Which full size 9mm?

Yep, another which handgun question guys.
Sorry if this is getting old for you.

I'm really open to all suggestions.
But basically I'm looking for a 9mm full size handgun, that is a quality gun, but won't break the bank.

I am currently looking at these 2:
CZ 75 SP-01 Phantom
or
Springfield XD9401HCSP06
XD Tactical Semi Auto Handgun 9mm Luger 5" Barrel 16 Rounds Black Polymer Frame Black Steel Slide

I just haven't found a Semi Auto that I really love.
I like my Sig SP2022, I love the feel of the trigger.
But I don't like how it feels in my hand, it just feels like it doesn't fit my hand right.
I love how my SR40 feels, it fits my hand perfectly, but I don't like the trigger.

So I'm asking what's your opinion of the 2 I listed above,
or do you have an entirely different suggestion?

Thanks for your time.
DB

Both are good guns. Get the one that feels best.

Thanks for your reply!

I can do that with the XD, but the dealer would need to order the CZ for me, so I'm a little stuck in that respect.

I have read a lot of good reviews about the CZ, but I can't find any info regarding the trigger pull weight.
I know the XD is advertized at 5.5 pound pull.

Walther PPQ

I would try to shoot both before purchasing. I had an XD45, have shot an XD40 and an XDM40 5.25 that has had a trigger job done on it. The XD40 has a mushy trigger that I don't like, the XDM with the trigger work has a very nice trigger but I don't care for how it recoils. I have also shot the CZ in .40 and 9mm and I like that one very much, there is some hammer cam with it but that is common in CZs. Of the two I would definitely choose the CZ based on how it feels in the hand and how they shoot.

ETA

The trigger pull weight on the DA is close to 8 lbs but it wasn't bad at all for the two models I have shot, the SA trigger I like much better than the Sig 2022 and I would put it close to 5 lbs.

I prefer the simplicity of the G17 - no levers to move, no grips to make sure Ihave it correct - it is "point and shoot" - period

IMHO, any cZ pistol based on the 75 platform.

How about an SR9mm?

Glock 17 or CZ 75 variant.

Ok, thanks for all the good replies guys!

I am leaning towards the CZ, and definitely want to stay away from a mushy trigger.

I'll look into the Walther & the G17

I'm staying away from the SR9 because I doubt the trigger pull is any different than the SR40

Good thing about the G17 or S&W M&P 9mms is if you don't like the trigger feel, you can easily change it to something you like. (Without a gunsmith involved). It cost more to do to the M&P though.

FNH FNS 9mm is a contender, and the Walthour PPQ's trigger is very nice. Good luck.

Ok great, I can check out the Glock 17 and the PPQ, they have both on hand, I'd hate to not even consider the CZ though.

Maybe I can talk them into ordering one, without being committed to buying it.

I like the looks of the FNH USA FNS-9 Semi-Auto.
Hows it's trigger feel?

HK USP 9mm
Beretta 92FS
Glock 19
Springfield EMP
Sig P226 or P228
Beretta PX4

The ultimate though...Browning Hi Power.

The trigger pull for the FNS was smooth and light, and the reset was positive. It comes with three mags, some of the best factory nightsites ever put on a handgun, different sized backstraps, made in America. I think they have a $50.00 rebate going right now.

The other thing I like about it is the mag well opening is/seems huge. It is very easy to do a quick mag change. It just swallows the incoming mag.

Of those two, I would lean twords the CZ. Have you tried a S&W M&P 9mmPro? I shot one and loved it!

