[wolfe 21]

I am in the market for my first centerfire handgun and I need a little help. I have narrowed down the list to a few favorites, but my local shops only stock limited quantities and NOT of the guns I want. My options:
1. CZ 75B quoted around $350 @ local shop.
2. CZ 75SP-01
3. EAA Witness full-size
4. Ruger P95/89 found local for $349 new/ $300 Used

All will be in 9mm for easy recoil, controllability, and availability and low cost of ammo. I've heard good things about the CZ's and the Ruger seemed well built if a bit small in my hands. What's the best choice for a well built range/fun gun that may see a little time in a holster while I'm hunting. I like the taurus 92 as well, but have heard too many negative reports on finish and durability to put it high on the list. Any other suggestions would be appreciated, but I would like to stay under $450.

Also, just how close is the CZ to a Hi-Power type pistol: just a foreign knockoff or a stand alone design.

[kentucky_smith]

CZ75 is a great gun. :D :p


Sp01s kinda heavy with the rail.

[Tiny in Ohio]

I have the Ruger P93, the same size as the P95. Love the gun, 9mm is a solid round, 15+1 capacity makes for a nice weapon. The Ruger is overbuilt, not the prettiest of the bunch, but I have yet to have a FTF or FTE in over 1K rounds. They are the guns that get passed down through the generations. Good luck with your choice, and happy shooting.

[10-Ring]

Of the choices you've listed, the CZ 75b is the one I'd go with ;)

[gandog56]

Six? I feel deprived because I only have three, and one of those is a revolver.:(

[timothy75]

Ruger is a very charming company you might want to try them right away, you'll score points with the Ruger cult. The CZ 75 is as classic as you you can get. I've shot both and both are great values.

[browningguy]

Both the CZ 75 and the EAA Witness are great pistols for the price, heck at almost any price. Both are accurate and reliable, can't ask for more than that.

[wardog]

I'd say CZ 75.

And, welcome to THR!

[hurrakane212]

Please send your money to the following address and I will help you spend it... hehe in all seriousness I plan on getting a CZ myself.~Nathan

[Craig M. Arnold]

I've owned Ruger pistols in the past. They are good guns. However, IMHO, CZ pistols are great guns. Go for a CZ75B. You will never be sorry.

Best regards.

[Juna]

First off, I could help you spend your money... Just mail it to the following address... Or you could just buy #1 and #2 on your list and send them to me. :D

But seriously, I did a head to head comparison of the Ruger and CZ 75B (rented at the range) when I was in the same boat looking for my first centerfire pistol. The Ruger was rugged and reliable--a very good gun. But the CZ was just as rugged and reliable with much better ergonomics and much better accuracy.

I've owned Ruger pistols in the past. They are good guns. However, IMHO, CZ pistols are great guns. Go for a CZ75B. You will never be sorry.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Hope that helps...

Shoot well, and welcome to THR!! :)