CZ 75b or SA XDm?

[rossiscratch]

I am looking to buy a new pistol for range/target/local competition uses. I have been considering the 4.5" SA XDm, but I am pretty undecided. I have heard good things about the CZ pistols, but I have never personally handled one. Does anyone know how the triggers compare? How is CZ customer service? Reliability comparisons? Accuracy? Grip? Availability of holsters/magazines for the CZ?

I'm also open to suggestions for other pistols to consider with a maximum cost of about $600-700.

Thanks.

 

[verdun59]

I don't have the XDm, but I do have a CZ75B and XD9. With a $73 upgrade the XD is a shooter and for me a little more accurate than my CZ. There's more trigger creep with the CZ, but on the other hand it has not had a trigger job. I just got a CZ PCR and it is very very accurate out of the box.
I hate to wimp out, but this one is just too close to call....

 

[schmeky]

Your choices are at the opposite end of the spectrum. You really need to handle a CZ, cycle the action, get the OK (if it's in a gunstore) to dry fire, etc. CZ triggers vary from barely acceptable to really crappy out of the box

On a scale of 1-10, the CZ trigger can easily be a 9.5 with a few parts, the XD will never match a "done right" CZ trigger. Also, if you want to transition to a 1911 (unless you already have one), the CZ would be the logical choice since it can be carried cocked and locked, or hammer down.

I have an XD (not the "M") and several CZ's.

 

[Pilot]

I guess its luck. Both my 75B and 75D had stellar triggers out of the box. They have only become even better with use. If you get a lousy one, a trigger job and/or main spring change will make it really nice.

 

[schmeky]

Pilot,

I handled a like new P-01 in a gunstore a few months ago and couldn't believe the trigger was a stock CZ. It was amazing, so I know a good one slips out of the factory on occasion.

In fact, as trigger quality nutty as I am, I would have left it alone. With a little trigger time, I'm confident it could become excellent.

 

[mesinge2]

I have an XDm 45 and I would still love to get a CZ-75B in 9mm. I have always wanted one.
I have heard that they are some of the most accurate 9mm pistols created.
Also, they can be carried either hammer down safety off with DA first shot,
hammer down safety on with DA first shot, or hammer back-safety on with
a SA first shot. Multiple carry modes.

 

[TexasGunbie]

Everyone is pointing out the trigger difference, so the only thing I have to say is that I have a CZ P01 and the trigger is super awesome!

So aside from the trigger, the biggest difference is the slide.

The CZ slide is slimmer compare to XDm, so you would have less to grip on when you try to pull it back. This can be an issue if you don't have a strong grip or forearm. My other friends had problem pulling the CZ slide back when they were trying out my gun.

I don't have XDm but I have a XD in 45acp, it is very reliable and had not jammed by me. Now it was jammed by a female friend and I guess she was limp wristing.

 

[Lvl21nerd]

i dont have an XDm (yet) but i do have a CZ-75b and freekin' love it

the trigger was barely acceptable out of the box...but now its quite nice, and only getting better

funds permitting, i say get both

 

[blitzen]

I do not have a CZ 75, I've only handled them and I like them on principal. I do have an XDM in 9mm and really don't think much of it. It's big and the trigger reset sucks. (and I shoot and carry daily a BHP) so that should tell you something. For a issued service pistol with a lot of range time they would be ok because it's been very reliable but if you are thinking about a plastic gun ya might as well get a G17. (I'm sure no fanboy but good is good.)

 

[rossiscratch]

Thank you all for your replies. It seems that in stock form the triggers of either the CZ or the XDm can be hit or miss.

Anyway, I started looking around a little bit more, and I was looking at the CZ 75 SP-01. Anyone have any insight on this pistol versus the others? Let's throw in the the G17 comparison for good measure, too. If anyone wants to chime in on the M9A1 or 92FS, please do.

Thanks

 

[mesinge2]

I have a M9A1 and it has got one of the best out-of-the-box triggers I have felt.
The DA is a little heavy (but I'm a 1911 guy and nothing compares), that said, its heavy but also consistent and not creepy.
The SA trigger is about 5 lbs and with the mildest overtravel I have seen in a DA/SA gun.

My only complaint is that for a 9mm it is quite wide.

 

[wbwanzer]

I've had both (still have the XDm). I like CZs a lot, I just don't shoot too well with them. And the triggers can be a little funky. But the striker fired XDm trigger is not the greatest either. For your intended purpose of range/target/competition, my suggestion would be one of the Single Action only CZs, or a CZ clone like the Tanfoglio made Witness Elite Match. My witness has a trigger very much like a 1911 trigger and I shoot more accurately with it than any of my other 9mms. Here's my XDm and Witness:

 

[Sam1911]

I shoot an xDM a lot in competition and bought a CZ-75b "Omega" earlier this year to scratch this nagging CZ itch I'd been developing. The Omega system is a real loser, as it can't (so far) be given the nicer trigger jobs that the original 75bs can.