DB62, Can you go to a gun range that may rent pistols that you are interested in? I see you are from KY, there are two ranges in or near Lexington, the Gun Warehouse, and Smoking Guns in Paris. Just outside Louisville there is Knob Creek. Just about any gun shop that has a range should rent demos. I am a CZ fan, but would not get the Phantom just get a 75B or all metal SP 01. I am not a big Springfield XD fan but of your two choices I would get the Springer. Me, I was never going to get a Glock I liked SIG and 1911s, still do. Never liked how they felt in my hand, then durring an intro to IDPA and USPSA class I was handed one and told to strap it on. Lucky for a bunch of 1911 makers, Glock don't make one, but what they do is make a polymer frame pistol that works great in just about anyone's hands. My personal favorite pistol is a 9mm 1911, STI makes one for around $650. Taurus makes a suprisingly good 9mm 1911 with a 3# trigger for under $600. Rock Island has a couple models that start around $400. On a 1911 if you don't like the grips you can change them. Wood, rubber, micarta, fat, thin, palm swells, etc. Try out some pistols, and get what you shoot the best, for me it's a 1911 or other SA pistol.

Besides SAO firearms (1911, Hi-Power, etc.), I don't think you'll find a better stock trigger than the PPQ. Ergonomics are great too......and it has a written lifetime warranty.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_QhiTa-7OA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stSSViGh-gY

http://www.gunsandammo.com/reviews/new-wave-walther-walther-ppq-review/

Once again, we can't make it out of the single digit posts on an "A" or "B" question without "G" being thrown into the mix. :(

I like Springfield, so I'm gonna vote XD, but either is a great choice.

Well great stuff guys! You've given me a lot more to consider that originally. Yes I think I will hit Lexington, and try some different ones out.
I do like a SA trigger, I've never liked a lot of travel, and some of the DA triggers grind to much, or just feel cheap.

& thanks for the info on the FNS & PPQ.
Those will be on my list as well.\

& thats ok having the "G" thrown in, just gives me more to consider & try!
Thanks again!

Get the CZ! But I'd get the steel SP-01 instead of the plastic one.

Yep, CZ is still top of my list, but I am going to try to test out some of the other suggestions!
Thanks.

The Phantom with a DA/SA trigger and a hammer is very different from the XD striker trigger pull.

I prefer the grip and point of the CZ. That first pull in DA followed by very nice SA pulls isn't favored by some shooters. The Sig is the same. I shoot both SIG and CZ and like them for my uses. SD and range/comp in the order shown.

JMO: You need to at least dry fire the CZ, before anyone can say "you" will love the gun. Travel to a G.S. that has a CZ and ask to dry fire it. Or go to a range and look for someone shooting a CZ 75 and ask if you can dry fire their pistol. They'll likely let you shoot it. (with your ammo) The 75B, SPO1 and the Phantom triggers are very close to the same.

Thanks 1SOW, and I do agree, I won't even consider buying one without feeling it in my hand, and how the trigger feels.
Those are my 2 biggest concerns. Well that and high quality.
I've heard that many times over, regarding CZ, thats why they are high on my list.
Thanks for your input!

I also prefer shooting my Sig over my SR40. The travel of the trigger is long, and have cleaned it myself, then had a gun dealer clean it up, and it still feels stiff and grinding.
A buddy of mine said he could get a trigger package for it. So I may do that.

If you need info on trigger pull weight you can contact CZ Custom. Several folks there that can answer your questions.

http://czcustom.com/

Great, thanks for the link.

Once again, we can't make it out of the single digit posts on an "A" or "B" question without "G" being thrown into the mix.

Why don't you read what the OP asked? I'll just make it easy for you. The OP stated -

I'm really open to all suggestions.
But basically I'm looking for a 9mm full size handgun, that is a quality gun, but won't break the bank.

So what are you talking about?

Thats no biggy.
I do appreciate all of the informed suggestions.
They got me thinking about other makes that I never considered.

Like FNS and Walther.
Those 2 in particular I never even thought about, but now I'm going to find some to test out.

In the end it will come down to how the gun fits my hand, and the feel of the trigger. Plus it has to have a tac rail.

I would go with a cz all the way. Not common but they are great guns.

