[jmw_LS2]

We start going to the range in about a month at my police academy and I'm looking for opinions on a gun. I would like to stick to a 9mm since I will also have to buy around 2,000 rounds. I've been looking every where and I believe I have narrowed it down to the Stoeger Cougar and the CZ 75b. My local gun shop has a Cougar, and I must say, I like it alot. I have never shot one but it feels good in my hand. I have never held a CZ(but have read fantastic reviews), so I'm hesitant about buying something I've never even held. Anyone have experience with both? Pros? Cons?

Oh, and my third choice was the M&P 9, but I already have the .45 and .357 so I was looking to diversify the collection a little.


Thanks!

[cpttango30]

Don't academies issue you a sidearm?

If they don't what is the department issue where you are going to work? If they issue you a sig then get that if they issue you a glock then get that.

I have never seen a Stoeger Cougar.

[jmw_LS2]

Originally Posted by cpttango30

Don't academies issue you a sidearm?

If they don't what is the department issue where you are going to work? If they issue you a sig then get that if they issue you a glock then get that.

I have never seen a Stoeger Cougar.

It's a self sponsor academy, so I'm paying my own way through and have to supply my own gear.

[jeepcreep927]

I wouldn't stray too far when looking for a duty weapon. Your department armorer and ultimately the Chief would most likely have to approve any privately owned weapon you intend to carry. Though the CZ is my favorite handgun and has been since I purchased my first one several years ago, I wouldn't try to convince the "brass" of that.

Your M&P's are already pretty widely accepted and issued by many agencies so I would advise you to take the money you are planning to by a new firearm with and use it for ammo for either the .357 Sig or .45 ACP and "diversify" later with guns that YOU want for YOU, not ones that are acceptable to the department bureaucrats or city attorneys. Chances are, they don't know what is good, bad or otherwise. If it doesn't look good on paper to them, it is a no-go. Just my opinion.

[stalkingbear]

You really can't go wrong with either. The CZ is legendary for quality & reliability. The Stoeger Cougar is a Beretta Cougar design now made by Stoeger. It features a unique rotating barrel lockup system that supposedly helps with accuracy. I do know the Cougars I've shot (.45) were VERY accurate and reliable.

[CA357]

I've owned both. I prefer the CZ.

[canebrake]

Why buy, train and get comfortable with something that will need changed-out when you become gainfully employed?

You will back to square one and need to start training anew.

[jmw_LS2]

Originally Posted by canebrake

Why buy, train and get comfortable with something that will need changed-out when you become gainfully employed?

You will back to square one and need to start training anew.

This is true, but being a self sponsor I have no clue what I will end up carrying when I am gainfully employed. It seems like every department I have applied to carries something different.

[canebrake]

Originally Posted by jmw_LS2

This is true, but being a self sponsor I have no clue what I will end up carrying when I am gainfully employed. It seems like every department I have applied to carries something different.

Do any of them carry the Stoeger Cougar?

[Flint Rock]

I would use my M&P 45. The cost of buying a new gun should cover the difference in the cost of 45 ammo and 9mm ammo. If you are determined to buy a 9mm gun just for school, then I would get a used (police trade in maybe) Glock 17. Odds are that whatever department you get a job with a Glock will be the issue gun.