help me decide cz52 or P1

[kentucky_smith]

So I've been thinking about getting a CZ52 when they get back in stock, but the post-war P38/p1s are tempting me with that whole half-slide allure. And I'm a big Czech pistol fan, but the ubuiquitous 9mm makes the P1 more tempting.

I have my 03 cr ffl, and access to an 01 FFL to do tranfers cheap.

I can't afford both.








Which one?

 

[RecoilRob]

The P-1 would probably be my vote. I say that hesitatingly because I really like the CZ-52 too. But, the CZ isn't in the same league as far as ergonomics go.....feels like a 2X4 in the hand compared to the Walther.

The 7.62x25 is a NEAT round and I wish more weapons were available for it. It also draws much more attention at the range with the throwing of fireballs and all. 9mm doesn't rank in the 'what the hell IS that thing' catagory but is probably more useful if you actually ever need to actually use it for other than range play.

It probably isn't fair to even compare the two due to cost differences. Clean, re-arsenaled 52's used to be available everywhere for $150 but the P-1's are close to twice that around here.

Both have historically interesting actions and I think deserve to be in everyones inventory. But, I guess it comes down to the individual guns you find. If a cherry P-1 is at hand vs a clapped out 52...well, that makes it pretty simple. The other way around would work fine too and save you some bucks.

The best solution is to get what you can afford now and get the other later. Each has it's goods and bads. Enjoy your shopping!

 

[jagdpanzer347]

Kentucky, I'm in much the same predicament as you. The P1 is very tempting, both to get the "P38 experience" an the allure of inexpensive 9mm ammo. However, I'm leaning towards the CZ because I've been interested in it longer and I really want to try the hot rod 7.62x25mm. Hopefully I'll be able to pick up a P1 later before they go up much in cost.
-jagdpanzer

 

[Ash]

I personally don't really care for the P1 as a pistol, I really like the CZ-52 due mostly to its uniqueness.

However, if I were to own only one pistol, I would probably go with the P1 because 9mm is more versitile. That said, you can get hollow point 7.62x25 that would probably be just the job.

Ash

 

[poppy]

Tough call, but I would vote for the P1 right now. I got mine a few weeks ago for $259 plus tax, and that dealer has already increased the price by $10.

I got my CZ52 several years ago for a total of $150 and the prices, I think, are still in that range, so it seems that the CZ will be available longer than I thought.

They are both great guns, so obviously you need both, but I think the Walther will go up in price faster than the CZ, so that's why I say Walther.

 

[nutball]

let me start by saying both are really nice. I have both and would chose the p-1for accuracy and ergonomics but the cz is not a bad shooter either. One caution I have for you though is that these are older designs and were battle pistols made to be semi expendable. The P-1's and the P-38's for that matter don't hold up as well as one might hope with the modern ammo we feed 'em. Have personally seen several vintage pistols horribly damaged by "shooting the hell outta them" If you want to bang out thousands of rounds buy a glock, xd, sig or other modern auto and you'll be happy you did in the long run. In that context the cost and avail of ammo is less relevant.

 

[kentucky_smith]

Ordered the P1 this morning from AIM, $250 with shipping. I think next on my list is gonna be a 9mm High Power of some sort.