My CZ 75B 9mm range/comp gun has some replacement action parts ($130?) and DIY polishing.
6# DA, 2.5# SA. Zero hammer camming, smooth pull, clean break. Still has the firing pin interrupt safety feature.
SA trigger was lighter (1.8 #) but I couldn't handle it, so brought it back up a little.

The Phantom 9mm trigger I tried was stock, and it was noticeably better OOB than my B was when it was new--over 50K rds ago. Since then, he upgraded his trigger action and it's really good.

The Phantom was my first CZ, but honestly I'd not recommend it over the other CZ's unless you really need a light weight, high capacity duty weapon. It's a very nice gun and mine has worked out very well, but if you don't yet have a CZ, I'd get a steel framed one (something like SP-01 Tactical or Shadow). Way more grip options and you'll appreciate the extra weight for range/HD duty.

I am very fond of my Phantom. Pardon the goofy little movie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC42QLurfrQ&feature=g-upl

Mine is awesome, and I can't recommend it high enough.The trigger works well for me, but I also have to say Angus Hobdell's shop, czcustom.com, is THE place to go for any CZ work. I've tried their triggers personally, and it's amazing.
Too bad you're far away - be happy to let you try mine. :)

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/CZ%20posters/CZbook4.jpg

Thanks Bozwell, and others, but yes I am seriously looking at the Phantom, due to it's lighter weight. Now the clip capacity isn't as much a concern, but I do like the 15 round clips, or more.
Really, if I only wanted a 8 or 10 round clip, I'd be looking for a .45
So the clip capacity is only slightly important to me, but give or take, not a deal breaker.

Concerning the weight, I am used to shooting 28oz. to 30oz. handguns, and looking at the specs of the all steel CZ versions , being over 40oz.
I'm just a little leery of that big of a difference in weight?
It may not be an issue, once I feel it in my hands, as I am a big guy, 6'2" 240lb.

Mainly I want to be as stable while shooting my 4th clip, as I was when shooting my 1st clip.

& from what I've read regarding the Phantom, it's grips are rubber, and I would think I'd get a pretty positive hold with that type of grip.
But please understand, I've shot a good amount of other makes, but never even held a CZ.
Thats one reason I wanted to see what everybody thought about the CZ when compared to the Springfield XD.
I have used one before, and found the rear trigger safety somewhat bothersome. But I know it's a well built handgun. I guess you could say the XD is another that (just for me), was just a little uncomfortably in my hand, or not contoured enough to be comfortable. Thats also why I've stayed away from Glocks.
Me and my buddy go shooting a lot, and he has a Glock 19, and it always feels wrong in my hand. He also said he loves the way my Ruger SR40 feels in his hand, but he doesn't like the trigger pull either.
He's also said I can't go wrong with a CZ.
Plus if the trigger on the CZ is only a bit off, I can easily deal with that, or if I think it needs to be worked on, I have a guy who will do it for me. He's a Sheriffs deputy, who's currently being sent to sniper school. He's stripped and either repaired, or improved just a ton of different guns. So I'm pretty luck in that.

Shoot several before deciding. When you find one that you can shoot quarter sized groups at 10 yards and it feels like you're holding an extension of your arm when shooting, you'll know that's YOUR gun.

I have two CZs (75B and P06) and they're freakin fantastic.

Personally I would recommend taking the previously posted advice that suggested getting one of the all-metal CZs, such as the SP-01, instead of a polymer variant. I don't care for CZs polymer framed guns.

The XD is great, I have one as well. It's the only polymer pistol I own, I prefer metal guns for balance and handling recoil effectively. The XD has two downsides in my opinion, one is the fact that the slide is much heavier than the receiver (metal vs. plastic) and thus feels less solid when firing. I still love it and don't think a 9mm is at all difficult to control but that's one of my complaints with the XD: its not as balanced. The other is the sights are the 6 o'clock variety (I prefer the point of aim type). The manual is pretty wishy washy about this saying something about it varying depending on the shooting distance and varying also by the shooter. Whatever that means, it should really be one type of sight or the other. Maybe what they mean is that it's not as accurate further out so if you switch to point of aim you might start hitting the target again. Or is that being cynical? :)

I love my XD. But to me the CZ is like a fine piece of art, whereas the XD is a useful tool. Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but that's my personal preference.

