CZ 85 Combat vs. STI GP6

[Forage]

Hi, first post but I've been lurking for a while. I've been trying to decide on my first center fire pistol. I've narrowed it down to either the 85 Combat or the GP6. I searched and couldn't find any threads comparing the two, which surprised me a little bit since they're both ambi DA/SA 9mm's.

It'd be mostly for range use. The only competition anywhere near me is IPSC, but I wouldn't be able to get out too often, so mostly just use at the range. Reliability is important, but I've mostly heard good things about both of these guns (I read just one report of the GP6 breaking a lot of firing pins, anyone able to confirm or deny this?). I had a chance to try a 75B at the range, and it felt pretty good in the hand. I don't know anyone that has a GP6 to try, but I would be getting the new model with the interchangeable backstraps, so there'll be some adjustability.

If anyone has experience with both of these I'd appreciate any input. Thanks.

 

[meanmrmustard]

The 85 is a sweet lil number, very accurate and that its ambi is a plus. I've no experience with the STI, so I will not comment. The 75B is my pistol of choice, and you'd be hard pressed to find a better stock pistol in it's class without breaking the bank, and the 85 has even more to offer should you like or need ambi controls.

Welcome to THR

 

[Ash]

Since the 85 combat lacks the firing pin block, it can end up with a great trigger if you want it.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

Either of these guns, tuned, would likely be good choices.

For me, one real advantage of the CZ is capacity -- you can use the SP-01 "race" magazines available from the Custom Shop, which holds 19 rounds. I've not handled a GP6, but in the photos I've seen, it looks a lot like a Tanfoglio-clone, perhaps done under license, so it may also be based on the CZ design. If so, the ergonomics of both guns should be quite similar. If it is a CZ clone-based design, some of the hi-cap CZ mags may work. I simply don't know.

I have an 85 Combat, still DA/SA, but with a Champion sear, and a little extra gun-smithing. The STI, being a DA/SA gun, is clearly NOT based on the 1911 model, so the trigger isn't likely to be a lot better than the CZ-85. (The only other gun I've owned -- and still own -- that had a BETTER DA/SA trigger than my 85 Combat, is a Gray Guns tuned SIG 228, which is simply superb. But it cost about $600+ more than the 85 Combat when you add in the trigger work and refinements. And it can't be carried cocked-and-locked.)

 

[Philo_Beddoe]

If its is going to be for range use, I would defineatly go with the CZ. Longer barrel, greater weight to absord recoil and steady the gun, and factory adjustable sights. Plus you can add the kadet 22 LR kit latter for cheap plinking.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

Re: GP6

I just looked at a Sarsilmaz K2 and it could be the twin of the GP6.

That doesn't mean that I think the Turkish Sarsilmaz firm makes the GP6 for STI, but it does suggest the the GP6 is a clone of the CZ/Tanfoglio design.

Compare the photo of the GP6 on the STI site to the photo of the K2 on the EAA Corp site (under the Sarsilmaz section) and you'll be amazed by the similarities.

 

[Forage]

Walt, I checked out the sarsilmaz K2. It looks a LOT like the GP6. They also had a lot of 10mm pistols on their website, which is likely to be my next buy whenever I save enough money for another one.

It seems like the popular choice is the 85 Combat. Thanks to everyone who replied. I've heard amazing things about the trigger on the GP6, but the 85 seems to be well known, which does count for quite a bit when it's your first one.

Thanks again everyone. I'm off to find my new CZ.

 

[tekarra]

Forage, I hope you have the opportunity to shoot the GP6 before buying. cZ 75s and 85s fit my hand very well but the GP6 a more curved back strap which does not fit me well.

The GP6 is a Grand Power K100 for the US market and is made in Slovakia. The GP6 has a rotating barrel so it is unlike the Sarsilmaz K2 which has a tilting barrel.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

The GP6 is a Grand Power K100 for the US market and is made in Slovakia. The GP6 has a rotating barrel so it is unlike the Sarsilmaz K2 which has a tilting barrel.

Thanks for sharing that with us. That is my first exposure to the Grand Power line.

Very interesting. That certainly explains the "GP" part of the nomenclature. There's a more detailed explanation of the mechanism here: http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg/slov/k-100-e.html

While it may have some of CZ's ergonomics, it must be quite different, internally, including a trigger guard that slips down as part of the break-down process.

That would suggest that it's far from a CZ/Tanfoglio clone.

 

[Fishbed77]

That would suggest that it's far from a CZ/Tanfoglio clone.

The GP6/K100 design is in no way related to the CZ/Tangfolio pistols. It is a completely different design that utilizes a rotating barrel lock, as opposed to the CZ75 and its clones, which use a Browning linkless cam locking system similar to that used in the Browning Hi-Power.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandpower_K100

 

[mavracer]

I have a CZ85 Combat and have shot a GP6. My CZ has a fantastic trigger, the GP6's is better. They are both great shooters, you can't go wrong here.

 

[Ash]

I suspect, then, that the 85 would be better because it is more common. The GP might become common, or it could go away like the Truvelo-design that Wilson Combat brought in as the ADP (that was previously imported/produced as the Herritage Stealth). I'm all for unique and different - I own a PHP - but in this case, I would think the CZ would be the better idea.

 

[Bohemus]

This is my GP K100 mk.6 , Grip is close to CZ75, but larger, not as bad as glock, but still bigger. Pros are its completely ambidextruos - slide,mag release, safety. Mags are +- same as those for CZ75 - they even work in SP-01 Shadow (iv tried it), but not the other way. Its good softshooting pistol with shortest trigger reset ive ever experienced.
Fobus Glock 21 holster works just fine for it.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

I think I'd be tempted to try one of these guns, if the price was right. I haven't seen one anywhere but the 'net, so far. Sounds impressive.

The fact that STI picked one up for their catalog says a lot -- they have much to lose if the gun isn't first class.

(I suspect the mags, if they work in a CZ, but not vice versa, are just a hair LONGER than the CZ mags -- and CZ mags won't engage the mag lock slot when inserted into a longer GP mag channel/grip.)

 

[Bohemus]

Mag lenght has nothing to do with it, GP mags have slot in the frot/central side (hence the perfectly ambidextrous mag release), CZ has conventional side slot, so there is no slot for gp mag lock to lock in. On the other hand, gp mag has both slots - in front and on side, so it works in GP and in SP-01, suprpisingly not in CZ75.

 

[Forage]

I've read on some other forums that CZ75 mags can be made to work in the GP6 if you drill a hole in the front of them, if you believe the random forum postings.

There is a good deal on an older model GP6 (without the interchangeable backstraps) but I'd already be nervous to order something I haven't tried even with the adjustability.

My local store couldn't get in the 85 Combat, or I'd have ordered it already. I'll probably try to find one online, but there is some good buzz on the STI.

Again, thanks to all who posted.

 

[Jim Watson]

I have handled but not shot a GP6.
It is kind of neat to watch the barrel smoothly turn as you retract the slide.

The SA trigger was good, the DA pretty ordinary in dryfire.
It has no decocker so if you want a DA start, the hammer has to be eased down... like the CZ.
The thumb safeties are very low profile. I am comfortable with a stock Colt safety but could not count on hitting the GP's.

The grip felt odd and uncomfortable to me and I am comfortable with CZ, Colt, Sig, S&W, etc.

 

[greyling22]

I love a cz75. I really do. I've not shot, but I have handled the gp6. It impressed the heck out of me. Best factory da/sa trigger I've handled. Shortest trigger reset I've handled. I like the feel of it a lot. My only complaint is the thumb safety feels a little cheap. I'm sure it works though.