CZ P-01 vs. Beretta PX4

[tbreihan]

As a continuation of this thread:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=329394

Went to the range today. I was able to rent the used CZ-75B in .40 S&W that they have for sale. Basically stock with the addition of a stainless FLGR and target-style adjustable sights. The finish is pretty much immaculate but the barrel has some wear. I would guess it has less that 500 rounds through it.

Anyway, it was a .40, which is not what I am in the market for, but it had a bit of a problem. I fired 50 rounds through it and, at least 8 if not 10 times, it failed to extract. The slide didn't lock back, but it jammed the incoming round between the breach face and the spent cartridge.

I also shot a Beretta PX4 and a Taurus PT-92, both 9 mm. The Taurus feels like holding a 2x4, but the trigger reach is good. The PX4 is super comfortable--great grip size, angle, and trigger reach. I put 100 rounds though each without any issues.

Is the FTE with the CZ a fluke, or is it something that these guns are known for. Consensus seems to be that the .40 CZs are not the guns that the 9s are. As for the Beretta, it seems durable, but it also seems somewhat unproven. I hear that they need to be meticulously lubed in order to run reliably due to the rotating barrel lockup. Any truth to this.

My personal preference? The CZ (a P-01 in my case) just does something for me that the Beretta doesn't. While it seems very nice, the PX4, like every other polymer gun I've handled, just seem very appliance-like. On the other hand, I am interested in getting the gun that is the most reliable.

Thoughts?

Thanks again, everyone.

 

[monadh]

My $.02

I have had some experience with CZ's. I had a CZ 85 that was as flawless and accurate as anything I have ever seen, and in a moment of stupidity I sold it. I recently had a P-01, and it was a dog. It would not reliably function, and its problem were exactly as you described yours. Even a trip back to CZ USA did not fix it.

I can't speak to 9mm vs .40 as far as quality goes, but I have to say that the problems you and I had are the exception and not the rule for CZ. CZ's are known for reliability, accuracy, functionality, and gritty triggers, not bad weapons.

I sold the P-01 and bought a Stoeger Cougar 8000, which is the exact same thing as the Beretta Cougar 8000, and it has the rotating barrel. It has been perfect. Not a hiccup. Well made, accurate, and very pleasing to hold. It has not required extra lube. This is the pistol I should have bought instead of the CZ. I believe you will like it more than the PX4, since it is all metal. And the price? $339.00, brand new.

Go here to take a look: http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/cougar8000.tpl

 

[Edward Nigma]

I've yet to come across anyone who's had a problem with the P01 in 9mm.

I read and hear of a lot of different brands/models in .40 having problems. If I ever do go up a caliber from 9mm, I'll go to .45 and forget about the .40.

I did own a PX4 9mm for a short time. It was a good gun, but too bulky for me to conceal well. I can conceal my P01 very well.

 

[Zip06]

My CZ P-01 has digested 2750 rounds and has not missed a beat. I have put a Surefire X-200 on it for the last 950 rounds and no malfunctions of any sort. The ammo has been a mixture of USGI M-882 hardball, Blazer, Wolf, Federal and Winchester. All of the HP has been Federal.

 

[GunNut]

I much prefer the P-01 to any Beretta, but that is just me.

 

[Pilot]

CZ, but I prefer the 75D PCR over th P-01, due to the lack of the light rail.

 

[hrgrisso]

Another one of these????



Sorry they are both great guns and I don't believe you'll make a bad choice with either. I went with the Px4, concealment isn't a problem if you spend time and conciously plan to conceal. It's a great gun for that and I wouldn't hesitate to bet my life on it (because I do). It also makes a great nightstand gun and I've also had my wife play with it and she shoots it extremely well. The only gun she shoots better is my SigP226 and her Bersa .380.

Making your decision on the P-01 based on shooting one in .40 and planning on buying a 9mm sounds like faulty logic, don't hold that against the gun. Try and find another range with one in 9. Then make you best judgement.

 

[Navy87Guy]

The P-01 doesn't handle much like the CZ 75 -- so you're not really getting a decent comparison. The P-01 is a compact with a different grip angle, so it will fit your hand differently than the full-sized 75 did. Also, remember that the PX4 is also a full sized pistol, so you should expect it to feel and handle differently.

As far as the failures, sounds like a range gun that has too many rounds through it. It probably just needs some new springs. As others have said, CZ's are noted for their reliability -- but every gun needs some TLC once in a while.

You'll notice that I have 2 CZ's and 4 Berettas -- you can't go wrong with either one. Sounds to me like the PX4 is calling your name.

Jim

 

[briang2ad]

Not typical, but

CZ75 40's have been know to OCCASSIONALLY have extractor problems. It is a 5-10 minute job for an amateur and a $3.00 exctractor spring.

The P01 has the exact same grip angle, but a little longer, and has a 'flatter' trigger. The P01 does have a 'recurved' trigger - some like it (with thinner fingers, and some don't). It does feel a bit different in the hand. Look at the CZ boards. The P01 is about the most reliable CZ made. I'd have one, but don't want a decocker.

 

[armoredman]

I lost count of the number of rounds I have fired through my PO1. The only stoppages it has had is due to my own reloads. It works very well indeed.
Speaking as a former rental range operator, rental guns can be some of the most abused specimens on the planet. I have to say the CZ we had on our rental range didn't fail, but the Beretta 92 did, two Glocks, did, ALL the HK USPs did, etc. It happens.
Try the PO1, if it fits you. Good sidearm.

Edited to add to PCRCCW's comment below, yes, the PCR and PO1 grips are identical - have both, shoot both. Pic added.

 

[PCRCCW]

Well...to put it nicely..Sorry, NO!

The CZ 75B and PO1 have the exact same grip angle. The only thing CZ did in their years of PO1 development is change the curve of the trigger and upswept the beaver tail a tad. Ive had 30+ CZ's and have compared the grips on the std Compact, PCR and PO1 side by side and there is no difference other than what I stated.

The SA was the first fullsize gun to get the upswept beaver tail. Then the SP01 followed suit. It allows the gun to sit lower in your hand, if you have a hi grip.

As far as CZ's and reliability...they run like clocks! So do Beretta's..get the one that shoots better for you and in all honesty...either could have problems. Thats the way guns are.

Shoot well and god bless.