First Pistol

[DFWB]

Hey guys. I'm new to the forum, and am looking to buy my first pistol in the near future. The guns I am deciding between CZ 75B and a Springfield XD9. I have shot the XD, and liked it, but have not found a range near me (Charlotte, NC) which has a CZ that they will rent, and I don't want to buy a gun I haven't shot.anyone know of a range in the area that has one? Or does anyone have one that I could shoot? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[iblong]

Depending on your purpose Id not hesitate on the 75 actually even for carry I would still pick the 75, with a good holster it will conceal as well as the xd.

 

[Tipro]

There's at least two ranges near Charlotte that rent - Shooters Express in Belmont (Exit 27 off 85), and Eagle something something in Concord (3 miles past the speedway). I don't know if either rents a 75, but I do know that, if you are serious about buying, Shooter's will let you rent before you buy, meaning you can try out any gun in the show room that you are seriously considering. That said, do they carry a 75? They're selection is nowhere near what Hyatt's is.

 

[el Godfather]

Well if you liked XD and liked, may be that is the way to go about it. However, my personal preference would be CZ75 BD, but you have to pick to pick what you like. And like you said, you should fire and try it to see if you like it.

 

[Skribs]

They are both fine guns, but the major difference is going to be in the action.

The CZ-75 series is mostly DA/SA, IIRC (I think they may have some specific models which are a different action), and the XD series is striker fired. A lot of people like DA/SA, but I prefer the striker-fired or DAO. I'm not going to go in-depth here, as the information on each type of action is up in one of the stickies, but I think if you decide which type of action you want, you'll decide which pistol you want.

FWIW, I have an XDM in .40. Not that the CZ-75B is bad, it's just not my can of soda.

 

[Loic]

When I got my cz sp-01 phantom I was also looking at the xd-M the 75 and xdM are both fine gun

Sent from my EVO 3D using Tapatalk

 

[dcarch]

I would much rather go with the 75B. I love the feel of the metal frame, the ergonomics, and the inherent accuracy of the CZ design. In my opinion, the 75 may be one of the greatest pistols designs the world has ever witnessed.

 

[needmorecowbell]

I think it's pretty tough to shoot every gun before you buy although would be nice. I go handle and dry fire always. That tells me if the gun fits my hand good, has good point of aim, if I like the sights and trigger. FWIW, I choose the CZ. If just for range get the 75B. If plan to carry get one of the compacts.

 

[nater762]

Why not a Glock? Ya can't go wrong with the greatest autoloader EVER!!! lol

 

[chris in va]

I've had both, go with the CZ. Liked my 75 so much I got my dream gun 97b.

BTW just go with the 'b' model. It has the added feature of 'cocked and locked', something the BD model doesn't allow.

 

[DFWB]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm pretty well acquainted with the pro's and cons of each gun (at least from the armchair) as I have done quite a bit of research over the past year. The last bit of research I need to do is to shoot the CZ.

I know I can't shoot every gun I buy before I buy it, but when I plan on this being my only handgun for at least a couple of years... I want to be sure I made the choice that is best for me.

Tipro: Thanks for the info on the ranges, I will call both places and ask them.

 

[DFWB]

I basically started this process by breaking the pool of possibilities down into smaller groups based on their actions (Striker Fired, DAO, SAO, SA/DA etc...). Then I went through each group and decided which one best fit what I was looking for (here's where I can answer the question about the Glock: I liked it, just liked the XD better). Then I eliminated a couple based on price of the gun (Sig), a couple based on the price of the ammo (1911), and was left with the CZ and the XD. From the armchair, I like the idea of the CZ better, but there is no way to know for certain until I can shoot one. If I shoot one, and like the feel, then that's what I'll go with, if not, I'm sure I will be thrilled with the XD.

Again, thank you all for the advice.

 

[Calhoun]

Have you tried FirePower in Matthews. I know that used to have a 75B they rented. It's what convinced me to buy mine.

 

[spudwrench]

You'd better hurry, from what I've read the CZ's have dried up for a while. It may be a while before you can find one.

 

[Loic]

One thing about the cz, the triger is not smooth out of the box, but the more you use your gun the better it gets.

 

[DFWB]

Calhoun: I haven't tried firing line, but I will. Thanks.

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

Both are fine choices for a first gun.

Have you considered looking for a used/ LEO trade in Sig P226, or perhaps a Beretta 92? I just did a search and found a Beretta 92 on Armslist for $450. There is also a fresh supply of LA County Sheriff Department Beretta 92 trade ins on Gunsamerica for $369-$419.

Cheapest Sig P226 I found was $489.
http://www.gunsamerica.com/99051394...man_with_One_Pre_Ban_Sig_Magazine_CA_MA_O.htm

Hope that helps.

 

[DFWB]

Yea, I considered the Beretta, but I would prefer NIB, and the CZ fits the bill for DS/SA for much less.

 

[DFWB]

I originally thought about buying a 9mm as my first pistol, then eventually upgrading to 45 acp. I figured shooting as frequently as possible on my limited budget was more important than stopping power at this time.
I recently had the idea of skipping the 9mm and going to 40s&w and spending the money that I would have spent on the 45 on more 40 ammo.
Any thoughts?

 

[DFWB]

I'm not really worried about the recoil difference, as I did not feel 40 s&w uncomfortable to shoot. The real question I guess is three fold: 1) how significant is the price difference between quality ammo (and also range fodder) for the two calibers; 2) how significant is the ballistic difference; 3) does the ballistic difference justify the cost difference (this third question is obviously a matter of opinion, but I value the opinions of those more experienced than me)?

 

[DFWB]

also, is either gun more picky about cast bullets? obviously I don't cast currently, but I think I might get into it down the road as a hobby/money saver.

 

[Wanderling]

Go with 9mm, if this is your first gun it's a cheaper caliber to learn on, and possibly an easier one to shoot (I may be wrong here).

Don't forget CZ is noticeably heavier than Xd, not sure it that's a factor for you or not. I like "plastic toy" guns, actually. But I'd like to eventually get a CZ, they are sexy.

 

[single stage]

More on CZ 75

Great gun, love mine. DWFB mentioned budget concerns. I also shoot and load for my CZ 83 .380. You may find it less expensive to operate (great gun as well).

 

[DFWB]

Yea, I keep going back and forth on budget vs buying what I really want lol (9 mm vs 1911 .45 auto). The 40 s&w idea was intended as a possible compromise. Right now I'm kinda leaning towards a 1911, just because that's what I really want. Buy once cry once right? Once I buy the 9mm ($400-500) how long is it going to be until I decide I need to buy the 1911 anyway? I doubt it will be long. Then that's $400 that could have just gone towards what I wanted all along (or ammo for it haha). I do really like the looks of the CZ, and the reviews I've read on it. I also really enjoyed shooting the XD. I will probably buy one of each at some point, regardless of whether or not either is the first.

So I guess I'll change my question: Is there any real reason a 1911 SHOULDN'T be my first pistol? Recoil isn't an issue, price is, but as I said, I think ponying up the cash for the 1911 now may be cheaper in the end. Any thoughts on a good 1911 for a beginner? I'd prefer American made, but would consider foreign as well. I've heard great things about the Rock Island 1911's, and I was looking at the Remington R1, a couple by Springfield, and some entry level Kimbers. thoughts?

 

[DFWB]

Oh also looked at the Ruger SR1911