If you're considering a CZ you should also consider the Browning Hi Power. It is designed by the same guy (Browning) who designed the 1911, and like the 1911, is pretty much legendary for accuracy and reliability. The CZ75B has occasionally been called the poor mans BHP. I consider that rather insulting but do understand where the statement comes from. The CZ was clearly designed to incorporate some of the BHP features that made it so successful. In that, CZ did a good job and made some novel and useful improvements to boot.

Thanks sothoth!
Great and well thought out response!
I have been looking at some of the 75B's, and the extra weight to them is the only thing that might make me not get one.
I just won't really know till I try a few different ones.

I've got nothing to do this weekend, so I'm going to Lexington, and plan on trying out most of the suggestions posted here.
I may even come back from Lexington with something new???

Again, you guys are great, and all have made great recommendations!

For a full sized 9MM I would highly reccomend the CZ 75 TS or the Sig X5 L1. You simply cannot go wrong with either one. Of course if you have the cash an early Sig P210 is the best one you can buy.

Just my opinion, but so long as the gun fits you well, more weight is a good thing for range/HD work. Yes, there are practical limits and you don't want to buy a 10 lb handgun. But, in my experience, lots of people like a light-weight handgun until they've shot a heavier gun, and then they don't want the light-weight gun anymore. A heavier, all-steel CZ is going to have less recoil, less muzzle flip, and ultimately will be more pleasant to shoot. You'll also have more options when it comes to changing grips to ensure that the gun fits your hands perfectly.

Personally, I think this concern over gun weight is all in your head. I've let my 120lb, 60 year old mother shoot my SP-01 Shadow Custom and she never once complained about the weight (she also reminded me she can still outshoot me and shot a sub-1" group at 10 yards with it ...). If she can handle an all steel gun, you certainly can as well.

Now, this is different if you need to carry this gun on your hip all day, every day. But for most people, the lighter weight really isn't a factor. Even if you are looking for a carry gun, I probably wouldn't recommend the Phantom due to its size.

Don't take this as me bashing the Phantom, because I do like mine. I've got it tuned up nicely and it stays on nightstand duty these days. Just realize it's a specialty tool - it's high capacity and polymer, which means more recoil, more muzzle flip and no grip options. If you don't need to carry it, stop worrying about how much it weighs.

Oh, and it's a magazine, not a clip. ;)

Thanks Bozwell, and you are correct! I have never shot a handgun over 32oz. But that is kinda what I said and the extra weight to them is the only thing that might make me not get one.
I just won't really know till I try a few different ones.
I do intend on shooting one of the all steel CZ 75's.
I may very well love it immediately?

& no, I want a full size semi auto for it's accuracy, and open carry.
I have a short barreled Sig for CC, and my SR40 is my "beside my bed security"

Thank you very much for your opinion, because you were right on the mark with the weight issue!

I have only shot handguns with polymer frames, and I do like the idea of being able to change grips to find a well fitting one.

Yes I do understand they are called magazines, but typing clip is easier, and I'm sure everyone was aware of what I was referring to.
Sorry about my laziness.

But thank you very much for your insight, your post alone has made a difference!

The Walther P99AS. I like it better than PPQ. Superior to any Glock made.

Once again, we can't make it out of the single digit posts on an "A" or "B" question without "G" being thrown into the mix. :(
OP specifically mentioned other choices, and that he was open to other suggestions. So, if there is something that may work better than "A" or "B" then I am going to suggest it. What exactly was your point with that post...trolling ?

