The CZ27s went primarily to the German Army, but pistols were produced for the Kriegsmarine, Police, and a small number for commercial / non‑military use.

In March 1939, Hitler’s forces invaded and occupied Czechoslovakia. The Strakonice arms factory was under control of the Germans and to supply several types of arms to the German war machine, including the CZ27. By 1941, small arms production shifted into high gear.