Further thoughts...
If they are the same price and both fit your hand about the same… all things being equal… which one to get? Well, they are both about the same in regards to accuracy, and are both very reliable.
I think this is a matter of taste as both represent 2 different schools of thought in terms of what makes a good defensive handgun. On one hand you have a traditional all metal, hammer fired, double action/single action automatic. On the other hand you have a polymer framed, striker fired, single action automatic. The trigger feel is better on the XD. In fact, my XD trigger is better than the trigger on my last 1911.
However one of the advantages the CZ has is that it allows the owner to change the grips to change both the feel and the look of the gun… customization is a huge factor in America. (search for my remarks about hottrodding handguns) The XD doesn’t allow this because the grips are actually the frame. The CZ will also allow you to have the whole pistol to be refinished however you want it to be refinished. You can’t even really call it “Refinishing†anymore because of all the finish options out there now that are often better than the original factory finish.
The XD, you can get the slide refinished, but you are forever stuck with that polymer frame. Hope you like the color.
If you are comfortable with a Glock, then the XD is the choice. If your down with the “Practical and Tactical†approach to defensive handguns, then the XD is very much the choice here. If you are one who likes polished steel and wood… the ability to change things… a more refined appearance… then the CZ is the way to go.
I’ve had a couple CZs (in 91 and in 2002), and I currently have an XD. Actual pros and cons are both high on pros and low on cons… your splitting hairs trying to make a comparison between physical qualities. So all you have left are these esthetic issues.
Different points in my life have given my different tastes. Right now, at this moment, I like the little XD, and thus the XD is my choice.
Tomorrow morning, it could be the CZ.