I have had a CZ 75b for almost ten years and a Kadet conversion kit for nearly that long. The Kadet kit is as well made as the 75b, and you get to practice with your full size, full weight pistol with the same trigger pull. If your gun will be a range/target gun consider getting the SAO trigger. I occasionally get the opportunity to introduce someone to the shooting sports. I can start them out on the Kadet, and in 15 seconds switch to 9mm and they are ready to go and familiar with the controls. I've noticed that even noobies shoot the 75b very well.

An additional suggestion is a 1911 in 9mm. I've had my second hand RIA commander size for only a short time, but I like it. If you like the 1911 ergos and trigger it's worth considering.

I'm staying away from the SR9 because I doubt the trigger pull is any different than the SR40

Sorry to hear that. My SR40 has a fantastic trigger, sounds to me like you might have played with a lemon.

Sorry to hear that. My SR40 has a fantastic trigger, sounds to me like you might have played with a lemon.
Not sure if it's just the early ones or what, but quite a lot of SR9/SR40's have absolutely lousy triggers. I've heard the SR9c's are much better and some people seem to have decent triggers with their SR9/SR40. I can only say that the two I handled had very poor triggers. Ultimately, I think there's just a lot of production inconsistency in these guns, perhaps because they changed something for the better along the way.

I removed the mag safety and it helped smooth it out even more!
I have a nice, crisp trigger. Much better than the G17 I sold recently.
For a striker fired gun this trigger on my SR40 is sweet as can be!

Not sure if it's just the early ones or what, but quite a lot of SR9/SR40's have absolutely lousy triggers.

"Quite a lot", really? How many have you actually fired?!
Oh, wait! TWO!!

Don't believe all the stories you read on the Internet. My SR40 has an exceptional trigger and I don't think I am the exception here.
The SR Series pistols are vastly underrated.

Just because Ruger isn't pimping itself out to Military and Law Enforcement, it shouldn't be overlooked as a fantastic gun.

I've "heard" that the SR Series has a better trigger than Smith & Wesson's over priced M&P series.

I just recently picked up a Ruger P95 that I could not live without ,ESPECIALLY since the price was right and the previous owner shot it about 50 times.
I took it to the range and shot it, was well satisfied and have since made it my daily carry.
Hefty piece in 9MM but I like it.

I just recently picked up a Ruger P95 that I could not live without ,ESPECIALLY since the price was right and the previous owner shot it about 50 times.
I took it to the range and shot it, was well satisfied and have since made it my daily carry.
Hefty piece in 9MM but I like it.

Very nice gun. I also have one and it eats everything I feed it!

"Quite a lot", really? How many have you actually fired?!
Oh, wait! TWO!!

Don't believe all the stories you read on the Internet. My SR40 has an exceptional trigger and I don't think I am the exception here.
The SR Series pistols are vastly underrated.

Just because Ruger isn't pimping itself out to Military and Law Enforcement, it shouldn't be overlooked as a fantastic gun.

I've "heard" that the SR Series has a better trigger than Smith & Wesson's over priced M&P series.
I'm not the only poster or guy on the Internet who's said that. You can find numerous posts and articles on it, none of which suggest that all of the SR's have poor triggers, but only that some of them do. Given the prevalence of these reports, I would say that indicates that quite a lot of these guns (perhaps not percentage wise, but at least in raw numbers) have poor triggers.

Before getting all defensive, realize that I'm not slamming this gun that you're emotionally invested in. Nor am I saying your personal gun has a lousy trigger. I'm just saying they have erratic triggers, which may be limited to only the early models. I've seen 2 personally that had that problem, and I've read posts/articles from dozens of other people who reported similar experiences. That doesn't mean someone shouldn't buy a SR series gun, but only that you should confirm you like the trigger pull in the one you're buying before taking it home.

Sounds like you're the type who will want to measure, tinker, measure, and tinker some more.

