CZ 75B or Beretta 96??

[dbshabo]

I'm pondering the idea of buying a .40S&W caliber pistol. I'm looking at the CZ 75B and the Beretta 96. I've heard many good opinions of the CZ and I own a Beretta 92 9mm. I like the 92 a lot, excellent shooter, shoots clean, and cheap ammo. I would like a little more thump however.

Any opinions or advice on these two pistols? Anyone out there who has experience with both these pistols? Should I bypass the .40 and go with a .45? Since I don't reload ammo cost is a factor. Thanks in advance for any and all opinions.

Shabo

 

[Matthew_Q]

Not too much detail, as I have no experience with the Beretta...

I don't think you could go wrong with either.


(official AR15.com response: GET BOTH.)

 

[Walt Sherrill]

I've had both, and prefer the CZ-75B.

They are close enough in size that you can use the same holster, but the Beretta seems "MASSIVE" when you hold it, while the CZ seems more compact.

You should get about the same reliablity and durability out of either.

The trigger on the CZ might be a bit better out of the box. Most folks feel the CZ points better.

The Beretta will probably be a prettier gun with a somewhat higher level of "fit" and "finish" -- which is important to some folks. But the CZ won't be bad, and you've got to realize you're paying a lot for that extra Beretta "refinement."

The double-action pull on the CZ challenges some folks with small hands or short fingers, but the fact that it can be carried "cocked and locked" makes that generally irrelevant. I think that's possible with SOME Beretta models, but its not standard.

Hi-caps are available for either, at reasonable prices.

You need to hold both and try the trigger on both. The individual samples you handle may not be representative of the broader universe of those guns, so try several. If possible shoot, both.

 

[10-Ring]

I've owned a few 40's. The 96 was the nicest of the ones I owned (had a Para P16, USPc 40, Glock 23, & the 96). In terms of all around shootability, I think my experience w/ the 92fs transferred to the 96.

 

[cool45auto]

I have no experience with CZ's but love my Beretta.

(official Beretta Forum response: GET BOTH!)

 

[PCRCCW]

Well now...what took me so long to find this? Hmmmmm

Although my screamingly apparent bias will result in my usual answer.
I must give great credit to the Beretta line of firearms. From the oldest gun company in the world comes many fine fine hand/long guns.

Ill however, as expected of me, give my choice to the clear winner. CZ...better price, similar quality and IMO, a better design for my taste and hands.

Shoot well as always.

 

[tiberius]

What is more important to you and what do you want out of the pistol?

If want firearm diversity in your collection either for fun or just to gain experince with different systems, then you should get the CZ (or Glock, Sig, 1911, etc).


If you are "tactically minded" and are commited to the Berettas's manual of arms, then the 96 makes a lot of since. You can also use the same holsters and stuff.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

You can also use the same holsters and stuff with the CZ. (When I first started shooting IDPA with a 75B, the only holster I could find was a Fobus holster for the Beretta. It worked great with the CZ. Most leather holsters for the Beretta work well with the CZ, too.)

There are many more holster choices, nowadays for the CZ, however -- as PCRCCW will tell you. <grin>

 

[Missouri Mule]

Having moderate experience with both I prefer the CZ.
Realiabilty seemed about equal.
CZ fit my hand better and was more fun to shoot.
I beleive the Berretta had a longer ,if not marginally smoother, trigger pull.
Cz had better sights IMO

To sum up my $0.02 worth.....I liked the CZ-75B better than my old Berretta 92FS. I shot much better with the CZ


Sorry....I realize htis doesn't exactly address your specific question regarding the 40 s$w. One important thing I didn't already mentiuon is that the CZ is lower in price. Notice I purposely did not say cheaper.

I have since sold both the CZ and Berretta. I was never particulary fond of the 9mm and for me the .40 just can't replace the .45 acp.

I am a 1911 type of guy.....a a few Maks too!

I best advice is to go with what you know. Ones own personal experience is hard to argue with. Only you really what you want and what is best for you.

Good luck with your descision....

 

[TooTaxed]

I have both...much prefer the CZ because it feels much better in my hand than the Beretta/Taurus. I find that I am faster on double shots with the CZ. My Beretta is available for trade, as I don't shoot it much anymore...

 

[Hal]

Should I bypass the .40 and go with a .45?

I would,,,but only because I don't like the .40S&W round.

 

[caz223]

Better yet, get a CZ97!!

 

[45R]

Get a CZ and with the money you save buy lots of ammo!!!

 

[Ky Larry]

Either or. Shoot both,if possible. Buy the one that you like best. You won't go wrong with either. For me, the CZ fits my hand and points better but to each his own.

 

[Russ]

I prefer the CZ as well. Great value and excellent quality. I prefer the ergonomics of the CZ over the Beretta. The Beretta feels like a brick in my hand.

 

[W Turner]

Another vote for the CZ75. I have been a long time Glock fan, but recently put a Glock 17 up for sale after I traded for a CZ75. I love the ability to carry cocked and locked and the CZ fits my hand so much better.

As compared to the Beretta, if you get a blued or satin nickled CZ, you will never notice the difference in fit and finish, as the blued CZ's that I have seen have been very nice. The polymer finish (as mine is) is super durable and has very little negatives outside of aesthetics. And the CZ is less expensive, but made just as well.

Mino