Baby Eagle vs. CZ97B help me decide

[borodin]

I am in the market for a new non-1911 .45 caliber auto that is relatively fullsize and high capacity. I have narrowed the choice down to the CZ and the Baby Eagle. I realize that the Eagle is a clone of sorts of the CZ however, i still like the look. Give me some feedback if you own one or both of these. I am mainly concerned with overall fit and finish as well as the feel of the weapon in my hand. I dont want any polymer frames so dont bother suggesting the Glocks etc. I already have a polymer frame that I carry in an ankle rig for its lightness of weight. The price is relatively the same (around $500 or so).

In a way I like the nose end of the Baby Eagle for its tappered look. But the CZ appears to have a checkered frontstrap?

Talk to me...

 

[Walt Sherrill]

You really need to have tried each in your hand before going much farther.

The CZ-97B is one of the best, out-of-the-box .45s you can get. Very , very comfortable, and very durable. High level of fit and finish, and near target-grade accuracy. (The newer models have serrations on the the front of the slide; but I don't think there's checkering anywhere.)

But its BIG. Too big for some hands. (The DA trigger is also a bit long for some hands, as well.) I had one briefly, but the size was a negative for me. (I have a Witness full-size/frame .45 and it smaller in the grip.) I'm a big CZ fan, so you have to understand it would take something major for me to give such a gun up.

The Baby Eagle line is top notch, but I'd give a slight edge to the CZ-97B.

You wouldn't do badly, either way.

 

[Illuminate]

I own the Baby Eagle in .40 and I do have one problem with it - the location and design of the safety. For engaging and disengaging the safety it is fine and dandy. What it's not good for is racking the slide. I've cut myself on it before. Other than that, it's a fine weapon. It has a nice double-cocking trigger (is that what you call it?) and the trigger is very crisp. The finish is excellent, the best on any of my firearms. (I like Russian firearms, though, so I have same crappily finished weapons... ) It fits my normal-sized hand very well and seems to be balanced just fine.

I would try to get a handle on both to decide, but I hope I helped a little.

 

[Lightsped]

I have no experience with a Baby Eagle, but I own a CZ97b and am very happy with it. The CZ is definately a overbuilt gun. Feels very sturdy. Highly accurate as well.

My CZ-97b:

 

[MrAcheson]

The baby eagle in .45 has a reputation for poor reliability unlike the 9mm and .40 baby eagle variants. The 97 is supposed to be really nice if your hands are big enough to hold it.

 

[BamBam]

You might also consider the EAA Witness .45 (non-polymer).
I have about 1,000 rounds thrugh mine with no malfunctions. I was also suprised with the accuracy.
The Witness is also a CZ-97 clone but is a bit narrower....possibly the slimmest double stack available.

It's available in Wonder Finish (similar to Glock's tennifer finish) and is priced right. Mine was $337.00.

Good luck,
BamBam

 

[Prodigalshooter]

My CZ 97 has vertical "serrations" on the front and rear of the grip frame, works well. It is a big grip, but after agonizing over it for a long time, I got one. I have not had any regrets, it's one heck of a pistol. I've used it in IDPA and it works well there, weight soaks up recoil nicely. The DA trigger is a long reach, but 99% of the time I'm using cocked and locked mode and the SA trigger is just fine, easy to reach and my trigger is pretty good for a new pistol. It's really not much bigger than a standard 1911, just thicker in the grip and a smidge wider in the slide.

 

[10-Ring]

I prefer the grip of the Baby Eagle but prefer the location of the safety on the CZ...really depends on you. I don't think you'll make a wrong choice here.

 

[PCRCCW]

Hey..Walt..does this look familiar? It took something big...er....little to talk you out of it..

Go for the 97...the Beagle is a stellar gun. But this is a shooter and I doubt highy...very highly youll regret it.

Shoot well

 

[Illuminate]

Forgot to mention, you can't carry the B-Eagle cocked & locked, if that matters to ya.

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

It was STUPID of me not to buy that Baby Eagle or Hard Chromed Jerrico at the gunshow a couple of weeks ago. I passed up a NIB, stainless Bauer .25ACP (Yeah, yeah--I know.) with wood
grips too. All at good prices. However, my back was killing me, so I took a pain pill. After that all reason went out the window.<dammit>
Great choice. Back hurts so much I have to go home, or take a pain pill and be stupid for the rest of the day.
Hellofa choice.

KR

 

[Matthew_Q]

I think out of the two, I'd get the CZ. Simply because I have a 75B and love it. The worksmanship is excellent, and fit and finish are top notch. I would expect the same from the 97.

I shot a Beagle in .40 a few years ago, and it was pretty nice, but I don't have much experience with them otherwise.

 

[MoNsTeR]

The .45ACP Baby Eagle really has too short of a barrel for a gun its size. Get the CZ 97.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

From a fit and Finish perspective, I'd give the typical 75b a B+, while the CZ-97B gets an A or A+. Its really nicer. Just reeks of "class."

 

[caz223]

I'll also echo walt's comments.
If you pick up a CZ97 in glossy blue, and just hold it for a minute, it's obvious that you're in close proximity to something truly exceptional.
I can rarely put one down, but by the time I've left the gun shop, the owner has come out more than once to wipe down the CZ97, and the counter.
Maybe someday I'll have one of my own, but until then, I have to dream.
*sigh*

 

[Outlander]

Go with the CZ ... it's a double duty pistol.
When your not shooting with it you can use it as a hammer.
(One of the BEST pistols I own)