CZ-75b Compact vs. PT1911 or RRIA

[M&PVolk]

As some of you know, I have been debating the merits of the 1911 for some time now. Today, I had my 1911 lust lose some of its draw when I held the CZ-75b compact in .40. I am starting to think of picking up that CZ over the 1911! Here's how I see it:

CZ pros:
1. One of the most copied gun designs in the world for a reason
2. Cocked and locked!
3. Good trigger pull
4. Solid metal gun
5. Chambered in the same caliber as my carry gun
6. Feels made for my hand
7. $525

CZ cons:
1. Heavy
2. Not very customizable
3. Not as beautiful as the 1911
4. Sights are a bit rudamentary

1911 Pros:
1. A century of proven technology
2. A proven manstopping caliber
3. Customizable
4. Quality fit and finish

1911 cons:
1. Price! RIA is the most affordable, but gives away many of the custom touches that make the 1911 so intriguing for me. The Taurus has more of those features, but may have more suspect build quality
2. Customizing a lower-mid end gun does nothing for its value
3. Yet another handgun caliber to not be able to find in the store!
4. Finicky. They seem to either work or not.

So, am I crazy? My gun shop owners are actually split on this one. One is religious about 1911's, the other religious about CZ's. Would anyone else take a CZ over the venerable 1911??? Oh yeah, I can't afford both, or this post wouldn't exist.

 

[Cloudpeak]

You forgot to mention the CZ has greater round capacity and can be carried cocked and locked or hammer down for double action first shot.

I have a CZ Compact 9mm and it's a great shooter and I really like the pistol. But, my aging hands have a problem in the trigger guard area and grip so I've pretty well settled on the 1911. I had a couple of 45 Springfield's but now own a STI 9mm Trojan and a Dan Wesson CBOB which my hands get along with better and, as a result, I shoot them better. (Both pistols have "upcut" trigger guards and "high rise" beavertails.)

I do like the simple mechanics of the 1911 platform in addition to how they feel in my hands. There is a wide selection of parts for 1911's: grips, sights,holsters, etc. The CZ's are more complicated but do have the versatility of C&L or double action. The CZ's don't have the aftermarket parts selection of the 1911's.

So, that wasn't much help, was it? I think they're both great designs. Maybe, eventually, you'll have both! That's what I'd recommend

 

[armoredman]

Big can o' worms. OK, I'll bite. I've had both 1911s and CZs, and I still have several CZs and no 1911s. I've had 1911s, good one, shoot peices of themselves off. I never saw a single 1911 that didn't have some part replaced by a custom part - none of my CZs needed customization but for Crimson trance lasergrips and Hakan Pek grips for looks. They kinda all worked right outa the box.And, you say the CZ fits you like it was made for you? It was - go get it.
Your mileage may vary, of course.
Then again, did anyone here think i would say anything differant?

 

[jdc1244]

Get the CZ if all you’re considering is econo 1911s – save up for a Colt’s 1911.

 

[Isher]

+1 Armoredman -

Recently, I was in my local g'shop, and there in the case was

A .45acp 97b, in damn near perfect shape.

Previously, I had zero interest in this model because

Scuttlebutt had it that "It was way big and heavy."

Well, it isn't.

Fit my grip like a silk stocking on a goodlooking girl,

And not out of balance at all.

The 10 round magazines are a plus, to me.

Now, having said that, I haven't shot it yet,

Because I picked it up two days prior to going in for

Total left hip replacement surgery,

But I'm pretty sure I'm gonna like it.

Not that I'll be selling any of my 9mm CZ's.

The P-01 is my stone carry weapon.

I'm figuring the 97b for the house/nightstand piece.

I agree with you that 1911's are best for folks who like

Rebuilding stuff, with one exception.

Had a Vietnam era absolutely stock gummint which would

Eat anything you fed it, day in day out, and refused

To puke or break anything.

Ugly as homemade sin, parkerized finish, raw

Walnut grips (altho the checkering was pretty good).

Stolen in a burglary in 1986. Still miss it.

Anyway, once I get out of house arrest and

Shoot the dang thing, I'll drop you a line.

By the way, nice VZ!

I'm still keeping mine stock.

isher

 

[shooter1]

I own both CZs and 1911s (All sizes). If the pistol is to be used for concealed carry, one of the aluminum frame 3" or 4" 1911s would be hard to beat. If the pistol is to be used for range work, home defense, or open carried, get the CZ!! I love um both!!
str1

 

[wvshooter]

Bud's Gun's is listing the 75B compact in 40 caliber for $597. Can you let us know which particular shop has one for $525. I have been wanting one for some time.

 

[Isher]

wvshooter -

Go to the motherlode, hombre.

http://czcustom.com/CZ-USA-Pistols.aspx

Disclaimer: I have never bought a weapon from these folks,

Having found mine on streetcorners, want-ads, and my local g'shop.

So I have no vested interest.

That being said, if I can ever find the free cash

I'll be into a PCR Pro-Tek I from these folks

Faster than spit on a redhot griddle.


isher

 

[murph50]

I have 1 1911 (SA1911A1 loaded). Great gun--I had a trigger job done on it and it is accurate and fun to shoot.
I have 3 CZ's--P01,75BD and a 75 Compact.
It would be tough for me to give up any of them
I shoot the CZ's a lot more than I shoot the 1911
The P01 is my favorite carry gun
If I had to pick though I would take a CZ over the 1911 but whoever said get both has the right idea.
I am planning on getting a CZ 97BD when I can find one and I believe a Rami is going to be my next purchase unless I can find a good deal on that Beretta 92FS.
The CZ's are easier to carry--have a larger ammo capacity--you don't need tools to field strip it

Geez--I think I just convinced myself that I like my CZ's more than my 1911.
My 1911 is still a keeper though.
Can't go wrong with either but you really can't go wrong with a CZ

 

[Prod]

I have a PT1911. Works great. It's my carry gun. Feeds HPs reliably.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Go to the motherlode, hombre.

http://czcustom.com/CZ-USA-Pistols.aspx

Disclaimer: I have never bought a weapon from these folks,

They are good people. I've done one Internet order which arrived promptly, and been to the shop, meeting personally with Angus Hobdell. (This was back when I lived in the area.)

 

[SCKimberFan]

I have both a CZ and a 1911 (STI). I like both platforms, but carry the CZ. I am of the belief that you can't go wrong with either one.