The most appropriate full-size 9mm for that is the Glock 17. Also, consider the Glock 19.

Another vote that you give the P99 series a try, esp. the AS (Anti-Stress trigger) version.

Well, sorry about the Ruger war here, I didn't mean for that to happen.

I am happy with my SR40, I put a lot of cheap and good rounds through it and never had a problem.

To clarify things here, I'm looking for that 1 handgun that I love everything about.
& since I already have a SR40, I didn't want to consider a SR9.
I've also head that the SR9c has a better trigger, but I'm looking for a full size gun, not a compact.
On mine, the travel is to long, and I don't much care for a 6-1/2 pound pull. Aside from that, the trigger works as it's supposed to.

I have thought about the P95, just wasn't sure, plus it has a shorter barrel as well. I use my Sig as my CC weapon, and it has worked out great.

Well, sorry about the Ruger war here, I didn't mean for that to happen.

I am happy with my SR40, I put a lot of cheap and good rounds through it and never had a problem.

To clarify things here, I'm looking for that 1 handgun that I love everything about.
& since I already have a SR40, I didn't want to consider a SR9.
I've also head that the SR9c has a better trigger, but I'm looking for a full size gun, not a compact.
On mine, the travel is to long, and I don't much care for a 6-1/2 pound pull. Aside from that, the trigger works as it's supposed to.

I have thought about the P95, just wasn't sure, plus it has a shorter barrel as well. I use my Sig as my CC weapon, and it has worked out great.
The thing with the SRs is that they have a LE friendly trigger: Not too light, not too heavy. Perfect for a fighting pistol really. The older models stacked like cards, but I JUST messed with a new one, and it ain't half bad.

So I'm asking what's your opinion of the 2 I listed above,
or do you have an entirely different suggestion?

Something completely different.

A Smith and Wesson M&P40.

It feels great and for about $100 you can put in a 9mm barrel and get a couple of 9mm magazines (or use the 40S&W mags and not shoot the last round). You can also shoot 357 Sig with just a barrel swap (40/357 use the same mag).

BTW you can't go the other way (use a 40 barrel in a 9mm frame) with this gun.

As for the trigger, mine felt great from day one. No grittiness and 4-1/3 pound pull out of the box.

Ya, I can see that, good point.
I think I'm gonna have my buddy get that trigger package for it, and then that should take care of it.

To rsrocket1, ya, one of the local gun shops here wont carry a divers selection, and his reason was He can sell S&W's all day, and anything like a Sig, CZ, Walther, anything not mainstream, he doesn't carry, and won't order.
The other FFL dealer in town will order just about anything you ask for, and they have better prices.

As of now the CZ 75 is on the top of my list but now (the all steel version), after all of the info given, I really want to feel a PPQ, and a FNH FNS 9mm.

I beat the hell out of this question myself. I tried the walthers and fn's but went with the m&p and don't regret it at all.

So what drew you to the M&P over the other 2?

DB62, re weight.

Like Bozwell said, that increased weight makes it "easier" to shoot faster and more accurately for the majority of shooters. Both guns may have similar accuracy, but the heavier steel pistol reacts less to recoil and muzzle flip.

Heh Bozwell, tell your mom an 'almost' 66 yr year old guy on the forum said to "KEEP SHOOTING, it'll keep you young".;)
P.S. I shoot my son's Custom Shadow occassionally too. My trigger is better.:D

I completely agree with Bozwells, and your point.
Honestly I never thought of it that way, but after reading his post, it did make sense to me, and was really glad he pointed that out to me
So thank you both for helping me!
I'm going to try the CZ SP-01 Tactical, in both .40S&W and 9mm
Thats CZ's all steel frame version.

I'll be leaving tomorrow for a weekend of shooting in Lexington KY.
I've already talked to a few people up there about renting a few different CZ'z and a Walther PPQ.
I can't seam to find anyone who has any FNH handguns to rent, but in the end, I'm really looking for a full size gun and not another compact, but just reading about it makes me wish I knew of them, when I was looking for a shorter 9mm. I think I would have gone with the FNH instead of the Sig Pro 9mm.

