[Mark F]

Hi,
I've been reading through many threads, reading many advices given to first time pistol buyers.

Although I do have a wider knowledge and a limited budget, I am still confused. I read one and say to myself THIS but then see another model and hmmm..this seems to be better or???!!....

I am opting for a 9mm pistol for target shooting/bulls-eye. I've been shooting with a rented CZ 75 and I am highly impressed with it's accuracy. Had nice groupings from 15 and 25 meters.

However, been looking around at other CZ models, HKs and Glocks today.
Well I liked the HK P30L and HK USP Custom Sports which SEEMS to be brilliant and quality guns however quite on the expensive side.

RE Glock, the overall impression is nuetral to so and so, due to its flimsy cheap feel. Also heard that they've got a high recoil.

RE CZ75 SP01, I am biasing towards this manfacturer however it is too early to buy (i think!). Which version would anyone suggest shadow, tactical, compact?.

Also, what should I look for apart from hand grip?. Polymer vs stainless vs alloy vs...???What is nice to have and advisable to have...

Where does SIG and STI brands fall in the Top 5 pistol list?.

Adjustable sights?

Decocking facility?

Firing pin block?


Any advise is appreciated.


Cheers

For what it's worth, I am a very happy CZ75B owner. I don't have the decocking option and so far, I don't miss it. My CZ75 is the S&W .40 caliber. I prefer alloy frames over polymer, however I receintly purchased a P345 Ruger and the polymer frame is exceptional. 9mm is a good caliber as it's economic for target shooting and reasonably effective for self defence.

Here is a photo of my CZ75B... This is on FINE Auto-loader! This is a no-frills handgun, no adjustable sights, no decocker, no transfer bar. Just POINT & SHOOT! I can keep a 1.125" group at 20 yards with it. AND, it's 12+1

 

[Mark F]

Bluesnake,

It all boils down to what YOU like. We all have our preferences. I do think you need to go to the range and try out several guns before you spend your money.

I bought a Smith & Wesson 410S 40 Caliber without trying one at the gun range. I spent big bucks on it, only to discover I hated that gun with a passion! Eventually, I traded it for my CZ75B.

Here is a comparison of my Ruger Polymer frame .45, and my alloy frame CZ75B .40. The CZ weighs 1/2 pound more than the Ruger. But, the CZ holds 12+1 rounds of S&W 40 and the Ruger holds 8+1 rounds 45 ACP. Neither conceal great, but the Ruger is a little narrower and a little shorter. Both have about the same felt recoil, but the CZ has a little sharper crack to it, when fired. They both cost about the same to shoot, roughly $17.00 a box of 50 target ammo. That's only 3.00 more than 9mm and a whole lot more knock down power.

I sort of favor the CZ, because that alloy frame with Hogue grips feels so good in my hand. Plus I like having the extra rounds. BUT, my Ruger is a 45 ACP and its more "expendable" than the CZ, so it stays in my vehicle.

 

[Mark F]

Hi to all,
I do appreciate your help and sharing your experience in this area. I took note of many points so far - most you don't find on books. IMO I do value more recommendations than reading a book about Glocks or other biased magazines full of marketing hype.

The Top list I was referring to, was somewhat a categorization of overall best brands around or best value for money. Easy to say i know, as the variables are infinite however in general I would say a toyota car is better than peugeot or fiat considering the same class of cars. You know what I'm talking about .

For now, i believe the CZ Shadow is the No1 on my shopping list. I heard very good comments and my experience so far on the range with this brand is positive.

These days, I'll go to have a look at Kimber Custom II. Esthetically on the net looks wow however look don't impress me much and my pocket.

I might look however into SS frames for more stability and to absorb more recoil but depends on the $$$ again.

Guess that's it for now. In the meantime i'll take your advise and i'll try other models on the range ad nausea....

THANKS again for now to all comments..very helpful.

Good luck,
M.

CZ75 SP-01 Shadow is an EXCELLENT CHOICE! VIDEO>[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpFIYTIP54g"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpFIYTIP54g[/ame]

It's a packable, light weight, accurate pistol. If you found one, GET IT! They are sort of hard to find.

 

[Mark F]

It's not a safety precaution. In DA mode, you are having to pull back the hammer via the trigger all the way to sear release. This takes a lot more finger pull energy than simply releasing your hammer sear in SA mode.

My CZ75B is DA/SA and it's very pleasant to shoot in DA, but after the first shot it's operating in SA mode. My Ruger P345 is exactly the same way. But the Ruger takes more pull than than the CZ for the first shot.