9mm decision time

[IdahoSkies]

"If it fits your hand" get the CZ. If shot all four and you really have two groupings. The 1911 is different, do you want a 1911? I think around a 9mm its like a mule, its not quite right, but it gets the job done. The Berretta, the slide mounted safety was a killer for me. Just totally different from what I have ever used, and I didn't like it. The BHP and the CZ, very very similar. I felt the CZ fit better and liked the recoil in my hand better. Your mileage may vary.

 

[jim243]

I chose none of the above. While I would recommend the CZ, the SA is such 1960's old technoligy that the BHP actually does it better with it's 1916 design.

It's time to get with the DA/SA actions that provide much more versitility in use and function.

My vote goes to the CZ 75 P-01 or PMR or even the 92 or PT92 all which can be used SA or DA. While I was born in the 1940's, I don't intend on using the technology of 70 years ago.

Just my opinion.
Jim

 

[wow6599]

I have owned 3 of your 4 choices - no 1911 in 9mm.

The 92 didn't stay with me very long....... I can't choose between the BHP or CZ 75......

Flip a coin

 

[TrailWolf]

Glock 17

 

[Voyager]

Ok guys, I know that variations on this conversation happen pretty often, and I'm usually the one thinking to myself, "why ask us when you can read through the tons of other research and opinions?", but it's nice to get some conversations going and get some fresh opinions.

Even though it's not, let's assume that this handgun is going to be the only other handgun I will ever own besides my CCW. I'm asking specifically as it pertains to:
Use: range gun + motorcycle open carry + home defense
Reliability: even though I plan on keeping it cleaned and well lubed, I want something that will still be reliable even if I don't.
Good feeding with all types of ammo (cheap factory stuff, handloads)
I won't be feeding it a steady diet of +P, but I want it to be able to stand up to it if I ever decided to.

The most common advice is, put your hands on it and get whatever feels best. Well, I completely agree, so don't worry about any input on ergonomics and handling. I've put all four of these guns in my hand and shot a box of ammo through all of them at one point or another over the last five years, and they all feel just fine to me.

And to add one last comment to a long-winded... the 92 is only on there as a long shot. I really like the way it looks, and with a set of thin grips it feels good in my hand, but I haven't heard great things about it in terms of how well it stands up over time and getting boxes of ammo pumped through it.

Thanks thr!

I'd be partial to the Beretta, the CZ, and the Browning in about that order. Great nines all.

 

[miles1]

Ive had a Beretta and RIA on your list.Ive shot a friends BHP(sweet shooter).

I'll never ever part with my CZ 75.

 

[bannockburn]

One 9mm. pistol only...then it would have to be a Browning Hi-Power. Fits my hand perfectly and it has all of the necessary improvements already done to it (better high visibility sights, larger ambi safety, and a very nice trigger right out of the box). Closest runner-up would be the CZ-75B SA. Distant third would be a Commander size gun in that caliber.

 

[Jed Carter]

Had a CZ 75B and PCR, had the Beretta 92FS, still have a Colt MKIV Series70 1911 9mm and STI Trojan 9mm. May add a CZ 75B SA to my collection, but if I could only have one it would be the STI 1911.

 

[taraquian]

I voted CZ, that was what I bought when I made almost this same list a few years ago. However I chose CZ based on it being DA/SA over the HiPowers SA. I ruled out the Beretta due to the 'backwards' safety. I am looking for a Taurus 92 with the frame safety, and an Arcus DA HiPower clone....I'm not really much help am I?

 

[Mikhail Weiss]

This probably has no bearing whatsoever on your decision-making process, but if you picked the Beretta 92, you could use its magazines in Beretta's CX4 Storm carbine, were you ever to acquire one. Not sure the magazines for the others are cross-compatible with any sort of similar carbines.

Meanwhile, however, my vote goes to the Browning Hi-Power.

 

[Pilot]

I ruled out the Beretta due to the 'backwards' safety.

I avoided the Beretta 92FS for twenty years, mostly for this reason. I recently bought one on a lark, and I LOVE it. I am a huge BHP, and CZ fan and own several examples of both, but for an all around 9MM for home defense or range, the big Beretta or one of the 92 Compact variants are excellent. They are very well made, fit and finish is fantastic, and they are EASY to work on and modify yourself if you so choose. I spent $20 in parts from Brownells, and easily replaced my hammer spring, and hammer with lighter versions to make the already excellent trigger better.

I keep the safety off on my Beretta. I see no need for engaging one on a pistol with a long, DA first pull. My CZ PCR, Sigs, etc and other decocker guns, plus my DA revolvers have no safety and they carry just fine.

 

[tarosean]

BHP or Beretta.
Hi power is the most ergonomic out of all those, nice full size pistol that is thin and easily concealable. The beretta is good and there are several variations of the 92 from DA without a safety to SAO models.