I made myself complete a small (1,500 rd) test of campaigning nothing but the CZ for a few months to see if I warmed to it, and how my times & scores compared vs. the xDM.

Long story short ... the CZ's for sale if you want it.

...

By the way, if you do end up with an xD or xDM, there are two companies (Powder River Precision and one other I can't recall) who make >$100 drop-in kits to change the trigger pull and reset to something really stellar. Some say, "tuned 1911 good". I'll believe that when I see it, but I'm planning to try one out soon.

 

[TexasGunbie]

Thank you all for your replies. It seems that in stock form the triggers of either the CZ or the XDm can be hit or miss.

Anyway, I started looking around a little bit more, and I was looking at the CZ 75 SP-01. Anyone have any insight on this pistol versus the others? Let's throw in the the G17 comparison for good measure, too. If anyone wants to chime in on the M9A1 or 92FS, please do.

Thanks

All the CZs are very good gun. In fact read the reviews already out there and you know that there are fan groups dedicated to all the CZ 9mm.
The comparison you wanted to make are totally different gun specs. Decide on what you want first, you want a metal or polymer gun?
You asked about the accuracy of these guns. The CZ, Glock, and XD are very accurate gun for average joes. The main differences go to the trigger and looks of the gun in my opinion.

As far as customer service, I have zero experience, I bought my CZ used and have owned it for many years, and it never needed customer service. Same for XD, never jam once and didn't need customer service.

If you want M9 then you have the option to buy cheaper taurus pt92. I have personally shot both and don't notice any difference.

It takes many try to get a gun you really like, so you may want to buy used and trade for another gun when you get tire of it. But all these guns you were comparing to each other are overall good quality.

I usually buy the gun that makes me look badass

 

[Runningman]

CZ triggers tend to vary somewhat. Things are further blurred by different types of triggers such as SA, DA/SA, Non Omega, Omega. And on top of that not all CZ use a firing pin safety block mechanism, such as the Pre B, CZ 85 Combat, and CZ 75 SA Tactical Sports. For a range / competition gun, there is no need to buy a gun with a firing pin block to potentially reduce the out of the box quality of the trigger pull. If the option is available. It kind of like who would buy a 1911 for range use with a 80 series type firing pin blocking mechanism? Made that mistake once myself, never again.

As far as recommendations it hard to say what it right for you. That a choice you will have to make. I would recommend you do some research on the Glock 34 or other pistols you have in mind over at Brian Enos's Forums.

I have 3 9mm range guns that I shoot a lot. A Glock 34 with aftermarket Heinie Straight Eight sights, an CZ 75 SA Tactical Sports 9mm and a CZ 85 Combat stock except a reduced power 17 LB hammer spring. For myself these 3 work well.

 

[1SOW]

Your choices are at the opposite end of the spectrum.

I agree with Scmecky. Different trigger actions, feel and weight distribution.

My son's XD Service is a shooter, I like it.

My 9mm 75B DA/SA with trigger and spring work is a better shooter, I like it. My son likes it.

I prefer steel, hammers and weight for a range/comp. gun. For other uses I might go with the XD.

The two guns are very different and a shooter's preference is going to determine which is best for you.

The 75CZ mags are cheaper (16rd-$19.95) and readily available on line (ck. cdnn on-line). For range and comp. check the Bladetech DOH holster.

My son competed with his XD with the included holsters, and did very well.

P.S. My son has since bought a CZ Shadow with custom work.

 

[Jed Carter]

Rosiscratch, Good choice with the CZ SP-01, I've used one that has had some trigger work and it is the best DA/SA trigger going, about an 1/8" of reset. The high bore axis of the XD's vs the very low bore axis on most CZs , again gives the CZ the edge. Instead of the XD you may want to consider a Glock G34, 5 3/8" barrel 4.5# trigger, It has been my choice for IDPA and USPSA matches for the last 2 years. You could also get an STI Spartan 1911 in 9mm, .40, .45 for your price.
Magazine prices may also be a consideration Glock magazines are great and really cheap starting at $19, CZ mags are pretty cheap too, as are some brands of 1911. mags. As for XDs I have very limited experience there and really have no interest in this platform... realy nice graphics all over the pistol, all over it.

 

[Niel4]

I have both the CZ75 (Omega) and the XDm 9mm....for me its easy, the CZ is the most accurate auto I own (out of 10). The XDm is a nice gun but if I had to choose I'd go with the CZ.

I also have a CZ P01 and while its a great gun the 75 is still the one.

 

[chez323]

I can't comment on the CZ75, which I'm sure is a great gun. But I do own an SA XDM in 40 cal. that I dearly love! It's very accurate and the trigger pull is just right as far as I"m concerned. Wouldn't trade it for anything! In fact, once I shot one, I sold my Walther P99 to pay for it. And the P99 is a sweet shooting gun in its on right.