CZ vs. Sig

Which 9mm should I get?

  • CZ P-01

    Votes: 50 40.0%
  • CZ-75BD

    Votes: 24 19.2%
  • Sig 226

    Votes: 20 16.0%
  • Sig 228

    Votes: 31 24.8%

  • Total voters
    125
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cameramonkey

Member
Joined
May 14, 2004
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84
Location
Maryland - behind the Iron Curtain
I've been reading past posts and asking a few questions here about which 9mm handgun to get for personal protection. I've narrowed down the choices between the CZ-75BD/P-01 or the Sig 226/228. I know cost is a big difference between the 2, and I'm on a budget. I know that the CZ's are cheaper yet are regarded as fine weapons, and I'm more inclined to purchase one of these weapons because of my finacial situation. I have shot all of the aforementioned weapons and like them all, so I don't feel like I'm making any compromises in my choice. What does concern me the most is if the CZ's will be able to feed modern hollow points reliably. Since the primary role of this gun is personal/home protection, I feel that feeding hollow points reliably is essential and not to much to ask. It seems that Sigs don't have a problem, but have yet to find a definitive answer regarding the CZ's ability to feed them reliably. Based on my intended role for this gun, which do you feel I should choose?
 
In my experience, both Sig and Cz make some very fine weapons. My first consideration would be what felt good in the hand and what I shot well, and what type of operation I was comfortable with. Do I prefer a de-cocker or a safety? Does one feel blockier or less comfortable? I have never regretted purchasing my P-01.
 
Sig P228 gets my vote

I'd go with the Sig P228, assuming that you can find one within your budget. In addition to feeding hollowpoints reliably, I think the P228 has a better trigger than the CZ, and you will have more options in holsters.
 
SIG P228. Owned a P01, Still own a P229(.40, would be a P228 if I wanted 9mm)

Truth be told both are really nice guns. CZ's always struck me as almost an Eastern European SIG. The P228 is just a nicer gun IMO and I like the controls better besides a whole heck of a lot of PDs, Military and protection detail folks trust their lives to P228s and that is pretty good advertising in it's own right.
 
I have only shot the P01 once, but was very impressed. The only thing that bugged me was the stiff and gritty DA trigger, which by all accounts, smooths out over time. Very accurate, and no problems with Federal 124gr or Remingtion ball.

I own the Sig 228, and it's the most accurate and reliable pistol I've ever owned. Over 2000 rounds since the last malfunction (which was just a bad primer, anyway), and it's happily eaten everything I've fed it. I can say that Sigs just FEEL better. It's hard to explain, but there's a general smoothness to them, and not just the trigger.

I still may get a P01, but it would fill a niche already handled wonderfully by the 228 (semi-compact, hi-cap 9mm).

One thing I will bring up: the P01 is going for $350-400 around these parts--the same price that a used (broken in) 228. Not knocking the CZ at all, but shop around. Either is a fine choice.
 
My CZ PCR and my -75BD have had no problems with any type of ammo. Of the many CZ's I've owned, the only one that has any problem is my .40 RAMI. It had feed problems with WWB hardball.
You won't go wrong with either. Both are lifetime shooters.
 
Sig is a great gun, but get the CZ

You'll have more money for ammo, and enjoy it just as much. My CZ 75BD feeds with everything I've ever put down it--hollow point, FMJ, LRN, plated, etc, etc. I bought mine on a budget, but after shooting it for 2 years, I now feel like I truly lucked out buying a CZ rather than something much more expensive.
 
Boy, that's a tough call. In the world of autochuckers you've asked me to pick between my two favorite manufacturers.

For SIGs I've owned a 229 and still own a 220ST. For CZ I've owned two 75Bs and still own two P01s.

For CCW I still mainly carry the P01 because of its light weight and the fact that CZs (at least 75Bs and P01s) naturally point perfectly for me . . . I can just throw it up without any thought and the sights are lined up like an extension of my arm. I don't have huge ammo counts through either of my P01s but it has digested everything perfectly except for anything made by CorBon . . . just won't feed for some reason.

I don't have any experience with SIG 9mm pistols but the 229 and 220ST are also very natural pointers for me (about 95% as compared to the 100% of the P01). I do like the controls of the SIGs more than those of the CZs since I don't have to shift my grip to reach any of them.

The CZs are functional and aesthetically pleasing but, IMHO, SIGs are just gorgeous. I brag about my CZs but I brag about and show-off my SIGs.

Hard call but I think you'd be pleased either way.
 
I bought a new double action only 9mm CZ75 because it fits my hand better than any pistol, gun forum members say they'll digest about any kind of ammo, and the price is right. I shot mine yesterday for the first time, and it fired 150 rds. of hardball without a problem. Next range session I'll try hollowpoints. I've fired a Smith & Wesson Model 39-2, Ruger P-95, Glock 17, and Beretta 92. I feel the CZ75 is as easy to shoot as any of those. If you liked the way the CZ75 shot, then I don't think you'll be disappointed with it. Good luck.
 
I'm not going to comment on the CZs, as I've not shot them.

The 226 & 228 are both excellent, reliable handguns, with completely different design goals.

The 226 is a service sized, high capacity 9mm. It's geeketteWithA9mm's 9mm. I terms of personality, I can only describe it as the "perfect girlfriend from the movies" gun, it's just so damned happy to be with YOU, easy to get along with, and loves to shoot, shoot, shoot!

