CZ97B (or BD) or FNP-45

[bk1]

I am like the .45 and have a Glock 21sf and a 30sf. I also have a SA 1911 loaded.

I am looking to diversify a little bit and see what else is out there.

I just got a CZ P-01 and it really fits my hand well. So, that got me thinking about the CZ-97B. I like the extra capacity of the FNP-45 and I've seen some people say that it's the best .45 they've ever handled.

So, what do you think I should go with next?

 

[rbernie]

They are both very large in the grip. I would recommend you look into the Sig P220 as an option.....

 

[Quiet]

I go with the FN FNP-45. The interchangable backstraps makes it feel less bulky. Unlike the CZ CZ-97B, which has a thick grip (lot thicker than a H&K USP45 and Glock 21).

I use to own a CZ CZ-97B. It was accurate and reliable, but it was to bulky (grip too thick) for me to carry and was just used as a range gun.

 

[juk]

If you can live with the weight and the grip of the 97 I would highly recommend it. The FNP is a fine pistol too though. The 97 is such a sweet shooter due to the extra weight. I wouldn't want to try to conceal it though.

 

[wditto]

that's like choosing between children.....

 

[foxmoor]

I haven't shot the FNP-45 but I have a CZ 97B that I like very much - very accurate, low recoil, good trigger, a quality gun. I have large hands but I made the grip more agreeable and smaller by installing a Hogue Grip with finger grooves for a CZ 75B to replace the wood grips on the 97B. While it shouldn't fit, if you place the Hogue grip in boiling water for 1 minute and then dry the grip and work fast, you can screw in one side of the grip and stretch it over the 97B frame and screw in the other side. It gives the 97B a great grip and it's a bit smaller, besides having the finger groves. Makes a good gun a great gun.

Foxmoor

 

[ge0624me]

I've owned both,but Having said that, i did vote for the Cz, Because im definetly an all metal gun guy, ....BUT!!!! and a big but!! FNP is an awesome gun and if your a polymer guy, IMO it's the best out there in terms of what it offers.

 

[schmeky]

I have had a 97 for a few years now and have nearly 6,000 rounds through mine. It's a very durable, well made all steel gun. I happen to love the grip, but many don't. The 97 has a fair amount of custom options now through the CZ Custom Shop and mine has been modified a good bit. As far as a range 45 goes, its my favorite, and have had and still have many 45's.

The out of the box 97 trigger is not very good, the trigger reach in DA is long (I don't shoot DA, so I don't care), and 97's have a reputation for being HP sensitive, which they are. Feed it what it likes and it will go thousands and thousands of rounds w/o a hiccup (mine has).

Having never owned an FNP-45, I want one, really bad. In fact, I'm in the process of selling a few guns to get one. I wish I could compare the 97 to the FNP. Seems like they have a lot in common, with the polymer frame being the most obvious difference.

I think you'd be happy with either.

 

[JohnBT]

I own and love CZ products, but I bought an FNP-45 USG and not a 97B.

John

 

[ckone]

Neither will be as good as an Witness Elite Match in .45acp SA... or an Elite Stock if you really want DA/SA...

The FNH suffers from excessive take-up and trigger slop, and the CZ will have the dreaded "hammer camming"... The Tanfoglio has a better grip than either, and while based on the CZ, they've eliminated it's shortcomings... Seriously, no BS, I've shot both of them, if you're looking at those two, you should at least look into the Elite Match.
Can't in good conscience really recommend the standard Witness' (although a good one will save you a pile of loot and shoot as good as those two...) when the Elite series is such a bargain.

AND... Match's can be caliber converted just by buying the $300 uppers and the appropriate mags... I actually bought this one in 9 and shoot it as a .45 as well (soon I'll make it 10mm also)!

 

[schmeky]

ckone,

I would like to know more about the FNP trigger feel and function. I have never handled one.

I agree, for the most part, with your observation on the Witness Elite Match, I had one a year or so ago. I just prefer the 97.

 

[JohnBT]

I thought we were talking hi-cap .45s, the Witness is just 10+1.

As far as the 15+1 FNP-45 USG trigger goes...

It's a trigger. It's a trigger on a combat weapon. You pull the trigger while you keep the front sight on the target, just like with any gun.

It's not the trigger on my 1999 Kimber Stainless Gold Match.

It's not the trigger on my Colt WWI Repro. A really fine shooting gun btw.

But it's certainly not the 9# SA trigger you find on a lot of BHPs - like the one I bought and fixed up a little to make it bearable.

John

 

[schmeky]

This thread has gotten my attention. I would like to know from those that have either owned, or shot both the FNP and CZ-97 - is there enough difference to get one if you already have the other?

I'm talking ergonomics, accuracy, and overall shootability? I'm starting to re-think getting an FNP since I have a 97.

Help me out here.

 

[LancerMW]

the 97 can be cocked and locked in SA? and decocked to double action? if so the CZ because it can be carried in SA

 

[bk1]

Well, the poll results are way in favor of the CZ. The comments seem to say it's more of a toss up. I would love to get both but I'm still not even sure which one to start with.

 

[schmeky]

I am quite frankly surprised the 97 is preferred, at least on this poll, by a nearly 2-to-1 margin. This may be because the 97 has been around longer than the FNP-45, I'm not really sure.

