[hostilecrab]

which 9mm should I choose:
CZ-75B....or......Sig-226

I've shot both. Both are great shooters.

Leaning towards the CZ because of the price.

Can get 3 CZ's (nib) for the price of one Sig (nib) !!!

If Sigs costs so much more, are they REALLY that much better to justify the cost ???

Appreciate any opinions about this.

-HCrab.

[3 gun]

Even without the difference in cost I'd go with the CZ. With a pistol as solid as the CZ it's hard to say anything is really "better" since the CZ does exactly what a service pistol is supposed to do. They are simple, rugged, accurate and well made. At one time Jeff Cooper listed it as the number two pistol in the world behind only the 1911.

[ugaarguy]

HCrab, I don't own a CZ or a Sig, but have sold both while working for a very large dealer in the South East. Both are quality pistols and neither were amongst the brands that seemed to be constantly on the smith's bench or getting sent back for factory service. If you don't shoot the SIG substantially better than the CZ, nor does the SIG fit your hand substantially better, then I don't think the SIG is worth the extra money. Now if the SIG just fits you perfectly and you shoot it better than the CZ then the expense is justified as a quality pistol will last a lifetime or more. If shootability and ergonomics are equal then the CZ makes more sense economically. Use the saved money for a good supply of 9mm practice ammo, holster, extra mags, etc. Maybe get a Kadet 22 upper for the CZ as well. Then you'd have your 9mm plus a 22 to play with.

[Werewolf]

I own 2 CZ 75's and a Sig P220 (gonna get a P226 one day) and have fired thousands of rounds out of each of them. Here's my take.

If you are going to carry the pistol go with the Sig. Sig good. Sig go bang every time pull trigger.

The same cannot be said for my CZ's. The 9mm has had the occasional FTF. The trigger on the .40 failed (that was scary - it was my carry gun at the time - did my weekly function check and she no go boom, no go click, trigger locked up tight).

NOW! 2 CZ's and 1 SIG do not a good sample size make but it is rare that I carry either CZ anymore and when I do there's a nagging voice in my head wondering if I need the thing will it go boom? No nagging voice with the Sig.

OTOH - if you are buying just to have a range gun then by all means go with the CZ. Both of mine are way more accurate than my Sig. What that means is that at 15 yards I can put a whole mag from either CZ into the X ring of a B-26 target. With the Sig I can only stay in the 10 ring.

Both the CZ's and the Sig are easy to take down and clean - toss up.

When considering bang for the buck - the CZ wins hands down.

[Pilot]

I own a CZ-75B and 75D PCR. Both fit my CZ .22 LR Kadet Kit conversion unit. I also own a Sig P228. While the Sig is a great gun, I still like the CZ's better. The PCR fits in my P228 holster but is a little slimmer and smaller but still holds 15 rounds. I carry the PCR and shoot both CZ at the range a lot. The Sig pretty much sits at home. This is very subjective, the Sigs may fit you better and you may just like them. Shoot both and see which you like. You really can't go wrong with either.

[Hal8000]

By no means do I intend to bash the CZ. I love the feel and the looks, but I could not shoot the thing worth a darn. I was all over the place. Frankly, I was unimpressed... The price was right, but the functionality, FOR ME was all wrong...

The Sig 226 is worth ever extra penny you spend... Tack driving accuracy and life depending reliability. Easy to clean and comfortable to shoot...

No comparison, in my books....

[armoredman]

My personal opinion, having fired almost every SiG, and almost every CZ, is that CZ is a better pistol. The SiG is a fine weapon, well built, rugged, reliable, and accurate, but the CZ, for me, is just as reliable, if not more so, more accurate, and half the price. I will say that if I had to carry a weapon NOT made by CZ, it would be a SiG P220.
It comes down to, what can your wallet handle, and what does your hand like best...:) Either will be a good sidearm.

[1 old 0311]

Sig makes a better FINISH pistol. CZ is cheaper. SIG has crap customer service. CZ is great. Go with the CZ.