That being said, it's a lot of gun to hide, and I'm uncertain if "personal protection" means "house gun", or "carry gun". I'd vote for it 100% as a house gun, but as a carry gun, you'll need to consider your modes of carriage carefully. As a carry gun, I'd personally go for the 228, as it's a lot smaller and lighter. But, being the geekWithA.45 and all, I generally don't carry 9s.
 
Although I do not own a P-01, I have fired them a few times and really like them. I do own a 75B and absolutely love it. Mine has fed everything I've managed to stuff in the magazine.

You won't get a definitive answer regarding a guns ability to feed a certain round. The majority of CZ owners don't have a problem with feeding hollow points. A (very)few have.
The bottom line is that ANY gun can have feed problems. It usually isn't a design problem with a certain model. It is usually a specific problem with the gun.
For example, my 75B didn't like to eject magazines at first. I removed the mag brake only to find that the mag well itself was not cut properly. The mags were binding on the insides of the pistol. A few minutes with a file and dremel get them sliding in smooth as silk.
Mine is the ONLY one I've ever heard of having this problem. Would I have carried it or trusted it like that? HELL NO!!! Do I trust it now that it has proven itself reliable. You Betcha!

get the P-01, you won't be disappointed. When you get to the range and hear guys bragging about the deal they got on their Sigs, just smile and remember that you paid $100 less than their great deal for a first class firearm. So many militarys and police forces wouldn't carry them if they were junk. The CZ75 operating system has been in use for 30 years.

Happy birthday!
 
CZ vs Sig

I voted for the CZ-75BD over the P01 for one main reason. I see that you are in that neighboring NAZI state of Maryland! If you had the option of CCW I might have given the PO1 a higher mark.

I do own both SIG and CZs and I LOVE them all. My 75BD was my first CZ and even though some of my CZs have changed that one is still with me. Probably the best shooting 9mm I have ever owned, bar none!! When I carry 9mm I prefer my CZ, when carrying 45 I usually carry my SIG.

It all comes down to what you are comfortable with and there are different times that I am comfortable with different pistols, including my wheel guns.

If you haven't already, find a group that is fighting to make Maryland a "Shall Issue" state and get involved. Too many gun owners sit on the sidelines and watch. Getting down off of soap box now.

Keep 'em in the black!! Double tap to make sure!

Jim
 
All I can say is "Wow!" I realy, really appreciate all of the responses here. After reading all of the great suggestions, I think I've narrowed down my choices to the P-01 and the 228 (with a slight leaning to the P-01). The versatility of the compact models (future concealed carry - when I get out of Maryland :cuss: and for home defense) are making me think that they are the way to go. Thanks so much. Keep posting and voting, I love reading the responses.
 
CZ's and hollowpoints

Dear Cameramonkey, The only CZ's that I have read having issues with hollow points were the early model 97Bs. A polishing job on the feed ramp was the recommended cure. Mine did not have any problems. The 97B is the 45 calibre model. It is definately not a carry gun, too huge, but shoots like a dream.

I haven't shot any sigs so I can't compare but I own 3 CZ's and am looking to buy more. I prefer a safety rather than a decocker so the 75B is right for me but I am going to buy a P-o1 next.

I once posted wether should buy this or that model and the wise people here said that it didn't make a difference because I would end up with them both. And it was true!

good shooting,pete
 
Hollow points are not a problem with CZ, save for what was mentioned above, the early 97Bs (.45ACP). I have a 75B and cannot find ammo that it will not shoot. I voted for the PO1 due to the fact that it is a little lighter, and has a light rail. Lighter is a real plus for CCW (if you can), and the light rail is a plus for home defense. Also, the thing has really been put to the test and has been found to be tough as a tank. That and it's really pretty, YMMV. For a little light reading see this http://www.cz-usa.com/press.releases.php?msgid=37

Whatever you get, have fun and be SAFE.

Calhoun
 
Get the CZ. But I prefer the PCR. If your packing it and don't feel the need for the light rail....the PCR is a better choice...IMO. SIG's are great....but for the $, I'd go with CZ. If money is no object get the Sig X-Five ($2K).
 
Tough choice...I own 2 Sig 229's and wouldn't trade them for the world. Nothing fits my hand like those...EXCEPT the P01 and PCR. I had a little trouble with my PCR but CZ fixed it up. I never once had a hiccup with my P01. I think the quality control on the P01 is a little higher than on most CZ's because they are slated to handle 9mm NATO and are required to maintain stress tests. Then again I could be smoking ganja.

Dang...I dunno. Whichever one holds more rounds and if the same, then whichever is lighter.
 
I absolutely love my CZ 75BD, P-01, and Sig P226ST. I sold my P226 to get the ST because I like the extra front-end weight of the ST for rapid follow-up and easier double-taps. It's also for that reason that I prefer for the 75BD over the P-01.

But for carry, yikes, P-01 or 228? Decisions, decisions, decisions. :confused:

Only thing I can offer re: Sigs & CZ's is both are utterly reliable and are trusted by hundreds of thousands people around the world everyday of our lives.

Buy what you shoot best and are comfortable affording...either way, CZ or Sig you can't go wrong. (You'll prolly end up buying each of them eventually. ;) )
 
I don't have any experience with Sigs so can't comment on them. I have owned 8 different CZ's and except for a early model CZ83, they all have been totally reliable. In my opinion, the best CCW gun CZ makes is the PCR, unless you want the light rail feature.
 
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