I hope Bozwell knows his post helped me out a lot.

If you're going to Bud's, head down the road a bit and get yourself some Joe Bologna's pizza. I grew up in Lexington and always loved JB's when I was a kid... I really need to find an excuse to get back to KY one of these days. :) Have fun with the shopping!

I will, and thanks!
I'm gonna make a weekend out of it.
Should be a lot of fun, plus getting away from the house for a few days will be nice as well.

Triggers in all of the guns mentioned will have some kind of flaw whether it be excessive weight, pretravel or overtravel. The beautiful thing about the XD is that there are do-it-yourself trigger kits available that will eliminate all of them. There are videos at youtube that will guide you completely through the process. If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, these same companies will do the work for you and what you get in return is a "Match" trigger bettered only by a custom 1911 with a "Match" trigger.

I would highly recommend the XDm. the barrel is only .5" shorter than the Tactical and it has a Match grade barrel along with the 3 interchangeable backstraps. I have the 4.5 .45 ACP XDm and I never even bothered shooting it with the stock trigger. I installed the Powder River Precision "Match Easy" kit and my trigger is slightly less than 4# with very little pretravel and more importantly, NO overtravel to cause excessive follow through. All for about $100. All of the kits are available for the standard XD as well so you could easily modify the 5" Tactical model. Also, don't forget about the 5.25" XDm Competition model. Balance is excellent and weight is greater than other polymer pistols, but in my opinion, the XD/XDm are more solidly built pistols than the Glocks and definitely have better chamber support for the casehead. ;)

Glock 17/19 are very solid members of the affordable but quality pistol club.

All the CZ-75 based pistols are also solid performers. If concealed carry is a consideration the SP-01 may not be optimal, and a standard 75 or one of the flavors of compact 75s might be better. If CCW isn't a consideration I'd get the all steel SP-01 over the polymer -- all that steel, especially the full length dust cover, makes for a very fast firing pistol.

Somebody up thread mentioned the Walther P99AS -- +1 to that. The AS version has the best trigger (in single action mode) of any polymer framed pistol I've fired.

You might want to hunt around your local gun stores for what they have used or on consignment -- you may find some options in good condition that are in your price range, when new is pricey.

From two you listed I have experience with Phantom only. No experience with XD.

Phantom is a great pistol, but when I was looking at phantom i ended up buying CZ 75 Tactical Sports. Its worth a look if you want a good CZ.

From two you listed I have experience with Phantom only. No experience with XD.

Phantom is a great pistol, but when I was looking at phantom i ended up buying CZ 75 Tactical Sports. Its worth a look if you want a good CZ.
You mean there are bad CZs?

I just bought a CZ 75 B and I love everything about it. It fits in my hand like it was built for me only, the safety lever serves as a perfect thumb rest for me using a firm two handed-thumbs forward grip. In fact the ergonomics seen designed only for me. It's an all steel pistol and weighs in at 2.2 lbs so it easier for me to keep the front post lined up in the rear notch. The trigger break does have a little creep to take out but that's how I learned to shoot-take up the slack in the trigger, then press till it fires. Felt recoil and muzzle jump aren't that noticable to me. Definately less than my Kahr P9. And I was able to keep 200 rounds on the paper with about half in the black circle (std NRA small 25 yd pistol target) at 25 yards this last week. I really think I could shoot the center out at 10 yards with this gun! Do yourself a favor and hold off till you can hold a CZ, or even both at same sitting.