Kevin

[cookekdjr]

flip a coin. :)
If you like the Sig better, get a good used one from CDNN investments.
You cannot go wrong with either gun.
-David

[LanEvo`]

I've spent some time behind the trigger of a CZ-75B, CZ-97B, P220, P226, and P229. There are a few things I've noticed:

(1) Sig's generally have a bore axis that's way too high for me...like the H&K USP series and S&W's line of autopistols. That means more muzzle flip than necessary. In contrast, the CZ-75B and 97B place your hand WAY up on the backstrap, so the bore axis is nice and low. For me, that means much quicker follow-up shots and much more comfort.

(2) The shape and size of the grips is very different. You just have to feel both and see which one fits you better. For me, the CZ's just fit my hand better. When you also factor in the lower bore axis, that makes for some very comfortable shooting.

(3) Most Sigs are still DA/SA whereas most CZ's can be carried safely in Condition One (i.e., "cocked and locked"). If you're the kind of person that's comfortable with Browning's 1911 and P-35 platforms, you'll probably be more comfortable with a CZ.

(4) If you do choose to carry with the hammer down, then the CZ presents a problem. Sig DA/SA autos have a decocking lever that safely drops the hammer. CZ's need to be manually decocked. Personally, I'm not comfortable lowering the hammer on a chambered round: there's just too much that can go wrong and lead to a N.D. If I were to carry my CZ-97B, I would only carry Condition One.

(5) In my experience, the quality of the trigger, fit, and finish is roughly comparable. Personally, I do NOT see the Sig as being head and shoulders above the CZ in terms of quality. So, it would be hard for me to justify the price difference on that basis alone.

(6) In my experience, accuracy is comparable. In fact, in my hands, the CZ-75B and CZ-97B have been more accurate than comparable Sigs. Again, it would be hard for me to justify the price difference on that basis alone.

(7) In this country, Sigs still have better aftermarket support. You'll find more gunsmiths that know how to work on them. You'll find more holster and accessory makers that support Sigs. You'll find more sources for parts and mags. To my mind, this is the only real downside of the CZ platform. For example, I've been shopping around for new grips and a holster for my 97B. Basically, there are only 1-2 sources for these products. So, if I want a custom holster or set of grip panels, I'll need to physically ship my gun out of state to the maker (with all the hassles that entails). The 75B has better support than the 97B...but it's still not as good as it would be for a Sig.

Anyway, these are my thoughts. Hope you found them useful! Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions.

[Jeff Timm]

Well, being an advocate of the small pistol, I'd suggest looking at the CZ P-01 and the SIG 228.

Geoff
Who likes to be different. :cool:

[jeff-10]

I own a CZ-75b and a Sig P226. My only two 9mms. Both are good pistols. I would probably take the CZ over the Sig but I have small hands so it just feels better. I have had feeding problems with the CZ in the past due to weak magazine springs. Never had any problems with the SIG, even with cheap aftermarket mags. My friends all like th Sig better. It all comes down to personal preference I guess.

[P. Plainsman]

Few thoughts:

1. The SIG's high bore axis is the one serious flaw in the design. My stainless P220 had lots of muzzle flip (even with its all-steel frame), making fast follow ups hard. It is one of the reasons I sold the gun. Flip on a 9mm will be less, but it could still be an issue. The CZ bore rides lower.

2. For all the hype about SIGs' "out of the box accuracy," the CZ 75B is noticeably more accurate in my hands than my SIG was. That P220 had lame accuracy. (For fine shooting, neither gun can compare to a good S&W revolver.)

3. The SIG's trigger will probably be better, particularly in DA mode. SIG does a nice job of this. Smooth DA and crisp SA.

Personally, I always use my CZ in cocked-and-locked mode, so the rough DA trigger is irrelevant. But the CZ's single action trigger is also kinda creepy. It'll work; it could be better.

4. Both my SIG and my CZ displayed excellent reliability. I had one bad failure-to-feed with the SIG when it was brand new; after that, perfect. The CZ has been perfect from the jump, except that the slide sometimes fails to lock back at the end of a magazine if you use mild-powered 9mm ammo.

