and television series, including extensive use in The Matrix franchise. This pop-culture exposure, combined with its genuine Israeli military provenance, gives the Jericho strong collector appeal beyond its practical shooting merits. Early Israeli import Jericho 941 pistols with the original markings and .41 AE chambering are particularly sought after. Current IWI production Jerichos imported for the U.S. market maintain the full-steel construction and DA/SA action of the originals while meeting modern import requirements.

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