CZ 40 B vs. P

[ugaarguy]

Ok, I don't really need another handgun, but I'm always looking for a good deal. I've read all this great stuff about CZs here on THR, and I've really liked the ones I've handled. I'm checking out shotgun prices at www.budsgunshop.com, and what do I see but the CZ 40P for $274. I do some research and see that this is a gun made using P-01 frames with slides left over from a venture with Colt that never happened. I read that they have somewhat gritty triggers, but they smooth out, and otherwise they're a steal for the price.

Then I see at www.impactguns.com that they have the CZ 40B for $340. At this point I'm thinking either would be a great buy, I mean we're talkin a CZ for either a little more (40B) or a little less (40P) than the FM Hi-Powers and Rock Island 1991s are goin for! What do I need to know about the 40B as opposed to the 40P? Also, do you folks agree that either of these are too good to pass at up the going prices?

 

[dleong]

They are both exceptionally accurate and reliable guns. I suppose the decision about which one to get boils down to your personal preferences concerning the following:

1. Which one feels better in your hands? The 40B has a straight grip resembling that of a 1911 while the 40P's has a more ergonomic form with palmswells.

2. Which type of safety mechanism do you prefer? The 40B has a "traditional" safety lever that, when flipped up, locks a cocked hammer, while the 40P has a decocker lever that, when pressed down, drops a cocked hammer to the halfway "safety notch" position.

3. What is your intended use for the pistol? Both share identical top ends, but the 40B's frame is somewhat taller than that of the 40P. This size difference might be a factor for CCW purposes.

4. Which trigger feels better to you? You are correct about the 40P's one being somewhat gritty out of the box but improving with use. However, if you ever decide to work on the trigger mechanism yourself, you will find that the 40B's trigger is far easier to disassemble and tweak. The decocker mechanism in the 40P's trigger makes disassembly a somewhat complex affair, and a slave pin has to be fabricated to facilitate reassembly.

5. How much do you want to spend? $274 for a 40P is a great deal, while $340 for a 40B is, in my opinion, a little on the high side (given that I snatched two of them up when they were on sale at Gander Mountain for $250 each a few years back ).

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with either gun. If you want more information about both guns, feel free to drop by CZ Forum and look around and/or ask questions.

 

[12 Volt Man]

I like them both. Great pics dleong. The question is, which should you buy first?
The 40P from Bud's is the better deal.

 

[teombe]

You can't beat the deal going on the 40P right now. It's a big ass gun (for my small hands), but the single action trigger is very reachable and has potential. I'll probably end up getting a P-01.

 

[rde]

I just impulse bought the 40P model myself. First new in box CZ I have actually seen locally. Although I didn't need another handgun..especially one in 40 since I am a 9mm shooter...it looked good, felt good, and I couldn't fight the price point. No prior research..so I did not know it was a factory hybrid at the time. Mine does have a 2006 production date stamp.

Am not that great at describing things but: after intitial clean and lube I fired 20 rounds of Sellior and Bellot 180 grain rounds and 50 rounds of Winchester Value pack 165(?) grain .. both full metal jacket .. at 10 yards. I load 3 rounds per mag and fire .. then reload. Had about 4 to 5 failures to properly feed in the first 20 or so shots. Round didn't quite make it all the way up the feed ramp and seat. After about 20 rounds or so..it corrected itself and the it fired flawlessly after that. Accuracy at 10 yards was essentially pinpoint. Only problems I had with accuracy was not with the CZ..but with me not use to the increased recoil of the 40 caliber round (compared to 9mm that I normally shoot).

Although I only have 70 rounds through it I am highly impressed...especially given the price point. As an individual I am more comfortable with a decocker..and the 40P model has this. Supplied manual is not specific to the 40P model itself...the internet is your friend in this regard.

Excellant value in my book.

Edit to add: I have very small hands. It does fit my individual small hand very well...better than many other handguns that I have.