I'd get the CZ.

[P. Plainsman]

Speaking of follow ups. Double post edited.

[Walt Sherrill]

They'be both good guns.

Of the SIGs, I think I'd prefer the 228 to the 226.

If you can find one with a great trigger (like one that has been tuned by Ernest Langdon), or the DAK trigger, they're hard to beat.

But I like CZs, too. And I find they point a bit better for me.

I've had a P-220, a P-239, a P-210-6, and have only a SIG GSR, right now. If I stumble across a 228 with a DAK trigger, I'll probably get one of those, too. (When I have more money... its Winter Time for my wallet, right now.)

If you get a chance, can find a rental, do yourself a favor and shoot both. There's nothing worse than buying a great gun on the recommendations of others, to find that the gun just doesn't fit YOU. I've done that a couple of times. (Which is why I sold my P-239 and my CZ-97B -- both very good guns in other hands.)

[modifiedbrowning]

If you do choose to carry with the hammer down, then the CZ presents a problem. Sig DA/SA autos have a decocking lever that safely drops the hammer. CZ's need to be manually decocked

CZ has decock pistols available. P01,SP01,75BD etc.

[BevrFevr]

All the talk about high bore axis etc. has more to do with range shooting.

To save your life a double tap from a sig should do the trick. I have never had one fail in my hands nor have I seen one fail.

My cz has had enough problems I will only use it as a range gun. It is marginally more accurate than sigs I have shot but the trigger is not nearly as good as a sig.

[45R]

I've owned both and sold the CZ for more Sigs. The Sig 226,229,228,220 is probably one of the most reliable and accurate pistol that money can buy.

The CZ has no soul.:neener:

[hostilecrab]

thank you everyone so far for their opinions.

so far it looks like i can't go wrong with either choice.
both seem to be equally good handguns.

i did like the cz a bit better because i have smaller hands.

i'll keep ya posted with what i decide to get.

thanks,

-HCrab

[Redhat]

CZ' have a low bore axis and are also exteremely accurate. Accuracy wise I would call it a tie.

Every SiG I've ever shot has pronounced muzzle flip. I also don't care for the decocker being located so close to the slide stop, but I imagine those who shoot SiG's regularly get used to it.

SiG's also seem a little on the clunky side for me however, I do love the P225!

[Pilot]

Bevr,

You base you opinions on CZ on ONE gun. Maybe you got a lemon, but my CZ's have been flawless and I've heard the same thing from others who really like theirs. The PCR is superior to the P228 in every respect. I have both. The same with the 75B vs. P226.

[ugaarguy]

HCrab,

You said "i did like the cz a bit better because i have smaller hands." I think you found the answer yourself. You like both, you can afford either, but the CZ fits better. Just so happens the CZ is the lesser priced of the two. Go for the CZ. If you still want the SIG later you can always save more money and get one. Buy several pistols; shoot them, carry them, and enjoy them.

[Walt Sherrill]

Actually, smaller hands and CZ don't go all that well together, if you want to do a DA first shot. The CZ has a longer trigger pull than most guns.

Several of my friends love my CZs, but have not bought one for themselves, because they don't want to do cocked-and-locked, and the DA trigger is a stretch.

As I said -- its important to TRY the guns in question.

You can, of course, start from the half-cock notch on a DA/SA 75B, and its safe (because of the firing pin block). That shortens the pull and lightens the trigger weight a bit.

[cslinger]

The P226. I have nothing against CZs but as guns go I have never personally handled a brand or seen a brand be more reliable then SIG Sauer.

Chris

[GunLocators]

CZ's are sweet

[cz75bdneos22]

Sig p226 is the gun of choice used by professionals terrminators...:eek:
I'll be back!! :neener:

[jlbraun]

I actually was faced with this exact dilemma.

I would up getting the Sig P226 because the CZ's grip didn't fit me as well, and I liked the trigger better on the Sig. One can get a 22LR conversion kit for the CZ, but not the Sig.

[Clean97GTI]

My CZ75B has been 100% reliable. Never jams up or stops.