from what I've read regarding the Phantom, it's grips are rubber,
No, molded polymer. Watch the movie I linked to in my first post in this thread for some closer looks at the Phantom.
The CZ-75 is NOT related to the Browning Hi-Power...that gets thrown out a lot. Yes, there are some Browning concepts in the gun, but I would be hard pressed to find many that don't use one or another concepts from the great man. :) But Steven A Camp, a great Hi Power expert, (God rest his soul), had an excellent article about the differences between the HP and CZ.
I hope you find the gun that is right for you - the beauty of American, diversity means many things, like a gunshops shelves filled with different handguns to try until you find the one that fits you. Mine is CZ, and I conceal a Phantom easily with the right leather, like this High Noon Down Under with straps. :)
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/High%20noon%20Gear/DownUndertwomonthslater.jpg



kokapelli, if you ever tried a CZ-100, you wouldn't say that. I am a dyed in the wool CZ man, and I wouldn't have another CZ-100 for anything but a collectible wall hanger.

No, molded polymer. Watch the movie I linked to in my first post in this thread for some closer looks at the Phantom.
The CZ-75 is NOT related to the Browning Hi-Power...that gets thrown out a lot. Yes, there are some Browning concepts in the gun, but I would be hard pressed to find many that don't use one or another concepts from the great man. :) But Steven A Camp, a great Hi Power expert, (God rest his soul), had an excellent article about the differences between the HP and CZ.
I hope you find the gun that is right for you - the beauty of American, diversity means many things, like a gunshops shelves filled with different handguns to try until you find the one that fits you. Mine is CZ, and I conceal a Phantom easily with the right leather, like this High Noon Down Under with straps. :)
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/High%20noon%20Gear/DownUndertwomonthslater.jpg



kokapelli, if you ever tried a CZ-100, you wouldn't say that. I am a dyed in the wool CZ man, and I wouldn't have another CZ-100 for anything but a collectible wall hanger.
Yes your right, I have never shot the 100.

I dry fired a 100 many years ago at a gun shop. That was enough for me right there. I bought a PCR instead, and have been very happy with it and my 75B.

About a month ago 9mm was the only major caliber that I lacked. I got a screaming deal on a Ruger P89 from a buddy of mine at work. I hated it. It shot good, but the safety was backwards from all my other autos. So I made a buddy a screaming deal on it and went to the gun shop. I bought a CZ SP-01 Tactical. Holy crap I love this pistol. I swear the recoil is like a .22. It's the fastest gun to get back on to target that I've ever owned. Plus, it's sexy as hell:evil:

Walther PPQ has one of the nicest triggers out of the box that you can buy. I'm not a striker fan but if I was I would definitely own a PPQ (9mm).

I just picked up my 3rd CZ, A CZ 75B SA T set up by the CZ custom shop. Most accurate handgun that I have fired so far. The trigger is simply outstanding.

You will be ok with anything from the big names in the business. Just because I'm on a Beretta kick right now, I recommend the 92FS or 92A1. I have 2 92s and love them. Most new shooters I take shooting prefer it to all others.

out of the 2 you listed i'd go with the cz or for a different 1 try the sig p226

"Quite a lot", really? How many have you actually fired?!
Oh, wait! TWO!!

Don't believe all the stories you read on the Internet. My SR40 has an exceptional trigger and I don't think I am the exception here.
The SR Series pistols are vastly underrated.

Just because Ruger isn't pimping itself out to Military and Law Enforcement, it shouldn't be overlooked as a fantastic gun.

I've "heard" that the SR Series has a better trigger than Smith & Wesson's over priced M&P series.
Disagree. I find the SR series to also have less than desirable triggers. I also disagree that the SR trigger is better than the M&P, which is smoother to me.

Trigger pull is subjective in feel, and no two people are exactly the same. Don't get agitated that some people don't like a gun that you happen to, as it adds emotion to the objective parts of a statement and negates the impact of your information.

I'd vote the CZ 75 SP-01 Phantom

^^^^^^. Me too. I like my friends all steel SP-01, a bit better than my 75B due to a little more weight in the muzzle, and the upturned beavertail.