CZ 75b or S&W 686+?

[oerllikon]

Hey guys, Im looking at getting my first handgun for open carry, competition, practice, and to fill a general handgun role. I have it down to these two, but I cant decide between the two. Ill be able to reload for both.
CZ:
+Great reviews
+9mm, less expensive to shoot
+less expensive to begin with
S&W:
+Theyre freaking sweet
+38/357
+has a long enough barrel for deer in my state
Im somewhat leaning toward the cz in duo tone. At 500 with nothing but rave reviews and a decent aftermarket. Feel free to convince me otherwise though
I definitely dont want a poly frame gun, and would consider a 1911 of some type, but im way torn between these two after lots of research. Testimonials welcome
Thanks, and keep up the great forum

 

[scott5]

CZ 75B or S&W 686+?
Well heck yes.

Or just buy them both and your wouldn't have to decide.

Just my $0.02

 

[Justin]

The only forms of competitive shooting where the 686 will be competitive will be the Retro class in ICORE and the Stock Service Revolver class in IDPA, but only if the barrel is less than 4.2".

The CZ will work fine for IDPA Enhanced Service Pistol division, Steel Challenge, and will work alright for USPSA Production division, but you will have to shoot the gun DA/SA, which means having to decock it before you can shoot the stage.

 

[earplug]

Open carry, hunting, Practice, Competition?

I'd go with the CZ. Unless you changed your mind and got a S&W 625 45 ACP in four or five inch. Then convert it to 460 Rowland for hunting. What types of shooting games are available in your area?
A perfect pistol is useless if you can't play the game.

 

[metalman8600]

CZ-75b

 

[Barr]

They make thousands of CZ-75Bs every year. The used older SW 686s on the market are dwindling everyday. I would buy the Smith for that reason alone.

That being said both are great firearms and you would not regret getting either one. The SW would be versatile as a one-gun battery as well.

 

[ojibweindian]

Both are great guns.

If you're planning on using a handgun for hunting, in addition to competition and defensive work, I'd go with the 686. If handgun hunting isn't very high on your list of requirements, then go with the CZ.

 

[Lobo_79]

Hey guys, Im looking at getting my first handgun for open carry, competition, practice, and to fill a general handgun role...

I have several CZ75s: a B in .40S&W and a P01 in 9mm. I also have a PC Model 627 8-shot .357 Mag. Until I bought the CZ's I would have said buy the revolver just for its inherent accuracy and the fact that the .357 is a descent hunting caliber. If I were to focus on accuracy only I would swing back to the CZ. The CZs are the only semi-autos I have that rival my revolver in terms of my ability to shoot them accurately.

Tough call...if it were me I'd buy the CZ first and then buy the revolver. If I may insert one CZ bias here I much prefer the CZ75B in 9mm versus the .40 S&W. I'm not against the .40 S&W I just think the 75B is more a accurate shooter in 9mm. Highly subjective...

 

[potmetal]

It kinda depends on the type of competitions you are looking at. If it's just you and friends on a Saturday afternoon, and you want a hunting gun, the S&W will fill the bill. If it's sanctioned, organized events, the CZ will give you more options, but it's not a hunting gun.
Get what will fill your immediate needs, and save up to get the other as soon as you can afford it. You've got 2 of the best handguns around is you have them.

 

[BlindJustice]

I've had both

CZ 75B in 9mmx19 & the S&W 686P w/4" Bbl.

I sold the 686P, Iprefer the625 .45 ACP 5" Bbl.

I still have the 75B - Reliable, accurate, easy to clean.

I'd like a 75B in .40 S&W on my short list.

R-