That being said, one of the guns on my "next to buy" list is a Sig P220...mainly because I want something in .45ACP and a little diversity. I could buy a CZ97 though...but all the same brand is kinda boring for a guy with only a few pistols.

[Juna]

I'd say unless you're significantly better with the Sig, then buy the CZ b/c it's half the cost, and with the extra $300+ you can buy a **** load of ammo and range time (so you'll be a much better shot).

Sigs are nice guns, but I think CZs are nice enough (and more accurate) to justify buying one over a Sig due to the significant cost differential (unless money is no object to you and you perform better with a Sig).

IMO I actually prefer CZs to Sigs even if they cost the same. I just shoot much better with a CZ. I've shot Sigs, and they're great guns, but they don't do it for me. In the expensive lines, I prefer HKs and perform better with them than Sigs. But, again, Sigs are outstanding guns and considered high end guns for a reason. So you can't go wrong with either one.

[BevrFevr]

Sorry partner but you are wrong. I have experience with 3 cz's one of which I own. two 75b's and one 97b. All these guns had failures to feed in all of our hands (just so Walt won't acuse my of limp wristing). And mine now has failures to eject.

So actually they are batting a 1000 with me.

[DirksterG30]

Buy the CZ and lots of ammo.

[Pilot]

Sorry partner but you are wrong. I have experience with 3 cz's one of which I own. two 75b's and one 97b. All these guns had failures to feed in all of our hands (just so Walt won't acuse my of limp wristing). And mine now has failures to eject.

So actually they are batting a 1000 with me.

Sorry to hear that. I would never accuse you of limp wristing. :)

On that subject, interestingly, my wife limp wrists just about every gun she tried before buying a revolver. G17, XD-9, Sig P228 and probably a few others. The guns that are flawlessly reliable for her are my CZ-75D PCR and CZ-75B. Go figure.

[High Planes Drifter]

Of the 2 mentioned I would go with the Sig. I have more than one close friend with a CZ 75 with feeding problems. Over on the CZ discussion forum posts about feeding problems are prevelant.

[cameramonkey]

Wow!! Tough choice. If price is the primary concern, get the CZ-75b. If money is no object, get 2 CZ's ;) !!!! Seriously, if price isn't a major factor, get whichever one feels better and shoots better for you. I'd definitely try before you buy if you can.

Cz cons: The Factory springs can sometimes be undersprung, which can lead to failures or the slide failing to remain open after the magazine is depleted. You can easily get some wolf gunsprings to fix this (recoil spring and extractor spring).
http://www.gunsprings.com/
http://www.jackashcustom.com/products.html
CZ has less aftermarket support than the Sig (holsters, etc).
Sig cons: More advertising hype (like Glock and HK). They are good, but they aren't perfect either. Most gunshop commandoes will tell you to buy a Sig over a CZ just because of the name brand without ever even have shot a CZ.

Good luck in your choice. You can't make a bad decision either way.

[TOADMAN]

I 'll take the one that is most reliable. To me, reliability is most important - I can adjust to almost everything else. I don't care all that much about the initial feel/axis/angle/flip/dip/hip/hop. Give me some range time and I be able adjust to the gun's new feel/angle/axis/flip/dip/hop and shoot it accurately.

[robctwo]

I have the CZ75BD with Kadet Kit. Great gun bought in '02.

I have the 226 Stainless Stock bought in '05. This is an expensive custom assembled gun. It is better than the CZ, but I could have bought 3 or 4 CZs for the same price.

For a first gun, or first 9mm I'm happy I went with the CZ. Thousands of rounds of .22 out of the Kadet on the same frame made a big difference in my shooting in a short time for little money. If I had to keep one, it would be the Sig. If I had to carry one it would be the CZP-01, which I also own.

[Werewolf]

Give me some range time and I be able adjust to the gun's new feel/angle/axis/flip/dip/hop and shoot it accurately.Are you sure about that?

I owned and shot on a biweekly basis a Glock 22 for two years. Never could get used to the trigger and wierd grip angle. I am not alone in that.