I may hold off on an FNP for now. This is my modified 97, that for me, is just an incredible shooter. Nearly 6,000 rounds, rock solid, butter smooth, and no malfunctions for the past 4,000 rounds of my SWC handload.

 

[wditto]

say, schmeky, we aren't too far apart; lets meet one day for shooting and lunch = I'll bring my FNP-45 and you bring that work of art you have and we'll shoot the both of 'em......that 97 of yours is beautiful....I am in Longview and retired....

 

[GIJOEL]

The FNP's trigger has a long and heavy (but smooth) da pull. the sa pull has a bit of take up but is around 5# and releases clean with a VERY short re-set. If i'm not paying attention it's easy to double tap after a da pull. However, the da pull is optional (I just cock the hammer).

 

[beltjones]

I think both are great. The 97 is heavier, but it's good weight in a gun that's not going to be concealed. The reach to the trigger in DA mode with the 97 is really long. I think most people would have to adjust their grip quite a bit in order to reach the trigger in DA mode.

The FNP has a shorter trigger reach, and the stock trigger pull is smoother in both DA and SA mode.

I think it's a toss up, with a slight edge going to the CZ because it's been around longer.

 

[Pilot]

I've shot the 97B and its my next CZ to go with my 75B, PCR and Kadet.

 

[briang2ad]

To make the 97 in a BD version is to blaspheme! CZ should be ashamed and recall all of them - it is disgrace.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

CZ-97 and here's why

http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=323

 

[Comanche180]

I didn't vote because I don't have experience with the other gun. I can only support the other posters in praising the CZ97B. Mine was used when I bought it but not abused. The trigger was already fine, so the previous owner either had it tuned or shot it enough to smooth it. I like it. I did install a 16# Wolf recoil spring which smoothed the action and a full length metal guide rod which was given to me. I haven't tried HP rounds, but it is happy with 230 gr FMJ and LSWC in 200 and 185 gr which I reload. It is accurate, reliable and easy to handle. I don't have exceptionally large hands but the ergonomics are good for me and I generally shoot everything one handed. It is a pretty gun too.

 

[schmeky]

A lot has happened since this thread was started. I did buy a NIB FNP-45. The overall workmanship is superior to the CZ-97; the FNP is exceptionally well machined and finished. The FNP's mag is a little short measured front to back, causing problems with some longer loadings. My standard 200gn LSWC at 1.250" would bind in the mag, so I merely seated to a shorter OAL. Several FNP-45 owners report feeding problems with their 45's, and I feel the "short" mag is the reason.

The FNP is actually bigger than the 97 in the width of the slide, which reminds me more of a Glock than anything else. The FNP feels top heavy and the size of the slide seems to exaggerate this feel to me. The FNP trigger was "good" in DA and stacked like most DA/SA pistols. The SA was very good, being light, but it had a significant amount of creep before let-off, something I could never effectively adjust to.

Accuracy at 25 yards was "good" for me. I could manage a few tight clusters, then throw shots around the cluster. I have to assume this was me, probably a result of the creep in the SA trigger. Typically from a sandbag rest I would see 2.5-3.0" groups, not bad, but not what I like to see.

My 97 has been tuned with CZ Custom Shop sights, competition hammer, and some other mods. While not finished as well as the FNP, my 97 easily out shoots the FNP in accuracy. Felt recoil for the FNP was mild, but 97 makes the 45 feel like a weak 9mm load. I found the ergonomics of the 97 better for me, but overall the FNP is probably better for the majority of shooters. One drawback to the FNP is there is no choice in grips, with the exception being a Hogue Hand-all.

I sold my FNP, and actually bought another 97 recently.

 

[Big House]

CZ 97 BD is my next purchase.

Just sold my FNP 45 and here is why : I did a lot of research on my FNP 45 before I bought it. I am 6'3" and have large hands. Saw this gun and loved it. Bought it and put a few round through it and it shot well, accuracy was good. After a while I just started feeling like this gun is huge and may be to big for me. It's not huge it's a monster. Also I did not care for the slide release. I know FN says to pull the slide back to chamber a round instead of using the "release" but I like a release that sticks out more. I like to use the release as well as jack the slide back. I could barely activate the release with my finger. FN does not even call it a release, it's a slide lock. Also the trigger guard is very large/long. I put my light/laser on the rail and could not reach it to activate it as it was to far away from my finger. This was a big downer. To turn on the light/laser I had to use my other hand. My long finger could not reach it. Having a big/long trigger guard would be nice if your wearing gloves I guess, especially if you leave in a cold climate. I do not. Initially I thought it would be cool to have a high capacity .45. The magazines which are made to double stack the .45 rounds make the grip very wide. A fully loaded magazine in the gun makes it very heavy. When I was thinking about selling it I did a lot of research and alot of thoughts are you dont need 15 rounds. Most home invasion stats indicate the defense gun is fired 2 times on average. I know this is debatable .45 is a heavy round so if you stick 15 rounds in a allready big gun, your going to have a big heavy gun. I did like the way it looked and ambidextrious slide release (which kinda sucks) and mag release are nice. FN is a great company! They make great guns !! However the FNP 45 was not for me. My next .45 gun is a CZ 97BD. I know the CZ 97 is big as well, but ergonomically it's a better gun for me. As far as not having a rail, I guess I will buy a cool tactical flashlight to keep next to it as this will be my nightstand gun.